Review: 2011 Scion tC

Historians William Strauss and Neil Howe are known for their theory that America goes through a repeating cycle of four periods: a High, an Awakening, an Unraveling and a Crisis. Depending on who you believe, we could be in an Unraveling period about to fall headlong into a major crisis, which our two historians call the Fourth Turning. But if we persevere and turn the corner, we'll find ourselves back in High times once again.

We reckon the Scion brand is in about the same spot. It hasn't had much positive to report lately, so the redesigned 2011 Scion tC gives the brand something to talk about while it works out how to improve on its initially strong showing in the U.S. Does the new tC portend a return to High times for Scion, or is it leading a parade lap right into the Fourth Turning?



The Scion tC's lines are new for 2011, but they're very familiar. That's probably because its dimensions are identical to the 2010 model with the exception of an additional 1.6 inches of overall width.

A flat roofline gives the profile a low, bulldog stance and the massive C-pillar leaves perhaps the largest first impression. Up front the lower fascia channels a prize-winning Grouper, but swept back headlamps also give it an air of aggression. The rear end lacks the most visual interest, though all of the car's lines were nicely showcased by the Sizzling Crimson Mica paint on our tester. Overall, the 2011 tC looks more butch than the model it replaces, like it went to the gym and pumped iron until some delts appeared.

The impact of age and gender on auto insurance premiums

Having a valid auto insurance policy when you are at the wheel of the car is imperative if you don’t want to brush up the wrong side of law. Not having a valid and legal policy can either result in a hefty fine or time in prison, both of which can prove to be detrimental. There are a number of factors that the insurance companies take into consideration before calculating the auto insurance premiums for the policy holders. While the role of the driving record, make of the car and the safety gadgets affixed to it cannot be overlooked, it is the gender and the age that play the most important role while the premiums are being calculated.
The cost of insuring teenagers and those below the age of 25 is expensive as compared to the cost of insuring people over the age of 25. Statistics have revealed that a majority of the accidents are caused by teenagers who drive recklessly without giving a thought to either their lives or the lives of the others on the road. This clearly increases the risk for the insurance providers who make up for this risk by increasing the cost of the auto insurance premium. Another fact that works against the youngsters is the fact that they do not have a driving history to support their credentials. Auto insurance providers take this into consideration while calculating the premiums since they reveal how careful the driver is at the wheel. Not having this history is again akin to taking a risk which in turn translates as higher premiums.
Gender is another factor that plays a crucial role in determining the amount of money a person has to pay to obtain the auto insurance policy. The premiums that men have to pay to get their car insured is significantly higher than what women have to pay to stay protected. This can be attributed to the sudden adrenaline rush in men that makes them throw caution to the wind and drive recklessly at times. Women, in most cases, have proven to be safe drivers since they give priority to their lives as well as those of their families and the others on the road over all else. Hence, the chances of them getting into accidents are lesser which in turn translates into lower auto insurance costs. The fact that, men drive more than women, cannot be ignored. This in turn increases the risk for the providers who charge more for the auto insurance policy for men.

Finding best auto insurance rates

If you live in a high-cost state like California or New York, finding best deals on auto insurance rates is complicated. Since there are several hundred companies that write auto policies in every state, and are anxious to expand their business, therefore it becomes a cumbersome task to select an appropriate policy without being fooled. Nonetheless, insurance for your vehicle is an important fact, and therefore obtaining the cheapest deal is essential.
The good news is that due to cut-throat competition, the premium rates have been declining, hopeful news for people shopping for their auto insurance. However, it is prudent to note that price is not the only deciding factor, there are other factors involved as well.
Factors to consider while shopping for Auto Insurance:
If you seek to reduce the burden of paying hefty insurance amounts, you must begin by comparing different deals. Further, you must incorporate the following suggestions to enhance your success at obtaining affordable plans.
Each insurance company offer different benefits and rate of discounts. Attention to details is the essence. Therefore, request for quotes for making a price and package comparison. Instead of spending several hours on the phone for obtaining quotes, you can use the Web to check out the affordable policies listed on the websites.
A great way to lower the insurance premiums is by maintaining a clean driving record. Insurance companies give preference to candidates with low-risk profiles. How can you have a good driving record? Simply obey the traffic rules and drive slowly and safely.
Increasing the safety value of your vehicle will strengthen your position in obtaining discounted insurance rates.  Install additional safety devices or features in your vehicle like anti-theft devices, airbags and automatic seatbelts. Several insurance companies automatically offer you discounted premiums upon discovering these safety measures.
Mathematics helps you reduce your auto premium costs. To lower your premiums by 15- 20% your auto insurance policy should have higher deductibles.
Reduce the coverage on your second hand car or an older model. A vehicle costing lesser than ten times of your insurance cover is an unhealthy deal.
Your profession can facilitate discounted premium rates than you think. Inquire from the insurance firm, if your profession will be considered under the low-risk group. Insurance companies group people under high risk and low risk, and low risk professionals are honoured with reduced premiums.
Low annual mileage is another unique way of obtaining best auto insurance rates. Provide a certificate of safe driving and walk away with a cheap insurance premium.

Weigh your policy to find the best auto insurance deal

When you want to get the best possible deals on auto insurance, it is important that you know how to go about it. Nothing comes easy in this world and auto insurance definitely is an expensive matter. However, many statistical reports and surveys have proven the fact that the best rates come to those who spend time looking for it. There can often be a large degree of difference in the rates offered across age groups. Even for the same age group, different rates may be offered by different companies. While it is not possible to pinpoint how and why this is, we can get a fair idea of some of the factors affecting automobile insurance.
When you consider auto insurance, whether you are 25 or 55, make sure that you explore multiple offers to get the best possible deals and discounts. Not everyone is honest in the insurance business, so make sure you speak to some reputed companies for your insurance needs. Once you get the right company providing you with the best policy, things will be smoother.  Ensure that when you apply for auto insurance, you know what they will be discussing. You should have a fair idea of the important terminologies in auto insurance to accomplish this.
Many people are experiencing a rise in auto insurance rate with just one offense or driving violation against them. The recent economic crisis has also led to rise in premiums as many people resorted to fraudulent means to obtain insurance using their no-fault liabilities. However, this is not to say that good deals are unavailable. If you ask around, you will be able to find very profitable insurance deals in the market. The more time you spend investigating, the better your options will be.
While it is not possible to discuss with every insurance company regarding your quotes, it is possible to do a detailed comparison through a website. This will make things very comfortable for you as you will also get familiarized with many of the commonly seen jargon in the market. When you can talk your way through a policy clearly, you can definitely negotiate better on what payments should be made. When you have gathered enough information, you can shortlist few policies and check out what are the discounts you can get on them. The discounts offered will also differ from one insurance provider to the next.  Make sure you check all the resources available before making a decision on the best deal.

Top tips to get the best insurance rates without cutting corners

People are always looking for the best deals when they buy anything new. Especially with the recent economic crisis, more and more folks are becoming more careful of what they spend on and how much they spend. Many Americans overlook the fact that there are bargains to be had and deals to be made in Auto insurance. There are very simply methods by which you can get the best possible deal on your car and insurance requirements. All you need to do is spend a little time considering the pros and cons of the situation. Bear in mind that company guidelines are different and hence discounts also tend to vary.
Here are some simple ways to save on your auto insurance costs:

1. Alarm and security credits: Many people overlook the already existing safety features of their car. If you have a lot of alarm features on your car, then your auto insurance costs will lessen as it is more secure, make sure you discuss this with your insurance agent.


2. Driving records: If you have a history of no accidents and no offenses in all the years you have been driving, it is time to negotiate your insurance quote when you renew it. Consider other options and spend good time comparing costs with different companies instead of blindly renewing it with the old company.


3. Multiple policies: this is a really good way to cut costs. Consider talking a multi-car insurance from a single company if you have more than one vehicle and negotiate the amount you will need to pay. Clubbing home insurance or boat insurance as well from one single company will also help in availing discounts.


4. Paid in full plans: Many people do not realize that when an auto insurance premium is paid in full for a year, there is considerable money saved than paying it every month. The costs for every month will be higher if you compare.


5. Defensive driving courses: this is something everyone can take to prove to the insurance company that you are a skilled driver. Make sure you are aware of the courses which can allow you to be eligible for discounts.


6. Good grades help: most students are not aware of this. Since insurance companies don’t really have much to judge a new applicant or a college student by when they apply for a policy, grades tend to be a factor. If you have good grades, you are likely to get a better discount.

10 Steps to Buying Auto Insurance

When it comes to auto insurance, you want to be adequately covered if you get in an accident, but you don't want to pay more than you have to. Unfortunately many people are doing just that, simply because they don't want to spend time shopping for car insurance. It's not inherently enjoyable, after all, despite how it looks in commercials featuring disgruntled cavemen and joke-cracking spokespeople.
But by doing some comparison shopping, you could save hundreds of dollars a year. When one of our editors used a rate-comparison service, he got basic coverage quotes for his two old cars that ranged from $1,006 to $1,807 — a difference of $801 a year. If you're paying thousands to your current insurance company because you have a couple tickets, an accident or an out-of-date and unfavorable credit rating, shopping your policy against others might be well worth the effort. Look at it this way: You can convert the money you save into buying something you've wanted or needed for a long time.
Step 1: Decide How Much Coverage You Need
To find the right auto insurance, start by figuring out the amount of coverage you need. This varies from state to state, so take a moment to find out what coverage is required where you live. You will find a list of each state's requirements and an explanation of the various types of insurance in "How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?" Also, check out "Little-Known but Important Car Insurance Issues," which has a glossary of basic insurance terminology. If you're a first-time driver and need a comprehensive overview of car insurance before you go on, review this guide from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Now you're ready to make a list of the different types of coverage you are considering.
Once you know what's required, you can decide what you need. Some people are quite cautious. They base their lives on worst-case scenarios and insurance companies love that. Insurance companies are in the risk business, and they know a policyholder's likelihood of being in an accident, as well as how likely it is for a car to be damaged or stolen. The insurance company crunches the information it has collected over decades into actuarial tables that give adjustors a quick look at the probability of just about any occurrence. You don't have those tools at your disposal, so your decision will depend on your own degree of comfort in assuming a certain level of risk.
Experts recommend that if you have a lot of assets, you should get enough liability coverage to protect them. Let's say you have $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage but $100,000 in personal assets. If you're at fault in an accident, attorneys for the other party could go after you for the $50,000 in medical bills that aren't covered by your policy.
General recommendations for liability limits are $50,000 bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident, $100,000 for all people injured in an accident and $25,000 property damage liability (usually expressed in insurance shorthand as 50/100/25). Here again, let your financial situation be your guide. If you have no assets that an attorney can seek, don't buy coverage unnecessarily.
Your driving habits might also be a consideration in determining the coverage you need. If your past is filled with crumpled fenders, or if you have a lead foot, or if you make a long commute on a treacherous winding road every day, then you should get more complete coverage. Collision coverage pays for damage that your car experiences in an accident or damage from hitting an inanimate object (a tree, light post or fence, for example). Comprehensive coverage addresses damage that didn't occur in a collision — such as from fire, theft or flood. It also covers damaged windshields.
Keep in mind that you don't have to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. Let's say your vehicle is older, you have a good driving record and there is little likelihood that your car would be totaled in an accident, but a high likelihood of it being stolen. Then you could buy comprehensive coverage and skip the collision insurance.

Deliveries Of 2012 Subaru Impreza Slowed By Brake Recall

Thinking of signing on the dotted line for a new Subaru today—or any other new car, for that matter—and planning to drive away in it this weekend? We suggest you make sure that any recalls applying to the car have already been done.

If they haven't, you might not be allowed to drive off the lot. Subaru, for example, several weeks ago announced a safety-related recall pertaining to a potential brake issue, and since then the automaker has been rushing to get enough parts out to fix thousands of vehicles that were either already sold or already in dealer lots.



At this point, at some dealerships, there are plenty of cars on the lot; but since many of those haven't yet been fixed, they're not salable—or to be more specific, they can't yet be delivered.

But it isn't the fault of Subaru dealerships that they aren't yet caught up in fixing their own inventory. That's because the recall effort prioritizes the shipment of parts for cars by manufacturing date. According to a couple of dealerships we called, the new parts are rolling in, a few at a time, so they're still chipping away at a backlog.

The recall covers 2012 Subaru Impreza models (except WRX and STI) built from April 21, 2011 through November 15, 2011, as well as 2012 Subaru Legacy and Outback models built from October 17, 2011 through November 23, 2011. A total of 31,959 U.S.-market vehicles are affected, including 11,553 Impreza sedans and wagons (or hatchbacks, as the rest of us know them) and 20,406 Legacy/Outback models. About 3,000 of those vehicles affected had already been delivered, according to Subaru's director of corporate communications, Michael McHale.

The issue relates to a manufacturing issue that could have caused one of the critical seals within the braking system's master cylinder to become deformed. Although the issue hasn't led to any accidents or injuries, it could lead to a soft brake pedal and an increase in pedal travel before the vehicle stops.

Under the recall, which was officially announced November 27, dealerships are instructed to inspect the affected components and as necessary replace the master cylinder assembly. The inspection to see if a vehicle is affected takes just 10 minutes, while the repair itself takes another hour, according to the automaker.

Subaru's McHale says that supply of the new 2012 Impreza was already limited before the recall, so now for some dealerships it might be especially tight.

Christian Manz, Internet sales and fleet manager for Carr Subaru in Beaverton, Oregon, hasn't noticed any serious supply problems due to the recall—although their dealership has had to delay some deliveries to customers about a week because of it. Another dealership reported a two-week delay in some cases.

But relative to the supply and delivery issues Subaru has already faced earlier this year--the March 11 earthquake, which caused supplier interruptions and affected inventories for months--this effort is just a minor hassle said, Manz, who put it into perspective. “Catching up with what happened in Japan in March was a much bigger issue.”

Самые ожидаемые автомобили 2012 года – рейтинг авто

Новинки автомобилей привлекают внимание, факт неоспоримый. Подогреваемый рекламными кампаниями и сообщениями в СМИ, выход некоторых моделей становится чуть ли не грандиозным событием. Справедливости ради стоит отметить, что есть новинки действительно занимательные, которые мог стать хитом продаж либо порадовать поистине революционными характеристиками или дизайном.
Конечно, было бы интересно рассмотреть все новинки мирового рынка машин, однако по объективным причинам следует остановиться на самых ожидаемых автомобилях 2012 года. Первая машина – нашумевший по автосалонам в прошлом году (не в прямом смысле слова, конечно) кроссовер Subaru второго поколения. Легкий и компактный, но при этом проходимый и мощный.

The need for Auto Owners Insurance   

If you are thinking of not having your own car insurance then you will not be given the privilege to drive a car in any streets within the United States. If this is what you are thinking right now, then you need to answer this question. How can you pay your medical bills and the medical bills of other people in case you encounter an accident on the road and it is your fault? If you do not have lots of money, then you really need to start hunting for the best auto owners insurance.
The need for auto insurance should not be questioned by anyone who wants to drive in the United States. It is true that getting a car insurance will just add to your annual expenses, but you have the option of paying a monthly fee for your car insurance. As you find the best company that can give you reliable car insurance you need to ask first for this type of payment option.
Once you get an initial quote from an insurance company, then you need to know that the cost of financing is not included in the monthly payment. Companies that can offer auto owners insurance can give you several options that will meet your individual needs. When it comes to payment, there are choices that you need to choose from such as paying the auto insurance in just two equal payments or pay half and divide the rest into six month or 12 months period. All the choices are all yours to decide so you need to make a wise decision by weighing things first.
You will encounter companies that can offer free quote for you and auto insurance is very easy to locate. If you want to good insurance rate, there are factors that can affect a good rate. Age is one of the major factors that can affect auto insurance rate. If you are a driver at the age of 25 years old and below, then you need to expect higher insurance rate because insurance companies view you as a huger risk of getting into an accident. As much as possible insurance companies determine high risk age group so they can put high insurance rate.
Auto owner insurance policy also includes deductibles in the agreement. This is the amount of money that you will be required to pay right before the company pays any amount for your accident. It is important for you to realize that the lower the deductible is the high your monthly payment will be. By selecting a higher deductible is one way to lower down the insurance premium that you need to pay.

Slash the rates not the joys with auto insurance for seniors

Whether young or old, almost everyone enjoys spending their time behind the wheel and exploring new things. Growing old should not take away the joy of going on long drives and having a nice time with loved ones on the contrary the retired life of a senior should give him or her more time to experience the good things in life that they may have missed in their earlier years. However, due to retired life and comparatively low income a lot of people give up on driving, considering the costs of auto insurance and the premiums that follow. This is the reason why a lot of auto insurance companies offer auto insurance for seniors at reasonably low rates and provide an opportunity to them to be able to do what they like most.
For people who think old age binds a person to the house and driving is not a possibility anymore, these people need to think again. With the way seniors are getting auto insurance at slashed rates, driving in old age has become more of a possibility than any other age. There are some factors that help in being able to get good rates for insurance for the seniors looking for auto insurance. For a start, people who have had a clean record on the roads earlier in life are more likely to get special discounts and better deals from the auto insurance companies. Another way of extracting a good deal is to get a package of insurance deals that could be beneficial for the investors in other areas apart from driving. If the insurance deal is bought in a package then the insurance company would voluntarily provide discounts for the senior drivers. Learning is a lifelong process and the same holds true for the seniors seeking to achieve a reasonable deal from auto insurance companies. The seniors can enroll for driving lessons which makes the auto insurance companies believe that the driver would be able to drive more responsibly and carefully, thereby providing discounted premiums on the auto insurance.
Old age is the only time when people can really extract time for their own selves and be able to enjoy the simple things in life such as driving. With auto insurance being made compulsory by law, the non availability of auto insurance should not become a reason for the senior drivers to suppress their joys.

What can you reap from Auto Collision Insurance?

When a person is given a privilege there is always a responsibility attached to it just like in driving. All states will require a driver to get auto collision insurance for their safety of everyone. As you try to look for the best auto collision insurance, you will find myriad of companies offering this type of insurance depending on the vehicle that you are driving, the used of the vehicle and the payment that you want in case an accident happen in the future. All of these factors are important when choosing a type of auto collision insurance. It is important for you to remember that the cost will also vary according to the age of the driver, the place where you are driving and your personal record as a driver.
Companies that offer auto collision insurance will charge a premium or monthly payment to the driver for an agreement that the company will pay everything from fixing damages that your car incur during the accident, your medical bills, medical bills of others and everything that you have agreed before signing the agreement. There is also a deductible or a onetime payment that the insured needs to pay. The payment that was written on the agreement will stay the same no matter how much the company needs to pay for the accident.
Of course, as a driver you need to know the different types of auto collision insurance that you can get because it is a heavy sin against the law to drive without any insurance in any states in America. You will find the basic liability coverage that will give you the chance to drive your car in any place legally and this insurance coverage will pay a predetermined amount in case you hit a car or someone. It is important to note that this basic insurance liability coverage might not include fixing the damages of your car.
The second auto collision insurance is the comprehensive one and it is also known as “full coverage” insurance. Within this type of auto collision insurance the company will pay a fixed amount for a particular type of accident and it will also include fixing your car. The deductible also applies in this type of insurance coverage where the insured will be required to pay a onetime payment or a partial payment of the total damages. A usual deductible can start from $100 to $500. A reliable insurance company or agent will allow you to freely choose the type of auto collision insurance that you want. You can also choose the amount of deductible that you want to pay however you might pay more for your monthly payment if you will choose to pay a smaller deductible.

2012 Lexus LFA

2011 Lincoln MKX

With Mercury dead, hundreds of former Lincoln-Mercury dealerships will be forced to rely on Ford's 93-year-old luxury brand to bring home the bacon alone. These dealers are nervous about their future, and rightfully so.

Every Lincoln on sale today is a gussied up version of a Ford. True, most mainstream automakers with luxury divisions, like Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura and Volkswagen/Audi, use a similar strategy of platform and technology sharing to save costs, but U.S. domestic automakers have never been particularly good at it. A Volkswagen is usually praised for being Audi-like, but a Lincoln is usually decried for being too similar to a Ford. Sharing can so easily become rebadging, and Lincoln dealers are wondering how they'll live off a lineup of simply "more expensive" Fords.

The answer may lie in the 2011 Lincoln MKX, which is the lux version of the Ford Edge. Since the latter received a significant mid-cycle freshening for the 2011 model year, so has the former. With their first significant update since 2006, the duo is poised to upset the status quo in the premium mid-size CUV segment. We've already told you how impressed we are with the 2011 Edge, so you won't be surprised to learn we feel much the same about the new MKX. The difference is that the Lincoln has a lot further to go to be competitive within the luxury CUV set. Does it succeed? Will we now praise the Edge for being Lincoln-like?


The first-generation Ford Edge was a handsome CUV, and the 2011 model merely modernized the original's lines. The original MKX, however, was something of a design orphan. It's front end was inspired by concepts like the 2003 Navicross and 2004 Mark X. But that influence was short-lived, and the MKX quickly wound up as the odd man out in Lincoln's lineup.

Today's Lincoln fleet is much more cohesive, with every 2011 model tracing its design lineage back to the 2007 MKR concept and its dual-winged grille. While controversially proportioned on some models , Lincoln's new corporate face looks right at home on the MKX. In fact, we dare say that those dual wings have never looked more comfortable than on the upper lip of this crossover's face – at least in modern times.

2010 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost offers big American luxury with straight line speed

For more years than we care to remember, Lincoln has soldiered on without a competitive large car. Ford's luxury marque finally gave its high-end roster some love for the 2009 model year with the large-and-in-charge MKS. At 204 inches long, the MKS is a Reese's Cup shy of a Navigator, and at 4,305 pounds, our all-wheel drive tester is only 166-pounds lighter than the super-sized Ford Flex.

When we tested the MKS last year, the relatively modest 3.7-liter V6 left us eagerly anticipating the long-promised twin-turbo EcoBoost variant. The first press samples of the MKS EcoBoost came in the spring, and our brief time with the 355 horsepower sedan at Milan Raceway gave us a newfound appreciation for the big Lincoln. But only a few hours behind the wheel wasn't nearly enough time to fully take in the EcoBoost experience, so we spent a week with Lincoln's Big Easy to see if 355 force-fed ponies catapults the MKS into the realm of the luxury elite. Hit the jump to find out how this latter-day Hot Rod Lincoln fared.



Our Red Candy Metallic MKS EcoBoost tester was completely loaded, bumping its price tag to a not-insubstantial $54,910. When stepping up to the MKS EcoBoost, the base MSRP jumps by exactly $5,000 compared to the standard AWD MKS, and nearly $7,000 more than the entry-level front-wheel drive model. Our tester included the up-level Rapid Spec 201A, which for $3,500, includes a massive navigation/infotainment system and an expansive dual panel moonroof. Also added to our tester were park assist and adaptive cruise control, adding another $650 and $1,310, respectively.

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic weathers the storm with aplomb

A November Nor'Easter had chewed its way up to New England, delivering a cataclysmic combination of rain and wind as we headed out on a late-night errand. Normally, such a prospect requires a potent blend of Italian roast and Krank20 to stay hyper alert. Instead, behind the helm of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic, the going was serene and confident. In a word: Wow.

These moments of vehicular astonishment have thinned out in the last two decades. Just look around at the automotive landscape. Even more modest conveyances are kitted out like luxury cars of yore, packing tons of tech and safety features that were once the exclusive purview of the world's well-to-do. Can anything be impressive anymore? As a matter of fact, yes. The E350, as it strafed along the pavement, solid as granite and ready for anything, made us feel like true kaisers of the strasse. Horsepower-addicted auto reviewers have complained that the 3.5-liter V6 needs more spinach. Fine. You want speed, spring for the AMG E63 and shut up. But for the above-average family man, the E350 manages to transcend its asthmatic lungs, soft-spoken tiller and supple feet to foment serious respect, if not outright desire.



The new E-Class styling is crisp and classic, making the outgoing sedan look as dated as a cassette Walkman. Clapping eyes on the first pictures of the 2010 models showed a rear quarter panel distinctly reminiscent of a Chevrolet Impala – an obvious cause for alarm. Thankfully, the design translates more handsomely in person. No, that isn't the same milksop capitulation surrounding the Honda Crosstour. Scout's honor, the E350 is a great looking car. With its larger dimensions, the sedan resolves the styling in a classier way than the C-Class sedan and its two-door platform sibling, the E coupe.

Conservatively styled for traditional tastes, there's more surface work in the new body. Ovoid headlamps are now squared-up (one could almost use Ford's non-word "squircles") and the rear lamps swash across the tail more expressively than before. Mercedes-Benz hasn't gone off the Bangled deep-end with its latest E. No, this new idiom is sharper and more modern, with finely-tailored looks that have a certain amount of speed drawn in. There's motion in them thar lines and the details exude an air of automotive finery. Simply put, the E-Class will age well.

Review: 2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD

Infiniti's FX first arrived on the scene in 2003. At the time, it looked like something transported into the showroom directly from the auto show concept car turntable. While other manufacturers were delivering boxy SUVs, Infiniti presented the world a futuristic four-door crossover that was available in vibrant "Liquid Copper" paint. Even in bland white, the FX turned every head on the road – and rightfully so. Now in its second-generation, the all-new 2009 FX arrives with a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, a new 7-speed automatic and a mouthful of electronic driving aids that are sure to stump even the team at Engadget. Is the all-new FX a worthy replacement to its predecessor? Has it turned soft to please the luxury crowd? What's up with all of that gadgetry? Find out after the jump.



With the styling of the first-gen Infiniti FX now looking rather bland among the sea of copycat CUVs, the all-new 2009 model was designed with an aggressive pen. Although the new model is only fractionally different dimensionally, the hood appears longer and the greenhouse shorter. The fenders are bulged, the door handles tapered and the headlights scalloped. The new side "gills" and thickened C-pillars add visual length and character to the sides. With its own semi-radical styling (and an injection of Infiniti-family resemblance), the FX is an interesting study that isn't exactly everyone's cup of tea.

Review: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

The Denali brand began as a luxury trim package for the 1998 GMC Yukon, whereupon it quickly became apparent that affluent buyers would pony up for big wheels and large quantities of chrome. In fact, the Denali was so successful that GM designers penned a new, bolder front end, rearranged some body panels and the more expensive Cadillac Escalade was born. Over the years, the Denali brand also migrated to the Sierra pickup, yet despite the brand's popularity, the growth inexplicably stopped there.

That's changed for 2011, as GMC has breathed new life into its Denali franchise with a high-rent Acadia. Does the long-successful brand have the staying power to move away from boxy SUVs and trucks in favor of a kinder, gentler crossover?



With 68,295 U.S. sales in 2010, the Acadia was the second best-selling GMC-branded vehicle behind only the Sierra pickup. Data from AutoPacific shows that the median price for this "Professional Grade" CUV was a substantial $40,000, which suggests this family wagon is a cash cow for General Motors. There was a time when a $40,000 price tag would elicit gasps from car buyers and the media alike, but nowadays, many non-luxury crossovers can crest that mark. The Acadia Denali is obviously no different, as standard features like a head-up display, 20-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, moonroof and a leather steering wheel with wood accents can cost a pretty penny.

Our all-wheel-drive tester came in at $50,125 after options including touchscreen navigation ($1,890) and rear seat entertainment ($1,445) were added to the $45,220 base price. Still experiencing sticker shock? Bear in mind that a similarly equipped Acadia SLT2 with optional 20-inch wheels will set you back $2,000 more than the Denali. And you don't get the Buick Enclave-inspired sound deadening package and all that attention-seeking chrome.

2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab SLT 4x4

It's been over five months since we first heard word that Chrysler was planning to grace the Ram 1500 with the company's do-all Pentastar 3.6-liter V6. At 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, the new-generation six-cylinder handily embarrasses the antiquated 3.7-liter Magnum lump found in the base 2012 model in both power and efficiency. As fuel prices have continued to inch upward, that latter category has evolved into a more critical piece of the capability puzzle for both private and fleet buyers.

Paired with a new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2013 Ram 1500 two-wheel drive should return 20-percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. That, sirs, is a huge number. More importantly, the addition of the Pentastar to the Ram line means buyers may now opt for a four-wheel-drive truck with a V6 under the hood – something that wasn't possible with the old 3.7. But as interesting as the drivetrain is, it's a small part of Ram's plan to carve out a larger chunk of pickup sales for itself. Engineers and designers have loaded the 2013 Ram 1500 with more available technology than ever before, as well as the first available self-leveling air suspension in the half-ton class. The result is nothing short of impressive.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

It's an interesting time for the compact car class. On one hand, we're seeing the rise of the hatchback. On the other, we're seeing the compact coupe market dwindle. Think about it: When the Chevrolet Cobalt became the Cruze, the coupe bodystyle went away. And when the Ford Focus was redesigned for 2012, the two-door died, but the five-door returned.

That said, it came as no surprise that when Hyundai replaced its Elantra Touring with the stylish new GT, it took on a more traditional five-door shape. But that isn't the only new addition to the model range for 2013. We now have this, the Elantra Coupe, which the Korean automaker hopes will appeal to a younger set of buyers desiring something that's more fashionable than all-around useful. Call it, "cheerleader chic."

With its attractive design and affordable price point, the Elantra Coupe certainly appears to be a hit with that younger, more style-conscious demographic. We donned our best sunglasses and hit the coast of California to see what's what.

2011 Dodge Caliber Heat

We didn't exactly get off on the right foot with the Dodge Caliber. As the spiritual successor to the profitable and successful Dodge Neon, this boxy hatch had big expectations to meet when it touched down way back in 2006. Unfortunately, the Caliber never found itself in the same room as those expectations. But it was crafted during the dark days before Chrysler's fall, and the company has recently made great strides in shoring up its product line.

Nearly every vehicle in the Dodge and Chrysler stable, as well as few pieces from the houses of Ram and Jeep, have gone under the knife and come out all the better, but the lowly Caliber has largely escaped revision. Facing new competition from vehicles like the revised Honda Civic, all-new Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and fresh Ford Focus, the Caliber is awash in a sea of excellent options. We took to the wheel to find out if the compact from Dodge has enough life left to keep its head above water until a replacement arrives.

The Caliber hasn't received many updates in the five years it's been on the market, and so it brings a familiar face to the road. The handsome split-crosshair grille of the Durango and Charger hasn't trickled down to this five-door just yet, so buyers are left with the old single-crosshair design backed by a series of stacked vertical slats. Squared-off headlight housings and a bulky lower fascia cap off the nose, while wide fenders and a raised hood transition into the vehicle's flanks.

Автомобильная новинка 2013 года – обновленный Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen продолжают четко следовать плану по производству среднеразмерного седана, ориентированного в первую очередь на авторынок Северной Америки. Для осуществления этой идеи в следующем году планируется выпуск американского варианта Volkswagen Passat.
Отмечаем, что цена на американскую версию Volkswagen Passat вырастет на 900$. Если говорить об обновлениях, то стоит отметить, что новый автомобиль Volkswagen обладает стандартной камерой заднего вида, а также дополнительными системами, которые признаны сделать машину еще комфортнее и безопаснее. Все это обязано сделать новинку 2013 года Volkswagen Passat одной из самых востребованных.
Не спорим, камера заднего вида – очень необходимая и полезная вещь, но это не единственное новшество, которым инженеры немецкого бренда оснастили обновленный «Passat» 2013 года. Еще одно новшество – подлокотники, которые органично вписываются в салон.
Новинка 2013 года Volkswagen Passat будет оснащаться новой центральной консолью с огромным количеством опций. Кроме этого, в новом авто немецкой компании будут устанавливаться сидения заднего ряда с системой ве

Новая версия пикапа Volkswagen Amarok

Вскоре будет представлена модернизированная версия пикапа Volkswagen Amarok, который получит новые опции и модернизированный силовой агрегат. Мощность мотора увеличена до 180 «лошадок», при этом на расход топлива данный факт не повлиял. С новым двигателем увеличились и тяговые свойства новой версии пикапа – теперь он будет буксировать до 3,2 тонны в версии с АКПП и до 3 тонн – с “механикой”.

2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Shortly after I turned 16, my father set out to acquire a new car for himself. Dad knew a guy who knew a guy who ran one of those quasi-legal used car lots that specialized in deals-too-good-to-be-true, so, armed with the protection of the referral, he drove off to the wrong side of town to see what might replace the 1980 Ford Fiesta that was about to become my hand-me-down.

When dad came home in a barely used 1987 Mustang GT, my mind was blown. I pestered him to let me drive it the moment he set foot through the door of the house, but was told that I was not allowed, as he had not actually purchased the vehicle, but merely borrowed it for the night. Dad wasn't sure that it was the right car for him, he said, explaining that what drew him to it was that, like the Fiesta, it was a hatchback.

The absurdity of this statement was not lost on me. The Mustang met 110 percent of my automotive fantasies at the time, and even at my young age, I could sense that giving a newly ordained driver access to such a car would be eclipsed in the Pantheon Of Bad Parenting only by introducing your child to hookers and blow. This just made me more furtive and desperate.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe

Back in the 1980s, the Chevrolet Camaro was a real badass. The sleek two-door coupe was the epitome of reasonably priced sports cars, easily going head-to-head with competitors like the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7. At the top of the Camaro pecking order was the IROC-Z, an $18,000 American muscle car with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 pumping 215 horsepower to the rear wheels. If its five-speed manual gearbox was shifted perfectly, the 3,430-pound coupe could blast to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds leaving nothing but a pile of rubber from its 16-inch Goodyear Eagle VR50 Gatorback tires. At the hands of an expert, the hatchback could lap the Big Track at Willow Springs in 1:44.

Twenty-five years later, the Chevrolet Camaro is again at Willow Springs. But this is no old F-body clunker. Instead, we are holding the keys to a pristine 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the IROC-Z's direct descendant. Under the hood of this range-topping coupe is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. But that is just the tip of the iceberg, as automotive engineering hasn't just crept forward since the 1980s - it has advanced exponentially. And thankfully, so has the Chevrolet Camaro.

Our initial taste of the Camaro ZL1 was earlier this year, when our own Jeremy Korzeniewski put a red coupe through its paces at Bondurant Road Course just south of Phoenix, Arizona. He found much to like with the muscle car, but we wanted more seat time. So Chevrolet offered us a white ZL1, with a six-speed automatic transmission, and told us to have some fun. We did.

First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKX

If there's a sales star of the Lincoln lineup, it's the MKX. Ford's luxury arm has managed to move over 100,000 of the leather-lined crossovers since 2006, and that pace doesn't look to be slowing anytime soon. Lincoln says the crossover market here in the U.S. is bound to swell considerably in the coming years, and since it already represents nearly four percent of the automotive industry as a whole, everyone seems to know that this is no place to cut corners. Fortunately, the MKX is set to enjoy its second refresh since hitting the market four years ago.

Given the vehicle's significance, it should come as no surprise that Lincoln is using the 2011 MKX as a springboard for its vision of the company's future. The refreshed MKX benefits from a raft of updates that include many of the changes we saw hit the crossover's Blue Oval clone, the 2011 Ford Edge. With more power, a quieter cabin and an interior that's finally becoming of a true luxury brand, the MKX has the makings of a sales winner. We're just not sure the Lincoln high-rider is far enough away from its kissing-cousin.



Outside, Lincoln has walked away from the semi-retro front fascia of last year's model in favor of the swept corporate nose of the MKT. While we typically despise communal fascia design, the baleen grille does wonders for the nose of the MKX, and helps to further separate the crossover from the Edge. The ample chrome up front gives the CUV a proud face that fits well with the upwardly-mobile Lincoln brand, and that theme is carried on throughout the rest of the exterior. Like the MKZ Hybrid, the new MKX wears more than a few chrome accents. While we have no problem with the shiny stuff on the front fascia, we'd just as soon skip it along the window sills and the door handles.

Speaking of chrome, flashy 18-inch wheels are standard issue, though for a little extra coin, Lincoln will be happy to set you up with 20-inch rollers should your heart desire. Both designs are sharp as a tack, so you really can't go wrong no matter which you choose.

First Drive: 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i proves 'new' is a relative term

If the new 2011 BMW X5 looks familiar, it's because it is. Autoblog has already shown you under the hood, running in the snow, and even on the assembly line.

Beyond this early exposure to the 2011 model that is set to go on sale in May with a starting price around $47,000, the reality is that there's not much that visually differentiates the 2011 model from the 2010. The revised styling of the "new" X5 is so subtle that from the profile view, the two are nearly indistinguishable.

The real changes for 2011 come under the hood, where the X5 now gets BMW's most current gasoline-fired engines and the company's eight-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the 2011 X5 (we have a hard time referencing it as new) will now be offered with technologies already available on many other BMW models. Get the details and our driving impressions after the jump...

Review: 2010 Acura MDX

Any press is good press," so the saying goes. With that in mind, the refreshed 2010 Acura MDX, now bearing the automaker's corporate "beak," should finally be garnering some much-needed attention.

And the Acura MDX deserves the spotlight. Nearing its tenth year of production, the seven-passenger crossover has flown under the radar, always relegated to yesterday's news as the segment rapidly expanded and welcomed interesting new competitors. Seemingly tired of watching the competition steal the conversation, Acura threw on the controversial grille and significantly updated the MDX for 2010.

We spent a week with Acura's big SUV. Pressed into family service, we put nearly 900 miles on our tester, including a one-day, 12-hour journey and more than a few trips with a full load of passengers.

While nearly everyone mentioned its questionable front fascia during the walk-around, we wondered if the Acura's on-road performance and luxury amenities were strong enough to convince us to look the other way. Follow the jump to find out...


Fifteen years ago, feeling obligated to answer a new threat from Infiniti and Lexus, Acura introduced the world to its first sport utility vehicle. While Infiniti and Lexus both had models in the corporate family to lean on (the Infiniti QX4 was a rebadged Nissan Pathfinder, while the Lexus LX 450 was a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser), Acura had an empty garage. Undeterred, the automaker partnered with Isuzu and reworked the rugged body-on-frame Trooper as the "all-new" Acura SLX in 1996.

Bad press (Consumer Reports rated it "Not Acceptable" after discovering the SLX's tendency to roll during emergency maneuvers), lousy performance and an overall unappealing appearance doomed it from the start. The Acura SLX was sold for just four years before it was discontinued after the 1999 model year.

After a year without offering a high-riding wagon, Acura launched its first home-grown crossover – renamed the MDX – in 2001. While Infiniti and Lexus continued to offer brawny and capable truck-based SUVs, Acura's newest seven-passenger model shared platforms with the Honda Odyssey minivan and the Honda Accord sedan. Unlike the rugged truck-like competition, the unibody constructed MDX featured a transverse-mounted 3.5-liter V6, a five-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system based on front-wheel-drive running gear.

First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg lightens up while getting serious

The outgoing Volkswagen Touareg range has always lived on the wrong side of the tracks in America. It was a big, expensive Volkswagen. Notice that we can't just say it was a big, expensive vehicle, because those adjectives are almost as much the norm as anything else – we must qualify those descriptors with the word "Volkswagen." And we can't help but think that's part of the reason this go-almost-anywhere SUV never really made a splash anywhere in the U.S. except in puddles.

The new 2011 Touareg is roomier, more powerful, more efficient and lighter. Much lighter. That's how we like our VWs. And now it comes in hybrid form. We spent a few hours in one to see what a Touareg reset looks like. Our first impressions: So good, this is what the first Touareg should have been like. Follow the jump for the story.

 

2011 Toyota Land Cruiser

An ox is a domesticated bovine whose primary purpose is to pull heavy loads. Tipping the scales at more than a ton, the hefty animals are not considered quick workers, especially when compared to horses, but they're steadfast in their actions and respond well to trained commands. Rarely spooked or unsettled, oxen deliver a long, dependable and rather unassuming service life.

Toyota's Land Cruiser is the ox's four-wheeled equivalent. While the full-size sport utility vehicle is one of the automaker's slowest-selling vehicles on U.S. shores – and one of its most expensive – those who've owned one tend to become very loyal fans. We recently spent a week with the current "200 Series," the latest generation of the venerable 'ute that has been in production since the 1950s. What has given the Land Cruiser such longevity and how does it compare to the Lexus LX570, its nearly identical twin? Most importantly, did we become loyal Land Cruiser devotees in the process?

The Land Cruiser is as legendary as John Wayne. The off-roader traces its roots back to 1951, when Toyota Motor Corporation built itself a rival to the rugged, war-proven U.S. Jeep and British Land Rover. The Japanese automaker called its vehicle the "Jeep BJ." After proving itself by driving up to the sixth-stage of Mount Fuji – no other vehicle had ever accomplished the task – the country's National Police Agency ordered 289 copies. In 1954, Hanji Umehara came up with the famed "Land Cruiser" name.

Early BJ and FJ models were followed by numerous generations of Land Cruisers, which each bore a numerical series name (Model 20, 30 Series, 40 Series, 55 Series, 60 Series, 70 Series, 80 Series, 90 Series, 100 Series and 120 Series, which ended production in 2007). In 2008, Toyota introduced the all-new 200 Series, based on a heavily modified Toyota Tundra chassis. While other countries are offered a bevy of engine options, including turbodiesel configurations, the eight-passenger truck is loaded with features and positioned as a flagship in the U.S. where it's sold as the Land Cruiser and also re-badged as the Lexus LX570.

2011 Audi Q7 3.0T S line [w/video]

Life for us mammals is comparatively finite. Lacking the luxury of a mid-cycle refresh, the average human in the United States can expect to live about 80 years before their clock stops ticking. That isn't too terrible in the grand scheme of things. After all, the typical mountain lion is lucky to get 20 years as a feared predator while most guinea pigs go quietly after just eight years in the household cage. Mammals don't have many options when it comes to getting old.

Not so with the automobile. With few exceptions, the average lifecycle of a passenger vehicle is a short five to seven years. However, instead of sitting idle as its beloved machinery ages into senility, manufacturers treat passenger vehicles to mid-cycle makeovers with new fascias, upgraded electronics and more efficient engines. The intent is to breathe new life into models and make them more appealing lest they get lost amid a sea of younger designs.

The Audi Q7 is in the middle of its fifth model year – pushing 60 in human years. And fresh off a facelift just last year, the full-size SUV receives a complete heart transplant for 2011. The new supercharged V6 is not only engineered to make the seven-passenger vehicle more competitive in a difficult market, but to carry Audi's first crossoffer towards its eventual retirement. Or behind the shed.

2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S [w/video]

Porsche offers its Panamera to North American buyers in no fewer than eight models with six different engine choices, including a hybrid. There's even an oil-burning diesel model available across the Pond. At one end of the spectrum is the entry-level Panamera with a very capable 300-horsepower V6. At the other end, and at the top of the pecking order, is the Panamera Turbo S, boasting a 550-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8. Not only is it the most powerful street-legal Porsche on offer, but it is the world's quickest four-door sedan. Err... hatchback.

So others are aware of the Panamera's potential, Porsche reserves its coveted 'Turbo' script only for its most capable vehicles. It is indeed a badge of honor. However, the ante is upped even further when a small scripted 'S' is adhered as a suffix. Its addition indicates to all others that the overall performance has been boosted to flagship levels – it is a tiny yet bold badge of bravado.

To help us solve the riddle of whether or not the Panamera Turbo S is more than just an exercise in demonstrating masculine superiority within ones social circle, Porsche deposited a stunning Aqua Blue Metallic example in our driveway for a week. It was our job to put the $195,000, four-passenger neck-snapper to the test and somehow avoid filling its glovebox with citations in the process.

Топ лучших, самых крутых авто мира: красивые автомобили с фото

Самые крутые авто мира поражают взгляд своим внешним видом, а сознание – высочайшими ценами. Тем не менее есть счастливцы, которые на таких авто ездят. Самые красивые автомобили мира с фото предлагаются вашему вниманию.

Review: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX

BMW X6 Facelift 2012

München, 26. Januar 2012
Seit der Markteinführung des BMW X6 im Jahr 2008 verkaufte sich das SUV-Coupé 150.000-mal – damit wurden sogar die Erwartungen des Münchner Herstellers übertroffen. Um den Erfolg des X6 aufrecht zu halten, schicken die Bayern ihr Coupé zur Modellpflege. Auf dem Genfer Autosalon (8. bis 18. März 2012) ist der neue BMW X6 erstmals zu sehen. Ab Mitte Juni kommt das neue Modell auf den Markt. Die Preise hat BMW noch nicht bekanntgegeben.

Kleine optische Änderungen
Zur Auffrischung des BMW X6 zählt eine modifizierte Frontpartie. Die serienmäßigen Nebelscheinwerfer rücken weiter nach außen und sind von einer matt lackierten Einfassung umgeben. Die dreidimensional gestaltete BMW-Niere soll jetzt noch prominenter in Erscheinung treten. Neu im Programm sind adaptive LED-Scheinwerfer, die optional anstelle von Bi-Xenon-Scheinwerfer geordert werden können. Als Rückleuchten dienen jetzt jeweils zwei LED-gespeiste Lichtbänke. Das Programm der Außenlackierungen wurde um die Töne Marrakeschbraun, Orionsilber und Midnightblau erweitert. Im Interieur ist die Lederausstattung in den neuen Farben Vermilionrot, Schwarz und Elfenbeinweiß zu haben. Zur Serienausstattung des neuen X6 gehören 19-Zoll-Räder, die gegen Aufpreis auch gegen 20-Zöller getauscht werden können.

M Sport Edition
Wer es gerne sportlich mag, kann beim X6 auf die neue M Sport Edition zurückgreifen. Zum Serienumfang gehören dann 20-Zoll-Leichtmetallräder im M-Design, adaptive LED-Scheinwerfer, eine schwarze Einfassung für die Nebelscheinwerfer und M-Einstiegsleisten. Der Innenraum wird standardmäßig um Sportsitze mit Memory-Funktion, ein M-Lederlenkrad mit Schaltwippen und eine Edelstahlpedalerie erweitert. Das Interieur wird mit der M-typischen Alcantara-/Lederkombination ausgekleidet, der Dachhimmel ist in Anthrazit gefärbt.

M50d ergänzt die Motorenpalette
Die Motorenpalette des BMW X6 bleibt weitestgehend wie gehabt. Das Einstiegsmodell bildet der X6 xDrive35i mit einem 306 PS starken Reihen-Sechszylinder-Benziner, der xDrive50i behält den V8-Motor mit 407 PS. Als Einstiegsdiesel dient weiterhin der xDrive30d mit 245 PS, darüber rangiert der xDrive40d, der es wie der kleine Ottomotor auf 306 PS bringt. Ab Frühjahr 2012 kommt der xDrive30d optional mit AdBlue-System und Harnstoffeinspritzung sowie NOx-Speicherkatalysator. Dadurch erfüllt der Selbstzünder die Bestimmungen der ab 2014 gültigen Euro-6-Abgasnorm. Die Topversion bildet wie zuvor der 555 PS starke X6 M. Darunter angesiedelt ist der neue M50d mit 381 PS.

2013 Scion FR-S

2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport [w/video]

To say that the Lexus RX crossover has been the brand's sales success is an understatement. Last month, the Japanese automaker sold 7,357 units out of the brand's 18,235 total sales – nearly every other vehicle leaving a Lexus showroom is an RX.

Introduced in 1998, the RX immediately established a name for itself. While other automakers were still offering truck-like sport utility vehicles, Lexus built its new crossover on its ES sedan platform. Enthusiasts looked the other way, but the bulk of the marketplace embraced the new five-door with its very comfortable car-like ride, luxurious passenger accommodations and the brand's well-known levels of build quality and customer satisfaction. After just a few years on the market, Lexus was selling more than 100,000 units annually.

Now in its third generation and facelifted for 2013, the RX seems to be pleasing everyone – except male buyers. Even though Lexus as a whole is targeted predominantly at men, it is a well-known fact that RX crossover buyers are mostly female. To capture an even larger share of the segment, Lexus needed to give its best-seller a shot of masculinity. Enter the 2013 RX 350 F Sport.

2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L SEL Premium

Volkswagen tried building cars in the U.S. once before, and it didn't end well for the Rabbits assembled in Westmoreland, PA. "In Vietnam, 'Westmoreland' was a synonym for boundless optimisim in the face of raw facts. The same principle applies here," said my friend Mike, explaining why his Rabbits at the time were imported from Das Vaterland. The real problem with American-made VWs wasn't Pennsylvania or a self-deluding General, Mike continued, but "mushbucket suspensions, chintzy build quality, frou-frou styling compromises," all resulting in a sub-par experience that's got Volks-folks with long memories wondering if we're doomed to repeat the past.

Volkswagen wants its new 2012 Passat to disprove that trope about repeating history, and the Passat has racked up awards like the Motor Trend Car of the Year and was a North American Car of the Year finalist, lending credence to VW's efforts. We contemplated if the United States earning its own version of the Passat makes us elite or uncultured swine in the wake of our First Drive, and so we signed out a Passat SEL with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine to see what the Mainstream American Sedan Songbook sounds like when delivered with a German lilt.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG [w/video]

Sometime before the end of this century, humans will travel to Mars. The longest manned journey ever attempted will take the explorers at least 34 million miles over the course of many months, at best. The vehicle necessary to support such an odyssey will need to be spacious, comfortable, technically advanced, incredibly safe and very powerful.

Before plotting the future spacecraft's design, we suggest the engineers take a close look at the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG for ideas.

Of course, we don't think the S63 is fit for interplanetary travel – micrometeorites and ultraviolet radiation would likely wreak havoc on its expensive and vogue matte finish Magno Platinum paint – but we do feel it is one of the most spacious and luxurious rocket ships that someone outside of a space agency can put in their personal hangar.

During our week with the AMG-tuned S-Class, its four wheels never left the surface of planet Earth, but we did load it up and make a long weekend trek to Palm Springs. How did this twin-turbocharged sedan handle the long outing and subsequent run into the mountains? Does it drive ponderously, or is the big Benz agile and athletic? Most importantly, what's not to like with this two-and-one-half ton almighty giant?

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, who is it for?

When pondering the idea of any near-$100,000 hybrid luxury sedan, one has to wonder, "What's the point?" The only hybrids that sell in any significant numbers are the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion, and for good reason. Both allow drivers – and particularly hyper-milers – to squeeze every last mile out of each gallon of fuel.

Obviously, anyone with the financial wherewithal to purchase a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is unlikely to be motivated by the technology's fuel savings. Similarly, if someone wants to make a social statement by driving a "green" vehicle, they will likely want their ride to be instantly recognizable as a hybrid.

So the cost-no-object camp is divided. They can either drop their coin on an all-electric Tesla Roadster or, in spite of their bank balance, go with a lowly Toyota. Which begs the question: Is there something in between? We tested Mercedes' newest hybrid to find out.