BY ERIK JOHNSON

Simply put, diesels are awesome. We’re such huge fans of diesels and their clattery goodness that we were beside ourselves with glee when Jeep announced last year that it planned to swipe the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel from the Mercedes powertrain lineup and stuff it into its Grand Cherokee SUV for 2007. After all, what vehicle wouldn’t be better off with a little sparkless ignition in its life? (more…)

Posted by admin | No Comments »

BY JARED GALL

We sample the new 535i as well as the other flavors of the slightly revised 5 available for 2008.

BMW has made small improvements throughout the 5-series, but the real news is not the relocated window switches. It’s the revised six-cylinder engines. That’s why we were summoned to Las Vegas to take our turn behind the wheel of each new model (528i and 535i), as well as the mechanically unchanged 550i and M5. To read more about the mini-Gumball-like rally. (more…)

Posted by admin | No Comments »

BY MIKE DUSHANE

At the 2007 Shanghai auto show, Audi is showing a thinly disguised version of the 2009 Audi Q3.

The concept Audi is showing in China is called the “Cross Coupé Quattro” concept, but don’t be fooled: When Audi’s small crossover goes on sale in at least a year and a half, it will look a lot like this. With powertrains and dimensions that are virtually identical to those of the Audi A3 and platform-mate Volkswagen Tiguan, this is the real deal. The name, however, is not, and although Q3 is the logical label, there are apparently some trademark issues over the name “Q3.” Perhaps Q2 would work? (more…)

Posted by admin | No Comments »

BY ALISA PRIDDLE

This full-size luxury crossover could keep the brand from extinction, increasing the two-sedan portfolio by a whopping one-third.

It’s not easy being the third child, no matter how much attention you get. And it’s not easy entering life knowing you will be the sales runt of the litter. But that is the lot of the 2008 Buick Enclave, and we would argue, after some seat time, that none of that really matters because General Motors may have saved the best of its trio of full-size crossovers for last. (more…)

Posted by admin | No Comments »

In faraway Shanghai, China, the annual auto show doesn’t usually draw debuts from European brands, but both BMW and Audi are debuting new concepts to the world in this city of 18 million people. If you’re wondering why BMW is showing off a new sedan concept in China, it might make more sense when you consider the fact that BMW sells more 7-series sedans in China than in any other market except for the United States. BMW also makes a long-wheelbase version of the 5-series that is only sold in China. It’s clear that BMW sees the potential for huge growth for the sales of its cars in China—an emerging and important market for BMW’s new design direction. (more…)

Posted by admin | No Comments »

The 2007 Jaguar X-Type is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury wagon, available in two trims, the 3.0 and the Sportwagon.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 227-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Prices = $34,330-$39,330

Posted by admin | No Comments »

The 2007 Ford Crown Victoria is a 4-door, 6-passenger family sedan, available in two trims, the Standard and the LX.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 224-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Prices = $24,620-$27,615

Posted by admin | No Comments »

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in 3 trims, ranging from the SLK280 Roadster to the SLK55 AMG Roadster. (more…)

Posted by admin | No Comments »

The 2007 Mazda RX-8 is a 4-door, 4-passenger sports car, available in 3 trims, ranging from the Sport to the Grand Touring.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, R2 , 232-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. (more…)

Posted by admin | No Comments »

The 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a 2-door, 4-passenger family coupe, or sports coupe, available in 3 trims, ranging from the GS to the GT. (more…)

Posted by admin | No Comments »