Wild VW GTI concept at Austrian fest: 503 hp, 186 mph

  Not your Mother's GTI
How about a really high-performance Volkswagen GTI? Say, 503 horsepower instead of the standard model's maximum 230 hp, and 186 mph flat-out, vs., well, less than that by quite a bit. Volkswagen will Thursday showcase a new Golf GTI concept for the track – the Design Vision GTI – at the annual enthusiasts’ meeting on the shores of Lake Worthersee in Reifnitz, Austria.  Around 150,000 fans are expected to attend the gathering between now and Saturday, and take their turn to see the concept, designed by Volkswagen engineers and designers.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S does 0-60 in 2.8 sec

  Incredible performance for a passenger car
Just in time for the 911 Turbo’s 40th anniversary, Porsche has decided to give its loyal customers and fans a special present for this important milestone by unveiling the 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S models which will both serve as the range-topping performance models in the 911 model family. Performance for the 2014 Turbo and Turbo S come from a pair of 3.8 liter twin turbocharged flat six engines with the Turbo achieving a 3.2 second time to 60 mph, while the Turbo S model achieves the same feat in a mind-blowing 2.8 seconds before achieving a final top speed of 198 MPH.

We drive the Ford Mustang V6

  by Ali Arsham
Ford’s Mustang is a legend that is the car of dreams for many. The Mustang is a muscle car and has a reputation of being fast when it comes to going straight. Ford has done wonders with the Mustang GT’s suspension with the Boss 302 version’s target being the BMW M3. Not all of us can afford to buy the Boss 302 or even the GT. The base six cylinder Mustang has been around since the beginning and the idea has been to offer it for people that want the look of the Mustang but don’t care about performance as much. The 2012 Mustang V6 is different though.

The Driverless Car is a Stupid Idea and I Hate It

  by Stephen Cox
California has passed a new law allowing “autonomous cars” on the roadways and Audi says it can have an automated car ready for sale by 2015.  Look no further, folks. It has begun. Leprosy, smallpox, malaria... and now the driverless car.  Let me be abundantly clear about why I don’t like the idea of a car with no driver. It’s not the car that worries me. Yes, I’m sure some technofreak out there can build one. I oppose the fact that human beings are becoming less skilled by the day. “Civilization” has already caused us to lose most basic skills.

CLASSIC CARS: Mercury Cyclone for Dummies

  by Stephen Cox
As under-appreciated muscle cars go, the enigmatic Mercury Cyclone is about as obscure as they come. But I still love them. First of all, “Cyclone” was a cool name. Most modern car names are garbage. The Intrigue wasn’t. The Hummer didn’t. The Citation couldn’t go fast enough to earn one. The Probe… well… insert your own joke here. And every Prizm, Tempo and Aztec ever built should be loaded aboard the Enterprise, launched into space and used for photon torpedo practice.

2014 Cadillac CTS Elevates to Challenge World's Best

  Longer, lower and leaner sedan
Cadillac today introduced the all-new 2014 CTS sedan at the NY Auto Show, which ascends into the heart of the midsize luxury market with expanded performance, elevated luxury and sophisticated technology.  The third-generation CTS sedan is based on the high-performing rear-drive architecture of the award-winning ATS sport sedan, moving Cadillac into the prestigious class of midsize luxury sedans. It will be the segment’s lightest car, enabling the most agile driving dynamics in the class.

Ferrari unveils their most exciting car ever

  The LaFerrari unveiled in Geneva
The wraps are finally off the LaFerrari. The Prancing Horse’s eagerly-anticipated limited-series special, of which just 499 will be built, made its world debut today at the Geneva International Motor Show. For Ferrari the development of a limited-series special like the LaFerrari represents an opportunity to experiment with all the technological solutions that will later filter down onto the production cars.

Lamborghini Veneno launches at Geneva Show

  All three units sold already
In the year of its 50th anniversary Automobili Lamborghini is presenting an extremely exclusive model at the Geneva Motor Show 2013. Only three unique units of the Lamborghini Veneno will be built and sold. Its design is consistently focused on optimum aerodynamics and cornering stability, giving the Veneno the real dynamic experience of a racing prototype, yet it is fully homologated for the road. The Veneno accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and the top speed for this street-legal racing car stands at 355 km/h.

Chevrolet Lifts Lid on Corvette Stingray Convertible

  at Geneva Auto Show
Chevrolet revealed the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible today at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring an all-new, fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the car’s key fob. The top can also be opened or closed on the go, at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h). With an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm), the 2014 Stingray is the most powerful standard Corvette in history..

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive

  The world's most powerful electric super sports car
With the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive, Mercedes-AMG is entering a new era: the locally emission-free super sports car featuring advanced technology from the world of Formula 1 represents the most exclusive and dynamic form of electric motoring. The most powerful AMG high-performance vehicle of all time has four electric motors producing a total output of 740 HP and maximum torque of 737 ft-lbs.

We drive the Honda Accord Touring V6

  by Ali Arsham
The Honda Accord is a very important vehicle for Honda.  It is the second bestselling car in the US, selling about 29,000 cars in just last month alone.  When Honda decided to create the all-new 2013 Accord, they had to be careful not to mess with a great product.  Fortunately, the ninth generation Accord is more luxurious and better performing than any Accord in its 37 year history.

We drive the Kia Optima Hybrid

  by Ali Arsham
If you want an affordable mid-size hybrid family sedan, most people would run out to their local Toyota dealer and buy a Camry Hybrid.  Well there are a few other options out there and one of the better ones is the Kia Optima Hybrid.  We recently tested the regular Optima EX and were blown away with it.  Now we managed to get our hands on the high efficiency Hybrid model.  While costing a bit more, the hybrid promises a lot more.

Scenes from the Chicago Auto Show

  Show opens to public today
First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 105th edition of the Chicago Auto Show. "After successful auto shows in Los Angeles and Detroit, we're very excited to open our doors here in Chicago," said Michael Ettleson, Chicago Auto Show chairman. "We know from the buzz generated on social media that our attendees cannot wait for Feb. 9."

Mercedes introduces C63 AMG "Edition 507"

  A new level of dynamicism
The C 63 AMG models are becoming even more dynamic: the AMG high-performance cars are being fitted with an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with increased output as exclusive "Edition 507" models. The increase of 50 hp now brings output to 507 hp with a maximum torque of 610 Nm, and is a result of a technology transfer from the SLS AMG: the eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine from the super sports car features forged pistons, connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft.

We drive the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

  by Ali Arsham
Hyundai introduced the all-new 2013 Elantra GT at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.  Elantra GT brings five-door functionality and European driving dynamics to the expanding Elantra lineup. The Elantra GT is based on the new-generation i30 model designed for the European market. Hyundai describes the new Elantra GT with words that start with F.  These words include Fun-to-drive, fuel efficient and functionality.  We think that the Elantra’s proportions are fantastic and the car’s fetching styling is right on target.

Electric Cars: Success by a Different Route

  By Dr Peter Harrop, Chairman, IDTechEx
Pure electric cars are slow to adoption. The two problems are price and range. A third problem of lack of charging stations on the journey and at destination might go away if range was fixed. Unfortunately, there is too much work on infrastructure, interfacing with the smart grid, influencing user behavior, legislation and other external factors and too little on fixing the real problems, so even major car companies continue to launch pure electric cars with only 100 miles range, BMW and Volkswagen being the latest culprits. 

Electrified ELR's driving experience is pure Cadillac

  Advanced propulsion systems deliver responsiveness, refinement
The 2014 Cadillac ELR electrified compact luxury coupe drives with the performance-bred DNA of all the brand’s vehicles, connecting the driver to the road with responsive driving dynamics expected from a Cadillac. “The ELR is first and foremost a Cadillac and it brings a driving standard that customers will recognize regardless of what’s driving the wheels,” said Chris Thomason, vehicle chief engineer.

Return of the Stingray: The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

  Retooled Chevy Corvette guns for new generation of enthusiasts
Chevrolet is redefining modern performance with today’s debut of the all-new Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation. The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip.

USA Auto Sales up across the board

  Every manufacturer reports sales increase
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported December 2012 U.S. sales of 27,251 vehicles, representing an increase of 21.9 percent versus last year, and the best December since 1994. On a year-to-date basis, MNAO reported 277,046 vehicles sold in 2012, exceeding 2011 by 10.6 percent, and representing the company's best full calendar-year of sales since 2007. Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported December 2012 sales of 194,143 units, up 13.2 percent compared to the same period last year.