2008 Toyota Corolla

Toyota Motor Corp. today issued a recall of 1.1 millionCorolla andMatrix vehicles from the 2005-08 model years after more than 1,000 complaints of stalling.

In a statement, Toyota said it was addressing some engine control modules that may have been improperly made. All the affected vehicles were sold in North America.

Cracks may develop at solder points or on the electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage — in some cases stopping the engine while the vehicle is being driven, the statement said.

The announcement today raises Toyota recalls since November 2009 to about 12.3 million vehicles worldwide and 10.5 million in the United States, most for sudden acceleration, Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said.

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was upgrading its investigation of the Corollas.

Not every sound your car makes is pleasing to the ears. Those dissonant notes could be telling you something is seriously wrong.

Do you listen to your car? We're not talking about admiring the vehicle's throaty exhaust note or groovin' to the megawatt multimedia sound system. We're referring to the sounds your automobile makes while turning, braking or idling. If the answer is no, then you'd better start, because your car might be telling you something is seriously wrong.

A moving car is a complex symphony of sounds, most of them reassuring — tires humming, engine rumbling, tailpipes roaring. But every now and then a dissonant note creeps into the mix. That's a vehicle's way of telling you something is wrong and it needs some tender loving care.

Here's a guide to what those missed notes might mean, and which ones could cost you a bundle at your local service center.

Read:  Summer Maintenance

Squeeeeeeeeeeeak

When you hear a high-pitched squeal or squeak from the wheels when you first press your car's brake pedal, it could mean that a pebble or other small object has become lodged between the caliper and the rotor. It is possible that such debris will work itself loose. However, if it persists, it could cut a mean groove in the rotor, which would cost big bucks to fix. The verdict: Get your brakes checked out. Doing so should cost nothing but a little time.

Bing: Cheap Brake Service

Screeeeeeech

When applying your vehicle's brakes, if you hear a spine-tingling noise that sounds like fingernails being dragged across a blackboard or like someone is taking a grinder to a metal pipe, you're in dire straits. This noise indicates your brake pad has been worn all the way down, resulting in metal-to-metal contact, which most likely means the vehicle's ability to stop will soon be in jeopardy. Get the car into a shop immediately.

Research: Check to See How Safe Your Car Is

YEEEEeeeeeaWAAAAaaaaccckkkk

We're talking about a staggeringly loud screeching sound, one that will cause a passerby to jump out of his or her skin, emanating from under your vehicle when you turn it on. This sound is typically attributed to belt slippage, the most likely culprit being the power-steering belt. Although revving the engine or turning the steering wheel can silence the madness, the screeching can be properly alleviated only by adjusting the belt tensioner and/or replacing the belt. The noise is a big annoyance and may speed the wear of your belts, but it is not a critical situation.

Read:  Mechanic Mishaps

Thunk Thunk Thunk

When this sound resonates from the rear of your car when you accelerate from a standstill or apply the throttle on the fly, there are four possible culprits. It could be either a failing subframe or differential bushing, a bad pinion gear or a broken U-joint. A test drive and quick undercarriage examination will usually reveal the offender pretty quickly, and the problem should be addressed immediately.

Bing: Broken U-Joint

TickTickTickTickTick

A ticking sound coming from underneath the vehicle that goes away soon after startup can mean the gasket between the exhaust system and the catalytic converter is failing. As the metal between these two pieces heats up and expands, the gap between them is closed and the ticking stops. While the ticking is annoying, there is no pressing mechanical reason to rush out and fix this ailment.

Read:  10 Tips to Avoid Auto Repair Rip-Offs

Good design doesn't always mean high prices, even when it comes to cars. "A good-looking vehicle is a good-looking vehicle, whether it's a $2,500 Tata Nano or a $220,000Aston Martin Rapide," says Stewart Reed, chairman of the transportation design department at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif.

Details like the surface clarity of the glass, for instance, can make the difference between a really well-crafted automobile and one that feels like a cheap tin can. "You may not consciously know why it looks so appealing, but a good design has a sense of surface refinement and authority," Reed says. "The light and reflections play over the surfaces, and that's what people respond to." Here are our picks for the 10 best-looking vehicles at their respective price points, ranging from bargain-basement to crème de la crème.

$15,000 —Nissan cube

A little bit of Japanese anime, a lot of glass and a fun shape make Nissan'scube a design standout at a price point usually dominated by nondescript compacts and small sedans. The car is asymmetrical in its architecture, thanks to a wrap-around rear window on the passenger side. Inside, the cabin has mood lighting in a choice of 20 colors. "It's not car design in the traditional way; it's a little bit of product design," Reed says. "When you're in an urban environment, the verticality and the glassiness of it is really appropriate. It becomes part of the urban landscape."

Compare: Nissan cube vs. Suzuki SX4 Crossover vs. Honda Element

$25,000 —MINI Cooper

The idea of turning an engine sideways between the front wheels and pushing the windshield way forward to create a roomy interior with a small footprint is what theMINI Cooper has been about since the 1960s. "The passenger cabin is huge compared to the amount of machinery," Reed says. It makes for a playful shape and a surefooted driving experience. Add the fact thatMINI lets you personalize the car, opting for things such as racing stripes on the hood or a white roof, and the design of the car starts to feel like your very own.

Compare: MINI Cooper vs. Mazda Mazda3 vs. Honda Civic

$35,000 —Nissan 370Z Coupe

In a 2009 review of the370Z, Car and Driver deemed it "one of the most desirable sports cars on the market" and equated its structure to that of thePorsche 911. But despite the comparison, the Z has a singular design. "It's not like other cars," Reed says. "It has its own sense of sculpture inspired by a lot of things in popular culture, from stealth aircraft to motorcycles to Transformers." In fact, it made its debut in an Electronic Arts video game before it ever hit the streets, and it's gone on to star in three other racing games.

Read:  2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster Review

$45,000 —BMW 335i Convertible

In a world where so many cars have front-wheel-drive technology, with the engine packaged tightly up front and a good portion of the car hanging over the front wheel, BMW'sBMW 335i convertible has more of a classic sports-car profile. "It's a dramatically different architecture," Reed says. It's shorter up front and longer in the back, giving it a retro feel. "Its whole proportion is more classic," he says. Paired with excellent surfacing and surface quality — the design components that give a car a sleek aesthetic — the 335i convertible is simply glamorous.

Read:  10Best Cars of 2010

$60,000 —Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon

A far cry from the woodie station wagons of old, theMercedes E350 is part of an entirely new breed of car. "It's not the historic, stigmatized family wagon that was the precursor to the minivan," Reed says. "It's a sporty, sophisticated wagon." The sophistication comes from lines that extend along the sides of the car to the rear, which takes its design cues from the post-World War II Ponton series ofMercedes vehicles, known for fenders that resembled pontoons. "The E350 in no way says you had to get a wagon," Reed says. "You want that wagon."

Bing: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon

Honda Civic Si Coupe

When it comes time to buy a car, consumers basically have two choices: new or used. Buying new will cost you, but you'll get all the latest bells and whistles, a comprehensive manufacturer warranty and the peace of mind that you're not purchasing a vehicle that has been put through the wringer. Go the used route, and you typically get more for your money. However, you never know if you'll get a peach or a lemon — or do you?

There's a relatively new type of used car on the market that offers the advantages of buying both new and used. That is, you get more for every dollar spent, as well as the solace of knowing that the vehicle's health and well-being is guaranteed by the vehicle's manufacturer or an independent agency. It goes by many names, but is most commonly known as certified pre-owned (CPO).

To qualify as CPO, a vehicle must be inspected, refurbished to "almost new" condition and certified as such by the vehicle's manufacturer or an independent certifying authority. This helps to almost eliminate the chance of a consumer getting a lemon. Furthermore, CPOs typically come with some type of factory-backed warranty and financing, just like a new car.

Read:  Used Car Sales Rise as Buyers Shun New Cars

There are variations regarding what is termed certified pre-owned, however, so it's important to note the distinctions. Manufacturer (or "factory") CPO vehicles are sold only at authorized dealers. The cars are generally five years old or newer and have fewer than 80,000 miles, and they often cost more than vehicles certified by independent authorities. Independently certified CPOs can represent good value, especially since independent authorities may hold a vehicle to a higher standard than a manufacturer. Independents include brands such as the National Vehicle Certification Program, CarMark and others. Finally, there are dealer-certified vehicles. These generally have not been inspected by anyone outside the dealership, but do typically carry a warranty or extended service contract to provide some protection to the consumer.

While we aren't fans of the dealer-CPO vehicle programs, we do think the others, in general, take much of the worry out of buying used, and the value proposition of CPO cars has garnered consumer interest in this tough economy.

"Across almost every major [manufacturer], new car behaviors have trended downward, used has gone downward and, for the most part, CPO has trended up," says Steve Gallagher, marketing manager for Toyota's CPO program. Gallagher also notes that May was Toyota's best-ever CPO sales month and that the company is on track for its best CPO year ever.

Be careful, though. CPO certification adds, on average, $1,300 to the price of a used car, and it can go as high as $2,000. In today's strong used-car market, that can bring the price of a CPO car close to the price of a new car, and that's before manufacturer incentives. Many manufacturers offer more favorable financing rates, though, so buyers can save money that way.

Take a look at the 10 best-selling CPO vehicles through the first six months of 2010. We examine what makes them hot sellers and talk about the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Sales numbers are up to date through June 2010. Data provided by the individual manufacturers and compiled by MSN.

Search: MSN Autos Used-Car Research Site

10.Lexus RX

Roughly half of all luxury cars are leased, so it is important for the manufacturers to have effective CPO programs to keep the sales flowing once the cars come off lease. One of the hottest CPO vehicles is theLexus RX. Though it's a highly desirable crossover as a new vehicle, premium pricing puts it out of reach for many consumers. A lightly used CPO version is the next best thing. However, CPO prices aren't that low, as the RX's residual value is among the best in the industry. RX buyers get a vehicle with easy ingress/egress, a luxurious interior, plenty of room for five, useful cargo space and a glass-smooth ride. They can also go green by opting for a hybrid.

Read:  2010 Lexus RX 350: Review

9.Honda Odyssey

Minivans are the ultimate in practical transportation. They offer room for up to eight people, and all passengers can get to their seats easily thanks to sliding side doors and thoughtful seat arrangements. But minivans can also be expensive, especially if they are loaded with the entertainment features families desire. TheHonda Odyssey is no exception, with starting prices as high as $40,000 for a brand-new, loaded EX-L. But it's a roomy, comfortable minivan that handles well. The Odyssey also gets a powerful engine, useful interior storage and the benefits of Honda's reputation for reliability and high resale values.

Watch: 2011 Honda Odyssey Preview

Luxury automakers tend to put more backing into their CPO programs, hoping to turn CPO buyers into new-car buyers. BMW's CPO program adds a 2-year/50,000-mile warranty at the end of the original 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, and includes two years of BMW Roadside Assistance, a comprehensive inspection and a CarFax vehicle history report. The BMW 5-Series' mix of usable space and on-road dynamics makes it tempting for families who want precision German engineering. It is the most fun-to-drive car of its size, and theBMW roundel badge is a desired status symbol.

Video: 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo

7.Mercedes-Benz E-Class

TheMercedes-Benz E-Class is a model of luxury and sophistication. Though it isn't Mercedes' most affordable car, it's the company's best CPO seller. "We like to say the E-Class is the heart and soul of the Mercedes brand," says Rob Moran, manager of product and technology public relations for Mercedes-Benz USA. "It really does offer a compelling balance of quality, value, safety and exclusivity." TheMercedes CPO program consists of a 162-point inspection (including a road test), a 12-month extension on the original factory warranty and roadside assistance for the life of the vehicle. Customers can also extend their warranties by 12 or 24 months, but the warranty can never exceed seven years or 100,000 miles.

Compare: Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. BMW 5-Series vs. Audi A6

2010 Toyota Camry LE

Toyota Motor Corp. says data from black boxes it has inspected show that many drivers were pressing on the throttle, not the brake pedal, during unintended-acceleration events.

Over the past four months, Toyota has investigated about 2,000 reports of unintended acceleration. It has reviewed the data from recorders when a car was in a crash, spokesman Mike Michaels told Bloomberg News.

Michaels said the causes of unintended acceleration include pedals being trapped by floor mats and sticking pedals — issues that prompted Toyota to recall more than 8 million vehicles globally to fix. There also have been issues with other objects in the car, and the wrong pedal being pushed, Michaels said.

Asked by Bloomberg to describe the number of crashes that were caused by the wrong pedal being pressed, Michaels said it was "virtually all."

Toyota has not found any electronic problems with its cars' "drive-by-wire" throttle system.

A report on Tuesday by the Wall Street Journal said that the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration had found that in many cases of unintended acceleration, drivers were actually pushing on the throttle pedal, not the brake pedal. NHTSA declined to comment on the report.

The Ferrari 458 Challenge replaces the F430 Challenge.

Ferrari took the wraps off the 458 Challenge on Wednesday in Maranello, Italy, at the company's annual dealer meeting. The new car replaces the F430 Challenge in the 2011 Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, which is being extended to include a new Asia-Pacific series.

Based on the 458 ("Forza-5-8," AW, Nov. 30, 2009), the 458 Challenge shares the direct-injection 4.5-liter, 562-hp V8. The Challenge's gear ratios and dual-clutch gearbox have been modified for higher torque at lower revs. The Challenge has the 458's E-Diff electronic differential, a first for Ferrari's track-only cars.

Significant work also went into weight reduction, though Ferrari didn't say how much the car weighs. The body panels are thinner, and there's extensive use of carbon fiber and Lexan.

The new 458 Challenge also has its own suspension setup with solid aluminum bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers and center-nut 19-inch racing wheels. It is also equipped with the new-generation Brembo brakes from the 599XX.

The Challenge car has the F1-Trac traction control system, developed in-house by Ferrari. It constantly monitors grip levels for maximum road-holding. Two track calibrations, wet and dry, have been developed. The F1-Trac is integrated with the E-Diff for better acceleration out of corners. It can all be controlled via the manettino on the steering wheel.

Ferrari says the 458 Challenge is two seconds a lap faster at Fiorano, turning a record lap of 1:16.5 seconds.

No price has been released, but we expect it be far north of the 458's $220,000 sticker.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, or so the saying goes. But some car designers with an appreciation for history want to repeat it. That's the theory, anyway, behind retro style. A nod backwards in time, retro styling can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your view of the original influence and your opinion about whether the new vehicle does justice to the old one.

Currently, classic muscle cars of the late 1960s and '70s are the focus of retro stylists. But there are plenty of other examples — some good, some that miss the mark. Here is a snapshot of the 10 most notable retro-style rides on the road today.

Volkswagen New Beetle

Ironically, the retro vehicle that started the idea of heritage design is itself about to become a relic of the past, since it will go out of production at the end of this year. First born (again) in 1998, theNew Beetle was a thoroughly modern reimagining of the classicVW Bug shape. But unlike its bare-bones, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive forebear, the New Beetle is a front-wheel-drive luxury car — by comparison, anyway — that's propelled by an engine mounted up front. The New Beetle's super-symmetrical front-to-back shape has become an icon in its own right, and it has been essentially unchanged since its introduction, except for the 2003 addition of a convertible version.

Compare: Volkswagen New Beetle vs. MINI Cooper vs. Honda Civic

Chevrolet Camaro

By 2002 the legendaryCamaro had obviously lost its way. At the time, the slope-nose design of the fourth-generation muscle car bore more resemblance to aPontiac Sunfire than its legendary street-brawler forebears. So after 35 years of continuous production, General Motors killed the model. Eight years later, however, the Camaro was resurrected, and this one was spawned using early DNA juiced up with some GM special sauce. The new Camaro is brutally fast: Even the $22,680 entry-level V6 shoves forth 304 horsepower; and the $31,795 V8-powered SS trim adds even more brawn with 426 horses. The design is unapologetically badass, inside and out.

Compare: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang vs. Dodge Challenger

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The gullwing doors are really the only reference point you need. TheMercedes SLS supercar draws direct inspiration from the most famously collectible coupe ever made: the 1955-63 300SL. The 300SL was the fastest production car of its day and the first commercially available direct fuel-injection vehicle. The SLS can claim no such superlatives, but it is pretty darned fast. With a 563-horse 6.2-liter V8 engine hustling it from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, it's definitely able to keep pace with some of the best vehicles Italy has to offer. To some the SLS may be a bit too retro, with fender cuts and a droopy tail end that directly mimic the '50s SL. But if you like your exotic sports cars classically beautiful, the SLS fits the bill.

View Slideshow:  Driven to Impress

Ford Mustang

Like theChevy Camaro, theFord Mustang also lost its way for a while. A comparative analysis between the body of a 1980s third-generation Mustang and the original pony car from the '60s is enough to makeSteve McQueen cry. Gen-three Stangs were a milquetoast exercise in platform design that you had to squint at to identify as sports cars. The 1990s refresh helped a bit, but it was the 2005 retro redesign that brought the Mustang back to its roots as the Everyman's sports car — a utilitarian slab of power with a tapered roof and overshot front lip that is a direct design link to the classic fastback 2+2 coupe configuration from the late 1960s.

Read:  Pony Car Throw-Down

Dodge Challenger

Like most muscle cars, theDodge Challenger proved itself on the street in the '70s, got some early cred in an iconic movie (1971's"Vanishing Point"), then had the life squeezed out of it with an embarrassing 1980s version (essentially a rebadgedMitsubishi import — with 4-cylinder engines, no less). In 2008 the Challenger was reborn with aggressive styling that featured the raised-up rear haunches and four round headlights of the original. For about a year, the Challenger owned the honor of most muscular modern muscle car, but the newChevy Camaro and recent engine upgrades to theFord Mustang make the Challenger look anemic.

WhileHonda andToyota have been bragging about their new minivans the past few months,Nissan would like you to remember that there's a new quest on the way.

So they've released a few photos of the 2011 Quest, which is based on the Elgrand van sold in Japan.

The full reveal for the new Quest, which carries the internal designation R42H, comes at the Los Angeles auto show in December. But we know that Nissan will widen the platform by about 5 inches for the U.S. market, which will also diminish the tall-skinny look of the Elgrand. Nissan's 3.7-liter V6 will be under the hood.

The photos show a rich-looking interior that we expect will be fitted to the top-line model. And note the chrome trim that surrounds the greenhouse around the entire van.

A natural for the city, the Fiesta's strong styling stands out in a crowd. This Lime Squeeze metallic hatchback exemplifies the car's enthusiasm.

With the introduction of theFiesta, a longtime best-seller in Europe,Ford Motor Co. has just turned its greatest weakness — small cars — into one of its many strengths. Trimmed to appeal to U.S. consumers, the Fiesta has a lengthy option list, a new automatic transmission and a strong dose of big-car refinement. Thoroughly modern and a bit sassy, this diminutive ride guarantees to make the Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker an instant player in the under-$15,000 fray, which is becoming more and more important on this side of the pond.

Model Lineup
The Fiesta is offered as a sedan or hatchback, both with four doors. Ford commonly refers to the sedan as a 4-door and the hatchback as a 5-door, however.

Heated leather seats, anyone? The Fiesta sets new standards for available equipment in the small-car segment across three trim levels: S, SE and the equivalent SEL sedan and SES hatchback. All exude a hip, connected persona as the Fiesta actively targets young urban dwellers along with the more adventurous empty-nest baby boomers.

At its most basic, the cost-competitive Fiesta S is well equipped, featuring supportive seats, plenty of sound insulation, standard air conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering, 4-way manual driver's seat adjustment, power mirrors, front-row floor mats, capless refueling, a rear window defogger and no fewer than seven airbags. There are concessions to price, including manual windows and steel wheels wearing 185/65R-15 tires. Significant S options are the automatic transmission, remote keyless entry and an upgraded sound system with CD and MP3 inputs.

The SE level takes the Fiesta well upmarket, adding dress-up chrome bezels and better cloth seating, and the S's optional CD sound and keyless entry options are made standard. Other standard SE equipment includes a message center and trip computer on the dash, power windows, rear window wiper and mirrors in the sun visors. The SE option list is extensive, including 6-speaker SIRIUS sound, Ford's Sync connectivity suite (now including many voice-activated smart phone applications), heated mirrors and seats, a power moon roof, cruise control and a rear spoiler. We expect most SEs will roll on optional 15-inch painted aluminum wheels and 195/60R-15 tires.

Bing: Microsoft Sync

At the SES/SEL level, the Fiesta can be as well outfitted as many entry-level luxury cars. Besides all S and SE hardware, the SES and SEL offer standard 80-watt 6-speaker sound, floor console with USB port, 7-color ambient lighting, SIRIUS radio, a leather steering wheel and Sync. Outside, the SES and SEL are denoted by 16-inch aluminum wheels, trendy LED parking lamps in flashy chrome bezels and heated mirrors with marker lights. Options for SES/SEL buyers include leather seating, heated front seats and push-button starting, meaning that short of such luxuries as air-conditioned seats and power rear window shades, the little Fiesta packs most of the big-car experience into a compact package.

Read: Ford Fiesta Specs and Features

Under the Hood
Ford powers all Fiestas with a 1.6-liter twin-cam 4-cylinder engine that makes 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. It features twin variable valve timing for a broader power band and increased fuel efficiency. This proven engine is mated to a conventional 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic.

The automatic is all new. It's essentially a dual-clutch mechanical gearbox turned into an automatic by electronic controls. The dual-clutch design allows rapid, smooth shifting — something missing from other manufacturers' more basic computerized mechanical "automatics." Although advanced in design, the automatic is purely conventional in operation. It's engaged through a floor-mounted shifter and has no sport mode or paddle shifters (which it could use in the hills or on twisty roads).

As an entry-level car, the Fiesta remains a front-wheel-drive commuter at all times; there are no all-wheel-drive or higher-powered variants. All Fiestas sip 87-octane gasoline, at 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway. This is best in class for both the small and midsize segments.

The Tesla Roadster 2.5 was revealed on Thursday with minor updates.

Perhaps feeling a bit of chutzpah after a wildly successful stock offering this week, Tesla is demonstrating on Thursday that it still has an eye toward product, revealing the updated Tesla Roadster. And it's available for order now.

Called the Roadster 2.5, the car features minor enhancements, including a new front fascia with different diffuser vents (the change is actually apparent) and new rear diffuser. There also are silver or black forged wheels, new seats said to be more comfortable with better bolsters and more lumbar support, plus a power-control software to manage output in hot weather.

The interior is reinforced with an improved sound-reduction materials and an optional seven-inch nav system. Some of the upgrades will be available to existing Roadster owners as upgrades.

Pictures of the Roadster 2.5 were revealed on Thursday morning, and the car will bow again this evening at Tesla's newest stores in Newport Beach, Calif., and Copenhagen, Denmark.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the Roadster remains a priority for his company, even though Model S is consuming much of its resources.

"These improvements are a direct result of customer feedback and come only a year after release of Roadster 2.0, showing an exceptionally rapid pace of innovation,” he said in a statement.

The new compact Range Rover is named Evoque. It was unveiled this week and goes on sale in fall 2011.

Land Rover has taken the wraps off its new small SUV — the two-door Evoque.

The Evoque (not to be confused with theCadillac Evoq concept from 1999) maintains much of the styling from the LRX concept that previewed it two years ago.

Land Rover gave few details about the Evoque, but did note that it will have four-wheel drive. A full introduction is planned for theParis Motor Show in late September. It goes on sale in the United States in fall 2011, joining theRange Rover andRange Rover Sport in the lineup. It will be the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient vehicle in the storied's brand's lineup.

In a star-studded event at Goodwood, the Evoque was revealed to help celebrate Range Rover's 40th anniverary. About 80 percent of Evoques produced will be exported from Great Britain.

Victoria Beckham, of Spice Girls fame and wife of soccer star David Beckham, was also part of the event.

The first official picture of the all-new addition to the Range Rover family was to be released today, following an exclusive preview in London for guests attending a 40th birthday celebration of Range Rover held with long time U.K. Range Rover partner, VOGUE magazine.

Named the Range Rover Evoque, this all-new coupé will join the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport in North American dealerships in fall, 2011. It will be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced. The compact 4WD Range Rover Evoque is engineered to meet North American customer and regulatory demands for increased fuel efficiency in highly capable luxury SUVs.

Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, said, "Today is a very special occasion for Range Rover; not only are we celebrating 40 years of the brand, we are also demonstrating our exciting future by showing the all-new Range Rover Evoque. Range Rover is one of the most highly regarded and iconic vehicles in the history of motoring and has been a continuing success since we first introduced it in 1970. The all-new Range Rover Evoque is an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand. Customers can be confident that the new car will be premium, luxurious and just as special as the other Range Rover models. Its sporting looks and unique qualities will open the brand to a new group of customers who may not have considered a Range Rover product before.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque will be built at our multi-award winning plant in Halewood, creating 1,000 new jobs in the Merseyside area, a fantastic boost to the UK economy. The Halewood plant has a reputation for excellence and quality and is recognized throughout the industry as a leader in Lean Manufacturing.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque is a true global car and will be sold in over 160 countries. It was important to give the car a name that was instantly recognizable through language and cultural boundaries throughout the world. We wanted to create a new name which was innovative and different. A name which implies exclusivity and arouses emotions, Evoque is cosmopolitan and cross-continental, sophisticated and matches the car's urban elegance," he added.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director, said, "The Range Rover is an iconic design that has stood the test of time and it's not difficult to see why. Like the current version, the original Range Rover is such a simple and memorable shape that is easily recognizable.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque marks a bold evolution of Range Rover design, providing customers with a desirable, premium and compact car like SUV. In 2008 we introduced the LRX concept car: after a positive reception worldwide, the natural step for the business was to turn the LRX concept car into reality. Tonight we wanted to show the world that we have stayed true to our word and delivered a car that completely represents the spirit of the LRX concept.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque will resonate with customers on an emotional level. Its unique silhouette accentuated by the distinctive falling roof and dramatic rising waistline creates a modern and relevant execution of the familiar Range Rover design language. This car makes a powerful statement of the Range Rover's brand intent to appeal to a wider audience," he added.

Chris Marchand, Executive Vice President of Land Rover North America, said," The new Range Rover Evoque has a very clear mandate in North America to give luxury SUV customers another choice to enjoy Range Rover style, luxury and all terrain traction, but with a more compact, fuel efficient footprint. This is an incredibly important expansion of the Range Rover brand in this market."

The all-new Range Rover Evoque will make its global public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and will go on sale from next summer and in North America in the fall.

The Equus luxury sedan will launch this fall with a base price of $55,000 to $60,000.

Looking to sustain its sales momentum,Hyundai will bring out a series of new and redesigned products in the United States during the next 12 months.

Executives at a press event in Seoul, South Korea, described a wave of new models, including redesigns of theElantra andAccent, a small Elantra-based sporty coupe, the Equus luxury sedan and hybrid and turbocharged versions of theSonata sedan. Hyundai is also studying a Sonata wagon.

A string of engine upgrades also are in the works.

Over the past two years, Hyundai has moved closer to its three main Japanese rivals in the United States:Toyota,Honda andNissan. Hyundai's sales are up 23 percent through May in an overall market that rose 17 percent. It was one of only three brands with higher U.S. sales last year.

The American consumer's perception of Hyundai has, until now, been oriented by its lower pricing, but the automaker hopes to change that, said Chang-Hwan Han, Hyundai Motor senior vice president, Americas regional division. "By launching these new models, our brand image in the U.S. will be enhanced," he said. "The purchasing pattern will be changed."

First up are new versions of the Montgomery, Ala.-built Sonata that will debut this fall. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Sonata is designed to compete with V6 entries in the mid-sized sedan segment. The Sonata Turbo will deliver 274 hp and 32 mpg for a sticker price below $25,000, said John Krafcik, COO of Hyundai Motor America.

A hybrid version, which will have different fascia than the standard Sonata, is expected to get 40 mpg. It will be the first mainstream vehicle on sale that uses lithium polymer batteries. Instead of a continuously variable transmission, the Sonata hybrid will use a six-speed automatic with no torque converter attached, Krafcik said.

The Equus luxury sedan will arrive in fall with an expected base sticker price between $55,000 and $60,000. The Equus will debut with a 366-hp 4.6-liter V8 but will have a running change next spring to a direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 with 429 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, said H.B. Lee, senior manager of Hyundai Motor R&D powertrain development. Hyundai'sGenesis sedan will get the new V8 engine at the same time.

In January, Hyundai will launch a redesigned Elantra sedan, similar in appearance to the swoopy Avante that debuted in Korea this year, said Michael Deitz, product planning manager for Hyundai Motor America.

The Elantra's engine family also will be updated with a 1.6-liter Gamma-series four-cylinder. Hyundai has yet to decide whether the engine will be multiport-injected or direct-injected. The U.S. version will debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November.

A redesigned Accent subcompact will arrive next spring. The new Accent will get a redesigned Gamma-series engine with smaller displacement than the Elantra's engine, said Tim White, senior manager of powertrain development for the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center.

A small sporty coupe, tentatively called the Veloster, is based on the Elantra platform and will arrive next spring. Spy photos show a hatchback roofline. Krafcik said the car will be powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injection engine that generates 140 hp. He said it will get about 40 mpg on the highway.

Once the redesigned Elantra and Accent debut next year, every vehicle in the Hyundai lineup will have timing chains, as opposed to cheaper, but less durable, timing belts.

Hyundai's U.S. product planners also are studying the launch of a Sonata wagon. So far the wagon is only scheduled for Europe, but Krafcik says he is interested in the segment.

The 2011 Ford Explorer will debut new curve-control technology.

During our first test drive, Dave Messih speeds around a curve at 50 mph. His foot never touches the brake, and the 2011Ford Explorer prototype we're in knocks down a barrier of safety cones.

OK, that's fun. But what's the point? Messih, aFord engineer, is demonstrating the capability of a new technology called curve control, set to debut in the much-anticipated redone SUV later this year.

Based on Ford's traditional stability-control system. It measures how quickly the vehicle is turning and compares that with how quickly the driver is trying to turn. The system activates when the driver steers more than the vehicle turns.

“The main intent [of the curve control] is to reduce the vehicle speed to help you stay inside the intended path,” said Messih, the supervisor for brake-control algorithms and part of the engineering team behind curve control.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology, Messih takes the SUV around the same curve, at the same speed, using the same maneuvers. This time, however, he switches on the curve control.

While the turn is still tight, it feels significantly more contained. We stay on our intended path and no safety cones are harmed. By reducing engine torque, the technology is able to slow the vehicle by up to 10 mph in a single second. Messih estimates that the system slowed our ride by 15 mph to 20 mph.

“You realize I didn't have my foot on the brake that time around, right?” Messih asks. “That was all the curve control.”

While still at the wheel of the Explorer prototype, he explained how consumers will feel the technology but not feel intruded on during driving.

“It's pretty quick, but I wouldn't call it alarming,” Messih said. “We tried to design it so it wouldn't be so aggressive as to alarm people, but it would still be aggressive enough [to work].”

Curve control will roll out as standard on 90 percent of Ford's North American crossovers, sport utilities, trucks and vans by 2015.

And no worries, off-roaders: Curve control is turned off when the terrain-management system is set to the sand and mud functions.

The 2011 Audi A8—and it's eight-speed automatic gearbox—is one example of advanced drivetrain technology becoming increasingly common.

When it comes to automatic transmissions, five-speeds seem so yesterday. European and Japanese brands are incorporating eight-speed gearboxes, while domestic automakers are putting six-speed transmissions in even their smallest cars.

The new transmissions are also supplanting a technology that a few years ago had been seen as a winner: the continuously variable transmission.

In theory, geared transmissions should have long since fallen by the wayside in favor of the CVT. But the continuously variable transmission hasn't delivered hoped-for fuel efficiency, primarily because high friction in its belt drive mechanism and other weaknesses limit its application.

"Compared to other automatic transmissions, the CVT is the most demanding and the most expensive in production technology," said Gerhard Wagner, group executive of the car driveline division at supplier ZF.

"Realistically, we must expect that it will disappear again from the markets in Europe and North America," Wagner said.

Already, 22 models sold in the United States carry eight speeds, and 85 have seven speeds, according to data provided by Edmunds.com. None is a domestic brand.

More gears likely
Even more gears seem likely; transmission engineers say there's no magic number of speeds.

"I've been around long enough that I remember when we thought three speeds would be enough," said Jim Lanzon, GM executive director of global transmission engineering. Lanzon has been in the industry since the early 1970s.

In 2002, GM partnered withFord to jointly develop six-speed transmissions that are now appearing across the automakers' fleets. A second co-development followed for smaller six-speeds. Ford has said all of its vehicles will carry six-speeds by 2013.

Lanzon said it's not just a case of adding gears to an existing transmission design. Instead, the six-speed program combines varied gear ratios and computer-controlled shifting to keep the engine operating in its most efficient mode for maximum fuel economy. By interacting with the engine control computer, the more complex transmissions can make efficient shifts that a driver would be hard-pressed to match.

"I would tell you most customers don't know how many speeds they've got," Lanzon said. "If we do our job right, it becomes almost imperceptible to the driving experience."

Fuel economy benefits
The new multispeed transmissions give automakers some significant benefits, said Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing at Edmunds.com. More gears mean less shift shock between speeds and less "hunting" between gears under heavy loads. A more capable transmission also means less need for special axle ratios in pickups.

"The Big 3 have always had optional axle ratios to get more towing capacity, but that doesn't help fuel economy," Edmunds said. "Six or seven speeds in the pickup truck would be able to give fuel economy."

Some of the new transmissions eliminate the typical American torque converter — with its energy-consuming fluids, pumps and planetary gears — instead substituting dual automated dry clutches, which shift electrically.

Ford's new 40-mpgFiesta compact car carries such an automated manual six-speed, jointly developed between Ford and Getrag. The same transmission is expected to be used in the newFocus small car. Compared with a manual five-speed, the automated six-speed ekes out 2 mpg more in city driving and 3 mpg more on the highway.

Experts say those mileage gains demanded by new CAFE standards are what's really boosting transmission speeds, rather than any attempt to market more speeds to consumers for performance.

Said ZF's Wagner: "There is no advantage to drivers due solely to the addition of a speed."

Likewise, Andrew Smart, business development leader at Ricardo Inc., said the focus is on fuel economy improvement rather than a particular number of gears.

"Will I buy a vehicle because it's got more gears on it?" Smart asked. "A transmission never really sold a car, did it?"

The 2011Chevrolet Volt is being torture-tested in hell. OK, not literally, but it’s almost that hot deep in the Arizona desert, where engineers are putting the Volt through some of its final evaluations as it prepares to launch late this year.

In this round of testing, the Volt is being subjected to extreme heat for several hours. Chevy is baking it, if you will. Then engineers open up the car, crank the electronics and test the car on the track at General Motors’ proving grounds to check for shakes and rattles. The cabin sealing also is tested, to make sure it’s still intact.

The mercury hit 138 degrees in the cabin, Chevy says, and the Volt is holding up fine. This is all part of GM’s Hot Soak Evaluation, where the temperature could hit 175 degrees inside the car.

It’s common for cars to be tested in extreme heat — no one wants their car to give out in July. But questions were raised early on as to how the Volt and its high-tech battery pack and compulsion systems would withstand extreme conditions. Chevy officials, as they have from the beginning, say the Volt is more than up to the task.

“The car performed well,” senior durability test engineer Steve Pratt said in a statement. “The air conditioner cooled things off from our interior temperature of 138 degrees down to a nice comfortable temperature for driving.”

The car is also doing fine in city driving. Interestingly, Chevy has hooked up a towing dynamometer to the Volt and simulated a grade of 2 percent to 10 percent, which the car has been able to handle. No, the Volt will no be equipped to handle towing, Chevy says.

The new Saab 9-5 is taking aim at the best of the luxury segment.

The redesigned 2010Saab 9-5 Aero sedan is big, filled with technology, and designed and engineered to compete with theAudi A6 andMercedes-Benz E-class sedans.

“The newSaab demonstrates that we are alive and kicking,” said Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars NV, the Dutch sports car maker that purchased Saab from General Motors Co. in February.

Basics: The new 9-5 shares GM's global mid-sized architecture with such vehicles as the Opel Insignia,Chevrolet Malibu,Buick LaCrosse andCadillac XTS, due in 2011.

While GM invested heavily in Saab's facilities in Sweden during the 20 years it operated the company, product development suffered. The previous generation 9-5 was in the marketplace for 13 years. Besides its age, the car was criticized for being too similar in size to the lower-priced9-3.

“We agree, so we spread them apart,” said Magnus Hansson, product marketing manager, during a presentation in Trollhattan this month. The 2010 9-5 is 3.7inches longer than the Audi A6 and 5.5 inches longer than the Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan. Saab is targetingAudi intenders.

The redesigned 9-5 fits “right into the territory of the premium large segment,” Hansson said. “We believe the brand can play there.”

Assembly Begins in Fall
Styling draws on cues first seen on the Aero X concept unveiled at the 2006Geneva Motor Show. A wagon debuts next year.

The 9-5 bodies currently are assembled at GM's operations in Russelsheim, Germany, then shipped by truck to Trollhattan for final assembly. The tooling will be transferred from Germany to Sweden in August. Assembly of the 2011 9-5 in Sweden will begin in the fall.

The U.S. market will receive only 500 2010 9-5s; 2011 models for the United States will arrive this fall.

Notable features: The 9-5 is the first Saab to offer real time damping control. Three suspension settings are offered: Intelligent, Sport and Comfort. Depending on setting, the system varies the stiffness of the electronically controlled dampers, the electronic throttle and the amount of steering assistance. Other features include head-up display, lane-departure warning system, front and rear park assist and all-wheel drive.

A 300-hp, 2.8-liter turbo V-6 engine is available; a 220-hp, 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be available on the 2011 model.

Standard features: In Saab tradition, the car's ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats. Also standard are an electric parking brake, heated and power adjustable seats, and a steering wheel with radio and cruise controls.

What Saab says: “Our idea is to create a personality that is very sporty, very progressive that has a bit of an edge in a very conservative segment,” Hansson said. “We definitely don't want to be one of these guys, theVolvo S80, theLexus ES. We want to be exciting, fresh, a premium alternative.”

Compromises and shortcomings: A diesel engine is not offered; hybrid technology is about three years away.

The skinny: After 13 long years, Saab finally has a big, stylish, credible sedan to take on the big boys, namely Audi andMercedes-Benz.

If there were any doubts about reports that the American auto industry is on the mend, they were laid to rest today with the release of J.D. Power and Associates' 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS). Domestic brands, as a whole, demonstrated higher initial quality than the imports for the first time in the study's 24-year history. And, not surprisingly,Ford Motor Co. led the reformation.

Even before the Big Three went to Washington with their hats in hand back in the fall of 2008, Ford had been making sound decisions about the direction of the business. One of the pivotal moves it made was hiring Alan Mulally, the automaker's current CEO, from Boeing. By focusing on the company's balance sheet and leveraging its assets, Mulally was able to cut costs, put money in the bank and avoid taking government bailout money, unlike the other two big American automakers. While this endeared the brand to a financially strapped American public, it also gave Mulally the money needed to aggressively restructure the company and, more importantly, develop better automobiles.

Compare: Ford Taurus vs. Buick Lucerne

It was a gamble, for sure, but one that has paid off in spades, as the Blue Oval is now the highest-ranked mass-market automaker in initial quality. It also jumped into the list of top five brands in overall quality for the first time ever, and has 12 models that rank within the top three in their respective IQS segments — more than any other carmaker in the study — including capturing top honors in three segments with theFocus,Mustang andTaurus.

General Motors (often called "Government Motors" these days) also did well, with 10 models that rank within the top three in their segments.Chrysler didn't fare as well.

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"Domestic automakers have made impressive strides in steadily improving vehicle quality, particularly since 2007," says David Sargent, vice president of global vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates. What is still lagging, however, is the consumer perception of domestic quality. "It just isn't as high as the imports," Sargent says. "People that own a domestic-brand car love them, but those that don't still believe that foreign automakers build better automobiles. Domestic manufacturers need to consistently prove to consumers that they can produce models with quality that equals or beats that of the import brands. Achieving quality comparability is the first half of the battle; convincing consumers — particularly import buyers — that they have done this is the second half."

Getting It Right the First Time
Another trend to emerge from this year's study is that the initial quality of new models and major redesigns continues to improve, led by new launches from Ford,Honda,Lexus,Mercedes-Benz andPorsche.

"There is no penalty anymore for buying new," Sargent quips. "Automakers are getting better about designing quality into the vehicle right from the get-go. No one wants to build something that is hard to manufacture and thus likely temperamental, or is difficult for the consumer to operate."

Compare: Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Cadillac CTS

Historically, newly launched models have incurred substantially more quality problems than carryover models, on average. However, more than one-half of all models launched during the 2010 model year performed better than their respective segment averages. Furthermore, 12 all-new and redesigned models ranked within the top three in their respective segments. Meanwhile, initial quality of carryover and freshened models has declined for the 2010 model year.

The all-newHonda Accord Crosstour and the redesigned Ford Mustang, Ford Taurus andLexus GX 460 each ranked highest in initial quality in their respective segments. TheFord Fusion,Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Sedan andPorsche Panamera also launched with notably high initial quality levels.

Darn right they have Hemis! The 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Furious Fuchsia and the Dodge Challenger SRT8 Furious Fuchsia pack monster V8 power.

Don't count out the V8 as a powerplant for the future
Many contend that only fewer cylinders will help automakers meet new federal fuel economy and emissions rules. But some manufacturers have doubled down on their bets that the V8 engine will stay in the game.

In late April, General Motors Co. announced it was spending $893 million to upgrade North American factories to make new all-aluminum V8s.

Dean Guard, GM's chief engineer and program manager for small-block V8 engines, says the investment "speaks volumes on the fact that General Motors believes for the foreseeable future that the V8s play a critical role in our gasoline engine lineup."

Guard said truck buyers in particular need the power and endurance of a V8 to do the things trucks are meant to do, such as towing or hauling heavy cargo.

GM uses cylinder deactivation, which it calls Active Fuel Management, to improve V8 efficiency by firing only four cylinders when engines are under light loads. The company also is using direct fuel injection, camshaft phasing and transmission advances to increase fuel efficiency in V-8s.

Smaller, Lighter V8s
At recent auto shows,Ford showed off its 5.0-liter, 412-hp engine in the 2011Mustang as an example of making a performance V8 fuel-stingy. The EPA rates the car at 26 mpg on the highway.

"V8s are going to be smaller, more powerful and weigh less, and they will be in vehicles where customers expect a V8," said Ford spokesman Said Deep.

One example, he said, is Ford's latest diesel V8, which is 160 pounds lighter than the previous diesel because it uses compacted graphite iron casting technology to make the engine block. In the case of the Mustang, Ford used dozens of technological advances, including a 32-valve design and twin independent variable cam timing.

Greg Johnson, Ford manager of North American Powerpacks, said the V8 is not special in and of itself. The goal, he says, is to put an appropriate engine in each vehicle. The V6 engine developed for the 2011 Mustang, for example, provides more than 300 hp but gets 31 mpg on the highway.

"The technology suite and the things we're going to do on a V8 are not that drastically different than the things we're doing on our I4s or V6s," Johnson said.

Some in the industry say that for some applications, a V8 may be not only the best choice for the customer but also the best choice for the environment. The turbo-boosted smaller engines meant to take the place of V8s may not surpass advanced V8s in real-world use, said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Automotive Test Division.

"A turbo does well on the EPA cycle, but in real-world driving conditions, sometimes a larger-displacement engine gives almost the same fuel economy and much smoother driving," Champion said. "If you're into the turbo all the time, I'm not sure they're going to produce the fuel economy gains that are expected."

Brett Smith, a senior analyst at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., said there certainly will be pressure for automakers to move to smaller six-, four- and even three-cylinder turbocharged engines in cars. For many trucks, performance cars and some luxury cars, though, the V8 will be irreplaceable.

Less-refined V6s?
The advantage of a V8 engine is not just its power but the heavily counterbalanced crankshaft and firing sequence that allow the engine to provide strong torque without harsh vibration and noise. Although smaller engines today are achieving horsepower ratings previously associated with V8s, their output often comes at higher rpm levels and with a harsher driving experience.

"When you think about it, going back to the mid-1980s and early '90s, V8s were getting about 250 hp," said Champion. "Now you've got normally aspirated V6s getting 250 hp."

But while horsepower has gone up in smaller engines, so have the size and mass of light trucks.

"It takes all of the V8 power to cruise them down the road," Champion said.

Champion said that combines with consumer preferences to tell him that for trucks, performance and luxury cars, the refinement of a V8 is still going to be desired. Even while the majority of passenger cars and crossovers move toward smaller engines, he said, "I think there will be a few applications for the V8."

One of the forerunners of the SUV craze, the classic 1960s Ford Bronco, is getting a new life.

Ford will begin offering body shells for 1966-70 models later this fall, and they're aimed at enthusiasts who want to upgrade, soup up or improve their aging off-roaders.

Look for the Bronco shell to make an appearance atSEMA this fall, perhaps with an EcoBoost engine underhood. General Motors revealed a similar concept last year, called the E-Rod, which featured a crate engine in a 1955Chevrolet.

The Ford shells are sold through a California company called Dynacorn, which also specializes in 1960sMustang body shells.

Ford is also considering adding shells for the Fox-bodied Mustangs of 1979-93.

The idea is to capitalize on enthusiasts' love for restoring their old cars. The shells allow for a quick upgrade, as opposed to extensive bodywork after hours of scouring junkyards. They could be particularly useful for the Bronco, which was known for an unfortunate tendency to rust.

The move is part of a Ford program that licenses tooling to custom companies after the original parts are retired by the Blue Oval. The result is that more than 9,000 parts are available for the restoration market, and they're built to the same specs as those Ford built. The portfolio dates to 1909 and the Model T and reaches forward to the early 2000s.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

A larger, more upscale version of theVolkswagen Jetta was revealed on Monday for the 2011 model year. It will start nicely loaded at about $16,000 when it arrives in October.

The powertrain lineup will consist of four engines, including a 2.0-liter turbodiesel making 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and the six-speed DSG automatic is optional.

The Jetta gets sleeker sheetmetal for the new model year, and it’s fronted by trapezoidal headlights and a high-gloss black grille. The sides are marked by prominent wheel arches, which hold tires as large as 18 inches. Two-section taillights set off the back end of the car. Look closely at the shoulders, and the NCC concept is visible, while the mirrors borrow their appearance from the premium CC sedan,VW says.

The car will come in S, SE, SEL and TDI (diesel) models in the United States.

The updated Jetta measures 182.7 inches in length, a growth spurt of 3.5 inches over its predecessor. This helps improve the interior comfort, and legroom is now 38.1 inches, 2.6 inches more than before. The cabin also features a new steering wheel. In back is a 40/60 split rear seat.