What a difference a decade makes.

After GM pulled the plug on its groundbreaking EV1 in 1999, it seemed like the goal of driving mass-produced electric cars had also been flushed down the drain.

Fast forward ten years and we have two plug-in vehicles being released by major manufacturers that are targeted towards mainstream car buyers, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, with models from Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, Honda, and BMW coming in 2012.

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Audi is targeting a new market segment with the A7 Sportback, which is scheduled to make its debut late next year as a 2011 model. The large five-door model with the dynamically accentuated rear end brings together the best of three worlds: the sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon.

Audi has just released the complete details and images of the new Audi A7 which had its public unveiling at the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich, Germany. Video of the unveiling ceremony is below. Did she say, “tight butt?”

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Since its debut some 20 years ago, the Explorer has sold over six million units, four million of which are still traversing the world’s roads. Through much of the late-1990s and early part of the last decade, the Explorer was Ford’s second-best-selling vehicle behind its F-Series pickups, regularly selling 400,000 units a year. Fast-forward to 2009, and that volume had plummeted to just over 52,000. Despite lackluster sales of SUVs since gas prices made a huge leap upwards and the trend towards downsizing the cars in which we drive, Ford believes it still has an opportunity. According to the automaker’s vice president of global marketing, Jim Farley, each year, at least 140,000 Explorer owners come back to Blue Oval dealerships looking to purchase new vehicles. And obviously, they just aren’t buying Explorers.

Follow the jump below to view the full gallery of exterior and interior photographs
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After nearly four years of development and extensive testing with the pre-production models, General Motors has officially announced pricing and has begun taking customer orders for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt in seven select markets starting today. For the general public who are not up to speed on the details, the Chevy Volt is the first electric vehicle with extended-range capability and not limited to the battery’s capacity. The Volt’s MSRP will start at $41,000 ($33,500 net of full federal income tax credit, which ranges from $0 – $7,500) and includes the $720 destination charge.

The Chevy Volt has a total range of approximately 340 miles. The beauty is that the Volt uses a small gasoline engine which recharges the Li-Ion batteries and extends the car’s range another 300 miles after it runs tailpipe-emission-free for 40 miles on battery power. The purpose of the small engine is to recharge the batteries and extend the range of the vehicle — not to assist the powertrain as with the case of hybrid vehicles.

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Ford Fiesta Consumer Reviews	Ford Fiesta More Related News	2011 Ford Fiesta Photo Gallery	2011 Ford Fiesta Specs

By Alex Kramer

Pros:

• Exceptional ride quality for an economy car
• Precise steering and capable brakes
• Smooth clutch action
• Cheerful exterior design
• Solid build quality

Cons:

• Could use a few more horsepower
• Tires start to protest way too early
• Interior is a bit cramped, even for a subcompact
• Exterior might be a bit too cute for some

Small is the new black, at least when it comes to automobiles. With the economy still lagging and consumers adjusting to what looks to be permanent $3 per gallon gas, the days of selling millions of large SUVs per year are over and small cars may just become the hottest segment of the market.

For once, American car manufacturers appear to have taken notice. Chrysler dealers will soon start selling the pint sized Fiat 500 and GM has several new small cars in the works, but it is Ford who is probably most well positioned to capitalize on this trend, with the new for America Fiesta subcompact now available and a fully redesigned Focus coming next year. We finally had the chance to thoroughly review the new Fiesta and although we aren’t completely bowled over, we could see quite a few people finding plenty to like in Ford’s European best-seller.

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The 2011 Subaru WRX STI, with its iconic rear wing, receives a new body style this year. Under the hood is a 305 horsepower Subaru Boxer powerplant. Suspension tuning techniques, such as lowering the ride height to 5.9 inches, using stiffer front stabilizer bar and rear springs (the latter by 18 percent), and stiffer subframe bushings, were aimed at improving steering precision to further minimize mid-corner corrections.

Also new are standard 18-inch Enkei aluminum wheels that are 17 lbs. lighter than before, or silver BBS® forged alloy wheels for drivers who like to stand out from the crowd.

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Hyundai Santa Fe Consumer Reviews	Hyundai Santa Fe More Expert Reviews	2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Photo Gallery	2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Specs

By Peter Newton

Pros:

• Radio controls integrated into steering wheel (and integrated very well!)
• Bluetooth® phone controls
• iPod support
• XM® Satellite Radio
• Lots of storage compartments
• Elegant trim touches
• Good mileage for gas SUV at 22 mpg

Cons:

• Dated styling
• Uninspired driving
• Acceptable freeway on-ramp power

First Impressions
Over the last decade, Hyundai has made huge strides in improving their reputation for safety and quality. In 2006, they passed Toyota in the JD Powers and Associates quality ranking – a major change for a brand that had once been the poster child for low quality. Note that this was way before Toyota started recalling everything – they used to be the standard for quality! With the better reputation, long warranties and their low prices, Hyundai has grown sales in North America from about 250,000 cars in 2000 to 435,000 in 2009, grabbing share from their established rivals. The biggest part of that success has been the Santa Fe, a crossover SUV that has become commonplace here in import-friendly California. The gist of all of this background is that I was interested to check out the most popular SUV that the up-and-coming Hyundai has to offer.

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By Twain Mein

Pros:

• Handling – incredible balance offering the best of performance and comfort
• Roomy interior
• Responsive engine
• All the gizmos you could ask for
• Price-a lot for the money
• Safety-5 stars all around
• All wheel drive

Cons:

• Weak styling
• Rear seats do not fold down

The 2010 Acura TL comes in two main variants, the base TL with front wheel drive and 280 hp, and the SH-AWD with all-wheel drive and 305 hp. We tested the fully loaded TL SH-AWD with the Technology Package option and high performance tires. Additionally, new for 2010, our TL came with a 6-speed manual. Sticker price was $43,385 plus $810 for destination and handling.

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Things That Make You Smile:

• Sling-shot performance and slot-car handling without the go-kart suspension
• Beautifully balanced proportions and elegant design silhouette
• Retractable hardtop insulates you from the elements and road noise better than a ragtop
• Intelligent dual-clutch automatic is fast and silky smooth
• The new interior is more visually pleasing, and includes a slew of comfort and usability improvements

Things That Turn Your Smile Up-side Down:

• Melbourne Red paint job attracts more attention than Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco spotting the General Lee
• I know it’s a roadster, but where do I put my golf clubs?

Bada bing, bada boom! Last year we drove the 2010 Z4 sDrive35i powered by BMW’s silky-smooth turbocharged, inline-6 engine and a double-clutch transmission that can change gears faster than Quick-Draw McGraw on speed. Performance was impressive, handling was sharp as a razor, and driving dynamics were more engaging than Betty Davis’ eyes. This year BMW has added a new range-topping Z4, one with a massaged engine that produces 335 hp and a load of M Sport touches. Not that the Z4 needed any more power, but we were surprised the company didn’t call it a Z4 M.

The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is wants to play with the big boys and take its place next to the Audi TT-RS, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche Boxster S/Cayman S. BMW has given the 3.0L engine better intake breathing and higher boost pressure for a new output of 335 hp at 5900 rpm and 332 lb-ft from 1500 rpm, with overboost providing quick bursts of 369 lb-ft. A specifically tuned exhaust system provides a deep rumble with a focus on the low-frequency sound range.

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By Bill Clark

Pony Car Retro Face-Off:

Who wouldn’t want a ‘68 Camaro or 64-1/2 Mustang in their garage – much less as their daily driver? I have lusted after a ‘68 Camaro ever since I skipped school one day of my sophomore year in high school with my older brother’s friend. He had a bright orange 1968 Camaro – rusted out and torn up, but with a pumped up V8 engine and manual transmission. We practiced burn-outs for a few hours in an abandoned parking lot and then when all the kids were out front waiting for the buses, he performed an amazing display of power by leaving 30 feet of skid marks and plenty of smoke. Those were the days!

But that was then. Now I’m a middle-aged engineering professional and parent, working 50-60 hours per week with responsibilities at home too. Who has the time and money for the classic muscle car obsession? And for those that do, can you daily drive it? Would you daily drive it?

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Featured User Review: 2008 Nissan Versa
European car comfort for the cost of a Japanese compact car

by Martin Swig

Price Paid: $13000.00
Review Date: July 13, 2010
Overall Rating: 4.5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for: 2 1/2 years

Summary:
After more than two and a half years and 30,000 miles of Versa ownership, I was happy to see that the rest of the world is recognizing this superb car. I’m referring to June 2010 sales of new cars in the sub-compact / small hatch category. Versa was at the top of the list, outselling Kia Soul (2nd), Chevrolet HHR and  Aveo, also Dodge Caliber, Hyundai Accent, Mini, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Scion xD.

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Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews	Volkswagen GTI More Expert Reviews	2010 VW GTI Photo Gallery	2010 VW GTI Specs

By Francis Cebedo

Strengths:

• Balance and poise are delivered in this package
• Interior design and quality are top notch
• Value. while it is not cheap, it delivers a lot of the money
• Mileage is impressive when driven conservatively
• Terrific DSG transmission. It is fuel efficient and responsive
• Styling is thoroughly refined and modern yet it carries on the Golf lineage
• Dynaudio stereo system is A+
• Driveability and fun factor is sky high

Weaknesses:

• Can be outgunned in a horsepower fight
• Heavy, unattractive and dated wheels
• Bluetooth needs voice dial
• iPod integration needs to be quicker, especially when there is a big song library

Balance and harmony are coveted words in automobiles. The 2010 Volkswagen GTI achieves both with authority. This car makes no attempt to entice you with high performance specs or flashy spoilers and hood scoops. Rather, it will capture your driving soul with a unit that drives extremely well. It will take you to work and invite you to take the scenic mountain route on occasion. The GTI will give you great mileage, yet push you to the back of the seat when called upon. It will deliver great value for your dollar, yet spoil you with an interior that defies its price category.

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Nissan, Japan’s number 3 automaker is due to launch a gasoline-electric Infiniti M sedan, lagging rivals Toyota Motor and Honda Motor by more than a decade in offering a proprietary hybrid model.

The Infiniti M35 Hybrid, known in the Japan-market as the Nissan Fuga, is not Nissan’s first hybrid — that distinction goes to the Altima Hybrid. The M35 Hybrid is Nissan’s first hybrid developed in-house. The Altima hybrid uses a customized version of Toyota’s hybrid technology.

But unlike the Altima’s system, Nissan claims its new setup is more technologically advanced and less complex at the same time. For example, Nissan’s single electric motor arrangement is reportedly close to 70 pounds lighter than Toyota’s double-motor system.

While admitting to the late start, Nissan said its one-motor, two-clutch system would achieve far better fuel economy, at a much lower technical cost compared with hybrid leader Toyota’s complex, two-motor “series parallel” system.

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Tesla has sent out new photos of the “Roadster 2.5,” which is the new version of its first electric sports car with a few new superficial elements. The updated Roadster 2.5 features minor enhancements, including a new front fascia with different diffuser vents 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.

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Featured User Review: 2006 Subaru Impreza
3 years, 50k miles, and stealthier than a ninja warrior

by Martin Swig

Price Paid: $17000.00 from Ann-Arbor dealer
Review Date: July 1, 2010
Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for: 3+ years

Summary:
In late 2006, my son entered his freshman year at the University of Michigan. He went there carless, but we decided he should have wheels after his first semester. We set a price limit of $15000, decided to buy new rather than used, and narrowed our choice to three vehicles: a VW Rabbit, Suzuki SX-4 or a Subaru Impreza (which broke the price barrier by $2000) We easily eliminated the Rabbit; no all-wheel drive for Michigan snow. We bypassed the SX-4, though not so easily. In fact I later bought one of those for myself.

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