370HP Golf R32 by ABT Sportsline
The Golf R32 is by no means slow but the sheer number of tuning kits available for the torquey hot-hatch reveals there are a lot of people out there who disagree. The latest kit is from Germany’s ABT Sportsline, and although it’s not as nearly as potent as HGP’s 640 twin-turbo model, the new tuner R32 still packs some serious punch. The ABT Volkswagen Golf R32 is powered by a V6 engine with 370hp 272kW on tap. This is enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in just five seconds flat, down from the...

Kelley Blue Book 2008 Brand Image Awards
Influential auto resource Kelley Blue Book KBB and its marketing research team have compiled a list of vehicles based its consumer perception data. Researchers look at carmaker’s achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that consumers look for when buying a new car, and is one of the best indicators of how certain brands are perceived by the public. The winners were announced during a media event at this week’s New York Auto Show and include top picks for ‘Best Interior Design’...

Abt tunes the VW Touareg TDI
Turbodiesel motors are getting lots of press lately, and VW group vehicles are garnering much of that attention. Audi’s R8 looks to be getting a V8 TDI motor soon, and the Jetta TDI Cup in the U.S. is helping to bring diesels back into the American public’s consciousness, albeit slowly. German performance tuner Abt has already done most of VW’s lineup, but now it’s turning attention to the latest Touareg 3.0 TDI. Focusing on power upgrades and appearance modifications, the Abt...

Majority of Londoners support £25 emissions charge
In the latest round of the battle between London Mayor Ken Livingstone and Porsche over the UK capital’s new congestion charge, a survey has found that most of the city’s residents are in favor of the scheme. According to the results, 61% of Londoners support the updated scheme, which charges owners of high-emissions vehicles £25 $51 for driving through certain parts of the city. The survey, which polled 1,041 residents from the age of 16 onwards, also revealed that close to 70% think the charges...

Carmakers forced to raise prices
We could be in store for a sharp rise in vehicle prices as carmakers are forced to deal with unfavorable exchange rates, rising raw material prices and new fuel-economy and emissions regulations. These factors are increasing cost pressures on carmakers and it appears the burden will likely be passed on to consumers. GM has confirmed that it’s considering raising its prices to offset these cost pressures. Speaking with Automotive News, GM CFO Ray Young said the carmaker is looking at applying price...

Camaro, Challenger lead list of hot cars
Psst! Want to buy a hot car? No, not one that's stolen. Hot cars are the highly desirable, hard-to-get cars that everybody has heard about -- and wants to be the first on the block to own. So what are the hottest cars now? The Dodge Challenger is a super-hot muscle car now en route to dealer showrooms, where it won't last long. BMW's all-new 1 Series, and Jaguar's sexy XF sedan also are getting lots of buzz -- and plenty of orders, too. Honda's Fit might give buyers fits trying to find one. Mini Coopers...

Update: Milner plug-in and flying car concepts at NYAS
Milner Motors unveiled its ElectriCar plug-in hybrid concept and its AirCar advanced-composite flying car today at the New York Auto Show. The new plug-in hybrid pictured features a modern petrol engine mated to an electric motor and features its own unique battery technology and computer controlled systems. The ElectriCar is said to offer five times the fuel-economy of a comparable petrol only model and can run for two hours on electric power alone. The ElectriCar’s 125cc, 15hp onboard engine is...

Classic 'Vette, modern guts
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette had dramatic styling, living up to its Sting Ray badge with a design that included gill-styled side sculpting, sharp creases, hidden headlamps and that famous split rear window on the first Corvette coupe. Still, there are those who are nostalgic for the original 'Vette, which for the last few years of its production was characterized by deep, tapered "coves" that flowed from just behind the front wheels back into the door panels. But as often is the case, nostalgia can blur...

Parking brake is better than car left in gear
Dear Tom and Ray: Several years ago, my Ford Ranger coasted out of my driveway about 2 a.m. and rammed a minivan across the road. I parked on a very steep driveway. I learned to drive on my grandparents' cherry farm and was taught to put everything -- tractors, pickups, cars, anything with a standard transmission -- into reverse when I parked it, because that would keep it from rolling backward. It seemed to work for many years ... until that night, at least. My question is: Will putting a vehicle in...

America's faltering economy may bolster auto industry
So, gas is speeding toward $4 a gallon, the dollar is headed downhill equally as fast, people can't afford to keep their homes, the national economy is tanking -- with Michigan leading the way. What is to like about this situation? Actually, for those of us involved in the auto industry, the short-term pain may bring some long-term gain. For amid all the gloom and doom, there could be a bright side for the U.S. auto industry and for Michigan itself. The steep decline of the dollar against the euro has...