Gasoline prices are down in all regions across the country compared to the week before . The national gasoline average is $1.07 above the price this time last year. Diesel fuel is about $.97 above this time last year. National regular gasoline prices Price Change from last week Regular gasoline/gallon $3.79   ↓ .06 Diesel fuel/gallon $3.95     ↓ .05 Regional regular gasoline prices East Coast $3.78     ↓ .08 —New England $3.91    ↓ .06 —Central Atlantic $3.85    ↓ .07 —Lower Atlantic $3.69     ↓ .09 Midwest $3.80    ↓ .02 Gulf Coast $3.62     ↓ .09 Rocky Mountain $3.71    ↓ .03 West Coast $3.98     ↓ .06 —California $4.06      ↓ .07 Source: Energy Information Administration, 5/30/11. Figures rounded to the nearest cent. See our guide to fuel economy for advice on saving gasoline, including reports on how to get the best gas mileage and where to find the cheapest gas . Learn about future technologies in our guide to alternative fuels . See original here:  Average gas prices–May 30, 2011

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Since the 2008 C63 AMG went on sale, Mercedes has sold nearly 20,000 examples worldwide of the sedan and its not-for-the-U.S. wagon counterpart. Not bad for a hard-core enthusiast machine, but Mercedes still thinks it’s leaving something on the table. Enter the latest addition to the C-class AMG lineup, this C63 coupe. It just so happens that the C63’s biggest competition, the BMW M3 , comes in coupe and sedan shells, too. Keep Reading: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe – First Drive Review More: We Drive Mercedes’ Burly C63 AMG Coupe, Start Planning Next M3 Comparo See more here: We Drive Mercedes’ Burly C63 AMG Coupe, Start Planning Next M3 Comparo

BMW and director Philip Hodges take us behind the scene of the new BMW 328 Hommag e. Centered around BMW Design and Christopher Wilson’s photoshoot, this glimpse into the makings of a great photo is not to be missed. This year, the original BMW 328 celebrates its 75th birthday and at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW showcased this new two-seater anniversary model. The 328 Hoomage pays tribute to one of the most successful and best-looking car of the 1930s, the original 328. With the new 328 Hommage, BMW also showcases some of the technology and materials that we will see in future production vehicles. The major parts of the exterior and interior of the BMW 328 Hommage are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), a lightweight material that was used in the series production of CFRP roofs and structural components for the BMW M6 as well as CFRP roofs for the BMW M3. [Source: Jalopnik ] View original here:  BMW 328 Hommage – The Official Making-Of Video

Even though the price of a gallon of gasoline has dropped in recent weeks, fuel economy remains a primary concern for many new car buyers. Combine high gas prices with the economic downturn, and getting excellent gas mileage is not just a preference for many Americans, it’s a necessity. It used to be that 40-plus miles per gallon was only… View original here:  Six Cars, 40 MPG–And Hybrids Not Allowed

Hit play for an audio recording of a mystery car’s exhaust note, and then share your guesses or get a few hints from other visitors in the comments below. Be sure to check back on Thursday for the answer! Go here to read the rest: Name That Exhaust Note, Episode 91 Read the original:  Name That Exhaust Note, Episode 91

As summer approaches, the staff has been busy putting miles on more than 40 vehicles in various stages of testing . While many models have been chronicled in recent Just In blogs , we wanted to share some odds and ends from our recent experiences: Our Fiat 500 has over 2,600 miles on it in five weeks. That’s impressive, given the practical limitations of such a small car. So far, we’ve had two bugs: the odometer has been flashing and some trim fell off on the passenger side overhead grab handle. We’re scheduling a visit to the dealer to get these things fixed. We’ve been enjoying driving our Ford Focus es. The cars feel solid and substantial. But we’re getting annoyed with the automatic transmission. The Focus doesn’t use a traditional automatic; it has an automated manual transmission like the Volkswagen DSG. The Ford transmission isn’t smooth at low speeds, often feeling like it’s going to stall the engine. Our Focus SE sedan is also shedding some exterior window trim and interior trim surrounding the drivers’ window. It’s not just inexpensive cars with trim-fall-off-itis. It’s way too easy to pull the front passenger door grab handle on our Lexus CT 200h loose. Winter-ravaged roads have been taking a toll on some of our test cars’ low-profile tires. Within a week we’ve had to replace a sidewall-gashed tire on our BMW 750Li and our just-arrived Chrysler 300C . Spring and summer weather also brings towing season. I used our Dodge Durango V8 to tow my Argosy (a vintage, painted Airstream trailer) for some beachfront camping. The Durango tows nicely, handling the trailer well. While precious few of our staff’s car enthusiasts would like to drive a full-size pickup truck daily, they are mighty nice to have around the test fleet. Our two 2011 Ford F-150s have seen lots of use for spring yard clean-up and towing. I used our Ford F-150 EcoBoost (we also own a 5.0-liter model) with a car trailer to pick up a new-to-me 1995 Mazda Miata M-Edition from a few states away. The EcoBoost towed the light load effortlessly and the quiet, decent-riding, roomy truck was a pleasant road trip companion. As testing continues, further insights and adventures will follow. We’ll share the highlights...

Got an iPad? Good. Then in addition to the Car and Driver iPad app , you might want to give Flipboard a try. (That is if you aren’t already using the critically acclaimed app.) Car and Driver is now listed among the featured Flipboard sections. Flipboard is a free app that lets you easily browse content from the web in a magazine-style layout, be it news, photos, articles, or Twitter feeds. It’s kind of like a digital magazine that you curate for yourself. And since we’re a magazine, it’s a perfect fit, providing the latest news, reviews, and fun stuff  C/D has to offer right at your fingertips. Download Flipboard from the iTunes app store today and add the Car and Driver section. You could be reading this on your iPad right now . Read the rest here: Car and Driver is Now Available on Flipboard for iPad Read more here:  Car and Driver is Now Available on Flipboard for iPad

Nissan’s upscale Infiniti division has products that are among the top-scoring in each category in which they compete. We’re especially impressed with their luxury sedans. Which brings us to the M35h Hybrid. Apparently, the smart people at Nissan think there are sufficient buyers willing to pay a premium to combine high style with decent fuel economy. How much of a premium? Our M Hybrid, equipped with the $3,350 Premium Package (which includes navigation and Bose sound system) and few other odds and ends, cost $58,655. The M37 with the Premium Package and the same odds and ends stickers at $52,655. And considering that Mercedes-Benz offers its E-Class diesel and Lexus sells hybrid versions of its GS and LS sedans, Nissan’s aim to market a fuel-efficient luxury car isn’t really going out on a limb. Even without the hybrid technology, the M37 is one of the best luxury sedans available. In our tests, we found it entertaining to drive and loved its luxurious interior. It’s actually the highest ranking model in that category. The M37 even returned 21 mpg overall in CR’s tests–which is decent for the segment. The EPA estimates that the hybrid version should get 27 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway compared to 18/26 for the M37. Perhaps adding to the hype, our M Hybrid’s window sticker says “V8 Power with 4-cylinder Fuel Economy. “ Actually, the M hybrid is powered by the company’s smooth and powerful 3.5-liter V6 and augmented by an electric drive that relies on lithium ion batteries. The car can propel itself solely on electric power and coast with its engine shut off. Well, we’ll see about the “power/fuel economy” claim, but it certainly raises a few questions: Will the added weight and complexity of the hybrid components water down this enjoyable sedan? And will the anticipated boost in fuel economy justify the price bump? We’ll keep you posted as we get more time behind the wheel and work on providing some answers. Related: Test complete video: 2011 Infiniti M37 Excerpt from: Just in: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

Shop around. No tax credit, no Volt purchase! Some dealerships taking plug-in tax credits for themselves? Updated 15:46 – Sometimes it’s hard to buy into supply and demand economics. It’s even worse when supply and demand fundamentals favor car dealerships that have rigged the financing game to squeeze every bit of extra money out of typically unsuspecting car buyers. Thus, the fact that some Chevy Volt dealers are taking the $7500 federal plug-in tax credit for themselves rather than giving consumers the credit is, minimally, disappointing. But, is this the real story? It’s hard to say how common this practice is today, but it is happening according to Straightline , although now disputed by others. Still, should anyone be surprised? In 2008, hot hybrid cars , particularly the Toyota Prius , saw huge dealer markups added atop MSRP. So, if true, this is nothing new. But, is this really happening? According to MotorTrend , these dealerships that are not yet authorized to sell the Chevy Volt, so they are simply buying Volts to sell as used, which is not surprising considering the limited supply and high demand. Anyway, just as Hybridcarblog suggested in Robbed: Buying a hybrid car , shop around if this is a real trend. Don’t reward dealerships that don’t put customers first, especially on a car as important as a plug-in vehicle like the Volt. Just like in 2008, there were dealerships that didn’t resort to markups, and I’m sure this will be the case this time around as well. So, reward those dealerships instead. As for flipping Volts, as now appears to be the case with this story, buyers beware. It didn’t make sense during the housing bubble and it won’t make sense with the Volt either. Read more here:  First the Prius, now the Volt: Getting robbed at the dealership?

M stands for Motorsports, BMW’s historical passion. To emphasize the uniqueness of their M products, BMW releases a new video showcasing the M heritage. BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just “M” (for Motorsport) was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. As time passed, BMW M began to supplement BMW’s vehicles portfolio with specially modified higher trim models, for which they are now most known for to the general public. These M-badged cars traditionally include modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and exterior modifications to set them apart from their counterparts. All M models are tested and tuned at BMW’s private facility at the Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany. Take a look at the rebirth of an icon and see why M is the most powerful letter. Here is the original post:  Video: Crafted at BMW M

Ready for another rumor? According to BMW insider Scott27, the Munich-based automaker is looking to revive the BMW Z3, the popular roadster that proved to be very successful among BMW fans. As always, take these rumors with a grain of salt while we’re digging around for confirmation from other sources. Here is what the BMW insider has to say: The new roadster strategy included a Z2, but while the Z2 was originally part of the F20 modular matrix expansion, BMW has now downsized the car onto another cost-effective platform – the UKL matrix, the modular structure that will accommodate the next MINI and the BMW FWD family. The decision was made to allow BMW to have an entry level roadster as part of its new FWD family which will be under the designation of the BMW 1er. The BMW 1er Sporthatch which will be seen this week will accommodate sDrive badges to distinguish the RWD from the FWD 1er models. Now the proposal is seen as a BMW Z1 which will allow BMW to share the Z1 Roadster with the next generation MINI Coupe/Roadster/Spyder. The new MINI Coupe and Roadster are very short lifecycle cars. The idea is for the Z1 Roadster to sustain the small Roadster segment whilst a new MINI Coupe and Roadster will arrive in the second half of the decade. The direction the next MINI Coupe and Roadster take will depend on the reaction to the new car which will break cover in a few weeks time. The car could take on a more individual appearance from the next MINI. Z1 will allow the BMW 1er FWD family to offer a variety of cars to customers who are expected to migrate from other brands to BMW. The company recently held workshops in cities in Germany where they did a survey on the FWD City Compact and the FWD GT. Subjects chosen were not BMW customers but from other brands, and found the two cars different and very appealing. The Compact was very well received as was the GT which was tested amongst current owners of euro- mini MPV’s. With the movement of the Z2 to the UKL matrix, but under a newer design guise to bring it into contention with the other UKL cars, the original Z2 proposal will now move upwards to effectively replace the Z4 as the premium entry roadster market which is proposed as a BMW Z3, the resurrection of the 1995-2002 first modern BMW Roadster....

Most affordable Prius and new car value Challenging the economics of hybrids and the psychology of electrification Small cars are hot, or at least a lot hotter compared to historical norms. With high rent and gas prices coupled with low housing prices and wages, the cheaper costs of small cars are beginning to make financial sense. However, while hybrid cars also resonate when gas prices are high, there still isn’t a hybrid that really qualifies as one of the most affordable new cars, but could the upcoming Toyota Prius C change everything about hybrids and the small car segment? While the hype these days in the battery-powered space is focused around plug-in vehicles, the economics of plug-ins are going to be a tough sell for most Americans for some time, just as the economics of hybrids have been over the last decade. And, if gas prices stay high as the labor markets stay low, economics are going to be ever more important in the coming years. Enter the Prius C. Sure, the compact Prius C will be smaller than the current Prius, but it will also be more fuel efficient and cheaper, and if Toyota can keep the price around $19,000, it just might be extremely affordable. For instance, compared to Kicking Tires’ recent list of most affordable vehicles , the Prius C could be a contender if length of ownership is extended to just 3 years dependent upon the vehicle, gas prices, and driving conditions. In fact, after 5 years, the Prius C wouldn’t just be the most affordable car, but a money saving machine. But consumers won’t want a compact hybrid, even if it is one of the most affordable new car buys, right? Wrong. Typically, affordability resonates most with new car buyers, particularly first-timers, and that means Gen Y. While Gen Y is less interested in cars overall compared to their parents and grandparents, when they are interested in cars, they are typically very value-driven, having seen the struggles their parents and grandparents have suffered in recent years. Additionally, a $19,000 Prius C wouldn’t just be about affordability and extreme long term value, but also green affordability – another buzz factor for Gen Y. In fact, if Toyota is smart, they’ll treat the Prius C much like the Scion brand, and that means personalized...

More isn’t always better. We’ll agree in terms of power, but respectfully pass when we’re talking about weight. Transmission gears? We’re not sure. Some recent automatics have featured seven and eight forward ratios (and ZF has even announced a nine-speed auto ), but the maximum for traditional clutch-and-lever manual transmissions has been six for some time. That’s about to change, however, because we’ve confirmed from various corporate sources that Porsche will offer a seven-speed manual in the next-generation 911 . The point is to offer a tall, seventh gear for improved efficiency and reduced engine noise during long cruises. The shifting experience is said to be similar to that of the current six-speed manual—which we love—there’s just a bit more rowing to do, although, depending on the ratio spread, veteran Porsche drivers might also have to slightly tweak their thinking in terms of gear choice for upcoming corners. Unless something changes and the shift pattern is seriously wacky, though, we doubt anyone will get confused during hard driving, since seventh will hardly be anyone’s go-to gear for corner exit. As to the next 911 itself, it carries the internal 991 designation and is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this September. It will be based on the stretched architecture of the 996/997 and offer more rear seat space and a more comfortable, luxurious interior. Vehicle stability will be improved thanks to a longer wheelbase. Future generations of the 911, however, are expected to share many components with the next-gen Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo as part of the VW Group’s highly flexible Modularer Sportbaukasten , or “modular sports architecture.” When and if this platform convergence happens, the 911 will keep its rear-engine layout, although the powerplant may nevertheless be moved forward significantly. Porsche’s seven-speed manual only adds to the multiple gearbox options in the sports-car segment, which include dual-clutch, torque-converter, and modified automatics; traditional manuals; and even an entirely new single-clutch automatic in the Lamborghini Aventador . Will the seven-speed manual be offered by other automakers as well? At present, a supplier source...

While much has been made about VW’s decontenting efforts to reach its vaunted 800,000-units-shifted-stateside-by-’18 goal, zee Germans have been on a bit of a Rennsport-inspired tear in the rest of the world, unveiling the Polo R WRC car and trotting out an inline-5-powered Golf to compete at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring in June. But said Polo only offers up 300 hp, and the Golf just 434. When the Austrian Wörtherseetour comes around, that’s simply too meager a dose of lunacy. Astute readers may remember that in 2007, VW rolled out a 641-horse GTI , powered by the twin-turbo W-12 yanked from the engine bay of a Bentley Continental GT and planted amidships in the hapless Golf. While the turbo I5 in this year’s factory-supported blue-sky hot rod only makes 503 horsepower, it occupies the nose of a tiny Audi A1. The A1 Clubsport Quattro, as Audi’s calling it, is much more a showpiece than an actual rennwagen . And it’s not as light as one might expect. Weighing in at 3064 lb, it’s not exactly a featherweight racer — despite the carbon-fiber roof and omission of the rear seat. The sprint to 62 takes 3.7 seconds, according to Ingolstadt. We recently caned a DSG-equipped Euro-spec TT RS to 60 in 3.6, by dint of the car’s fantastic launch control. We’re assuming that the three-pedal Clubsport is not so equipped, given that, according to Audi, the hot TT weighs nearly 160 lb more and gives up 168 hp. The event-horizon maw is the little car’s most glaring feature, but we like the subtle box-flare job, a callback to the ur-Quattro that’s somehow more successful than the squishy RS5-derived Quattro-redux. (Check out our feature on those two cars here .) We also dig the outré turbine wheels that recall the BBS units used on the old Audi 80 IMSA cars. Said wheels hide six-piston carbon-ceramic brakes in the front, while the rear makes do with steel discs. And just in case you’re curious as to how Audi envisions the whole package working, it’ll be available in Need For Speed World as a free in-game rental from June 1-4. Read the original here: Audi Crams 503 hp into A1 ClubSport Quattro, Sends it to Austria View post: Audi Crams 503 hp into A1 ClubSport Quattro, Sends it to Austria

As if the Greatest Spectacle in Racing needed more spectacle, toy-car maker Hot Wheels decided to toss in a giant ramp and a stadium truck. The idea was to capture a new world record for four-wheeled vehicle distance jump, and the whole thing took place as part of the Indianapolis 500 ‘s pre-race festivities. For added flair, the attempt was made using a larger-than-life section of orange Hot Wheels track hanging from the top of an equally humongous door; together, they rose 100 feet above the raceway’s infield. Adding to the anticipation of the jump, Hot Wheels kept the identity of the driver a secret, referring to him only as the “Yellow Driver,” and one of four drivers for “Team Hot Wheels.” The team drivers—the others are Green, Red, and Blue; we think they might be moonlighting from Power Ranger gigs—strive to accomplish outrageous drift, Moto X, and rally-based feats that fans can watch in short webisodes on the Team Hot Wheels site. The Indy jump went off without a hitch this past Sunday, and the Yellow Driver—later outed as American Top Gear host and rally pilot Tanner Foust—and his stadium truck sailed 332 feet for a new world record. The Hot Wheels crew didn’t simply put a truck on a huge ramp and cross their fingers, though. Foust put in three months of practice before the public stunt, and as one can imagine, the jump is a bit more complicated than driving flat out down a ramp. The truck’s transition onto the steep ramp can make its rear wheels go very light, and in a worst case scenario could send the thing nosediving into the ground. Furthermore, Foust actually doesn’t hit full throttle until the bottom of the ramp, at which point the truck “bottoms out” and larger contact patches provide a big uptick in grip; the focus during the 100-foot trip down the ramp is on keeping the rig pointed straight. The ramp is just 40 feet wide, and after leveling out, Foust has just 90 feet to accelerate to more than 100 mph before hitting a 16-ft kick-up. During the trick, he was in the air for four seconds. In all, the jump was a well-executed childhood fantasy brought to life, and you can check out the video of the record-breaking stunt below. Original post: Hot Wheels and Tanner Foust Launch Truck 332 Feet From Giant...