With the introduction of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, General Motors at last has some truly competitive, top-notch small-car choices in its lineup. And it’s about time; with decades of inconsistent model entries and frequently shifting nameplates—Chevette, Vega, Spectrum, Sprint, Metro, Cavalier, Cobalt, Aveo—GM’s small cars have often… Go here to see the original: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic: Subcompact, Definitely Not Subpar

Change is coming to The Car Connection, and these screen shots are your first look at the latest version of our flagship review site here at High Gear Media. We’ve been redesigning our other destinations, including Motor Authority, Green Car Reports, and Family Car Guide, and now we’re putting the same finesse at work on the latest version of TCC… Continued here: First Look: The Car Connection’s New Look

Battery-powered electric cars and gas-electric hybrid vehicles might emit less chemical pollutants into the air. But eco-vehicles, such as Toyota’s 2012 Prius V hybrid, will have another kind of emission: Noise. In July, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced new regulations requiring electric vehicles (EVs) to emit sounds to alert pedestrians and others of their proximity to a nearly-silent running EV. On YouTube, Toyota explained how its “vehicle proximity notification” system would work on its upcoming Prius hybrid. Like the artificial noise-maker in the Nissan Leaf , Toyota’s system emits a “futuristic hum” from external speakers only when the Prius is moving at 15 mph or slower. However, the Prius’ noise-maker will also raise or lower the pitch of the hum based on the vehicle’s speed. This gives pedestrians the ability to gauge the speed and direction of the Prius, says Toyota. Prius’ artificial engine noise demonstrated, explained [CNet] Toyota demos Prius’ proximity notification system, touts ‘futuristic’ purr [Engadget] For more on the new Prius V, see our related reports: Pricing: 2012 Toyota Prius V and Prius Plug-in Behind the wheel: 2012 Toyota Prius V wagon Video: 2012 Prius V second drive Continued here: Toyota’s 2012 Prius V hybrid will make noise to alert pedestrians

The Mercedes CLS63 AMG receives a 100 HP jump, a more aerodynamic exterior and a luxurious interior update Here is the original post:  Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG by German Tuner Carlsson

HS 250h hybrid best value in the luxury segment AutoPacific and IntelliChoice Reveal 2011 Motorist Choice Awards Using survey data from 72,000 vehicle owners with a particular focus on customer satisfaction and cost of ownership, AutoPacific and IntelliChoice have revealed their 2011 Motorist Choice Awards. And a few hybrid cars made the list. In the eco-friendly category the Ford Fusion hybrid picked up the ‘popular’ choice Award, while the Lincoln MKZ hybrid took the ‘premium’ Award. In the value category, the Lexus HS 250h hybrid earned the ‘premium’ pick. Source: MotorTrend Here is the original post: Lexus, Ford hybrids earn 2011 Motorist Choice Awards

The Basics: If you haven’t driven a pony car in decades, you’re in for a pleasant shock. Cars like today’s Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger aren’t brutal-handling shipping containers for hoary V-8 engines. They’re no longer cavemen. Yes, they’re brutally fast, and now, great handling isn’t just on the menu–it’s a main course. It’s especially… The rest is here:  2012 Ford Mustang

If you’re looking for a deal on a late-model used car, keep looking. Thanks to the continued slowdown in sales and leases of new cars (which become “used” the minute they’re driven off of the showroom floor), the fact that people are holding onto their cars longer, and ongoing demand from value-conscious buyers who don’t want to buy new, good used cars are going for higher prices than ever — if you can even find one. In an announcement Thursday, national dealer network Carmax said it was selling fewer used cars, and is having trouble getting them at a decent price. “Average selling prices continued to climb, as the tight supply of late-model used vehicles increased our acquisition costs compared with the prior year,” the company said in a statement. Despite higher prices, late-model used cars are still a good deal, according to Consumer Reports’ auto experts: Late-model vehicles are still among the best values you’ll find. They usually have many years of life left in them and often have advanced safety features. And they’ve already taken their biggest hit in depreciation. A new car loses about 64 percent of its value in the first five years, but a three-year-old car, for example, will lose only about 32 percent in the next five years. To avoid paying extra, Consumer Reports suggests not going for “certified” vehicles: “Buying a certified car is like buying insurance in case something happens, and we’ve found you often pay more for the warranty than you would for any needed repairs. Instead, buy a reliable used car and pocket the money you’d spend on the certification.” View original here:  Why you can’t find a good used car at the right price

The Prius now sounds like a spaceship, and Honda continues to preview the upcoming 2012 CR-V. Dads would rather drive a crossover than a minivan–yes, we know, shock–and Volvo is downsizing. All this and more in today’s car news, right here on TheCarConnection. Honda showed off the 2012 CR-V Concept in Anaheim, and the lightly changed real… See the rest here:  2012 Honda CR-V, OnStar, 2012 Toyota Prius: Today’s Car News

The ‘idiots behind the wheel’ bar has risen considerably by these morons in mid-sized sedans. Brandishing guns, shooting from car window’s and driving like they are being electrocuted, the 10 minute video was filmed in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the invalids drew a crowd off people, thus encouraging them further. As if that wasn’t enough, the Accord is thrown in the path of other motorists and near a school bus. For shame, for shame! See the original post: Video: Invalids in cars terrorise other drivers Go here to read the rest:  Video: Invalids in cars terrorise other drivers

You have two choices for installing a convertible child safety seat in the rear-facing mode: You can use the vehicle’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Or you can use the vehicle’s seat belt. Which is better? Our technicians found it easier to achieve a secure fit with LATCH. (See our convertible car seat Ratings for the best performers.) Rear-facing installations with the vehicle’s 3-point seatbelt may cause the safety seat to tilt to one side, as the “shoulder” portion of the belt tries to pull upward on the seat. LATCH can avoid this. If your car doesn’t have LATCH, you can install the seat using a locking clip, leaving the belt in “unlocked” mode to keep the seat in place. For more information, see more convertible car seat tricks of the trade . Originally posted here:  LATCH vs. seatbelts: Which is best for rear-facing convertible car seats?

Always expect the unexpected, that’s the moral of the video after the break. The footage shows a large red lorry making a quick manoeuvre to avoid contact with the vehicle, a Mini, in front after it crashed into another car. Check it out! See the original post: Video: Skills!; Truck driver performs neat manouver on motorway See the original post: Video: Skills!; Truck driver performs neat manouver on motorway

Despite the release of the new ML, the older version still has considerable life in it because of aftermarket tuners’ never-ending ideas for upgrades and makeovers. Tuner Kicherer has released a Carbon Series-designated ML63, which, as the name implies, is clad in carbon fiber, lots of carbon fiber. Actually, the carbon fiber look is a wrap, which is quite the rage for some segments of the aftermarket nowadays. To the new look, Kicherer adds black-finished 23-inch wheels. Complementing the take-no-prisoners look is a stainless steel sport exhaust, with a matching ECU remap to take advantage of the freer breathing. As a result, output has been lifted to 540 horsepower. This horsepower hike provides enough grunt to propel this SUV to a top speed of 250 km/h. In addition to the external upgrades, customers have the option to replace the steering wheel with an Alcantara-clad model, as well as install carbon fiber trim pieces to match the exterior of the car. View post: Kicherer Releases Carbon Fiber Series For Outgoing ML63 AMG

Another personality with a classic Mercedes is once again in the news, but not because it was stolen. Singer Sheryl Crow recently put her 1965 Mercedes SL up for auction, with the intention of donating the proceeds to charity. In this case, it was for the tornado-hit schools in Joplin, Missouri, where an estimated $150 million in damages were incurred. At the auction where the ‘65 Mercedes SL changed owners, an anonymous couple brought the price of the classic car up to $130,000.  This couple also donated another $130,000 for the charitable cause. Together with her Mercedes SL, Crow also donated one of her guitars, a Gibson, which also went to the anonymous couple. The rest is here: Singer Sheryl Crow Auctions Her ’65 SL For Charity

Active Sound Design delivers precise feedback. M5 drivers will be given an even more direct reminder of their car’s performance capability by technology that brings the distinctive sound of the high-performance V8 – in all its glory – into the cabin of the new BMW M5. The Active Sound Design technology specially developed for the new BMW M5 takes its cues from the driving situation at any one time to deliver an accurate reproduction of the engine’s sound through the car’s audio system. The system’s digital signal processing exchanges data directly with the engine management, allowing it to reflect the engine’s revs and torque, and the car’s speed over the road. The result over a smoothly driven journey is a discreet soundtrack in keeping with the harmonious and assured characteristics of the V8 powerplant. A stamp on the accelerator, meanwhile, prompts an immediate audible response to match the instantaneous – and typically M – burst of power from beneath the bonnet. In generating its signals, Active Sound Design takes its cues from the firing sequence of the eight-cylinder engine and the frequency range of the exhaust system. This gives the driver an extremely accurate impression of current engine load and an even more intense sensation of the V8’s high-performance characteristics. At the same time the Active Sound Design control unit ensures an even spread of sound across all five seats of the new BMW M5, while observing the legal guidelines governing noise emissions inside and outside the car. The characteristics of the sound produced by the technology also adjust to the engine settings selected by the driver. For example, switching to “Sport” or “Sport+” mode sharpens not only the engine’s responsiveness but also the acoustic experience inside the car. [Source: BMW ] Go here to see the original: Active Sound Design brings the M5 engine sound into the cabin

Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep know something about performance. When Chrysler emerged out of its bankruptcy to have a partnership (ok, buyout deal) with Fiat, the company’s Street Performance and Technology division (SRT) had new life breathed into it. SRT has brought us excellent new vehicles like the 300 SRT-8 and Magnum SRT-8 392, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8. The basis for powering these models is the company’s stellar 6.4-liter HEMI, which makes 470 horsepower and 470 pound feet of torque. For a hauler with some practicality, Dodge used to have the Magnum but that car was cancelled. Some in the company want to bring it back, but we digress. Coming by way of Edmunds Inside Line , there is reports that the new seven-seat Durango could be the next vehicle to receive SRT treatment. Given that the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 seats five-passengers, a Durango SRT-8 wouldn’t step on its toes as it resides in a space in the market. The Grand Cherokee and Magnum do share what is underneath, making a performance Durango an inexpensive development proposition. Due to the parts commonality, any new models would increase economies of scale. Similar thoughts are running through the decision-making minds at Chrysler, but also a set of competing and opposing reasons. The Durango is already available with the HEMI in R/T guise, and only seven percent of Durango buyers have opted for that. In a tight economy with expensive gas prices, the 370 hp R/T probably doesn’t make the most sense for families. Sense is overrated though isn’t it? Just kidding. If Dodge does do an SRT-8 they will want to keep the price down. The company is already looking for ways to reduce some of the features on the Grand Cherokee SRT-8 in order to lower its $54,470 price tag. Regardless of where it lands on the price spectrum, the SRT-8 would be a definite interest-building niche model. Hold on kids, that would be one wild ride. If the Durango SRT-8 does arrive, expect it to hit the market in 2013. Related posts: 2011 Dodge Durango Unveiled (Sort of) Covers Come Off the 2011 Dodge Durango Dodge Durango Heat is R/T Without the V-8 Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Read the original post: 7 Passengers, 470 Horsepower: Durango SRT-8 Under Consideration