Hybrid option from Toyota Avalon

For the first time, Toyota Avalon buyers will have a choice of powertrains when the new car goes on sale later this year.

One option will be the familiar 3.5-liter DOHC V6 that sees duty in the current Avalon hooked to a revised six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota claims that this combination will achieve a fuel-mileage rating of 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The 2013 Audi A4 Allroad is a more upmarket machine

It's no secret we love our high-riding SUVs and crossovers in the United States, but cars still outsell utilities by a 2-to-1 margin. For automakers, that's a clue that there is significant sales potential to buyers who pine for an off-road vehicle but secretly desire a sportier, more carlike cruiser for the highway.

Bentley EXP 9 F, the Lamborghini Urus and the Maserati Kubang who will win?

The big luxury utes are coming, and I've been thinking about them quite a bit lately. In particular, I speak of the Bentley EXP 9 F, the Lamborghini Urus and the Maserati Kubang. At first glance they seem illogical; they're all imposing and, each in its own way, over the top. They've often been snickered at by the assembled media types at whichever auto show they happen to be revealed. I say they deserve another look.

Systems "driverless cars" should lead to lower car insurance rates!

The first "driverless cars" now are hitting the highways, aiming to reduce accidents and make traveling safer. Fewer accidents should lead to lower car insurance rates. But who will be "at fault" if an automated car causes a crash?

Tesla's Model S luxury auto is spectacular.

The electric wonder's attributes go far beyond its claim to fame as the longest-range production electric car, EPA rated at 265 miles. (Tesla says it will go 300 miles at a continuous 55 miles per hour.) Most electric cars can't do much more than 100 miles a charge, unless they have backup gas engines, like the Chevrolet Volt. Tesla has no backup.

2013 Ford Mustang is winner, this is great news!

The 2013 Ford Mustang configurator is back online with new features. Now, normally, this wouldn't warrant a mention. But the contest in which you could win a new Mustang, Mustang GT, Boss 302 or Shelby got our attention.

Style and Design

Italy's Terra dei Motori, translated as the “land of engines,” is familiar and sacred ground among the automotive literate. Born out of mechanical engineering and craftsmanship, the country's most illustrious supercars are built in the famous enclaves of Maranello, Sant'Agata Bolognese and Castelfranco Emilia. Creations capable of speeds in excess of 205 mph not only require powerful engines and mechanical prowess; they must also embody certain characteristics that improve the function of the form. This is where Flavio Manzoni, Filippo Perini and Horacio Pagani make their marks.