The new Mercedes-Benz SL arrives next spring with all-aluminum construction, weighing at least 250 pounds less than its predecessor. Plus, its 4.7-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V8 makes 429 horsepower to the old car’s 382. Torque? The current SL 550’s normally aspirated 5.5-liter is good for “only” 391 lb-ft while the new car churns up 516 lb-ft.

After years of waiting for Henrik Fisker’s radical and ambitious concept to become a real production vehicle, I laid eyes on a production Karma recently at Caffeine & Octane, a local monthly gathering of enthusiasts and their cars. Days later, I was behind the wheel of said car, getting my first real impression of this unparalleled machine. Intellectual justification for […]

My coverage of this year’s Tokyo Motor Show is live on Autotrader.com. I write about vehicles like the Audi A1 Sportback and Honda N Box, both of which will be available soon in foreign markets, and concepts like the near-production-ready Mazda Takeri and the VW’s plug-in hybrid Cross Coupe. Volkswagen Passat Alltrack BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Honda EV-STER Concept Honda N […]

‎32 mpg on a 70-75 mph highway trip in the Mini Coupe JCW

I’ve been hard at work covering debuts from several manufacturers for Autotrader.com. I’ll update links here as the articles are published. 2012 Hyundai Azera 2012 Porsche 911 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS 2013 Audi S6 2013 Audi S7 2013 Audi S8 Buick LaCrosse GL Concept    

Back in September, my article on the Porsche My Daily Magic film competition pointed out Michael Koerbel’s clever transitional device in his film “It’s a Magical Life.” Koerbel’s film went on to win the competition, earning him a trip to LA, nationwide screening in theaters and on television, and a 1-year lease on a new 911. With so many special, […]