Auto News 5

With a 300hp AWD Turbo-charged engine, dynamic chassis and advanced stability traction control, you'll see why it's the first Volvo to be called Naughty. Check it out in a video review by Jean Jennings, Automobile Magazine's President and Editor-in-Chief. Ground breaking, exciting and credible luxury are a few words to describe the all new Volvo S60. The Volvo S60 is propelled to be more than just power and safety behind it, while maintaining a sleek and gorgeous design. Read our 2011 Volvo S60 review.

Since the GVWR of the Silverado 2500HD is so high, General Motors isn't legally required to post fuel economy figures on the window sticker. That's too bad, as it may well be a selling point. I piloted this long-bed, crew-cab, four-wheel-drive diesel monster between Howell and Alma, Michigan, averaging about 75 mph on all roads. According to the on-board computer, I averaged just above 18 mpg; a bout of city driving brought that figure to the high side of 16 mpg. That's quite impressive for such a capable machine.

The runway at Norway's Kristiansand airport has been closed for our test, and the final takeoff section has been converted into a challenging autocross course. I taxi slowly down the tarmac, turn around, wait for the thumbs-up-and give it stick. The sensation that follows can be described only as mind-boggling. After four seconds, the yellow cruise missile, with a combined 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque coming from its four electric motors, passes the 62-mph mark. A few heartbeats later, we tick 100 mph. Past the airport tower, the speedometer indicates 125 mph, and before the first cone appears, I swear I see 150 mph.

By bringing the 2012 Focus ST to the United States, Ford hopes to erase memories of the last Focus to wear the ST moniker: a plebeian ZX4 sedan with minor chassis modifications and a spoiler. The reintroduction of a high-performance Focus in the United States is Ford’s response to hosannas from devotees of the long-departed Focus SVT. Earlier this year, Ford displayed the range of Focus models at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a marked improvement in styling and a jump in size over the outgoing Focus. The new ST is the first development from Ford’s Performance Vehicles department, headed by Jost Capito, the man responsible for tuning the first-generation Focus RS. Whereas the Focus SVT was available as either a three- or five-door hatchback, the 2012 Focus ST will be a five-door hatchback only.

In late June, Mazda officially declared its Nagare design language dead after a brief brush with production. Now, Mazda has unveiled a new design theme with its Shinari concept, dubbed Kodo. Company executives also gave an indication of future platform and further development of the "Sky" powertrain.