Auto News 5

A weekend driving this mid-size pickup reminded me how much I miss owning such a handy workhorse. In stark contrast to the F-150, Sierra, and Ram monster trucks, the Dakota is significantly more manageable, fuel efficient, and socially acceptable. After taking a 350-mile round trip on Saturday, my Sunday assignment was pulling a trailer weighing at least twice the rated tow rating. A lack of grades, high temperatures, and traffic helped accomplish that ambitious chore without difficulty, although I don't recommend it for towing novices. With ample room for five, four doors for convenient access, and a 64-inch-long bed, this Dakota is the ideal suburban-lifestyle support vehicle. A longer bed, 4x4 driveline, and V-8 are not on my list of essentials. So before you follow the herd with a too-big truck, take a serious look at this highly practical alternative.

BMW's striking Vision EfficientDynamics concept is headed for production in late 2012 or early 2013 as a 450-hp, twin-turbocharged halo for the company's new environmental initiative. Theoretically at least, the production car, which may be badged M100 (shown here as an artist's interpretation based on spy photos), has what it takes to eclipse its most serious rivals. Extensive computer simulation suggests that it will outpace the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the Audi R8 5.2, and the Porsche 911 Turbo. Power will likely come from the twin-turbo in-line six that's being cooked up for the next M3 and will be transmitted to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch automatic transmission.