Auto News 5

The Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro pairs up a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in surprisingly impressive fuel economy of 33.6 mpg.

The U.S.-market 2011 Hyundai Elantra will be produced in Alabama. It'll be powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing some 148 horsepower (145 in California) and 131 pound-feet of torque (130 in California). Power will flow forth to a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual shifting capabilities or a six-speed manual before hitting the front wheels through a MacPherson strut suspension. The rear end will be held in place by a torsion beam design. Thanks to a slipper 0.28 drag coefficient, the new Elantra is rated at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway regardless of transmission choice. And, of course, the sheet metal and interior are all new.

Although General Motors announced it was working on an updated mild-hybrid system for its midsize sedan models, the automaker had avoided answering which vehicle would first receive the new powertrain. The answer, it seems, is the 2012 Buick LaCrosse: GM revealed today its new eAssist system will become the entry-level powertrain offering next year.

The Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro pairs up a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in surprisingly impressive fuel economy of 33.6 mpg.

Our 335is test car was a pre-production model and, although the Monroney listed cruise control and a two-way power glass moonroof and sliding interior sunshade as standard features, they were absent from our car. Presumably they will be present in any 335is coupe sold to a consumer. Our test example was alpine white over a coral red and black Dakota leather interior, a nice combination. This means red seats, red door inserts, but black dash and carpets, for practicality, and who wants red carpet anyway? Pebbly silver metal trim stretches across the width of the instrument panel and on the center console.