Auto News 5

As a result of the cantankerous divorce between Daimler and Chrysler, Ram has done without a large, commercial van for a little more than three years. That may seem like a small loss, but as Ram continues to target commercial and fleet buyers and increase its share of the vocational vehicle market, that small loss is a gaping hole -- especially when competitors are updating and innovating with new vans of their own.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT is a halo car with a devil's tail rather than an angel's wings. From the snarl of the twin-cam V-8 housed under the extravagantly long hood to the dramatic gullwing doors arcing up from the low-slung body, the two-seat supercar exudes a palpable sense of menace. With a claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 3.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 197 miles per hour, the bad-boy looks are more than skin deep.

Audi products are the Goldilocks of the German luxury scene. BMWs have inexplicably grown soft and disconnected from the driver. Mercedes' cars have a stodgy quality and sometimes surprisingly low-rent interiors. Audi finally has very good driving dynamics paired with its world-class design, both inside and out, and no negative brand stereotype.

In its quest to build as many different vehicles as possible from one common starting point, BMW has launched yet another volley: the 3 Series Gran Turismo. The 3 GT follows the pattern of the 5 Series Gran Turismo that came before it, splitting the difference between a sedan, crossover, and wagon. The 3 Series GT fills the tiny niche for buyers who want a high-riding 3 Series with a smidge more cargo room.