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What can I say about the Miata that hasn't already been said more eloquently by others? It was a dreary, cold October day when I hopped into the little Mazda, and yet, by the time I had exited the garage, the top was down, and I had a huge grin on my face. Remember that old commercial where the guy in the Artic (or wherever) climbs into his Miata to catch one moment of sunshine? For once, I can assert there's truth in advertising.inline_mediumwraptextright26966302/reviews/editors_notebook/0911_2010_mazda_mx5_miata_grand_touring0911_03_z+2010_mazda_mX-5_miata_grand_touring+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

A midst insincere electric and hybrid promises and over-the-top, 500-plus-hp, 200-mph cars close to the hearts of German engineers and executives, there was one concept at the Frankfurt auto show that actually represented a credible synthesis of green and mean: BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics. I thought it was excessively busy but highly interesting. A little to my surprise, it was the clear favorite of many serious top-level designers from other companies whose work - and opinions - I respect. But then, who wouldn't like a three-cylinder diesel that gives you, with its associated electrical helpers, 351 hp, a bunch of torque, superlow emissions, and a claimed 63 mpg?inline_mediumwraptextright31006611/features/by_design/0912_bmw_vision_efficientdynamics_design_analysis0912_02_z+bMW_vision_efficientDynamics+side_view.jpgTrue