Auto News 5

No, I didn't abandon my family to be with the Porsche Cayman S, but I was extremely tempted, taking several detours on the trip home to my tiny baby and my understanding wife. Nothing demands a joy ride like a Porsche. I know, I know: the 911 is iconically divine. But for my money, I'd rather own a Boxster or a Cayman than a tail-heavy and much more expensive 911. More specifically, I'd probably pick a Boxster S because of its opening roof and smaller price. Yet every time I see a gorgeous Cayman--or am exposed to the lusciously rumbly sound track filling its cabin--I become torn. I suppose it's very fortunate, then, that I'm not in the market for one of these cars. Sigh.inline_mediumwraptextright29346798/reviews/editors_notebook/0908_2009_porsche_cayman_s0908_20_z+2009_porsche_cayman_s+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Pontiac ruled. And this 1964 Grand Prix is one of the best-looking and most impressive Pontiacs ever. Yes, it's a big boat. Front and rear overhangs are excessive, and the wheels are tucked a bit too far into the body, but it is an absolutely magnificent expression of American car design back when design teams - under Bill Mitchell in this case - created beauty, not space efficiency or ergonomics, and engineers dealt mainly with power and torque, not fuel economy or pollution. In many senses we are well rid of such excess, but in absolute terms the loss of such cars, and the loss of Pontiac itself, is a national tragedy.

Inside
Aside from the engine, the area of greatest improvement for the LR4 is the interior. Gone is the confusing and unintuitive infotainment system and in its place is an easy to use touch-screen unit. All of the materials used, from the dash to the door panels, are softer and more luxurious than the LR3's. There's a new steering wheel with better controls for everything from infotainment functions to the cruise control. Those very familiar with the ordering guide for the LR3 will notice two new interior colors. There are new seats for the first and second row passengers, but not for those forced to ride in the optional third row. LR4s with the optional Premium Leather pack also gain adjustable side bolsters in the front bucket seats. A new ambient lighting system uses white LEDs to highlight the metal door handles and the center console area when the headlights are on.

The federal government has released its list of the new cars most often purchased under the Cash for Clunkers program, and the "clunkers" most often traded in. In the first month of the program (July 1st through August 5th), the Ford Explorer was the most-junked vehicle, while the Toyota Corolla topped the list of government-subsidized new-car purchases.

AutomobileMag.com has been keeping a close eye on the Chinese battery company and auto manufacturer, BYD. We reported on its presence at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, and Don Sherman interviewed the company's chairman.