Auto News 5

There goes another one -- a Mercedes-Benz S-class, doing at least 100 mph, shoulders aside my Volkswagen Golf TDI on a rain-lashed German autobahn.inline_mediumwraptextright25746371/green/reviews/0910_2010_volkswagen_golf_tdi0910_09_z+2010_volkswagen_golf+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Though they were highly successful during the Age of Titans (1934-39) era with 24 Grand Prix victories to their credit, the Auto Union racers designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche were not the first to use a mid-engined layout. The Benz RH (Rennwagen Heckmotor) designed, constructed, and raced by Mannheim's Benz & Cie. beginning in 1922 (four years before their merger with Mercedes was completed) owns that honor. Four RH cars were built and two scored respectable finishes at their debut in the 1923 Monza Grand Prix.

Volkswagen New Beetle
Since its 1998 introduction, the New Beetle has received only a bare minimum of changes adding up to some new engines and minor styling tweaks. Despite its lengthy run, the New Beetle's age doesn't even compare to that of the original Bug. That car had a 35-year production run, selling outside of the U.S. as recently as 2003. An all-new replacement for the current model is expected by 2011, meaning the New Beetle will have had a thirteen-year life.

Return with us to those blissful days when Detroit's rule of the automotive roost was unchallenged by foes from east or west. In 1964 - the year suburban Detroit's Woodward Avenue became the country's favorite unofficial drag strip - Toyota was just breaking out of its Toyopet shell, and a fledgling Mercedes-Benz was still prepping for flight from the Studebaker-Packard nest. Hyundai didn't exist, and Nissan was pronounced "DAT-sun." The most energetic Porsche packed 145 hp.