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I was part expecting and part hoping that the Transit Connect with rear windows and five seats would become a cult family vehicle for a small subset of the American population. Having driven the cargo version, I should have known better. The wagon variant is slightly more livable than the hauler with marginally reduced wind noise and far better visibility. But the rough ride, mediocre mechanicals, and Spartan interior mean it will only appeal to a handful of buyers outside of fleets.inline_mediumwraptextright27083642/reviews/editors_notebook/1003_2010_ford_transit_connect_xlt_wagon1003_04_z+2010_ford_transit_connect_xLT_wagon+profile.jpgTrue

I’ve spent a lot of time behind the wheel of a V-8 Audi R8 coupe, so getting into the all-new, 2011 Audi R8 V-10 Spyder roadster created a flood of both familiar and totally new impressions. Gone is the iconic “side blade” that could be had in contrasting color or carbon fiber on the coupe; in its place is a new composite-plastic fender. But the cabin is just as gorgeous as ever, and the mix of colors and materials that are available to line the cabin are rich and enticing. Our first test car was done up in the official launch color, Teak Brown, which beautifully complemented sumptuous tan leather seats with coordinating brown stitching. The instrument panel and dash were covered in black leather with tan stitching that matched the seats. The overall effect was mesmerizing not just to me and my codriver but also to dozens of onlookers in Nice, France, where we arrived this morning to be among the very first group of journalists to drive the ragtop R8 along the beaches and on the thrilling mountain roads above the French Riviera.

The I.D.E.A. institute is coming to Geneva again this year, and this time they're bringing a four-door, four-seat hybrid concept sure to encourage comparisons to the Fisker Karma.inline_mediumwraptextright28271932/green/news/1003_2010_idea_institute_sofia_hybrid_conceptidea-institute-sofia-rear-three-quarter.jpgTrue

The I.D.E.A. institute is coming to Geneva again this year, and this time they're bringing a four-door, four-seat hybrid concept sure to encourage comparisons to the Fisker Karma.inline_mediumwraptextright28262629/green/news/1003_2010_idea_four_door_hybrid_concept1003_18_z+2010_IDEA_four_door_hybrid_concept+teaser_illustration.jpgTrue

The Aston Martin Cygnet, a tiny four-seat city car based on the Toyota iQ that's making its public debut at the 2010 Geneva show, is said by Aston to encompass the creativity and prestige of the luxury brand while exhibiting an environmentally conscious approach.inline_mediumwraptextright28273897/features/news/1003_aston_martin_cygnet1003_02_z+aston_martin_cygnet+front_three_quarter_view.JPG.jpgTrue

The Grand C-Max that Ford unveiled in Geneva on the eve of the first press day gives us a good look at the interior materials that will be used in the Focus when it goes on sale in the USA in early 2011. Likely to be dubbed the Focus C-Max when it goes on sale in the States in late 2011, the seven-seat mini minivan's great-feeling steering wheel, cascading center dash, and rich mixture of interior materials bode well for the Focus sedan and five-door hatch.inline_mediumwraptextright26954594/features/news/1003_2012_ford_grand_cmaxFord-Grand-C-Max-front-three-quarter-view.jpgTrue

The new Mercedes-Benz E-class cabrio is based on the 2010 E-class coupe that debuted last year. Bringing the total Mercedes-Benz E-class family to four members---sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible---it goes on sale in the USA on May 10, 2010, as two well-equipped models: the V-6 E350 and the V-8 E550, which reflect the same powertrains as the coupe. The E350 cabrio is expected to start at about $58,000; since the E550 coupe costs about $7000 more than the E350 coupe, we would expect the same price spread in the E-class convertible, such that the E550 cabrio will likely start at about $65,000.inline_mediumwraptextright26978423/reviews/driven/1002_2011_mercedes_benz_e_class_cabriolet1002_02_z+2011_mercedes_benz_e350_cabriolet+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

I was reprimanded within the first few seconds of driving this showroom-perfect 1990 Ferrari Testarossa. "I saw that. You shifted at six grand," said the man in the passenger seat. I gulped. I'm in trouble. "Next time don't let off before seven - let it go deep into the red. Oh, and keep the revs over 3000 at all times."inline_mediumwraptextright32192823/features/collectible_classic/1003_1984_1991_ferrari_testarossa1003_01_z+1990_ferrari_testarossa+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue