Auto News 5

"This car is a spaceship," my son informed me, in the matter-of-fact tone he always uses when presenting knowledge imparted by commercials. I expect that he's somewhat outside the target demographic -- he's nine -- but his awareness is at least an indicator that Lincoln's message is filling the airwaves. And while that message is an obvious overstatement, the tech-laden MKS is undeniably the poster child for a big push underway at Lincoln, and parent company Ford as well. You'd be forgiving for thinking that CEO and recent Seattle transplant Alan Mulally had been plucked from Microsoft rather than Boeing.inline_mediumwraptextright24965581/reviews/driven/0908_2010_lincoln_mks0908_07_z+2010_lincoln_mKS+profile_view.jpgTrue

It may be wrenching on a crossover and toying with eco-friendly electric vehicles, but Mini hasn't forgotten about its die-hard, speed-crazed enthusiasts. The Mini Coupe Concept, which debuts at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, is aimed squarely at this demographic.

This $33,170 so-called "Sport" edition of the Fusion doesn't really work for me. The general demeanor of the Fusion does not lend itself to sportiness, no matter how you dress up the car. Yeah, the seats are pretty nice, but, really, what is the point of this particular Fusion trim level? This car is trying too hard to be something it's never going to be.inline_mediumwraptextright24626542/reviews/editors_notebook/0908_2010_ford_fusion_sport_awd0908_04_z+2010_ford_fusion_sport_aWD+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

The SLK has been a solid success since its launch in 1996. In early 2011, we'll see the third generation of the roadster, which wants to be more aggressive in appearance and character. Despite a slightly longer front end (to comply with European pedestrian-protection rules), a mildly extended trunk (which holds 11.2 cubic feet instead of 9.8), and a longer wheelbase (for improved stability), the target weight is reduced by more than 200 pounds. The cabin adopts certain E-class elements, but the design theme is much sportier and less ornamental. Options include a two-speed neck-and-back warmer, heated and ventilated seats with massage, night vision, lane-departure warning, and active cruise control. The chassis will be tuned for more grip and quicker responses; new items include adjustable dampers, eighteen-inch wheels, bigger brakes, and variable-ratio steering. A direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 will be available at launch; later, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 (in two versions, producing about 300 hp and 350 hp, respectively) steps in. The AMG model starts out with the 6.2-liter V-8 that's familiar to most of the AMG lineup but is significantly hotter than the current SLK55 AMG's aged powerplant. The 6.2-liter will eventually give way to a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V-8, which matches its power and torque while substantially bettering its mileage and lowering emissions. Mercedes-Benz's Blue Efficiency effort could add hybrid elements after 2010 and even a plug-in hybrid in 2013.