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•  The Fiat Panda
  Fiat presents the new Panda at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. It is a consistent evolution of a successful city car that in its 31-year history has always been a synonym of functional design, manoeuvrability, space, reliability and comfort.
  
  The Panda is all this and something more: a brand rich in strong rational and emotional value, which has won over more than 6.5 million drivers by supplying simple but smart solutions for the real necessities of everyday mobility.
  
  Everything is a whole lot easier on board the Panda. It is easier to move, park, have the right amount of space and modulate it to your liking, feel at ease and relate wîth others. Important solutions that are expressed in a philosophy of life.
•  Alfa Romeo 4C Fluid Metal Concept
  Únveiled in a world premier at the Geneva Motor Show last April and voted 'Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year' by the readers of the German magazine, Auto Bild, the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept exhibited in Frankfurt is distinguished by a new and exclusive 'Fluid Metal' exterior colour. This new livery, like a sheet of forged metal, perfectly fits on the 4C Concept shapes wîth a fluid and liquid pigment that combined wîth the base creates a silvery reflecting effect and by dynamically running down the sinuous line of the car enhances its force and technicality.
  
  Planned to go on sale during 2013, when it is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo's global growth plan, starting today this compact 'supercar' is 'Ambassador DNA Technology', or ambassador of the engineering heritage that distinguishes the Alfa Romeo vehicles of today and tomorrow, representing their most advanced level.
•  Ford Evos Concept – The Ultimate Expression of Ford's New Global Design and Technology Vision
  Making its global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Ford Evos Concept represents the ultimate expression of Ford's new global design language, and explores key future powertrain and vehicle technologies.
  
  Created as a bespoke concept vehicle, the fastback introduces Ford's first truly global design language as the momentum of the company's One Ford product plan continues to build.
  
  'The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,' said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development.
•  Land Rover Confirms All-New Defender Concept For Frankfurt Motor Show
  The Land Rover DC100, a modern interpretation of the iconic Land Rover Defender will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
  
  Land Rover also confirms today, that production of a new Defender is intended for 2015.
  
  Commenting on the Land Rover DC100 concept car,Gerry McGovern, Director of Design, Land Roversaid:'Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. This isn't a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century.'
•  2012 ROUTAN: THE VOLKSWAGEN OF MINIVANS
  The Routan is VW's most family-friendly vehicle. If you want evidence, it's not just the touchscreen multi-media entertainment system, or the integrated iPod® interface, or even the easy cleaning Vienna Leather and Leatherette seating surfaces that tell you—it's the Getränkehalter. And this newest Routan boasts 13 of them.
  
  These are family-sized cup holders strategically positioned around the Routan's cabin. Two in the center stack storage bin. One in each of the front and rear doors. Four in the sliding center console. And three more in the back.
  
  And wîth the Routan's twin deep, under-floor storage bins, each designed to accommodate a six-pack of sodas, theoretically the tally of Getränkehalter is closer to 15.
•  New 2012 Jeep® Wrangler: A New Heart, the Same Soul
  Jeep® Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – becomes even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new five-speed automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.
  
  The all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission dramatically enhance Wrangler's on-road driving performance – delivering up to 21 miles per gallon, 40 percent more power and 10 percent more torque – while also taking the vehicle's legendary off-road capability to a new level.
•  Peugeot HX1 Concept
  The HX1 Concept Car gives Peugeot the opportunity to once again illustrate the marque's ability to reflect on new ideas, learn how to evolve and to continually reinvent itself.
  
  The brief for this concept was to produce a vehicle for up to six people, offering strong styling, that is sporty and efficient and at the same time giving a unique driving sensation.
  
  To achieve this, the Peugeot HX1 Concept transcends the notions of adaptability in all areas, wîth its extreme aerodynamics ('flaps' are deployed to optimise aero efficiency according to vehicle speed), its tapered, low MPV architecture and its HYbrid4 power plant integrating 'plug-in' technology.
•  The Ford Model 40 Special Speedster
  It has grace, style and a 77-year history shrouded in mystery that has intrigued automotive collectors, enthusiasts and writers worldwide. Edsel Ford's restored 1934 Model 40 Special Speedster was unveiled today by Lincoln and the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House at The Lodge, Pebble Beach in Monterey County, Calif. It will appear again on Sunday August 21, at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Restored to its timeless elegance, Edsel's personal roadster shared its story of a decades-long journey.
  
  The Speedster's extensive restoration by award-winning RM Auto Restoration in Ontario, Canada, revealed the stunning, custom made 'one off' as it originally looked in 1940 after its final redesign by Edsel and designer E. T. Gregorie. The revelations uncovered during a year-long restoration have resolved many long-held assumptions about the illustrious vehicle's journey over time. But more than a story of restoration, the vehicle provides a glimpse into the early years of Edsel Ford's design and automotive styling as President of Ford Motor Company and its luxury Lincoln line.
•  The Maserati Ghibli
  The Maserati Ghibli was introduced at the Turin Motor Show in 1966. Its design was courtesy of Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ghia. The name 'Ghibli' continued Maserati's naming scheme after the wind. Ghibli is the name for a collection of winds blowing across the Sahara desert. It was fitted with Maserati's most powerful engine to date, a 4.7-liter V8 that promised power and performance.
  
  This Maserati Ghibli is one of just 1,149 examples producing during the production lifespan, lasting from 1967 through 1973.
•  The Peugeot 508 RXH
  Peugeot's new up-market 508 RXH combines the traditional designation of Peugeot models, incorporating the central zero, and three letters that characterise the Marques specialist vehicles. It has its own styling and distinctive character within the 508 range positioned in an exclusive world that combines premium-positioning, technology wîth the ability to experience adventure and promises of a new and unparalleled driving experience.
  
  The Peugeot 508 RXH is offered in a single trim finish, generously-equipped, in accordance wîth its distinctive high-end positioning. All of the high-tech equipment available either as standard or as an option accentuates its exclusive character: 'Open and Go' Stop Start, Colour Head Úp Display (that includes the display of the navigation system information), main beam head lamps assistance, automatic electric parking brake, new telematics, JBL hi-fi stereo, Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance, Xenon lights, etc.
•  2012 VOLKSWAGEN EOS: BEAUTIFUL DESIGN, RAIN OR SHINE
  It takes just twenty-five second for the 2012 Volkswagen Eos to transform from a two-door coupe to an open-top, four-seat convertible. The Eos is the only vehicle on the market to offer a full-width, power-tilt-and-slide, panoramic glass sunroof integrated in to its hardtop. For 2012, the second-generation Eos was given major styling changes that included a complete new front-end redesign together with a host of new features. This latest version went on sale in the Ú.S. in spring 2011.
  
  Powering the Eos is a 2 liter, 200 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled to a DSG dual-clutch six-speed automatic.
  
  Adding to the considerable versatility of the 2012 Eos is its ability to carry four adults in comfort, and still have space for their luggage.
•  Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Edition
  Infiniti today releases the first image of its concept car to star at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13. It will be unveiled by the Infiniti FX driver who helped design it: reigning Formula One World Champion, Sebastian Vettel.
•  Ferrari 400 Superamerica
  This Ferrari 400 Superamerica, chassis number 3559 SA, was sold at the recent RM Auction in Monterey, CA for the sum of $2,090,000. Born from the Superfast series of concept cars, the first model America to be produced was the 340. Born at a time when people were trying to finally emerge from the ruin of the Second World War and were ready to spend money and enjoy life, Ferrari decided to blend the excitement of motor racing with its customer cars. Utilizing the same engine that powered the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One cars like the 212, the 340 could produce over 197 hp. Only 23 would be built between 1950 and 1952.
  
  Different models of the America series would continue to be made. The 375 America, which would be produced between 1951 and 1955 would end up using the same engine that would power the Ferrari 375 in the 1951 World Championship. The 4.5-liter engine was capable of producing nearly 300 hp. Only about 40 would be built over the five year span.
•  BMW 507 At Auction
  At the recent RM Auction held in Monterey, California, this BMW was sold for the sum of $1,072,500 (included buyers premium).
  
  Anything truly iconic is a matter of taste reaching a critical mass. It involved timing and the willingness to take a chance. It would be fitting; therefore, that such an iconic car would attract such icons as owners.
  
  It wouldn't start that way for the 507. Missteps in the manufacturing of the car would cause the price of each car to go well above estimated price levels. Originally conceived by the automobile importer Max Hoffman to fill a gap between the expensive Mercedes-Benz 300SL and the cheaper Triumphs and MG sports car, the new BMW design was to sell for about $5,000. The trouble in production would end up driving the price up to $9,000 and upwards of $10,000 in the end. This was driving BMW to the brink of bankruptcy. It was costing the company money with each 507 built.
•  The CC blends dramatic styling and sporty dynamics with sedan comfort and versatility
  As luxury four-door coupes become the new definition of automotive style, the 2012 Volkswagen CC continues to offer this sleek, dramatic look at a highly attainable price. With its sweeping roofline, dramatic body detailing, low-to-the-ground stance, and elegant frameless side windows, the Volkswagen CC offers expressive, head-turning design for the cost of a traditional sedan.
  
  For the 2012 model year, buyers have a choice of six unique models starting wîth the extremely well-equipped 2.0T Sport at $28,515, each one offering athletic performance and dynamic handling along wîth no-compromise German engineering.
•  1899 Columbia Mark XXXV
  In a day and age when there is a huge push to reduce emissions and to clean the environment many have images of going back to the days of the horse and buggy. But around 1899, Columbia would give the world its impressions of the future and of what an electric, zero emissions, car would look like.
  
  Back before the days of fancy advertising and branding, Columbia would simply call it the 'Columbia Electric Landaulet'. The Columbia design would result from the merger of Pope Manufacturing Company and Electric Vehicle Company in 1899. In its day, Columbia Automobile Company was a leader in automobile manufacturing. One of its examples would be the Electric Landaulet.
  
  Because of cars like the Electric Landaulet, Columbia would become a rather large manufacturer. It would develop and build a number of electrically-powered horseless carriages using twin electric motors. Models, like the Columbia Hansom cabs could reach a speed of 13 mph.
•  1962 Buick Special
  The Special was first introduced for the 1961 model year as a compact car. In 1962, the model lineup was expanded to include a convertible model for each of the Buick Special series. Standard equipment included dual sun visors, front door armrests, cigar lighter, electric windshield wipers, directional signals, heater/defroster and outside rear view mirror.
  
  New also was a V6 engine of odd-fire design that produced 135 horsepower and gave good performance along with conservative fuel economy. Sales of Buick Specials in 1962 were 148,770 compared to 86,865 for 1961.
•  1970 Porsche 911S Steve McQueen Le Mans Movie Car
  Steve McQueen longed to unite his acting and his passion for automobiles. More than anything, he longed to bring to the screen the drama and the almost imperceptible emotions of motor racing, particularly those emotions surrounding one of the biggest races in the world. For the enthusiast, Le Mans would be such the cinematic achievement that anything even remotely having to do with the movie would become highly coveted.
  
  The largest character in the movie Le Mans would be Le Mans itself. The dialogue would be sparse, but the sights and sounds on the screen would more than tell the story of the 24 hour race. Indeed, McQueen would be just one of a myriad of characters interwoven and constantly in motion throughout the film. It seemed even the most inconsequential element would have an import role to play at some point in the film.
•  Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS 5th Series by Zagato
  By the late 1920s, Nicola Romeo had left and Alfa was running short of money because of defense contracts that ceased. Benito Mussolini was in full control of the government at the time and was willing to bail out any company willing to do his bidding. Alfa would take the hand of Mussolini's government and would become an instrument of Mussolini's Italy. Immediately the company was given the task of designing cars for the wealthy. It would be during this period that Alfa Romeo would produce the 6C.
  
  Designed by Vittorio Jano in 1929, the 6C would come with a 1,752 cc 6-cylinder engine capable of producing 85 bhp. The car's design would find it very favorable to drive on both the street and the track. Its excellent handling and reliable engine, along with its attractive body styling, would make the 6C one of the most sought after Alfa Romeo models.
•  Chrysler D'Elegance by Ghia
  During the 1930s, aviation was truly beginning to takeoff. Air races began to place an important emphasis on aerodynamics. To limit drag and increase efficiency, planes would need to have certain design elements that would be shaped in such a way as to provide the least amount of impedance.
  
  Aerodynamics wouldn't be limited to aviation, however. In the early 1930s, Chrysler would introduce its 'Airflow' models. Chrysler had built the automotive industry's first wind tunnel and would create some truly advanced streamlined bodies. Chrysler's Newport Parade Phaeton and the Thunderbolt would be some of Chrysler remarkably stunning concepts. Though the science of aerodynamics was sound, the timing of the introduction of the cars was not. The country was still gripped by the depression. Buyers would not go for the futuristic but the practical. Therefore, sales would be terribly unsuccessful.
•  Compact sports tourer: the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz
  Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever – the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. The vehicle's lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer's dynamic credentials.
  
  With a new four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new diesel engine, a new dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission and new assistance systems, the front-wheel-drive car also rings in a new technological era for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz. 'No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop,' stresses Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars. 'Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined wîth driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class.'
•  Rolls-Royce Phantom II
  There is competition even amongst the most luxurious automotive manufacturers. In some ways, there is perhaps even more competition than there is in mass produced automobiles. At the time Rolls-Royce introduced its Phantom II, the Phantom I had only been introduced some four years earlier.
  
  Competition in the luxury coachbuilt automotive market was tightening. Rolls-Royce had a lot of competition, and was facing even more from Buick and Sunbeam in the United States. On top of it all, the Rolls-Royce chassis upon which the Phantom I had been introduced hadn't undergone a change since 1912. It was now going into 1929.
•  The Lamborghini Miura P400
  The Lamborghini Miura was named after Don Eduardo Miura, the legendary breeder of fierce Spanish fighting bulls. It was a car that re-defined the concept of the supercar, with its tremendous speed, technical innovation, high-price tag, and its eye-catching design.
  
  The Miura had been first shown to the public in March 1966 at the Geneva Salon, where its body designed by Bertone designer Marcello Gandini (who was just 22 at the time) stunned the public. By 1967, the engine had been enlarged to four liters, thanks in part to two brilliant engineers - Gian Paulo Dallara and Paolo Stanzini. With guidance from New Zealander Bob Wallace, the Miura's chassis was carefully developed and tuned to deliver the handling levels necessary to contain the potent powerplant. There were double-wishbones at all four corners, a mid-mounted engine that was fitted transversely to allow for more compact overall layout, four-wheel disc brakes, and a five-speed manual gearbox.
  
  The original designs called for a three-seat layout with the driver in the middle and each of the two passengers on either side. This idea did not make it into the production Miura, but it did re-emerge on future supercars, most notably the McLaren F1 of the 1990s.
•  The Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen
  As the Third Reich continued to expand and its power continued to swell, the Nazi hierarchy went looking for a car suitable for their image, and their protection. They would look, obviously, to a national company and they would go no further than the Mercedes-Benz 500 series.
  
  Of course there were few competitors for Mercedes-Benz at the time they would introduce their 540K in 1936 at the Paris Motor Show. Yet although there was little competition, the quality or craftsmanship utilized for the 540K would make it an instant classic and one of the most desirable models of car, whether a two-seater cabriolet, four-seater coupe or even a seven-seater limousine.
•  NEW FORMULA RENAULT 3.5 UNVEILED AT SILVERSTONE
  As Silverstone hosted the first ever Formula One Grand Prix and is one of the most iconic circuits in the motorsport world, there was no better place to unveil the new Formula Renault 3.5. Teams and drivers were introduced to Renault Sport Technologies' brand new single-seater on Saturday, while the British public caught their first glimpse of the car on Sunday morning. They heard the roar of its new V8 530 bhp engine for the first time in an exciting, on-track demonstration by Romain Grosjean. The new Formula Renault 3.5 will make its competitive debut next season in the World Series by Renault.
  
  The Formula Renault 3.5 was first launched in 2005 as part of the World Series by Renault and has received several modifications over the years. However, the newest version of the single-seater – developed by Renault Sport Technologies and its various technical partners – promises to take the series to a whole new level. The new Formula Renault 3.5 is more powerful than its predecessor and boasts a number of cutting-edge features, whilst complying wîth the latest safety regulations and fitting comfortably within season budgets. It shares even more common features wîth a Formula One car, making it the ideal vehicle in which to prepare drivers for the unparalleled demands of F1 competition.
•  The Plymouth XNR Concept
  This concept car was built in 1959 by Ghia and was presented in 1960. The red XNR, designed by Virgil M. Exner, was powered by Valiant's 225 Slant-Six engine, which pumped out 250 horsepower.
  
  Though XNR rode the Plymouth Valiant's tiny 106-inch wheelbase, prominent overhangs stretched its overall length to 195 inches. Height was just 43 inches to the top of the fin.
  
  The frame of the XNR's grille was constructed of heavy-duty materials and doubled as the car's front bumper. The 'X-motif' rear bumper was a visual reminder of the car's name and essentially asymmetric nature.
•  1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid Roadster
  Ettore Bugatti had already showed promise as an engineer and constructor even before he was even old enough to legally sign a contract. Ettore had first caught attention when he built his first automobile in 1900 at the age of nineteen. It would go on to win the Grand Prix of Milan and would earn Bugatti the French Automobile Club's 'incentive prize'.
  
  The victory would also set Ettore's life in the automotive industry on its way. After partnering with a number of manufacturers and individuals, Bugatti would develop a lightweight car which he would later produce under his own name. He would develop the car in his basement while working at the Deutz gas engine plant.
  
  Always considering himself to be an artist in the field of automotive design, Ettore would oversee the birth of the highly popular and successful Type 35. Not only did it present a simple and elegant design, it would also feature a mean streak to itself and would go on to become the company's most successful racing model.
•  2012 Acura ZDX
  The all-new Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe burst on the scene for 2010 and immediately garnered positive accolades from top media thanks to its dramatic styling, excellent performance and the latest in advanced technology. The ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling wîth the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the original design prototype, the ZDX features the forward thinking design elements consisting of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.
  
  'The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura,' said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. 'It combines the best attributes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility - all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package - that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand.'
•  2012 Honda Accord Offers Style, Performance and Value
  The 2012 Honda Accord combines a unique balance of style, performance, efficiency and value within a diverse range of spacious sedan and sporty coupe models.
  
  The 2012 lineup, features and specifications remain similar to the 2011 model year when the Accord received upgrades for fuel economy and styling, plus the addition of a Special Edition (SE) trim level. For 2012, a ÚSB audio interface becomes standard on every Accord wîth the addition of the feature to the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedan models.
  
  The Accord Sedan's exterior conveys an upscale and powerful presence wîth a prominent two-bar grille consisting of chrome-style crossbars, windswept headlights, inset character lines along the body sides and distinctively-shaped C-pillars. Building on the sedan's design character, the Accord Coupe's muscular stance is enhanced by a sporty front fascia design, a sleeker overall roof profile, a shorter wheelbase and an exclusive trunk and tailgate design.
•  2012 Honda Fit
  The Honda Fit builds on its proven strengths for 2012 wîth updated styling on Fit Sport, interior upgrades on all models, and the addition of new standard and available features.
  
  The Fit's compact size and tight turning diameter (34.4 feet, curb-to-curb) can conveniently navigate space-confined urban areas and fit in small parking spaces. Yet a roomy and versatile interior offers the convenience and cargo volume of a relatively larger vehicle. Compared to any other vehicle in the subcompact class, the five-passenger Fit provides the lowest, flattest cargo floor and the most cargo volume of 57.3 cu-ft. when the rear seats are down. Its four distinct seat configurations are designed to accommodate large objects ranging from mountain bikes to surfboards to tall houseplants.
  
  Fit Sport exterior updates for 2012 include new designs for the front grille and bumper, black headlight bezels and a dark 'machined surface' finish for the alloy wheels (replaces a painted finish appearance). The entry-model Fit retains its exclusive front fascia design and for 2012 receives body-color exterior mirrors (previously black) and updated wheel covers.
•  RM Auctions Sets New World Record for a Mercedes-Benz Sold at Auction
  RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, continued its strong track record in Monterey, California, setting a new world record for a Mercedes-Benz sold at auction.
  
  The star of the first night of the two night sale, a spectacular 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, chassis number 154140, attracted spirited bidding in the room and on the phones, selling for an impressive $9,680,000 to applause from the crowd – a new world record for a Mercedes-Benz sold at auction.
  
  The stunning 540 K was joined by a magnificent series of four other supercharged eight-cylinder Mercedes-Benz automobiles from the 1930s, each fetching multi-million-dollar results before the packed house.
  
  Other highlights included a superb roster of historic Ferraris, lead by the sale of a rare alloy-bodied 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione for $5,280,000.
•  The exclusive Maserati GranCabrio Fendi debuts at Frankfurt Auto
  The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi is born from the union of two iconic brands of the Made in Italy, which share common values such as craftsmanship and tradition.
  
  A masterpiece of technology and craftsmanship, the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.
  
  The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi is crafted in the historical Maserati headquarters in Modena, wîth exclusive materials bespokely created in various colours for this project.
•  THE NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC
  The second generation of Bentley's iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month's International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.
  
  Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley's design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible wîth an uncompromising focus on quality.
  
  While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard wîth three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.
•  The new Ferrari 458 Spider
  Ferrari will introduce its new 458 Spider, the world's first mid-rear engined berlinetta equipped with a retractable hard top, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The mid-rear engine V8 will offer uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open-top configuration.
  
  New technical solutions adopted for the chassis guarantee identical levels of structural rigidity wîth the roof up or down. The result is a car that is truly exciting to drive, blending extreme performance wîth the responsiveness that has always characterised Ferrari's open-top berlinettas.
•  Toyota Camry Set to Pace 2012 Daytona 500
  Toyota Motor Sales, Ú.S.A., Inc. (TMS) and Daytona International Speedway (DIS) announced today the all-new 2012 Toyota Camry will serve as the official pace car for next year's DAYTONA 500®.
  
  Toyota will showcase the new Camry -- the best-selling car in America for nine years running -- at Daytona in ‘The Great American Race,' Feb. 26, 2012. The race annually kicks-off the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
  
  'We're thrilled to be able to feature the new Camry in Daytona at the season's biggest race,' said Ed Laukes, TMS corporate manager of motorsports marketing. 'We think the DAYTONA 500 is the perfect place to showcase the all-new Camry -- which will go on sale this fall. We knew when the opportunity arose to partner together wîth Daytona that it would be an extraordinary way to highlight our new Camry, as well as reinforce Toyota's commitment to NASCAR and its fans.'
•  World Premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show Next Month
  At 48, the Porsche 911 Carrera is younger than ever. The completely redesigned seventh-generation sports car icon is stepping into the limelight wîth its sleek and stretched silhouette, exciting contours and precisely designed features. Yet from every angle it is unmistakably a 911, holding true to the Porsche 911 Carrera ‘evolution, not revolution' design philosophy.
  
  The 100 mm or 3.9 inch longer wheelbase and reduced overall height underpin the fresh, athletic yet elegant appearance. When viewed from the front, the eye is drawn to the 911's trademark wide-arched fenders, emphasizing the wider front track. The side mirrors are now mounted on the upper edge of the door, which also helps highlight the new design line and gives the visual impression of width.
•  61st Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Names 1934 Voisin Best of Show
  A 1934 Voisin C-25 Aerodyne owned by Peter and Merle Mullin from Los Angeles was named Best of Show at the 61st Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance held Sunday on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
  
  Competitors from 30 states, the District of Columbia, 14 countries and the principality of Monaco brought their prized automotive possessions to California's Monterey Peninsula for judging in 29 classes. In the end, the French-made Voisin was judged the best, a particularly gratifying achievement for Peter Mullin, a self-described 'French car guy.'
  
  This is the first Pebble Beach Concours Best of Show win for Mullin in 27 appearances at the annual classic car event.
  
  'I've been showing at Pebble Beach for nearly three decades and this is the greatest venue in the world,' he said. 'It's the ultimate thrill, although I wasn't sure I'd actually won. 'We were sitting in the bullpen with the other two finalists (out of a field of 227 cars), the judges pointed at me and I thought I finished third… and then the fireworks went off.'
  
  The other cars nominated for Best of Show were a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C owned by Richard Stephens from Auburn, Calif., and a 1929 Bentley Speed Six owned by Daniel Sielecki from Capital, Argentina.
  
  'The Voisin is a four-door closed car, so it's actually an unexpected winner,' said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. 'However, the car's remarkable attention to detail brought it forward during judging and it became a real crowd pleaser.'
  
  'The Voisin automobiles are always influenced by the fact that Gabriel Voisin came from the world of aviation. There was so much craftsmanship in everything he put together. For Voisin, form follows function, and this car features an amazing, interesting upholstery and interior.'
•  Mercedes-Benz introduces the all-new 2012 SLK55 AMG
  The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG is powered by a new 5.5-liter V8 engine that features cylinder shutoff to combine the lowest possible fuel consumption with the ultimate in performance. It is the most powerful SLK of its time, with 415 horsepower and nearly 400 foot-pounds of torque. Thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system, high-performance driving is ensured.
  
  The compact high-performance Roadster is the perfect embodiment of the new AMG brand claim of 'Driving Performance.' It will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
  
  U.S. showrooms are scheduled to receive the 2012 SLK55AMG in early 2012.
•  New World Record for a Car Sold at Auction
  At the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca., the highlight of the event just crossed the auction block and it brought spirited bidding. The initial offer began at $10 million (US) and it was quickly countered. This back-and-forth continued for several minutes for the Ferrari 250 TR, and then it reached $14 million. Bidding continued. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the record breaking figure (for a car sold at auction) for $16.39 million (including buyer's premium).
•  Packard 1106 Twelve
  Packard was one of the oldest car companies in American, with their first car built in 1899 in Warren, Ohio. It was also one of the top luxury automobiles and enjoyed by the wealthy. The company began life as the Ohio Automobile Company and became the Packard Motor Car Company in 1902. The following year it moved to Detroit.
  
  The Packard Twelves were introduced in 1932 in response to the growing 'cylinder war' initiated by Cadillac among America luxury car marques. Earlier luxury cars were powered predominately by huge displacement six cylinder engines until Cadillac introduced a V8 in 1915. Packard responded the following year with the Twin-Six. The engine was replaced by the straight eight in 1924.
•  The Marmon HCM V12 at RM Auction Auctions
  This Marmon HCM V12 is an amazing vehicle. It is visually stimulating and intriguing. It's a Marmon, which means it has both aesthetic beauty and mechanical ingenuity. In 2007, it was at RM's sale at Meadow Brook where it was sold for the sum of $891K. It's a Marmon - its unique, and its fun to look at.
  
  RM was again given the opportunity to sell this vehicle at their 2011 sale in Monterey. To our knowledge, the vehicle has not traded hands since the 2007 sale, but a lot could have happened since then. Bidding began energetically, rising rather quickly. It went from $100K to $200, then to $300K. Bidding continued, surpassing $400K, and then began to slow. As the sale came to a close, a high bid of $470 had been requested, but unfortunately it was not enough to sell the vehicle. In 2007, it had sold for $891K (including buyer's premium). This was one of the highlights of that auction. It had taken some convincing (or so it seemed) to make it up to this dollar figure, but as the sale came to a close, there were several buyer's wanting the car. It came down to who wanted the car the most. And it was sold for $891K. Fast-forward to 2011 - and now the value is nearly half what was paid.
  
  In our opinion, the car is worth much more. It's a Marmon – one of the most advanced cars of its era. It has elegance, a unique design, and a great history. The car did not sell at the 2011 RM event, but look for it again in the future. It has a lot to offer.
•  Ferrari GTOs to Test the Corkscrew
  One of the feature races, group 6A, of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion showcases the ultra-rare and considered to be the most desired and admired Ferraris of all-time - the Ferrari 250 GTO.
  
  The field of GTOs will take the grid in what will assuredly capture the attention of fans as they watch these fabulously sleek, yet muscular, thoroughbreds tame the demanding 11-turn, 2.238-mile road course. Interestingly, immediately after their race, crew teams will get to work on a cosmetic makeover to prepare the cars for the lawns of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for a special class showing.
•  Jaguar at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
  For those who love Jaguars and know their ABCs, this year's Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is promising a thrilling if not profoundly educational experience. Jaguar C-, D- and E Types as well as XK120s were among 550 cars practicing today at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which has Jaguar as its special marque and will set the grid for weekend racing among 17 groups of historic automobiles. The event, considered an anchor of Classic Car Week currently underway on Monterey Peninsula, also will feature a Jaguar Heritage Display and the up-close and personal encounters with drivers, owners and historians that fans have come to enjoy and respect as they roam freely in the paddock areas to inspect the cars.
•  Cadillac Ciel Concept Celebrates the Journey
  Cadillac today unveiled the Ciel concept, an elegant, open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast.
  
  The Ciel – pronounced 'C-L,' the French translation for sky – is a four-seat convertible that opens a new chapter in Cadillac's design and product ascent, pushing the brand's Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum. Ciel is a new expression of Cadillac's historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring.
  
  'Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future,' said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. 'Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey.'
  
  The spacious and elegant Ciel is a grand gesture that explores themes driving Cadillac's explorations into range-topping flagship luxury. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired wîth a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology.
•  Infiniti JX Concept Makes World Debut at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
  The Infiniti JX Concept, a preview of an innovative new 7-passenger/3-row luxury crossover that joins the Infiniti lineup in spring 2012, made its world debut today at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The JX Concept was unveiled by Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura prior to its display throughout the weekend's activities at the famed Lodge at Pebble Beach.
  
  'The JX Concept advances the Infiniti design language, sharing design cues of the Infiniti Essence concept, yet interprets those elements in ways suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover,' said Nakamura. 'From the dramatic front grille and headlight design to the crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse shape, the JX Concept shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the three-row luxury crossover §egmènt.'
•  Lexus Reveals All-New 2013 GS 350 at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
  Lexus today unveiled the all-new GS 350 at a press conference in conjunction wîth the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The new 2013 GS combines bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology, and a spacious interior. In addition to the GS 350, other 2013 GS models that will be launched in early 2012 include hybrid and F Sport versions, wîth further details to be announced later this year.
  
  'Today, buyers in the mid-size luxury §egmènt want a more engaging driving experience, styling that makes a statement, and a roomier interior package,' said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. 'With the all-new GS, we're giving them what they asked for, and more.'
•  smart fortwo electric drive - Zero-emission driving pleasure for everyone: the new smart fortwo electric drive will soon be available worldwide.
  Zero-emission motoring wîth even more driving fun – the third generation smart fortwo electric drive will be available from the spring of 2012. In total a five-figure number of vehicles will roll off the production line in Hambach, France. Following the huge success of the second generation, electric mobility will then become accessible to anyone interested in more than 30 markets worldwide. In the development of the new generation smart benefited from extensive experience and customer feedback gathered worldwide over the past years. Driven by a battery supplied by Deutsche Accumotive for the first time the 55 kW electric motor passes the 120 km/h mark. From 0 to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds - even driving on urban motorways becomes enjoyable. The 17.6 kWh battery enables the lively city car to travel around 140 kilometres in city traffic without producing any local emissions.
•  2012 Veracruz Delivers Premium Comfort with Hyundai Value
  The Veracruz, Hyundai's flagship crossover prepares for the 2012 model year wîth a more imposing grille and new 18-inch hypersilver wheels adding to the sleek and modern styling. The seven-seat Veracruz also gets standard heated second row rear seats on the Limited trim and a new available Alpine navigation system. Meticulous attention to detail and an exceptionally high level of standard luxury, convenience and safety equipment all underpin Hyundai's commitment to exceeding the expectations of demanding crossover shoppers.
  
  Veracruz has a robust stance wîth sleek lines and balanced proportions. Its bold, three-tiered wraparound headlamps, imposing grille, muscular flanks which house 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels and rakish roofline create a refined and luxurious exterior appearance.
•  Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's
  More than 10.000 visitors came to see the Concours of America at the new venue at the Inn at St. John's in Plymouth after decades at Meadow Brook Hall. And what a difference it made! The new space allowed for no less than 331 cars to be displayed on the generous field in almost two dozen classes. The well deserved winners of the first of many Concours' of America at St. John's were John D. Groendyke, who won 'Best of Show Domestic' with his fabulous 1933 Duesenberg SJ and well-known collectors Arturo and Deborah Keller with their breathtaking black 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahnkurier, which was awarded the honors of 'Best of Show Foreign'.
•  Ecurie Rosier: 1953 Formula One Season
  Everything about Louis Rosier's life revolved around automobiles. Rosier had come onto the racing scene at the conclusion of World War II and he would be immediately successful. However, the man from Chapdes-Beaufort, France wasn't just a racing driver.
  
  Rosier owned a Renault delearship in Clermont-Ferrand. It happened to be one of the largest Renault dealerships in all of France. Yet, while his dealership was one of the largest in France he wasn't just a car salesman either. Rosier was known for dealing in industrial and farming equipment, but also, in designing car prototypes.
  
  Rosier's business acumen enabled him to take part in grand prix racing. He would end up being involved in the first year of the World Championship and would even finish 4th in the standings in 1950. In 1951, Rosier would finish 13th. Each of the first couple of years of the Formula One World Championship Rosier would drive for his own team in a Talbot-Lago T26C. The car was reliable and stable, but not the fastest car on the circuit. However, in 1952, Rosier would end up being able to purchase a car that would give him his best opportunity to date.
•  Karl-Gunther Bechem: 1953 Formula One Season
  Sometimes our own identity is the most dangerous threat to our existence. Many grand prix history books list the rather innocuous name 'Bernhard Nacke' as having taken part in the German Grand Prix during the 1952 season. So what? What's so intriguing about one name in one race? That was what Karl-Gunther Bechem had hoped for when he would take part in his first World Championship race. In Karl-Gunther's case the anonymity meant the difference between being able to do something he enjoyed or not. For the Bechem name could not be associated with something so dangerous and foolhardy as grand prix racing.
  
  The family had already expressed their disapproval when he had started out racing sports cars. However, grand prix racing, with its slender coffins with wheels, was absolutely off limits to Karl-Gunther according to his parents. And so, he would do as most young adults do. He would disobey and would race under an assumed name. Given the fact he would end up retiring from the race after just five laps, he probably would have been safe from exposure unless his family made a point to read well down in the listing of the results.
•  The Ferrari 553
  The mark of a champion isn't just one good performance. It is the continual, repetitious performances at the top levels that make a champion. Therefore, the concern isn't so much about the present, but preparation for the future. Becoming satisfied means defeat.
  
  It all started toward the later-half of the 1951 season. Scuderia Ferrari had earned its first World Championship victory and would go on to almost absolutely dominate the rest of the season. Were it not for tire choice, Ascari may very well have been the 1951 World Champion instead of Fangio. However, both the team and Ascari would enjoy a streak of dominance that wouldn't be equaled or broken until well over thirty years later. And it was the result of Ferrari looking to the future.
  
  In motor racing, to remain a champion costs a great deal of money and resources. Leading up to the 1952 season, it had become obvious to the Maranello outfit that it had truly become the only serious competitor in Formula One. The costs to challenge Ferrari's building authority would certainly be more than Alfa Romeo was willing to invest, so they would depart the series altogether. Ferrari, in a moment of clear discernment, realized things could not carry on as they had. It seemed logical Formula 2 regulations would be the only possible path for the race organizers and governing-body for the series could go. While in the midst of the 1951 Formula One season, Ferrari would be hard at work designing a new Formula 2 car.
•  2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  Our customers have spoken – asking for a safety, service and infotainment system inside their vehicle – and Hyundai has responded by making Blue Link a standard feature on the 2012 Sonata. Blue Link® from Hyundai keeps track of almost everything for the Sonata owner. It provides up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information and is a lifeline to emergency services and roadside assistance. Synched to a smart phone, Blue Link will let the owner know where their Sonata is in a crowded baseball stadium parking lot or shopping center. It will keep an eye on young drivers by letting mom or dad know where they are and how fast they're driving. Blue Link can run diagnostics, provide maintenance alerts, check fuel efficiency and even find gas stations wîth the best prices. With over 30 features, it turns every Hyundai Sonata into the smartest Hyundai's ever built.
  
  The award winning Sonata continues to be a huge hit thanks to Fluidic Sculpture design, advanced technology and an all-four cylinder engine lineup. Those four cylinder engines have been recalibrated for 2012 and are now even more fuel efficient delivering even better best-in-class fuel economy. In fact, the 2012 Sonata GDI leads the entire midsize §egmènt (non hybrid) in city (24 mpg), highway (35 mpg) and combined (28 mpg) fuel economy, while the Sonata 2.0T now achieves 34 mpg highway up from 33 mpg on the 2011 model year.
  
  Sonata enters the 2012 model year wîth even more safety, technology and convenience offerings including Blue Link, HD Radio Technology and new seven-inch touch-screen navigation. Add it all up and there's a reason why Sonata is one of the most shopped cars in the Ú.S.
•  The 1961 Lincoln Continental
  The 1961 Continental was designed by Elwood Engel. The design was originally a Thunderbird proposal. It was 14.8 inches shorter than previous Continentals and was quite compact compared to other luxury cars. The basic body design was used through 1963. The new Continental's most recognized feature, front opening rear doors, was a purely practical decision.
  
  The new Continental rode on a wheelbase of 123 inches and had doors hinged from the rear to ease ingress and egress. The 1961 model was the first car manufactured in the United States to be sold with a 24,000 mile/2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and was also the first postwar four-door convertible from a major United States manufacturer. With 2857 convertibles sold out of total production of 25,160 it was a sales success.
•  The Duesenberg Model A
  As World War I was coming to an end, Fred and Augie Duesenberg had created plans for a revolutionary passenger car. They formed a new corporation called the Duesenberg Automobile and Motors Corporation and development was started in New Jersey. Eventually, the company was moved to a larger and more lavish factory in Indianapolis at the corner of Washington and Harding streets. Here, production of the new car, called the Duesenberg Eight, began. It was powered by a new single overhead cam straight eight engine. The prototype was introduced at the New York Auto Salon in November of 1920. The chassis was the first to use the revolutionary four-wheel hydraulic brakes, designed and patented by Fred Duesenberg.
  
  By 1921 the Duesenberg Eight was being delivered to the public. This was the first production car produced with a straight eight cylinder engine, with a power plant that produced 88 horsepower from 262 cubic-inches. Duesenberg also designed the three-speed transmission and the ladder type chassis. Aluminum was used extensively throughout to help reduce the weight of the chassis.
  
  The initial plan was to produce around 2400 cars per year. However, production speed was never able to exceed one car per day. Standard as well as custom bodies were offered by coachbuilders such as Fleetwood, Bender, Milspaugh & Irish, Springfield and many others.
•  The Nash Ambassador
  The top-level full-size model in the 1957 Nash line was the Ambassador Custom sedan. This would be the last year for Nash and Hudson, the two companies that had merged to form American Motors in 1954. The growing popularity of the Rambler prompted cancelation of these luxury cars. Despite this, many changes were incorporated into the design of the 1957 Ambassador.
  
  A flatter roof stamping and a change from 15- to 14-inch wheels lowered the car by two inches. Rear styling remained largely the same, but the front was altered dramatically by 'un-skirting' the front wheel openings, ending a Nash styling tradition dating to 1949. The 1957 Nash was among the first American cars to feature quad headlights as standard equipment. Other notable features included those famous Nash 'seat-to-bed' front seats and unitized body construction. A Nash-designed 327 cubic-inch V8 was standard on the Ambassador.
•  Sporty 2012 Ford Taurus SHO Combines High Performance and Technology, Yet Delivers an EPA-Rated 25 MPG Highway
  The Ford Taurus SHO returns for 2012, delivering on the premise that high performance and responsible fuel economy need not be mutually exclusive.
  
  'The high-performance Taurus SHO is a sport sedan that doesn't ask its driver to compromise,' said Bill Gubing, chief program engineer. 'It provides the performance, driving dynamics and technology enthusiasts crave, while delivering up to 25 mpg on the highway. It's like having your cake and eating it, too.'
•  The Mercedes-Benz SSK Sport/2
  Since its earliest beginnings, Mercedes-Benz has been producing his performance sports and racing cars. They have proven to be an imposing force on race circuits and has dominated many events including LeMans, Grand Prix, Rallying both on and off road. From the experiences of racing has come some superb high performance road racing cars.
  
  The Mercedes-Benz SSK was the fastest production car in the world when it was introduced. Power came from a six-cylinder supercharged overhead cam engine and only 38 examples were produced with 13 still in existence.
  
  The Sport/2 had a factory-built body designed to take full advantage of all the chassis had to offer. The extraordinary long hood and cowl, the imposing V-core radiator, the large Bosch headlamps, a heavily louvered hood retained by leather straps, small folding windshields and the abundance of gauges shout speed, performance and style.
•  1954 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Prototype
  After the destruction of its Stuttgart factories during World War II, Mercedes-Benz began its postwar reconstruction with limited production of the Mercedes Type 170 series sedan complete with styling and a side-valve 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine that was strictly pre-war.
  
  In September of 1953, foreign car importer and visionary, Max Hoffman, proposed to the Mercedes-Benz Board of Directors, the production of a sports car. It would be a smaller, more affordable, version of the 300SL Gull Wing. They accepted his proposal and Walter Hacker and Karl Wilfert were able to design and built two prototypes in five months. The non-working prototype was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show to great acclaim. The production version was similar but many details were changed for production. Unfortunately, neither of the prototypes have survived.
•  The 1964 Buick Riviera
  The Buick Riviera, which saw 40,000 sales during its initial year, rode on a short wheelbase and was a popular vehicle. Marketed as a 'personal-luxury car', the hardtop coupe Riviera for 1964 received the new 425 cubic-inch engine rated at either 340 horsepower in single 4-barrel form or the optional 360 horsepower dual 4-barrel 'Super Wildcat' engine, up from the previous 401 CID V8. Sales reached 37,658 among buyers who paid an average of $4,385 for their new Riviera.
  
  This particular example was fitted with the optional 'KX' code 'Super Wildcat' engine with a 3-speed Turbo HydraMatic autoshifter and positive traction differential. Among a host of options available to buyers, including a variety of dress-up and performance enhancing options, this car is fitted with the usual dual snorkel chrome air cleaner and finned aluminum valve covers, one of only 2,122 Rivieras receiving this option. Riviera combined performance and elegance giving buyers a broad range of color choices, such as this rose metallic, 'Coral Mist', one of only 645 produced in this color.
•  1962 Pontiac Catalina
  In 1926, Pontiac debuted as a companion marque to Oakland and was a survivor through the Great Depression, and by the 1950's enjoyed a reputation for durable but bland vehicles. Sales faltered mid-decade and Semon 'Bunkie' Knudsen arrived to breathe life into the flagging brand. He eliminated the venerable Silver Streak chrome strips ('suspenders' in his lexicon) and aggressively supported motorsports in an effort to overhaul Pontiac's image. This performance emphasis endured for many years.
  
  Meanwhile the Catalina name first appeared in 1950 to denote any hardtop body style but eventually became a separate model - the Division's entry level full size offering powered by a variety of 389 cubic-inch engines ranging from pokey to thundering. Catalina and Pontiac's burgeoning performance devotion coalesced with the 421 Super Duty. The engine was first offered in 1961 for drag racers but NHRA rule changes required production engines in stock classes. So, General Motors added it to the factory option sheet for 1962, though fewer than 180 of the pricey $2,250 options were built.
•  Ferrari 330 GTC
  Enzo Ferrari named his cars by the displacement of one cylinder. The 330 line of cars, with their 12-cylinder engines, displaced 4-liters, making them both more powerful than the earlier 3-liter, 12-cylinder 250 line of cars and successor to them.
  
  In 1963, Ferrari introduced their 330 as the 330 America with their sights set on the United States market. Largely, the earlier 250 GTE with the new, re-designed 400 Superamerica engine with wider bore spacing that paved the way to future displacement increases beyond 4-liters. Various other improvements brought output to about 300 horsepower and gave the 330 line of cars substantial performance in a beautiful proportion, 2-place sports car for the road.
  
  The 330 GTC and its open counterpart, the GTS, replaced the 250 Lusso as the epitome of luxurious, high performance motoring. It was given a short wheelbase and impendent rear suspension from the earlier 275. Handing and ride quality improved with the 330 GTC (Berlinetta - Coupe) that was introduced in March of 1966 at the Geneva Motor Show. The GTS (Spyder - open) was introduced later at the Paris Motor Show. Both with Pininfarina styling and coachwork with elegant interiors of leather stated exclusive refinement for the buyer wanting performance in league with the world's very best.
•  The 1954 Kaiser Darrin
  Kaiser-Frazer set up shop as an independent automatic in 1946 in Ford's former Willow Run, Michigan B-17 factory. The Kaiser-Darrin was a boldly styled sports car introduced by the automaker in 1954 and based on the compact Henry J chassis. It was given its name after the legendary designer, Howard 'Dutch' Darrin. Henry Kaiser was not impressed with the design mock up, however, Mrs. K. loved the clay model and her opinion carried the day. Soon, fiberglass bodies from the Glasspar Boat Company in California were in transit to Michigan for final assembly.
  
  Notable Darrin features include a uniquely shaped grille and sliding 'pocket' doors that roll forward into the front fenders. Power comes from a 161 cubic-inch straight six engine. Interestingly, the Darrin was America's first production car with a fiberglass body, beating Corvette to market by one month. But priced $150 higher and giving up 60 horsepower, Darrin sales faltered quickly. In the end only 435 cars were ever built.
•  The 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer
  Dodge described the 1957 Custom Royal Lancer as 'completely new, from road to roof,' and it was. The longer, lower and wider body sat on a new X-braced frame with side rails. 'Twin-Set Driving and Parking Lights' were neatly placed above the 'Mono-Grille.' Out back, 'Soaring Swept Wings' housed new 'Twin-Jet Taillamps.' The Torque-Flite automatic transmission featured pushbutton controls and a 'Scope-Sight' horizontal red ribbon speedometer accurately reported vehicle speed. All in all, it was a dramatic package that set the pace for medium-priced cars in 1957.
  
  This Custom Royal Convertible is one of only 2,456 built in 1957 and is equipped with the rare Super D-500 option, which included a 330 horsepower, 325 cubic-inch, Super Red Ram Hemi V8 with dual 4-barrel carburetors. It has just completed a full restoration and is refinished in the original colors of 'Tropical Coral and Glacier White.'
•  The 1970 Dodge Challenger
  In 1900, the Dodge brothers made their first mark making parts for the nascent auto industry. Soon, they were building automobiles and later became a division of Chrysler in 1928.
  
  In the 1970s, multi-carbureted pony car wars were empowered by the 'Win on Sunday, sell on Monday' belief. This resulted in teams in all corners of the motorsports world, including the popular SCCA Trans Am series, to take notice. Dodge entered Trans Am in 1970 with a Sam Posey piloted entry. In the showroom, the Challenger competed against the upscale Cougar and Firebird. It was based on the Plymouth barracuda platform but with a two inch longer wheelbase for more leg room.
  
  The Challenger T/A version came equipped with a 340 cubic-inch engine and a trio of two-barrel carburetors - affectionately known as the '340 Six Pack.' Rated at 290 horsepower, suspiciously similar to the Z/28 and Boss 302, keen observers pegged it closer to 350 horses. It gulped air through an oversized scoop molded into a lift-off matte black fiberglass hood. Chrome-tipped dual exhausts exited dramatically in front of the rear wheels.
•  Apollo 5000GT
  Milt Brown had high expectations and dreams for an automobile which resulted in a GT coupe that might have made a bigger splash if it had proper financial backing. The project began as a dream, shared by Brown and Ron Plescia, a high school buddy. The idea began to take shape when Brown, then a young engineer at a British race car company, encountered designer Paul Reisner in 1960. Reisner was employed by Carrozzeria Intermeccanica, the Italian coachbuilding firm. Impressed with Brown's idea for a low volume American GT, and the initial design concepts created by Plescia, the project fell into place with financial backing from New Davis Jr. (a friend of Brown's).
  
  The Apollo's foundation was a straightforward ladder frame. Suspension and drivetrain components were adopted from the then-new Buick Special, including a 200 horsepower aluminum V8 and Borg-Warner manual transmission. The final production bodywork was refined by Franco Scaglione, in Italy. A 1963 Car and Driver magazine road test clocked an Apollo from 0-to-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, and called it 'a purposeful, distinctive, and practical automobile that an enthusiast will enjoy.' From the beginning, the company's finances were hand-to-mouth. The bodies were fabricated in Italy, and married to the rolling chassis in California. Production crept along from 1962 to 1965 before grinding to a stop.
•  Aston Martin DB5/6 Volante
  Industrialist Sir David Brown (DB) bought the Aston martin firm in 1947 and began the DB series of Aston martin automobiles. He commissioned a new inline 6-cylinder engine that secured a debut victory in the Spa 24-Hour of 1948. The first production car in the DB line was introduced in 1948 as the DB1 with the new engine and advances in chassis and suspension design that were among the most impressive of the era. This helped establish Aston Martin in the arena of refined GT cars of high performance.
  
  Hand crafted aluminum bodies and leather interiors, the DB line was well received, then bolstered by the driving team of Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori racing the DBR1 3-liter factory team car to victory in the 1959 24-Hours of LeMans, securing the World Manufacturer's Championship for Aston Martin. The firm then retired from competition to devote attention to road cars, continuing the DB designation.
•  Lincoln MKS Delivers the Ultimate in Full-Size Luxury While Providing V8 Power with V6 Fuel Economy
  The 2012 Lincoln MKS offers the ultimate in full-size luxury wîth a sophisticated yet dynamic design, first-class comfort and a list of impressive powertrain options including the smooth and powerful EcoBoost™ engine.
  
  With its extensive list of standard features, the Lincoln MKS offers amenities such as Lincoln SYNC®, MyKey® and available active park assist.
  
  Lincoln MKS is exceptionally quiet and comfortable thanks to its craftsmanship and engineering. With its available 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, Lincoln MKS also offers a powertrain that produces a compelling combination of V8 power and the much-desired fuel economy of a V6.
  
  'MKS EcoBoost offers a no-compromises luxury driving experience,' said Megan Gillam, marketing manager, Lincoln MKS. 'With standard all-wheel drive, 355 horsepower wîth premium fuel, 350 lb.-ft. of torque and an estimated 25 mpg on the highway, MKS EcoBoost rewards its drivers wîth a spirited yet efficient ride.'
•  Citroen SM Maserati
  In 1919, Andre Citroen began manufacturing automobiles. Citroen was the first mass-produced car company outside the United States and pioneered the modern concept of creating a sales and services network to support the motor car purchase and ownership experience. Within eight years Citroen had become Europe's largest car manufacture, and the 4th largest in the world.
  
  Citroen earned a reputation for innovation and revolutionary engineering, which is reflected in the company's slogan 'Creative Technologie.' In 1924, Citroen produced Europe's first all-steel bodied car, the B-10. In 1934, Citroen secured its reputation for innovation with its Traction Avant. It was not only the world's first mass-produced front-wheel drive car, but also one of the first cars to feature a monocoque-type body. In 1954 Citroen produced the world's first hydro pneumatic self-leveling suspension system used in the 1955 Citroen DS. They were also the first European production car with disc brakes. In 1967, Citroen introduced the first swiveling headlights in several models, allowing for greater visibility on winding roads.
  
  The branch celebrates its 92 Anniversary in 2011. Citroen purchased Maserati in 1968 and began to use the Maserati V-6 engine in the new flagship, the SM. The SM was built as a Grand Touring car with all the luxury features that fit that class of cars including full leather interior, air conditioning, 5-speed or automatic transmission. Originally priced at $12,500, about 12,000 examples were produced.
•  Continental Mark II
  Each of the Ford brothers (Benson, Henry Ford II, and William Clay Ford) ordered a Mark II. Benson's was retrofitted with a 430 cubic-inch 350 horsepower V8. It was resplendent with chromed accessories that gave it very noticeable and desirable appearance. Lincoln boss William Clay Ford had his custom built, and then updated again in 1968-69 with a 460 cubic-inch big block, C6 transmission, and disc brakes. Henry Ford II, unlike his brothers, did not feel the need for more power as the car was intended for his wife. Instead, his custom touches included a simulated landau top of black canvas and a high quality broadcloth interior.
  
  The Mark II was expensive, more than a Rolls-Royce in fact. This contributed to an early demise for a car that some still view as the most elegant Lincoln of all time.
  
  In this photograph are all three of the cars once owned by the Ford brothers. Currently, they are in the care of a single owner.
•  New Swift Sport to make world debut at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show
  The new Swift Sport is a refined sports compact and the result of the first full model change since the launch of the original Swift Sport in 2006. It has a more aggressive and dignified exterior look thanks to a ground-hugging form that gives a sense of stability and tension and a big front grille that hints at the performance within. And its cabin combines essential sportiness wîth a high-quality look and feel, as well as, design features that heighten the excitement about the driving experience.
  
  Higher power and lower fuel consumption are delivered by the 1.6-litre M16A engine, which Suzuki developed exclusively for the Swift Sport. The engine is mated to a specially developed six-speed manual transmission, resulting in performance that is both exciting and environmentally responsible. Plus, the new Swift Sport offers superior cornering stability and brisker, more responsive handling thanks to struts wîth internal rebound springs and an exclusive rear-suspension design.
•  The AC Aceca
  The AC Auto-Carriers was founded in 1903 and is among the oldest British automobile firms. In 1905, the produced a 3-wheel commercial vehicle that was financially successful, followed by a passenger carrying motor vehicle - the 'Sociable' - first produced in 1907, followed by the all-new 4-wheel AC of 1913.
  
  In 1921, AC Cars Ltd. was established under new management that introduced racing and record setting to the marque. They secured a Monte Carlo Rally victory in 1926 among a host of victories. Later, in 1953, AC returned to sports cars with the introduction of the Ace first shown at Earls Court. Based on the highly successful John Tojeiro roadster built for Cliff Davis and powered by the Bristol inline 6-cylinder 2-liter engine, the pre-war BMW 328 'spoils of war' engine, the AC Ace-Bristol proved a major success both in sales and in competition.
  
  Employing features of the BMW 328 chassis and transverse leaf spring layout, the Tojeiro design proved capable of superior high speed cornering. Following the roadster in 1954 came the Aceca GT Coupe also introduced at Earls Court. Both the open and closed cars went on to receive various engines including the Ford Zephyr, designated RS, and AC's 6-cylidner, designated AE, that had been steadily refined for more than 4 decades.
•  The Allard J2
  In 1936, Sydney Allard founded the Allard Motor Company in England. He was a racer who got into commercial auto production as a way to provide support for his sports pursuits. In total, the company produced 1,900 cars before closing in 1959.
  
  After the close of World War II, Allard saw the potential of the United States market and proceeded to build 12 J2s in 1946 followed by 90 starting in 1950. Many of the cars were shipped to the United States without engines and then fitted with powerplants to the customer's specifications. Most were given a Ford flat-head V8, but some were also built with Cadillac and Chrysler engines. The car rode on a 100 inch wheelbase and weighed in at 1700 pounds. J2X production finished the series in 1954. Allard J2 and J2Xs dominated American sports car racing in the early 1950s.
  
  A major feature of the Allard was the deDion rear end fabricated from light steel tubing and a Ford 'banjo' center section. This gave the Allards a form of independent rear suspension years ahead of the competition.
•  The Auburn 1250 Twelve
  Production of the Auburn automobile began in 1900. The company was founded by the Eckhart brothers, former carriage builders in Auburn, Indiana. After World War I, the government was slow to pay automakers for war work and Auburn cars could be sold due to lack of instruments, which Auburn could not pay for. The company was saved when hotshot Moon car salesman, Erret Lobban Cord, took charge. He dressed up the Auburns and soon owned the company. He later combined Auburn with Duesenberg and created the stylish, front drive Cord. The company ended production in 1936 due to the Depression.
  
  Despite the failing economy and declining sales caused by the Depression, luxury automakers such as Cadillac and Packard began introducing larger, more powerful 12 and 16 cylinder engines. To keep pace, Auburn unveiled its new V12 Lycoming engine in 1932, which became the least expensive twelve-cylinder engine ever marketed. The 391 cubic-inch engine offered 160 horsepower and cost the company over $1 million to design and tool, yet the lowest priced car sold for as little as $975. However, sales struggled and 1934 was the last year for the Auburn V12.
•  The Audi urban concept – a completely new kind of concept car
  Audi is once again opening up new horizons: the Audi urban concept is a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. The technical study, which will be shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA) 2011, does not fit under any of the conventional categories – the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racing car, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept.
  
  The Audi urban concept is not based on any previous model – its development is solely oriented on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The result is a concept car wîth no unnecessary weight, and one that concentrates on the pure essence of sporty motion.
  
  The Audi urban concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective plates feature blinking strips of LED lights. The highly concentrated look of the technical study, wîth its forward-urging lines, is dynamic and emotional – it lends Audi's design language a completely new impetus.
•  The Ferrari 250 GT TdF
  The unfortunate crash of Pierre Levegh in the Le Mans 24-Hours of 1955 prompted the F.I.A. to re-write regulations to return endurance racing to dual purpose sports cars capable of road and racing use rather than the Grand Prix based cars that top level world class racing had become. Sports race cars in the mid 1950s were essentially Grand Prix cars cloaked in two-passenger coachwork. Following the tragedy at LeMans in 1955, which killed 80 people, there was a clamor, followed by new regulations, to return to the classic type of sports race car. This was one that could be driven about town and yet be tough and fast enough to be competitive, a truly practical race car.
  
  Enzo Ferrari had been building competition coupes, the Berlinettas, since 1950 with the cars establishing a credible record in international competition. The new GT based regulations favored his 250 GT line of cars that evolved into the Geneva Auto Show display model of March, 1956, a Pinin Farina design that was the forerunner of the Scaglietti cars, Ferrari's official coach builder. The new 250 GT won its first race, Nassau, December 1955, and tallied numerous high finishes prior to the Tour de France of September of 1956.
•  The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II
  In 1903, Rolls-Royce Limited began manufacturing cars. Currently, the factory at Goodwood is the fifth Rolls-Royce UK-based automobile production facility since 1904. The previous four were located in Manchester, London, Derby, and Crewe.
  
  The characteristic Rolls-Royce badge on the front of the grill changed from red to black in 1934 upon the death the prior year of patriarch Henry Royce. The Phantom III of 1934 was the first Rolls-Royce to display the black badge, as it was the first car without benefit of Mr. Royce's input.
  
  With the introduction of the Silver Ghost in 1906, the Rolls Royce cars were acclaimed as 'the best cars in the world' by Autocar magazine. The appellation has continued to be used, and deserved, by Rolls-Royce ever since.
  
  Cars produced through the years included the Silver Ghost, Phantom I, II and III, wraith, Silver Wraith, Silver Dawn and Silver Cloud. The Silver cloud was introduced in 1955, first with the traditional six cylinder engine and then in 1959 with an aluminum V-8 coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. A total of 2716 Silver Cloud II's were produced. They were built with a steel body with aluminum hood, doors and trunk lid. Top speed is 104.7 mph, 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds, and with a fuel consumption of 11 miles a gallon.
•  1912 National Speed Car
  A 7-liter engine propelled these racing machines to numerous wins, one of the three most successful cars of the pre-World War I racing era. A car identical to this, stripped down, was the only stock car model ever to win the Indianapolis 500 race in 1912. That car was driven by Joe Dawson of the US. Its four-cylinder engine displaced 491 cubic-inches and carried Dawson to a 7th place staring position, with a qualifying speed of 86.13 mph. It ran a total of 200 laps and led only two, but one of those laps was the most important - the finish. For his accomplishment, he won $20,000 in prize money and propelled the National Motor Vehicle Company into the history books.
  
  He had run in second for most of the race and was finally able to pass the race leader, DePalam, on the main-stretch. DePalma had lead for 196 laps, the most ever in a race by a non-winner. DePalma and Jeffkins were officially scored as only 198 laps, but they did push their car to the finish line. Speedway rules stated that all entries must move under their own power. Second place, a full ten minutes behind the first place finisher, was Tetzlaff driving a 9.65-liter Fiat. Third went to Hughie Hughes in a Mercer followed by Charlie Merz in a Stutz.
•  1964 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk
  1964 was the final year of the Gran Turismo Hawk. Brooks Stevens had been tasked to modernize the highly acclaimed Raymond Loewy studio designed Starliner hardtop coupe and the Starlight post coupe of 1953 that were the platforms for the first Hawks introduced as 1955 models.
  
  Stevens re-styled the earlier Hawk line as the fin-less 1962 Gran Turismo, America's first 'GT' car that became defined by bucket seats, four-speed transmission and full complement of gauges with performance in mind. Stevens then updated each subsequent model year through the end of production in December of 1963, the last of the Hawks. Studebaker built its own engines ranging from the R1 to R4.
  
  The single 4-barrel, 289 cubic-inch R1 (240 HP) and R2 (290 HP) were the same except the R2 was Paxton supercharged. The R3 and R4 were 1-year only engines with the more powerful, single 4-bbl, supercharged Avant R3 of 304.5 cubic-inch producing 335 horsepower that gave a 'Super Hawk' the potential of over 150 mph.
•  2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Offers the Ultimate in Performance, Style with New Features, Class-Leading Power
  The 2012 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 delivers on the custom cool design the lineup is known for, wîth new snakeskin leather interior accents and a stylized bodyside graphic. Also new are the wheel design and a premium paint color. Combine that wîth a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and plenty of technology, and it delivers power, capability and style like no other.
  
  'This is a great pairing of two icons of the open road: Ford and Harley-Davidson. Both brands appeal to truck owners and motorcycle enthusiasts alike,' said Marc Lapine, Ford F-150 marketing manager. 'For 2012 we worked wîth Harley-Davidson to continue to push the styling envelope while still delivering the durability and power that F-150 is known for and that our collective customers expect. It perfectly captures both brands.'
•  Buick Centurion Concept
  The Buick Centurion Concept was first shown to the public at the 1956 Motorama Show. The body was constructed from fiberglass and the interior was inspired from the cockpit of an airplane. The bubble top roof was a bold and dynamic design move. The aerodynamic features of the car began in the front and gently flowed through the rest of the vehicle and to the rear. The two-tone paint scheme was accented by its white-wall tires and red interior.
  
  Power was from a 325 horsepower V8 engine that was hidden under the long hood that sloped toward the front and the grille. The headlights were recessed far behind the bumper, and were part of the body shell. The inside passengers received fresh air front he twin air scoops positioned near the sides.
•  Chrysler Airflow Trifon Concept
  Chrysler's experimental Trifon design was a break from the traditional automobile architecture and is often considered the first 'modern' automobile. Work began in the late 1920s, when Chrysler Corporation engineer Carl Breer began wind-tunnel testing to explore the performance-improving potential of an aerodynamic shaped automobile body. In 1932, a concept appeared that was registered as a Trifon Special instead of a Chrysler. This was done to confuse competitors.
  
  The design concept was approved by Walter P. Chrysler who authorized development of production cars based on this design. In 1934, the Chrysler and DeSoto Airflows were introduced to a reluctant automotive community.
•  Ford Frontenac Indy Special
  This car was built for Ford Dealer, Barber Warnock of Indiana, by Louis Chevrolet and his brothers based on Ford's Model T chassis.
  
  When Chevrolet's sold their company, they could not use the Chevrolet name so they called their cars Frontenac, which were very successful race cars. In fact, Gaston Chevrolet won the 1920 Indianapolis 500 in the Frontenac.
•  HCS Series 2
  This 1920 HCS Special is a replica of the 1920 Stutz HCS Special that was used as the Pace car for the 1921 Indy 500 race.
  
  In 1919 Harry Stutz left the Stutz Company to form his own concern call HCS Motor Car Company in Indianapolis. The car series #208 indicates it was produced early in the four-year existence of the company.
  
  Power is from a 50 horsepower engine and a there is a 2-passenger rumble seat. The car has been detailed to represent the HCS roadster used as the pace car for the 1921 Indy 500.
•  Kurtis Kraft KK2000
  Frank Kurtis completed the frame and body in 1947. Ralph Taylor picked up the car from Kurtis and Hal Cole completed the build in late 1947.
  
  Cole was the first driver of the 'City of Tacoma,' which featured a new four-cylinder un-supercharged Sparks 8-valve 4-cylinder engine, disc brakes and a cream and brown paint scheme. He competed in the 1948 Indianapolis 500, qualifying at 14th and finishing at 6th.
  
  Jack McGrath drove the car at Indy in 1949, qualifying 3rd and finishing 26th. Joe James attempted to qualify in 1950, but was too slow at 127.438 MPH. Bob Gregg failed to qualify in 1950.
•  The 1955 Studebaker Commander
  Beginning in the 1920s and continuing (off and on) through the 1960s, Studebaker used the Commander name. The 1955 model was the mid-level entry in the line priced from $1,870 to $2,455. The cars weighed 3,060 pounds were powered by a 224 cubic-inch V8 producing 140 horsepower.
•  The 1966 AMC Marlin
  'Distinctive and Different' best described the AMC Marlin since there was nothing else like it on the road when it debuted in 1965. Dick Teague is responsible for this radical fastback design which evolved from a prototype known as the Tarpan. By 1966 the design had received subtle interior and exterior changes including the grille now has 13 very thin aluminum vertical strips behind the large horizontal color bar. The only option for 1966 was the vinyl roof. The Marlin was advertised as a '3+3' with its 2+2 body styling seating 6 people.
  
  The engine is a 327 cubic-inch V8 that develops 250 horsepower, making it a competitor with the Mustang and the Barracuda. 4,547 Marlin's were produced.
•  The Mercer Model 35
  While this Indy did not run at Indy, it represents the type of cars that did race at Indy in the early 1900s. The Mercer Auto Company was founded in 1909 in Trenton, New Jersey. The 'Mercer Raceabout' was one of America's first sports car. At the time the car was guaranteed to do 70 mph, when very few people had gone over 50 mph. The first Mercer was the Type 30, with the Type 35 being their second car. It was a low-slung car with the engine sitting deep within the chassis providing a low center of gravity. When built for racing, Mercer sold the car as a stripped down Type 35 model. While the Type 35 Mercer won races on both dirt tracks and hill climb competition, Mercer was never able to win at Indy.
•  1932 Nash Advanced Eight
  Charles Nash launched Nash Motors in 1916 after resigning the presidency of General Motors following a dispute with Bill Durant. The Nash quickly became an American favorite.
  
  After building a solid reputation as a manufacturer of solid, medium priced automobiles, Nash decided to go 'up market' in 1930 with its 'Twin Ignition Eight' that developed 100 horsepower and rode on 124- and 133-inch wheelbase chassis.
  
  Like many manufacturers faced with plunging sales after the 1929 crash, Nash produced a series of remarkably luxurious cars in an effort to add prestige and promote their brand. The 1930 to 1934 Nash twin-ignition Advanced Eights were the largest Nashes in a period of sumptuous, beautiful styling and boasted lots of special features.
•  1937 Packard 1501 Super Eight
  Packard entered the Classic era with a new straight eight engine replacing its early V12. This milestone engine used a unique crankshaft design and firing order that balanced the reciprocating forces and eliminated vibration. It was lighter than the V12, providing more power, better fuel economy and the inline configuration was compatible with the 'long hood' design themes that would be characteristic of the Classic era.
  
  There were two 'Senior' Packard lines for 1937, and the Super Eight was one of them. Half of Packard's employees spent their time building the 7,093 premium series Packard Super Eights and Twelves for 1937. The other employees were tasked with assembling more than ten times as many much less costly 'junior' 120 Eights and 110 Sixes. Packard produced only 170 Super Eight 150 models with a list price of $2,680.
•  Continental Flyer
  From April of 1931, De Vaux-Hall Motors produced the 6/75 automobile based on the Durant automobile and powered by a six-cylinder engine developed by Col. Elbert J. Hall. In 1932, the De Vaux-Hall company went bankrupt owing Continental Motor Company $500,000 for engines built under the Hall name. Even though Continental supplied engines to other manufacturers, they had not built a car of their own. A decision was made to build out the remaining de Vaux/Hayes bodies with their own 'Red Seal' engines.
  
  In 1933, Continental produced a Saknoffsky designed, all-steel body built by Hayes Body. The Flyer, featuring a 107 inch wheelbase and a 65 horsepower engine, was their mid-priced model made to compete with Ford and Chevrolet. Directed through gas and service stations, 4,500 were sold worldwide.
•  McQuay Norris Streamliner
  The McQuay-Norris Company, based in St. Louis, MO, manufactured replacement pistons, rings, bearings and other engine rebuilt parts. In the early 1930s, six promotional vehicles were built by the Hill Auto Body Metal Company of Cincinnati, Ohio for the McQuay-Norris Company. Along with being promotional vehicles, they were used for testing. As such, they were given a plethora of gauges on the instrument panel to monitor the performance of various engine components.
  
  The exterior of the vehicle was as unusual as it was advanced. It streamlined shape was made of steel and aluminum over a wood framework. The curved windshield offers a panoramic view - except to the rear. The driver sits well back, near the middle of the body, and there is room behind the seats for a suitcase, a blowby meter (to measure how well the piston rings and valves are sealing) and a viscometer (to monitor oil viscosity). Some of the gauges monitored the engine oil level, pressure and temperature, water temperature and ammeter, and an accuracy refined speedometer and odometer.
•  The Hispano Suiza J12
  The J12 was introduced in 1931 and was powered by a 574 cubic-inch V12 engine producing 220 horsepower. The car was capable of 115 mph. Each engine block was machined from a single 700 pound billet. The cars were very expensive and only 120 were sold during the production run between 1931 and 1938.
  
  This Drophead Coupe with coachwork by VanVooren was originally owned by Richard Paine. The current owner acquired the car in 1991.
•  2012 Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan
  Since its introduction in 2002 as a '03 model, the CTS sedan has been pivotal in Cadillac's re-emergence as one of the world's premier manufacturers of luxury sports cars. It continues to draw new customers from imports and establish loyalty among repeat buyers, wîth sales up more than 62 percent for the first quarter of 2011.
  
  Continuous improvements have helped keep the CTS family at the top of customer consideration lists and earn critical praise, including a spot on Car and Driver's 10 Best list, Popular Mechanics' Auto Excellence Awards and Automobile Magazine's All-Star list. That legacy continues in 2012, as the CTS receives a lighter and more powerful version of the 3.6L V-6 wîth direct injection and continuously variable valve timing, a new version of its distinctive shield-shaped grille, new exterior colors and a new Touring Package edition.
  
  From a fuel economy standpoint, the new 3.6L V-6 retains EPA-estimated mileage of 18 city and 27 highway, despite delivering about 5-percent more horsepower – 318 horsepower (237 kW) vs. 304 horsepower (227 kW) in 2011.
•  2012 HYUNDAI EQUUS CONTINUES TO REDEFINE INTELLIGENT LUXURY
  Hyundai's flagship Equus successfully competes wîth the best sedans in the world, while adding a new level of customer experience to luxury car ownership. Since its introduction, Equus has outpaced its sales and market share expectations. Enhancements to the 2012 model build upon this momentum. Most notably, the 2012 Equus will now feature Hyundai's most powerful engine ever, the new direct injection 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine. The new engine produces 429 horsepower and is mated to a new in-house eight-speed transmission providing Equus drivers more power and refinement.
  
  The 2012 Equus is powered by Hyundai's new 5.0-liter Tau DOHC V8 engine, producing 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm, wîth a higher specific output (85.8 hp/liter) than its normally-aspirated premium luxury competitors. Maintaining its industry leadership position in 2011, the Tau V8 engine family was again named to the prestigious Ward's Ten Best Engines list for the third consecutive time.
•  Equipe Gordini: 1953 Formula One Season
  In the early days of the 1952 season, Equipe Gordini mounted the greatest challenge to what would become Scuderia Ferrari's all-conquering Ferrari 500 F2. However, in the later part of the year, that challenge wilted like a flower in the late summer heat.
  
  Much of the problem the Equipe Gordini team had during the 1952 season concerned reliability. The new T16 chassis proved to be quick and rather nimble, but its rear axle gave its drivers more hassles than probably anything else. Often times Equipe Gordini drivers were in position for good results only to have mechanical failures ruin the race.
  
  Although the team faded as the season wore on, they believed they had all of the necessary pieces to challenge going into 1953. Their drivers were talented and the car was quick. They believed that with some extra time to work on reliability the team could truly take the fight back to Ferrari just like it did in World Championship and non-championship races early on in 1952.
•  The 1934 Packard 1106 Twelve
  Packard was one of the oldest car companies in American, with their first car built in 1899 in Warren, Ohio. It was also one of the top luxury automobiles and enjoyed by the wealthy. The company began life as the Ohio Automobile Company and became the Packard Motor Car Company in 1902. The following year it moved to Detroit.
  
  The Packard Twelves were introduced in 1932 in response to the growing 'cylinder war' initiated by Cadillac among America luxury car marques. Earlier luxury cars were powered predominately by huge displacement six cylinder engines until Cadillac introduced a V8 in 1915. Packard responded the following year with the Twin-Six. The engine was replaced by the straight eight in 1924.
  
  The short wheelbase Packard Aero Sport Coupe was offered as part of the Packard Custom Catalog for 1934. The project was approved for construction in December of 1933 and led by Packard's head stylist Ed Macauley. The resulting style was the last known car to use the term 'Custom Made by Packard' and blended elements of both the LeBaron and Dietrich customs of the era. Less than a handful were produced and these unique motorcars originally sold for around $18,000.
•  The 2012 GMC Acadia
  As it enters its fifth year, GMC Acadia's efficiency and spaciousness continue to draw more crossover customers, wîth sales up more than 12 percent for the first four months of 2011.
  
  The 2012 Acadia lineup includes SL, SLE, SLT and Denali models (SLT models are offered in SLT1 and SLT2 trim levels). All models are available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive wîth seven- or eight-passenger seating configurations. A comprehensive safety system includes six standard air bags and standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system wîth traction control and rollover mitigation technology.
  
  All models are powered by a 3.6L V-6 VVT engine that uses gasoline direct injection technology to optimize performance and fuel economy. The engine is paired wîth Acadia's fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission to help give FWD models an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway. The Acadia also is capable of towing up to 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg), when properly equipped.
•  The Hispano Suiza H6B
  Emilio de la Cuadra, a Spanish army captain, started Hispano-Suiza in 1898. He hired Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt to design their first gasoline powered engines. By 1905, they were producing a series of large four- and six-cylinder engines for automobiles. During World War I, they provided engines for airplanes. Birkigt designed a series of pioneering aircraft engine innovations that included the first use of a cast engine block, propeller reduction gearing and a hollow propeller shaft to allow firing a gun through the propeller. When the War came a close, they returned to automobile and engine production and developed a strong reputation for building luxury automobiles.
  
  Hispano-Suiza produced roughly 2,350 H6 cars that included the H6B and H6C models, from 1919 to 1933. The H6 featured an all-aluminum, overhead camshaft 403 cubic-inch straight 6-cylinder engine. It was essentially half of Birkigt's V12 aviation engine. The brakes were light-alloy drums at all four wheels with power assist, an industry first technology that was licensed to other manufacturers including Rolls-Royce.
  
  This automobile is a 1926 H6B chassis which was rebodied in 1931 by master coach builder Henri Chapron for the 1932 Paris Auto Show. It is rumored that it was originally owned by the king of Tunisia, although not as yet documented. It was brought into the US in the 1950s by Alec Ulmann, who later sold it to a gentleman from Long Island, NY, Joe Weider, who drove it extensively for 30-40 years. After having a complete body-off restoration, it debuted at Pebble Beach in August 2004, where it was chosen Best in Class out of seven Hispano Suizas.
•  The Packard Model 120
  On November 6th of 1899, James Ward Packard ran his first automobile. He was aided by his brother, William and business partner George Weiss. The company began as the Ohio Automobile Company which turned into the Packard Motor Car Company on October 13th of 1902. A number of design innovations, including the modern steering wheel, quickly became a favorite among the wealthy.
  
  Though the Packard Company had a reputation for building luxury cars, the Depression forced them to produce a 'Junior' line of automobiles. The Packard 120, the first Packard priced at under $1,000, was introduced in 1935 and was the first Packard to feature independent front suspension. IN 1936, Packard increased the displacement on the L-head eight-cylinder engine, increasing the horsepower to 120 and giving the car a top speed of 85 mph. This was also the first year the cabriolet body style was offered.
•  2012 Buick Enclave
  The Buick Enclave combines fuel-efficiency, functionality, style and comfort in a premium crossover that fits up to eight and their cargo. With EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg highway (FWD), the Enclave provides better fuel economy than a typical eight-passenger SÚV.
  
  It was the Enclave that first introduced customers to Buick's product resurgence, and it has succeeded in bringing new buyers to the brand. Despite being generously equipped, it is priced less than luxury competitors and is backed by the industry's best warranty – a four-year, 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
  
  For 2012, Buick Enclave is available in four equipment groups. All-wheel drive is available.
•  2012 Chevrolet Cruze
  The Chevrolet Cruze – now Chevrolet's best-selling car around the world – provides the amenities, quietness, safety features, infotainment and roominess expected of a larger, more expensive sedan, but wîth the efficiency of a compact car.
  
  The only car in its class wîth 10 standard air bags, the Cruze received an overall five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest score possible. The Cruze is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, as well as a gas-sipping Eco model that achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg highway.
  
  Cruze Eco achieves its hybrid-like highway fuel economy using a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine, six-speed manual transmission and features that improve its aerodynamics, minimize weight and reduce rolling resistance. Cruze Eco also is available wîth an automatic transmission, rated at 39 mpg highway.
•  2012 Honda Crosstour Brings Sleek Design to Functional Crossover Vehicle
  The 2012 Honda Crosstour® approaches the crossover SÚV formula from a distinctively sleek, sporty and fuel-efficient perspective while also maximizing the interior's cargo capacity, versatility and premium feel.
  
  The Crosstour's exterior design emphasizes a bold, aerodynamic look that also conceals an accommodating rear cargo area wîth a large, lift-over tailgate. Premium interior styling, appointments and details extend from the passenger compartment all the way through the cargo area. An under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle adds functionality, while reversible cargo floor panels accommodate dirty objects.
  
  The Crosstour is available in two trim levels, the Crosstour EX and EX-L, wîth Real Time™ 4WD also available on the EX-L model. For 2012, new features on the Crosstour EX include auto on/off headlights, a rearview camera, Bluetooth®1 HandsFreeLink® and ÚSB audio interface. Two new colors are also available on all Crosstour models: Twilight Blue Metallic replaces Glacier Blue Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl replaces Tango Red Pearl.
•  2012 Infiniti FX Receives Seductive Revised Front End Styling
  The Infiniti FX, Infiniti's iconic performance crossover, enters the 2012 model year wîth big news – a revised front grille and front fascia design, revised meter illumination, standard heated front seats on all models and the addition of the new Limited Edition FX35 AWD model.
  
  Based upon the FX35 All-Wheel Drive model, the Limited Edition features an available exclusive Iridium Blue exterior color, 21-inch 10-spoke aluminum-alloy graphite finish wheels wîth P265/45R21 V-rated all-season tires, dark tinted headlights wîth Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and auto-leveling, and dark tinted side air vents and lower door trim. Other Limited Edition features include aluminum roof rails and roof rail crossbars wîth graphite finish, aluminum pedals, graphite floor mats wîth unique blue piping, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View® Monitor (AVM) and much more.
  
  Other 2012 enhancements include a new exterior color, Graphite Shadow (replaces Platinum Graphite), a new 20-inch wheel design for the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package, and a shift of the quilted leather climate-controlled front seats to the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package from the Premium Package.
•  The 1920 Mercer Series 5
  The Mercer Automobile Company was founded in Trenton, New Jersey in 1909 and was funded by the Roebling and Krus engineering company, which is best known for building the Brooklyn Bridge.
  
  The earliest Mercers were renowned for their outstanding performance and could be taken from the showroom floor directly to the race track without any modifications. The most famous Mercer was the T-head raceabout, built from 1911 to 1914. Drivers who set records in early Mercers included the legendary Barney Oldfield and Ralph DePalma.
  
  In 1915, Mercer introduced a new model with a revolutionary L-head, four cylinder, long stroke engine. This design was used until the end of production in 1926.
  
  This 1920 Mercer Series 5 Sporting was one of six different body styles available that year. It was designed to be the four passenger companion car to the popular raceabout model. It sold new for $4,200, which was about the price of eleven new Model T Fords.
•  The McFarlan Twin-Valve Six
  Like many other automakers, the McFarlan Company began in the carriage industry. They got their start in the mid-1850s and produced their first automobile created by Harry McFarlan in 1909. They reputation grew considerably the following year, the a pair of McFarlans finished the Indianapolis Labor Day races in the top five in both heats.
  
  The McFarlan automobiles were built in limited quantities and were well built automobiles, focusing on quality and luxury. The coachwork was done by a company that had years' experience in creating elegant designs.
•  The Kissel 8-75
  Founded in 1907, the Kissel Kar Company was established by two grandsons of German immigrants in Hartford, Wisconsin. The Kissel family had become successful as hardware merchants, property owners, land developers and lumber mill operators in the late 19th Century. When they decided to enter the automobile business they immediately hired Herman Palmer, another German immigrant with an engineering background and J. Fredrich Werner, a German coachbuilder who was living in America.
  
  In 1918, the word 'Kar' was replaced by 'Car' in reaction to the post World War One anti-German sentiment. The Kissel Car Company produced cars, trucks and ambulances. With a reputation for building sporty and fast vehicles, they began supplying vehicles to many of Hollywood's premier movie stars including Fatty Arbuckle, Al Jolson, and Mary Pickford. Production of automobiles came to an end in late 1930.
•  All-New Mazda CX-5 Crossover SUV World Premiere at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show
  Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SÚV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 13 through 25, 2011). The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion'.
  
  The Mazda CX-5 evolves Mazda's hallmark fun-to-drive character and will be progressively introduced to global markets from early 2012. Developed around the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY – including all-new Mazda gasoline and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis – the CX-5 delivers precise response and a high-quality ride matched wîth outstanding environmental and safety performance.
•  RM Auctions at the Concours d'Elegance at St. Johns
  A rare 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan delivered new to famed American entertainer Al Jolson for $6,600, broke the magic million-dollar mark at RM Auctions' St. John's sale in Plymouth, Michigan, selling for $1,100,000 before a packed house.
  
  One of just two built and virtually unseen for nearly half a century, the sporting Packard with coachwork by Dietrich spurred a lively bidding war in the room and on the phones to achieve the top-sale of the day. A total of 70 automobiles were presented during the four-hour auction, generating over $7.6 million* in sales with 85% of lots sold.
•  RARE PACKARD TOPS RM'S SALE AT THE CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE OF AMERICA AT ST. JOHN'S
  • RM Auctions generates over $7.6 million in total sales at its St. John's sale in Plymouth, Michigan
  • Top seller: 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan achieves $1,100,000
  • Unique 1939 Pontiac Plexiglas Deluxe Six ‘Ghost Car' attracts strong interest, realizing $308,000
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•  Duseneberg SJ : Best of Show American at Concours d'Elegance of America
  The Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's (formerly held at Meadow Brook Hall) awarded Best of Show 'European' to a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurrier while Best of Show 'American' went to a 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Riviera Phaeton Brunn.
  
  In conjunction with the Concours d'Elegance of American, the RM Auction at the Inn at St. John generated over $7.6 million in sales. The top sale at the auction was the 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan which went for $1.1 million. The most anticipated sale, the 1939 Pontiac Plexiglas Deluxe Six ‘Ghost Car', sold for $308,000.
  
  The winning Duesenberg is owned by John Groendyke from Enid, Okla., and is one of only 36 SJs produced. With the factory supercharger installed, the horsepower produced from the 240 cubic inch straight 8-cylinder Lycoming engine raises from 265HP to 320 HP. In the early 2000s, the car was treated to a comprehensive, 'nut-and-bolt' restoration.
•  Georges Berger: 1953 Formula One Season
  During the golden era, and in the years after World War II, grand prix racing was very much a very patriotic affair. Constructor nations had their own colors to identify themselves with the spectators. And often times, drivers would only compete in races with teams and in races that were part of their home nation.
  
  Stirling Moss was noted for his patriotic stubbornness and would end up driving British chassis that were no match for some of the cars coming from Italy. Georges Berger wasn't as patriotic when it came to what he would drive. Being from Molenbeek Saint-Jean, near Brussels, Belgium, Berger had little to no options. And while the roots of his chariots may not have been all that Belgian yellow, the races in which he would compete would not extend too far outside the 11,787 square miles of Belgian countryside, cities, forests and hills.
  
  Berger's first race would come in the Les Rues de Chimay sportscar race in May of 1947. He would take part in at least one race each year until 1950. Then, in 1950, Berger would take part in four Formula 2 non-championship races. His best result of these four would be the first. The race was again the Les Rues de Chimay race, but for Formula 2. In that race he would take his Jicey BWM and would finish a splendid 3rd.
•  Mercedes-Benz Autobahn Kurier: Best of Show European at Concours d'Elegance of America
  This Mercedes-Benz Autobahn Kurier, owned by Arturo and Deborah Keller, was the recipient of Best of Show 'European' honors at the Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's. The car was entered in the event in honor of the 125 year celebration of Mercedes-Benz. This extremely rare and elegant car has had just two caretakers since it left the Sindelfingen coach-building facility.
  
  Mercedes-Benz's legacy with supercharged high performance road-going cars began in the very early 1920s with the 15/70/100 hp Mercedes and continued with the 540K into the 1940s. The 540K was powered by an inline 8-cylinder engine that offered 115 horsepower when naturally aspirated. With the help of a supercharger, the figure rose to 180 hp and top speed was in the neighborhood of 170 kph.
  
  Only 419 examples of the 540K were produced between 1936 and 1940. Mercedes-Benz built the Autobahn-Kurier to suit the newly constructed Autobahn roadway. Four examples were built on the 500K chassis and just two on the 540K chassis.