BMW 335d sedan: Elegant electronics and a gestalt-altering diesel

Given the automakers' pervasive presence in the U.S. economy and their value as symbols of industrial might, many believe they wouldn't be allowed to go under.

With auto show season upon us, another model year of new cars will soon hit the streets. Will they be uniquely “classic” or a well-executed variation?

At last week's Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz whipped the silk off the S600 Pullman Guard, a mobile bomb shelter designed to protect heads of state, captains of industry, royalty and, of course, Russians.

The current estimate is that the Insight -- powered by a 1.3-liter gas engine and Integrated Motor Assist, good for about 45 mpg, on average -- will cost about $20,000, though final pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date next spring.

When gas prices gushed over $4 a gallon earlier this year, bike shops were (and still are) swamped with people who suddenly wanted to use pedal power for commuting, socializing and shopping. Attracting particular attention are so-called "longtails" -- extra-long SUBs (sport utility bikes) with welded-on racks designed to haul big, bulky cargo, whether it's a 200-pound load of bricks, surfboards or three or four bags of groceries. Here's a look at four of the most popular SUBs I tested at the recent Interbike trade show in Las Vegas.

The folks at Blue Oval HQ, looking to get out ahead of the story, have posted a timeline on their website demonstrating an intermittent-wiper system in 1959, four years before Kearns came up with his design.

We decided to put together a list of our 10 favorite car movies, hopefully avoiding the usual recital of road-race smash-'em-ups to leave room for a few less-obvious choices.

Hybrids, plug-ins and pure electric vehicles arrive in force as manufacturers sort out battery woes.

To try to compete with all the new announcements planned for the LA Auto Show, the organizers are planning an entertainment event that includes, concerts, contests, demonstrations, speed dating, celebrity appearances and give-aways.

front-engine four-wheel drive diesel sedan from Lambo? Check the weather. The world might be ending.

Carmakers hope the massive bailout plan will help drive customers back to showrooms after all major manufacturers post declines.

Paris stands alone this year as Europe's biggest auto show -- or "Motor show" as they call it -- and the world's stage for auto debuts this week.

It's time for the Paris Motor Show -- it’s been the event that kicks off the auto show season and gets the automotive rumor mill grinding from China to Detroit.

Though KITT may be the most recognizable name and grill from TV's recent past, he's not alone. They may not ever grab the cover of Rolling Stone or TV Guide, but these TV star cars have charisma to spare.

Highly competitive, Newman was drawn to the track, he told reporters, because in racing, unlike acting, the definition of "good" is not a murky matter of opinion.

I find the 2009 VW Jetta TDI's lack of exceptionalism exceptional. This car is ordinary, routine, a mean of averages, a flat line on life's electroencephalogram. It is non-provocative right down to its brake shoes. Find the most common of gardens, and the Jetta is that garden's variety.

The third-largest U.S. automaker unveils three battery-powered models, the first of which it would sell by late 2010.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, 80% of new car buyers don't buy the top car on their list because of a negative dealership experience.

Starting in January, California drivers may not send, write or read messages on electronic devices.

Tow truck operators were pressured to sell new batteries when just a jump-start was needed, says the suit on behalf of members.

This is a car, an engine, for fully grown adults whose idea of motoring pleasure is high fuel economy. Yes, it will go fast, but the real exaltation is in going far.

Hybrids, plug-ins and pure electric vehicles arrive in force as manufacturers sort out battery woes.

I find the 2009 VW Jetta TDI's lack of exceptionalism exceptional. This car is ordinary, routine, a mean of averages, a flat line on life's electroencephalogram. It is non-provocative right down to its brake shoes. Find the most common of gardens, and the Jetta is that garden's variety.

The 556-horsepower sedan is a speedster that provides superb cornering and control in a refined and seductive package.

The novel method used to treat its exhaust makes this SUV a highway whiz.

The best subcompact on the market is slightly larger, vastly stiffer, noticeably more quiet and comfortable, and every bit as dorky-looking as the previous edition. But what a view from the cockpit.

Volkswagen often invokes the climes and cultures of North Africa for its products' names: Toureg -- the name of VW's goodly sized off-roader -- is borrowed from the aboriginal people of the Sahel. Scirocco is a withering desert wind. This is a curious practice since the Germans had a decidedly mixed record in North Africa.

The luxury behemoth is beautifully constructed, exquisitely appointed, heroically engineered — and drives like an excellent BMW sedan with an elephant on its back.

A pair of evenly matched super-luxury sports cars have distinctly different personalities.

Europe's Car of the Year is fun to own and drive -- not least because of its fuel economy.

The total family package is high-functioning and deserves a good home.

And it's solid and safe, with charisma to boot.

Thanks to the A4, a troubled Audi was recharged in the '90s. This time the brand doesn't need saving, but the sedan comes back looking like a hero anyway.

A rejiggered product from Down Under, the G8 tries hard to please. Just don't compare it to the BMW 5-series.

The popular crossover has lost the boxiness and gained a few inches. In other words, there's more space for your legs, plus the skis, bikes or kids.

As a reborn pony car, the fuel-inefficient Challenger is a retro stallion

The GM import is as entertaining and nimble as its German cousin, the Opel Astra.

The sedan has the requisite sparkle and performance, but feels like a luxury car wrapped around an economy powertrain.

The best-selling small SUV in Europe vrooms to American shores.

The new luxury sedan has all the sparkle and power you'd expect. If they could just do something about that grille.

The 200-mph supercar, basically a Porsche Motorsport version of the 911 Turbo, is all the scarier for its effortless ways.

The Murano's new front looks more aggressive, but not much has changed on the road.

The 135i packs a lot of oomph into its little body, but those looks . . .

The little car that could grows out but, whew, not up with the Clubman.

In looks, ride, even in sound, a Ford Mustang edition pays proper homage to a legend.

The eight-speed IS-F brings swift splendor to the high-performance luxury club.

The new Audi TT is a bolder, sleeker version of its old self. Yes, still the designer's dream car.

In the midst of rising gas prices, General Motors VP Brent Dewar introduces the 2009 GMC Sierra hybrid to the heartland.

Computer-like precision kind of takes the fun out of it.

A sneak peek shows the truck-nugget tackles today's big issues: driveability, fuel efficiency, space.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is still rowdy enough to delight true believers. Yet nuance is part of the story in '08.

Infiniti's feisty little hatchback protects car and driver with its lane sensors and AVM cameras.

The Tahoe Hybrid is smart, smooth and strong, but it's a lot of vehicle for a little environmental progress.

Heavy on the technical -- and on the bulk

A bit better gas mileage, but only by a bit

Mercedes GL320 CDI is just fine, but it's another SUV in a world that should be thinking green.

From stem to stern, Audi's S5 Coupe is one smooth operator, all refinement and lubriciousness. Get it on the highway, and it moves like greased lightning.

Impreza gets bigger and blander -- not exactly the way to lure the mainstream.

Plagued by reliability issues, the company is doing damage control with its new C-class.

The Chrysler Town & Country Limited -- quick, comfortable and commodious -- is a patriarch among minivans.

With the capacious Enclave CXL crossover, Buick seeks to assert its premium-brand cred.

Overindulgence done right, Mercedes-Benz's CL63 is luxe lightning.

If you didn't sign up in 2004, you're outta luck.

The Accord EX-L's quieter, safer, more middle-of-the road. Just like its target audience.

Upgrades inside and out give the coupe a more refined feel.

In Germany, automakers are in fierce competition to come up with the most jaw-dropping shrines. Car-loving travelers, come peek under the hood.

Porsche's 911 Turbo for 2007, the class of its class, simply laughs at lag.

With a nifty and satisfying sport-utility like this in its portfolio, the automaker may save itself yet.

No question, there's a lot of bunny for the buck here. VW's re-engineered Rabbit is agile, sturdy and quite a catch.

Chrysler's '08 Sebring Convertible has a nifty roof mechanism. But things go down quickly from there.

The C30 could mark the emergence of a species: Volvo rockinus.

The classy automaker goes ultra-sassy with a supercar for grown-ups.

Ford's new offering is quite a looker, and much more affordable than the luxury brand.

Looks aside, there's plenty to praise in the 2008 Scion xB -- more fun, more substance, more room inside. And isn't beauty an inner glow?

Pumped up and powerful, this Mercedes brings a racy pedigree to the street.

The 2007 Tundra competes in the large pickup market with all the right gadgets

Jeep Wrangler takes a civilized turn from its wilderness legacy.

Hyundai's Veracruz has styling and room to spare. (Children are optional.)

Looks hot, drives great, comfy in any weather. It's hard not to like BMW's new convertible.

The Smart Fortwo is more than a little fun, but its tiny size offers slight advantage stateside.

This mega-Lexus parallel parks itself and detects if a driver's nodding off. It has everything, except, perhaps, the fun factor.

Fully tricked out, the S8 is a wicked sound machine. Go ahead, crank up `Radar Love.'

Lotus, Porsche flaunt their latest European power plays: street legal, if not streetwise.

Kia's seven-seater Rondo is compact, practical and, well, restful. Pile in the family and go celebrate thriftiness.

Ferrari's new 2007 599 GTB Fiorano gives the laws of physics a run for their money. Newton would approve.

Stylish, speedy, secure. Volvo's S80 runs easily with the BMW-Lexus pack.

If your house seems too small, you can always move into the Bentley Arnage T. But you may have an even bigger mortgage.

Cute? Yep, as a bug. But the carmaker skimped too much with its subcompact Yaris.

A new automatic transmission makes Maserati's Q-ship easier to drive. But is it easier to love?

The '08 LR2 has genteel charm, off-the-charts handling -- and plenty of star power.

Great mileage, big power, cleaned-up emissions. Only problem with Mercedes' E320 Bluetec diesel is you can't get it in California. Yet.

Despite the price, BMWs remain hugely popular. The new 335i Coupe, with a seriously great turbocharged engine and fine interior, demonstrates why.

The revamped Escape hybrid gives Ford a much-needed victory. Perfect? No. Revitalizing? Definitely.

Sleek and slithery, the Jaguar XKR is a quicker breed of cat.

The road to a certain enlightenment could begin with Nissan's Versa or Chevy's Aveo. Imagine: Contentment in less car than you can afford.

Like a Trojan horse, Camry sneaks gas-saving radicalism into a trusted American staple.

A hot-rodded Prius hybrid can get extraordinary mileage from a gallon of gas--even in stop-and-go L.A. Is triple-digit mileage just around the bend?

The current estimate is that the Insight -- powered by a 1.3-liter gas engine and Integrated Motor Assist, good for about 45 mpg, on average -- will cost about $20,000, though final pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date next spring.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, 80% of new car buyers don't buy the top car on their list because of a negative dealership experience.

The third-largest U.S. automaker unveils three battery-powered models, the first of which it would sell by late 2010.

GM executives acknowledge that the $25 billion the industry is seeking in federal loan guarantees would help subsidize the hybrid car's development and production.

General Motors Corp. lifted the cover off the production version of its Volt extended-range electric car today.

Initially skeptical, they find they like the cars' thriftiness and even roominess, and say their customers do too.

The latest supercar to hit American streets is the Gumpert Apollo, a genuine contender for one of the fastest cars in the world.

With energy crisis on full bore, fuel-efficient cars are scarce. But a new breed of driver is stretching what you can squeeze out of a tank.

Hear that? It's the sound of an underwhelmed army of car geeks, trying to hide their disappointment about the looks of the long-awaited production Chevrolet Volt.

The car pictured here is still officially a concept vehicle and will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show next month. But with production happening so soon, the streetable model shouldn't differ that much, if at all.

After 37 years at Toyota Motor Corp., during which time he rose to the top job in North America, James E. Press shocked the car world by jumping to Chrysler last year.