NEW CAR PREVIEW: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Bridging the gap between other models, Porsche has unveiled the second generation of 911 Carrera GTS models in coupe and cabriolet versions and with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The new Porsche model features 430 horsepower from the Carrera S Powerkit which incorporates the Sport Chrono package and Sport Exhaust. The standard PASM active damper system lowers the ride height by 10 mm compared to the 911 Carrera. When equipped with PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung dual-clutch transmission), the 911 Carrera GTS sprints from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds (Cabriolet: 4.0 seconds). Top track speeds for the GTS

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Jay Leno in driver’s seat of new network auto show

Jay Leno will be returning to television with a primetime show on CNBC, and it will be centered around his passion for automobiles, according to several celebrity and television news websites. Leno, 64, stopped hosting the “Tonight Show” in February. Industry reports say Leno was contacted by several networks, including CNN, A&E and the History Channel to host a program about cars. Leno wanted to remain in the NBC “family.” Leno has a strong relationship with CNBC president Mark Hoffman. It broadcast a “Jay’s Garage” special in September called “Jay’s Garage: The Ultimate Car Week.” Leno is among the world’s

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2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T: Refined, well-equipped

The ultracompetitive mid-size sedan market heats up with the addition of Hyundai‘s new 2015 Sonata Sport. It’s been given a more refined design, inside and out, to draw additional mid-size sedan buyers. This seventh-generation front-wheel-drive Sonata swaps the previous model’s ultra-sporty look for a more conservative one. However, this four-door sedan has a purposeful shape, with a coupe-like roofline and horizontal lines in the rear that underscore the car’s width and give it a planted (spell “road-hugging”) look. Hyundai likens the styling to an athlete in a well-tailored suit. The new Sonata has a stiffer body structure, better ride quality,

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Honda Odyssey, Ford Flex among 10 best family cars

Minivans take a bad rap. They’re the ultimate family cars and have sometimes been referred to as “loser cruisers” or the vehicles of choice for overprotective soccer moms who carry endless supplies of juice packs. The less-than stellar reputation is unfair, however. Minivans make ideal family vehicles. They’re more economical in some instances than family sedans. And for long vacation hauls, comfort and cargo space are import. TheWeeklyDriver.com’s two favorite family are the Honda Odyssey and Ford Flex. The Odyssey is arguably the most versatile vehicle available in the United States. The seat configuration, high seating and, of course, it’s

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GM tough year continues, now 30 million recalls in 2014

General Motors has had a tough year. With its latest recall of Pontiac G8, Chevrolet Carprice and Cadillac models, GM has now recalled about 30 million cars in 2014. The latest recall includes about 60,000 vehicles. On certain Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Caprice models, the vehicles “may experience unintended key rotation from the ‘Run’ to ‘ACC’ position if the driver’s knee interacts with the ignition key,” according to GM. The recalled Cadillacs have fuel pump issues, repairable at dealers. The Caprice model is a police vehicle. No injuries or fatalities have been reported from the latest recall. GM reported one

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Elio Motors’ scam worries rise after recent woes

Elio Motors, the upstart three-wheel vehicle manufacturer, continues to attract potential buyers willing to place a deposit for an economic and performance wonderment that hasn’t been built. In September, according to the company’s website, more than 34,000 people have pre-ordered the vehicle with a variety monetary commitments, $100 to $1,000, to purchase the proposed $6,800 vehicle. Three months ago, the deposit list total was 28,000. Paul Elio, the company CEO, believes Elio Motors is getting closer the financial goal to make good on his proposed hiring of a production staff of around 1,500 to assist in the car’s manufacture starting

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2014 Toyota Venza: Versatile SUV drives like a car

In the past eight months, the 2014 Toyota Venza and I have become good friends. For one week on each occasion, I’ve had three test sessions with the crossover, sport wagon or small SUV — however the vehicle in properly designated. By any combination and by whatever its name means, the Venza is versatile. It’s a crossover with all-wheel drive, yes. But it’s compact and streamlined like a wagon. And it also has the characteristics of a daily driver sedan. The 2014 Toyota Venza has surprisingly strong acceleration. The result is a combo-car with a combo name. Plenty of theories

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Favorite fantasy cars, Jaguar XKE to Bugatti Veyron

Maybe just a simple red convertible, any year, any style is your fantasy car? If that’s not good enough, how about a high-performance supercar like a Bugatti Veyron or a even more rare Saleen? Perhaps you’re into vintage cars and long for a 1957 T-Bird, a Gullwing Mercedes-Benz or a pristine Porsche? Or maybe off-the-hook top speed is what you’re seeking and you’ll only settle for a Hennessey. Its Venom GT model last February achieved a record top speed of 270.49 mph at the Kennedy Space Center on the Shuttle Landing Facility’s 3.2-mile runway in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Regardless of

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2015 Honda CR-V: More features, new look, better mpg

The 2015 Honda CR-V, which is will debut nationwide Oct. 1, will include what the manufacturer describes as “the most significant mid-model cycle refresh in its history.” As the biggest-selling sport utility vehicle in the United States, the 2015 Honda CR-V will feature a new direct-injected Earth Dreams Technology i-VTEC engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a new suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver assistive features. The MSRP price range is $23,320-$32,770. Interior and exterior styling on the 2015 Honda CR-V will be enhanced. Many new standard and optional features will debut as well as a new premium

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2014 Scion FR-S: Best sports car for $25,000?

Now in its second year, the 2014 Scion FR-S coupe is largely unchanged from the debut model. Additional padding has been added to door panels and center console, and there’s now a touchscreen audio system.But the Scion remains unheralded as an entry-level sports car — available only in the United States — and with an odd name that makes sense. The FR-S is the acronym of the car’s platform — Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Available in only one trim, the four-seat 2014 Scion FR-S features a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine generating 200 horsepower. My

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Tony Stewart criminally cleared in Kevin Ward’s death

Tony Stewart, the controversial race car driver known for his aggressive style and fiery temper, will not face criminal charges in Kevin Ward Jr.’s death, a grand jury in New York has decided. Disrtict Attorney Michael Tantillo in Ontario County, N.Y., announced there was no basis for criminal charges. Stewart was racing Aug. 9 in the Empire Super Sprints Series at a half-mile dirt oval in Canandaigua, N.Y., on the night Ward was killed. Ward and Stewart were battling for position midway through the feature race, and Ward hit the outside wall and spun with a flat tire. Upset with

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2014 Toyota RAV4: sporty, versatile compact SUV

Toyota believes in keeping a good thing going. The Toyota RAV4 was the first compact crossover when introduced in the mid-1990s and soon became a hit because it was carlike, practical and economical. It also carried Toyota’s revered name. The fourth generation RAV4 four-door hatchback arrived for 2013 as a significantly redesigned and improved model, so the 2014 model includes just a few new options. Minimal changes are planned in the 2015 RAV4. New items for 2014 include an Entune Audio lineup and a Technology Package option with Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic and Lane Departure Alert. Toyota RAV4:

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Top 5 fastest cars on the planet

The fastest car in the world? Doesn’t it seem like every niche, top-line manufacturer is always seeking the top designation? The current leader since February is Hennessey, but the achievement occurred with an asterisk. The Hennessey Venom GT achieved a top speed of 270.49 mph (435.31 km/h) at the Kennedy Space Center on the Shuttle Landing Facility’s 3.2-mile runway in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Feb. 14. The “record” run was in a single direction, and since only 16 of the Hennessey models have sold to (30 is the minimum for record consideration), the massive speed achievement doesn’t qualify as the

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2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Best car for $25,000?

The Jetta is the best selling Volkswagen and the main reason is its versatility. It’s available in about 40 configurations and trims, including the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. It’s the diesel edition of the mid-size sedan. It features a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder matched with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and 140 horsepower. The Weekly Driver’s Test Drive In the 10 years I’ve written The Weekly Driver coumn, I’ve driven the Volkswagen Jetta TDI several times and each time I’ve been perplexed. Why isn’t this version of the Jetta more popular? Is the stigma against diesel engines strictly based

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2015 Honda CR-V unveiled, debuts October 1

A week away from its official unveiling, a glimpse of the 2015 Honda CR-V has been unveiled via one image and an uninformative brief press release from the Japanese automaker. In its press release, the redesigned Honda CR-V is described: “A new aggressive and bold appearance with unique Honda style portends the significant enhancements made to the 2015 CR-V. Going on sale October 1, complete information on the newest version of the best-selling SUV in America will be available September 30.” As the best-selling crossover in the United States, the Honda CR-V, had its best sales volume in 2013 with

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The 2014 Lincoln MKZ: Strong luxury car contender

Maybe you’d rather have a Lincoln. The 2014 Lincoln MKZ sedan turns heads, and it’s been a long time since this automaker has built a car that does that. MKZ is part of Lincoln‘s attempt to put it on the lists of more luxury car buyers. It has the looks, ride and handling to make it competitive with some Cadillacs and foreign luxury car models. Steering is sharp, an adaptive suspension makes the ride comfortable, and the car handles as well as some top-line European and Asian luxury sports sedans. The brake pedal has a good feel and causes the

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