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Mazda CX-9, 2008: Belew's Car Buzz

I’ve often thought if a car can’t be made to operate more economically, it could at least be made to be safer. Japanese automakers have heard me thinking. And Mazda heard me thinking, particularly when I recently drove the CX-9 a few hundred miles during a week’s test drive.

Acura TSX, 2009: Weidel on Wheels

While generally respectful of all Honda vehicles and its upscale luxury line, a recent week behind the wheel of the 2009 Acura TSX made me questioning the current redesign. It doesn’t match some of the high-level competition in the premium compact class.

Mazda 3S (Grand Touring), 2009: Belew’s Car Buzz

The 2009 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring compact is done right. It’s the summation of years of automotive awards, good reviews, positive ownership experiences — and thus increased sales. Add my impressions to the list of good reviews. This Mazda was the most fun, economy car I’ve driven in a long time and overall one of the best cars I have driven in recent months.

General Motors Unveils Electric Vehicle Volt, Will Debut As 2010 Model

General Motors has unveiled the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle, the much-anticipated combination electric-gasoline that will be able to run up to 40 miles without using its small gasoline engine to produce electricity. The Volt will be driven by electricity stored in a large T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack running the length of the car. After charging for several hours, the Volt will be able to operate about 40 miles without using gasoline.

Buick Lucerne CX, 2008: Belew's Car Buzz

I have a routine when I drive/review cars each week. One step is to ask my friend, Leo Blume, a car lover, what he thinks. We took a drive in the 2008 Buick Lucerne and stopped by his house. He showed me his 1963 Buick. And, boy did he have some things to say. He contributes this review:

Aston Martin Overtakes Bugatti As World's Most Expensive Car

Move over, Bugatti. Welcome, Aston Martin to the top of the car pricelist. The soon-to-be released Aston Martin One-77 (A codename) will assume the title as the world’s most expensive car.

New Hip Trash Car In The Movies — Used Dodge Spirit

It’s likely not the kind publicity General Motors is seeking. But don’t be surprised if there’s a rush in the purchases of the defunct Dodge Spirit. Dodge Spirit? Really?

Cadillac Debuts CTS Sport Wagon For 2010

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon was recently debuted on the Monterey Peninsula, showcasing a dramatic design that elevates and updates the classic wagon body style. Not unlike many historic Cadillac designs, the new CTS Sport Wagon is an unmistakable and dynamic presence. The car’s intricately cut rear profile injects fashion-forward design into the formerly utilitarian world of wagons.

2009 Nissan Murano: Weidel on Wheels

For any car shopper waiting around for the unveiling of last year’s Nissan Murano, the wait never ended. Nissan didn’t produce a 2008 model. Although a surprising circumstance for such a popular vehicle, Nissan felt it wasn’t necessary since a full redesign was coming in 2009. Who could really blame them since there was nothing objectionable about the 2007 Murano?

Papa John's Camaro: It's back so it's free pizza for all, sort of

John Schnatter cares about pizza, but not as much as he enjoys cars, or at least one car — his 1971 Chevy Camaro Z28. And he’s so glad to have his prized possession back after losing track of the car for more than a quarter century, the owner of Papa John’s pizza chain is dishing out free pizzas Wednesday.

Mario Andretti: Still A Driving Force In Motorsports

Nearly 15 years after his retirement from full-time racing, Mario Andretti, at age 68, remains a dominant force. One of only two drivers to win race in the four major motor racing categories — Formula One, IndyCar (USAC), World Sportscar Championships and NASCAR — Andretti was the honored guest last week at the 35th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races and Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca.

Audi A8 W12, 2008: The Weekly Driver Car Review (Video)

The 2008 Audi A8 W12 is the German manufacturer’s powerful top-of-the-line sedan. It’s nearly a small apartment considering its spaciousness, powerful sound system, rear-seat refrigerator and solar sunroof. Videographer Bruce Aldrich and I take a look and the luxurious Audi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrDQljGPqSc

Volkswagen Beetle, Kaiser Darrin Shine At Carmel Concours On The Avenue

Amid overcast skies and cool temperatures, Monterey Auto Week began Monday with the two-day Concours on the Avenue in Carmel with a wondrous selection of varied classic cars — Ferrari to Volkswagen, Ford to Bentley, Fiat to Lamborghini.

Monterey Auto Week, 2008: Auctions, Concours & Classics

It’s often simply called Monterey Auto Week. No one organization oversees all of the activities, and it’s possible to attend perhaps only half of the events. The Concours d’Elegance, the grandfather of celebration, has been around for more than 50 years. And it’s still the grand finale to the festivities Sunday, Aug. 17.

Monterey Auto Week: What's In A (No) Name?

Monterey Auto Week is hard to describe, particularly since it lasts nearly two weeks. And Monterey Auto Week isn’t really an official name, either, because there isn’t an official name to all of the car-related activities on the Monterey Peninsula in August. Nonetheless, the sensory overload of all things automotive continued this week with the second Carmel-By-The Sea Concours on the Avenue. Porsche and Ferrari were the attractions Monday on Ocean Avenue in Carmel and accompanying side streets. And on Tuesday marques from 1946-1971 were presented. Both days were nirvana for car owners and automotive enthusiasts. But the Tuesday gathering

GM Plans To Invest $500 Million For New Economy Car, Cruze

In its elaborate plans to appease consumers’ changing buying choices, General Motors Corporation will invest more than half a billion dollars in its Ohio manufacturing plant. It’s where Chevrolet will assemble the Cruze, its new compact vehicle set to debut in the United States as a 2011 model.