Car Trends Magazine

An Answer to a Question We Don’t Remember AskingHeretofore, Sport-y Fusions have been so mostly in appearance; the previous Sport package could be applied to front-drive SE or SEL trims and included a gaudy interior upgrade, a rear lip spoiler, a stiffer suspension, 18-inch wheels, and not much else. For 2010, however, the Sport becomes an independent model—with either front- or all-wheel drive—that retains the stiffer suspension, “special” interior trim, and 18-inch wheels of the 2009 trim level,...

This is the latest in a long convoy of Harley-branded trucks and the sole version of the 2010 F-150 that Ford says not to take off-road. Offered in Tuxedo Black or, like ours, Lava Metallic (it looks a lot like dirt-speckled black), this year’s Harley truck is only available in four-door SuperCrew configuration with a 5.5-foot bed. All Harley F-150s ride on massive 22-inch wheels—the trucks also wear 22 Harley logos—wrapped in all-season rubber and have a unique “sport-tuned” suspension. The interior...

Americans will finally see a rational application of BMW’s Euro-centric EfficientDynamics mantra when BMW unveils six-cylinder versions of its 7-series at the Detroit auto show in January. The 740i will occupy the lowest rung on the company’s executive-sedan ladder, below the plenty-powerful 750i, the extreme 760i, and the slightly ridiculous ActiveHybrid 7. Power comes from BMW’s twin-turbo inline-six, which in this application makes 315 hp at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at a low 1600 rpm....

The Mercedes-Benz SL-class is a perpetual favorite among the wealthy and glamorous, and with the current model, the Germans got the formula right again. In production since 2001, the R230 SL has already gone through two face lifts. The soft, outdated look of the original design has been sharpened, albeit at the expense of the overall stylistic balance of the car. It's time for Mercedes to get busy putting the next generation into production.And so the last update done for 2009 will likely be the...

When James Dean set out to a race in Salinas, California, on that fateful morning of September 30, 1955, he and his beloved Porsche 550 Spyder were already viewed by many as icons. Of course, in years to come, iconic status would be cemented for both Dean and Porsche, with the German company becoming known as the quintessential sports-car manufacturer. So on our maiden voyage with Porsche’s newest, lightweight 2011 Boxster Spyder—said to be a successor to the 550 Spyder, as if there really could...

When James Dean set out to a race in Salinas, California, on that fateful morning of September 30, 1955, he and his beloved Porsche 550 Spyder were already viewed by many as icons. Of course, in years to come, iconic status would be cemented for both Dean and Porsche, with the German company becoming known as the quintessential sports-car manufacturer. So on our maiden voyage with Porsche’s newest, lightweight 2011 Boxster Spyder—said to be a successor to the 550 Spyder, as if there really could...

Vehicle Tested: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Pros: Handsome styling, sharp handling, generous cargo capacity. Cons: Stiff ride with optional Performance package, rear seats uncomfortable for taller adults, not as engaging to drive as some rivals. When it comes to wagons, those made stateside have historically tended to be looked down upon, while those made in Europe are held in high regard. That may have something to do with the stereotype commonly held regarding domestic wagons:...

If there was a prize for “most improved truck following a refresh,” the 2010 Land Rover LR4—the vehicle formerly known as the LR3—would take the prize. The outgoing vehicle was great off road and had one of the best third-row packages on the market, but it was woefully under-powered for its 5700-pound heft. Aligning Power with WeightThe LR4, which went on sale earlier this year, got a heavier facelift than Mickey Rourke—although we’d say the LR4’s was somewhat more successful. First up, Land Rover...