AutoWeek articles from March 2005

AutoWeek archives from March 2005

Work in Progress; 1928 Packard testing site sees restoration.(Studebaker-Packard's site to be renovated by Ford Motor Co.)
March 7, 2005... Byline: BROOKS BRIERLEY Back in the mid-1920s, when Packard was the leading American luxury automobile, the company built a proving grounds near Utica, Michigan, about 20 miles north of its Detroit factory. Prolific architect Albert Kahn,...

More Views.(comparing between BMW 545i and Cadillac STS)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 7, 2005... * The STS is the best car Cadillac has produced in my driving lifetime. The simple fact that we are taking it to the track and comparing it to an icon-the BMW 5 Series-speaks volumes about Cadillac's resurgence. For me, the STS is the best...

Same game, different rules; Greg Biffle and his Roush Racing team had it all figured out at Fontana.
March 7, 2005... Byline: BILL McGUIRE There is a saying in NASCAR: The Nextel Cup schedule may open with the Daytona 500, but the real season doesn't start until the following week. That's when the restrictor plates are removed, the glamour of NASCAR's...

TV: March 11-13.(automobile racing television program timings)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Friday, March 11 American Muscle Car, 2 a.m., Speed Legends of Motorsport: 1962 Alpine Rally, 7 a.m., Speed Car Crazy, 8:30 a.m., Speed NASCAR Nation, 9 a.m., Speed NBS 24/7, 3 p.m., Speed NASCAR Live from Las Vegas,...

AW goings-on.
March 7, 2005... * Online: Full Geneva show coverage, plus AutoWeek editor web logs * On deck: Geneva show Editors' Choice awards

Flash.(Safir's trademark infringement case with Ford Motor Co. )
March 7, 2005... Vintage Ferrari fire sale When we last left Walter Medlin, the 21st century's answer to Howard Hughes, Hurricane Charley had just blown through central Florida, taking with it a barn that held part of Medlin's collection: 17 Ferraris, an...

PUNCHING IT UP; Bigger engine makes top-of-the-line C-Class a real gas.(Mercedes-Benz C350)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 7, 2005... Byline: ROGER HART The C-Class is the smallest sedan Mercedes-Benz sells in the United States (for now) but it's also the biggest seller, so an argument could be made that it's the most important vehicle in the portfolio. Mercedes sold...

But Wait, There's More...(fund misuses, accident causes and fines, etc.)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... From the "Who Knew?'' file Terrorists fear lawn mowers * The Texas state auditor's office has revealed the state misused a portion of nearly $600 million in Federal anti-terrorism funds. One county bought a trailer to transport lawn mowers...

LUXURY EVOLUTION; Cadillac is going performance and BMW is going luxo; have they crossed paths yet?(BMW 545i and Cadillac STS)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 7, 2005... "We should give the win to the Cadillac right off the bat just because it doesn't have iDrive,'' said one tester, only half-joking. But love it or hate it, electronics is here to stay, especially at the high end of the luxury-performance sedan...

Sirius, watch your speed.(Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.)(Column)
March 7, 2005... Byline: Dutch Mandel Many people of an age find life's philosophy from Dylan or Jagger, Morrison or Slick, Young or Cash. Me, I'm a Jerry's kid, taking wisdom from the nine-fingered riff off Mr. Garcia's guitar and the rest of the Grateful...

Gearhead meets Mr. Practical.(consumer reports and car purchase desicion making)(Column)
March 7, 2005... Byline: Cory Farley I blame it on Consumer Reports. Before we got the subscription, I was as cheerfully impractical as the next bucks-down gearhead. Give me a choice between a Caravan and a Caterham 7 to carry my family, and I would've...

REFORMED IN GENEVA; The 9-3 SportCombi lifts the veil from Saab's dark ages.
March 7, 2005... Byline: MATT DAVIS One truth: Saab is no longer exclusively Scandinavian, so blue-faced naysayers might as well stop yammering. Whereas 9-3 Sport Sedans and all 9-5s are still built in Trollhattan, the 9-3 Convertible is sent out from...

UPPING THE DIESEL ANTE.(Mercedes-Benz E-Class)
March 7, 2005... Byline: Roger Hart The C-Class cars aren't the only Mercedes vehicles scheduled to get a new powerplant. The E320 CDI that went on sale here last year (AW, May 3, 2004), powered by a 3.2-liter turbodiesel inline six, will be fitted next...

AMG tunes next-gen M-class; ML63 to pack Cayenne-beater power.(Mercedes-Benz M-Class)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Byline: GREG KABLE Mercedes-Benz isn't revealing the exact specifications for the AMG-tuned version of its second-generation M-Class, but this official photograph gives us an idea of what the future go-fast ML will look like. Shown is an...

BEST OF ALL PORSCHES? Porsche pushes Boxster-based Cayman coupe to near-911 level.(Porsche Cayman)
March 7, 2005... Byline: GREG KABLE Porsche's eagerly anticipated take on a Boxster coupe will emerge as an all-new model, a two-door named Cayman, positioned squarely between the Boxster S and the 911. Porsche will begin to produce the Cayman in...

GENEVA DEBUT; Lexus finesses next IS sport sedan.(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Lexus will give its BMW 3 Series-fighting IS new sheetmetal and a new drivetrain for 2006. Lexus rolled out the second-generation sedan at the Geneva motor show, revealing details of a non-U.S.-market 2.2-liter diesel powerplant, but keeping...

NO MORE MUDDLING ABOUT; Jaguar delivers three new X-Type models in six months; drops one.(Jaguar Cars Inc.)
March 7, 2005... Byline: MARK VAUGHN Jaguar has struggled of late. After a lifetime of catering to the snooty, it introduced the X-Type four years ago and tried to go mass-market. That sent the company into marketing chaos-okay, maybe just a slight...

TechnoBabble Battle; New GS uses technology to chase the 5 Series.(Lexus GS 300 and Lexus GS 430)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 7, 2005... Byline: MARK VAUGHN You've heard comparisons listing the relative computing powers of Apollo 11 and various modern automotive functions. (e.g., "Why, the key fob alone could have landed our astronauts on the moon!'') Well, the new Lexus GS...

Drivers Log.(2005 Saturn Relay, 2005 Ford Ranger Edge Supercab 4x4, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 7, 2005... 2005 Saturn Relay Date in fleet: Feb. 2-9 As-tested price: $29,295 Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6; fwd, four-speed automatic Output: 200 hp @ 5200 rpm, 220 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Curb weight: 4331 lbs RAYNAL: I'm all for versatile, six-, seven- or...

CHANGING THE GAME; Audi alters its performance-car recipe with an engaging new sedan.(Audi launches new car, Audi RS4)
March 7, 2005... Byline: GREG KABLE Audi's 4.2-liter, 420-hp V8-powered RS4 made its world debut at Geneva, and the car marks an important change in the Volkswagen division's sport-sedan quest: To further its high-end performance-car aims, Audi has ditched...

1-2 PUNCH FROM KOREA; Automakers launch battle for America's breadbasket.(News)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Byline: ANDREW LUU Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia took aim at America's heartland with vehicles introduced at the recent Chicago auto show. With its 2005 Sedona minivan, Kia served notice that Korean-built vehicles are no longer...

FERRARI UNVEILS 2005 CAR.(Ferrari Holdings PLC launches F2005)
March 7, 2005... If Ferrari's Formula One technical director Ross Brawn is correct, the Prancing Horse's F1 rivals should once again be very afraid. At the launch of the team's new car, the F2005, Brawn proclaimed his team's latest weapon to be "the best car we...

Flash.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Said to run Nurburgring BMW Motorsport will contest one more Nurburgring 24- hour race with its two 500-hp V8 M3 GTR race cars, which finished 1-2 in last year's event. The drivers on the daunting, 15.7-mile course that combines the old...

Paradise for the Pavement.(Escape Roads)(Column)
March 7, 2005... Byline: BROOKS BRIERLEY Specifications of Classic Era town cars could be humbled a bit when adapted for city traffic, using smaller engines and limiting chassis length for ease of parking. That approach, however, conflicted with the desire...

Fast Poll.(News)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Despite new regulations, readers expect Ferrari to rule F1 again thanks to its technical development, reliability and drivers. Regulation changes favor teams that react fast and drivers who easily adapt. Let me be the first to congratulate...

Market.(Escape Roads)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Byline: KEITH MARTIN Barrett-Jackson Auction Jan. 25-30 Scottsdale, Ariz. 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra fastback Cheez-Whiz yellow with black vinyl. 300-hp 302 V8, four-speed. Cover car for May 2001 issue of Car Craft...

Events.(automobiles)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
March 7, 2005... May 6-7 Cars, Stars and Guitars Motorhead Festival Las Vegas Go to carstarsguitars.org or call (702) 259-1975 for more on this 10th annual cluster. May 6-7 Hot Springs Collector Car Auction Hot Springs, Ark. Log...

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
March 7, 2005... See Si. It could be a hit The new Civic Si concept (Cover, Jan. 21) is stunning, but if Honda wants to regain past glory and appeal to enthusiasts, give it awd, forced induction and an outrageous rear airfoil, and put its race engineers in...

Corrections.(Correction)(Correction Notice)
March 7, 2005... A Feb. 21 Grand National Roadster Show story should have identified one of the builders as Rad Rides by Troy. A Feb. 28 Escape Roads on the 1970 Intermeccanica Murena should have shown the photo below. CAPTION(S): Ford SAV

AW goings-on.(News)
March 14, 2005... * Online: Complete Geneva show coverage * On deck: Inside the new Lexus IS, plus a New York auto show preview

COUNTING TO 33.(Competition)
March 14, 2005... By all early-season accounting, the 2005 Indianapolis 500 grid is going to be hard-pressed to have 33 competitors this May, but the field is beginning to grow. In addition to the 22 starters at the IRL's Homestead season opener, the Indy...

TELEVISION: March 18-20.(News)(Calendar)
March 14, 2005... Friday, March 18 Formula One practice from Malaysia, 1 a.m., Speed (L) Legends of Motorsport: British Rover Co., 7 a.m., Speed Car Crazy, 8:30 a.m., Speed NASCAR Nation, 9 a.m., Speed NASCAR Live from Hampton, Ga., 1 p.m.,...

BRINGING BACK THE PAST.(Revs)
March 14, 2005... Byline: NIGEL BURNHAM If you were the owner of one of the world's rarest cars, would you trust its restoration to three guys who set up shop after a night in a bar? It may not sound like a good idea, but that's exactly what one car owner...

But Wait, There's More...(BWTM)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... 007 Alert? Press Release Headline That Made Us Read More: Pussy Galore Helps H&H to New Sales Record: E-Type Jaguar `Cut 7' fetches a whisker under [pounds sterling]300,000 THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN OBVIOUS "Michael [Schumacher]...

Drivers Log.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 14, 2005... 2005 Audi A6 4.2 quattro Date in fleet: Feb. 14-Feb. 28 As-tested price: $56,920 Powertrain: 4.2-liter V8; awd, six-speed automatic Output: 335 hp @ 6600 rpm, 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Curb weight: 4145 lbs MPG (EPA combined/AW observed):...

CARGO VAN BEETHOVEN; Audi brings the carry-all A6 Avant to North America.(News)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 14, 2005... Byline: MATT DAVIS So far as the AUDI A6 AVANT's exterior and interior go, all is as it should be for the wagon version of the A6 sedan we tried in 2004: impeccable and unmistakable. As Walter de' Silva, design boss for the Volkswagen...

Flash.(Briefs)
March 14, 2005... Bye-bye, McLaren; hello, Koenigsegg The McLaren F1's reign as the world's fastest series production car officially ended Feb. 28 when a standard Koenigsegg CCR maintained an average speed of 241.01 mph over the 7.77-mile banked Nardo test...

German tuner Brabus.(News)(inroduction of Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR )(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... German tuner Brabus has raised the mighty Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR's performance another notch. Revealed at Geneva, the Brabus SLR boasts a more potent version of the standard model's supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine. Brabus claims its...

OFF AND RUNNING; Dan Wheldon dominates IRL opener at Homestead.(Motorsports)
March 14, 2005... Byline: CURT CAVIN There was much to look at in the first Indy car season opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway. But most of the field was looking at the back of Dan Wheldon's blazingly fast car. Of course, no one should be surprised by...

IT'S ABOUT TIME; Giancarlo Fisichella takes a dominant season-opening win.(Motorsports)
March 14, 2005... Byline: ALAN HENRY Mark it down in the history books. Michael Schumacher not only failed to finish the Formula One season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, but the multiple world champion's Ferrari F2004M was never a contender....

Market.(Escape Roads)(exhibitions of automobile industry)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... Byline: KEITH MARTIN Christie's at Retromobile Paris Feb. 12 1972 Maserati Boomerang show car Two-tone silver with burgundy interior. 4.8-liter, four-cam V8; five-speed. First displayed at Geneva show in March 1972....

The Sun Begins To Set.(Escape Roads)
March 14, 2005... Byline: JOHN F. KATZ For four short years in the early 1950s, the Bentley R-Type Continental blazed across the highways of Europe, the most fabulous, fast and exotic four-seater money could buy. Though equally fast and arguably as...

GOIN' SOUTH; NASCAR invades Mexico. Ole!(Motorsports)(Telcel Motorola Busch Series 200)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
March 14, 2005... Byline: AL PEARCE Upward of 30 million documented Mexicans live in the United States, virtually all with close family ties south of the border. That demographic treasure sits there, innocently waiting for a forward-looking sports...

Flash.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... IRL switching to ethanol In a move certain to put the pressure on NASCAR, the IRL confirmed its decision to use a fuel made of grain beginning in 2006. Ethanol, a renewable and biodegradable fuel, will be used as a 10 percent mixture with...

AutoWeek Fast Five Face-Off.(News)(Brief Article)(Interview)
March 14, 2005... Byline: Matt Davis AW: How many design projects does Pininfarina have on its plate right now? Okuyama: I actually counted them just yesterday. There are 53 automotive design projects in progress right now-and only three are for...

Fast Poll.(News)
March 14, 2005... Readers recognize the Nextel Cup will likely go to a young gun and his big-budget team, but many hope Mark Martin leaves the sport on top. Jeff Gordon is the favorite, but my hope is for Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin or another one of the old...

Theme & Variation; The first turn on the new Porsche 911 is good.
March 14, 2005... Byline: J.P. VETTRAINO They used to make newsreels with this stuff. Menfolk in the whitewashed mountain village of Grazalema, Spain, have gathered in the square to watch a dozen 2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolets trickle into town for a...

Events.(Calendar)(Calendar)
March 14, 2005... May 13-14 Cruisin' for Charity Cruise and Car Show Newman, Ga. Call (770) 253-3773 for details on this event benefiting the S.A.F.E. educational project. May 14 Minden Cruisin' for a Cure Minden, La. Benefits...

The Little Car That Could.(Column)(Column)
March 14, 2005... Byline: Rich Ceppos Now I know how Mikey feels. That's Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula One world champion, winningest Grand Prix driver of all time, and racing godhead. Mikey and I share a bond now, one that only two really cool...

AutoWeek Fast Five Face-Off.(News)(Interview)
March 14, 2005... Byline: Matt Davis AW: How do you interpret all the drama within Fiat Auto, including your new assignment? Stephenson: They're very serious in Turin about putting all of Fiat Auto back on track, and they're especially serious about...

'05 Geneva motor show.(News)
March 14, 2005... Byline: AutoWeek staff Rinspeed Senso Swiss madman Frank Rinderknecht has created a sensual driving experience in the Porsche Boxster-based Senso concept. Like the Toyota Pod at Tokyo in 2001, the Senso feels your pain and helps you...

'05 Geneva motor show.(News)
March 14, 2005... Byline: AutoWeek staff Ferrari F430 Spider What do you do with a super GT that everyone and his uncle loves right out of the box? Pop the top and make the world's fastest convertible, that's what. But there's more here than just a...

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
March 14, 2005... Retro returns again I like the looks of the Toyota FJ Cruiser in your cover story (Feb. 28), and it will probably sell well to soccer moms, especially at the price you indicated. I wouldn't consider one unless it had a canvas top and a...

GENEVA GEMS.(News)
March 14, 2005... Mitsubishi Colt Cabrio concept * Pininfarina had a helping hand in this Colt Cabrio concept. Mitsubishi officials say European customers prefer a retractable hardtop to a soft-top. A 1.5-liter 150-hp four drives the front wheels. When the...

Trying To Enjoy the Cotswolds.(Column)
March 14, 2005... Byline: Matt Davis A lion's share of British sports car racing heritage can trace its roots back to the Cotswold Hills right smack in the middle of England. I remember at the end of the 1970s-as an excitable American teenager in the...

'05 Geneva motor show.(News)
March 14, 2005... Byline: AutoWeek staff Cadillac BLS Designed for Europe, the Cadillac BLS will not be sold in the States because of the expense, and that's a shame. Based on the front-wheel-drive Opel Epsilon platform used for the Saab 9-3, it was...

Certified Spyker.(News)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker has obtained EPA and NHTSA approval for U.S. sale. Besides the already approved C8 Spyder and Laviolette, the C8 Double 12 S is also legal for U.S. roads. C8 Double 12 S models could start arriving in America...

Swiss Mix; NEUTRALITY BE DAMNED. THE GENEVA SHOW IS ALL ABOUT THE CARS.(News)
March 14, 2005... Byline: MATT DAVIS, MIKE FLOYD, GREG KABLE, DUTCH MANDEL, NATALIE NEFF, WES RAYNAL Talking about the neutrality of the Geneva motor show is almost too easy. Because of its location, this Swiss autopalooza is an open stage that gives no...

Vintage rubber.(Revs)
March 14, 2005... If you've been seeking replacement tires for your classic Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, MG, Austin-Healey or Triumph, contact Universal Vintage Tire of Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company is the sole distributor of Dunlop vintage tires in the United...

The Luck of the Irish.(Escape Roads)(Shamrock)
March 21, 2005... Byline: JONATHAN A. STEIN Seattle car collector Dan Holms could have the Ferraris and Duesenbergs that captivate his computer baron neighbors, but he likes things a little different. In mid-2004 Holms saw a photo of the short-lived...

Seeking Gran Turismo Gold.(Gran Turismo 4, video game)(Product/Service Evaluation)(Column)
March 21, 2005... Byline: Richard S. Chang I'm writing this at 2:13 a.m. It is March 2, 2005. But it could be any time, day or moment during the week since the release of Gran Turismo 4. The game is on pause, the TV off, but even the opaque glow hurts. My...

CLASS WAR; With Sebring right around the corner, the ALMS defends its pricey prototypes.(Motorsports)(American Le Mans Series)
March 21, 2005... Byline: PETE LYONS Dumbing-down race cars is the rage these days, as sanctioning bodies adopt more of NASCAR's successful business plan. Even Formula One-where high technology has long been a chief selling point-is trying to make its...

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
March 21, 2005... More passion, please As I read news on new production and concept cars, I see GM's creative ideas are lost. The new HHR, for example, is a TrailBlazer with fender flares. If GM can't create useful new ideas, it shouldn't produce products...

The $2 Billion Bargain.(Column)
March 21, 2005... Byline: Kevin A. Wilson Boy, did General Motors dodge a bullet. For a meager $2 billion, it bought its way out of a deal that could have forced it to assume control of Fiat Auto, with all its debts and other encumbrances. One of those...

WILL RED BULL RUN HONDAS?(briefs)(Automobile Club de l'Ouest)(Red Bull Racing)
March 21, 2005... Following Sauber's apparent decision not to renew its contract with Ferrari but to switch to BMW beginning in 2006, at least one other Formula One team is seeking a subsidized deal with a manufacturer for 2.4-liter V8 engines. Red Bull Racing...

MISS MADISON WILL STAR.(Revs)(motion picture)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... When we last wrote about the unlimited hydroplane Miss Madison (Sept. 30, 2002), we noted the movie about the boat and the small Indiana town that owned the racing team was set to open Jan. 31, 2003. Well, that didn't happen, but Madison is now...

BET ON IT; Kyle Busch will win a race before the season is over.(Motorsports)(Las Vegas Motor Speedway)
March 21, 2005... Byline: AL PEARCE We have an idea that might morph into one of those urban legends that rational people eventually deem foolish. But for the time being, we'll run it up the flagpole and see who salutes. Kyle Busch is just 19 and a...

JUMP-START; New Subaru wins, first time out.(Motorsports)(achievements and awards of Petter Solberg at Rally Mexico)
March 21, 2005... Byline: ANTHONY PEACOCK Petter Solberg won the Rally Mexico, leading from start to finish. It was a dream debut for the 2005-spec Subaru Impreza WRC. It was also an emotional win for Solberg and his Subaru team, coming just days after...

Market.(Escape Roads)(auctioning of 1969 Toyota Sports 800)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... Byline: KEITH MARTIN Christie's at Retromobile Paris Feb. 12 1969 Toyota Sports 800 790-cc, air-cooled, 49-hp two-cylinder engine; four-speed. Claimed first production lift-off targa roof (predates Porsche 911). Weighs...

Drivers Log.(News)(Chevrolet Cobalt LT)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 21, 2005... 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt LT sedan Date in fleet: Jan. 17-31 As-tested price: $19,035 Powertrain: 2.2-liter I4; fwd, four-speed automatic Output: 145 hp @ 5600 rpm, 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Curb weight: 2989 lbs RAYNAL: This car is such a huge...

Flash.(Briefs)(Marco Andretti to compete in automobile racing events)(contract between Ryan Hunter-Reay and Rocketsports Racing)(plans of Bruton Smith to acquire National Hot Rod Association)
March 21, 2005... Here comes another one It might not happen in time for next month's race in Florida, but Marco Andretti apparently isn't too far away from being a driver in the Indy Racing League. Michael Andretti is considering buying one of the...

Flash.(Briefs)(divestment of Ferrai P4 car by Walter Medlin)(dismissals of Rich Rinke and Joe Tori and promotion of Brian Walsh at Saleen Inc.)(production management of Officine Alfieri Maserati S.p.A)
March 21, 2005... P4 no more If you were raiding the kids' college funds to bid on that Ferrari P4 coming up for auction in Phoenix on March 30 (AW, March 7), forget it. Walter Medlin, the mysterious Ferrari collector and Florida land developer who hates...

RACING FOR EVERYONE.(Revs)(services of Mario Andretti Racing School)
March 21, 2005... Byline: MARK VAUGHN The Mario Andretti Racing School (formerly CART 101) has taken one of the most difficult and potentially dangerous sports on earth and made it accessible to the average schmoe. This is both good and bad. If you...

Fast Poll.(News)(comparative analysis between Audi RS4 and BMW M3)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... Many readers believe the RS4 is a worthy competitor to the M3. In disagreeing, the BMW faithful point to the Audi's heftier curb weight. The RS4 will compete with the current M3. The S4 holds its own against the M3 so there is no reason to...

VW PRODUCT BLITZ; Niche vehicles headed for market.(News)(target marketing of Volkswagen AG)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... Byline: GREG KABLE Volkswagen plans to take a page from Carlos Ghosn's playbook with a three-pronged product assault that includes a compact sport/utility vehicle, a body-on-frame pickup and a retractable-hardtop convertible, all due by...

THE REAL COMMANDER.(News)(launch of Jeep Commander)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... In a matter of days Jeep will unveil the 2006 Commander at the New York auto show, and we're told the real deal will differ from recently published photographs, as well as those making the rounds on the web. As detailed in these spy shots,...

HISTORIC HILL.(Competition)(Phil Hill to compete in Le Mans Legend event)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... Phil Hill, the 1961 world champion and triple Le Mans winner, will compete in the Le Mans Legend event, racing the Alfa Romeo 3000CM driven by Juan Manuel Fangio at Le Mans in 1953. This year's race, run on the Saturday (June 18) before the...

But Wait, There's More...(BWTM)
March 21, 2005... Society Notes An Idaho woman, motoring down I-15, couldn't understand why a fellow motorist was pointing at her car's roof, so she pulled over to find out. She was wary when the man approached-until he presented her with her cat. She had...

Events.(special events)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
March 21, 2005... May 19-22 Auburn Spring Collector Car Auction Auburn, Ind. To learn more about this classic car auction call (800) 968-4444 or visit kruseinternational.com. May 20-22 Great American Rod and Custom Nationals Hershey,...

MOUNTAIN CLIMBER; Lexus unveils the next IS sport sedan.(launch of sports car by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. Lexus Div.)
March 21, 2005... Byline: MAC MORRISON If Lexus gave out awards to its own cars, the second-generation IS unveiled at Geneva would certainly garner the company's Most Significant trophy, just as it scored the coveted AutoWeek hardware (AW, March 14) of the...

Television: March 25-27.(News)(television programs)
March 21, 2005... Friday, March 25 NASCAR Nation, 1 a.m., Speed American Chopper, 2 a.m., Discovery American Muscle Car, 2 a.m., Speed Car Crazy, 2:30 a.m., Speed Barrett-Jackson Automobile Auction, 3 a.m., Speed Championship Off Road...

Porsche Panamera.(News)(automobiles)(Brief Article)
March 21, 2005... Byline: GREG KABLE Porsche's anticipated fourth model line has a name: Panamera. Registered by Porsche at the same time as the Cayman moniker it is applying to the upcoming Boxster-based coupe, the new name is expected to grace a concept...

THE LAST GREAT AMERICAN CARNIVAL: Part 1 of 2; The Barrett-Jackson auction is pure entertainment under The Big Top. In this ring we have an autographed Buddy Rich Drumstick! Over there a $3 Million Baby! Step right up, ladies and gents, to see how money can make an instant automotive celebrity out of John Hendricks and his museum curator, Mr. Ferrari Hat Guy! This here is The Big Show...(News)(management of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company L.L.C.)
March 21, 2005... Byline: Steven Cole Smith The working premise, we must explain, is that Craig Jackson, president of Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., is a little like P.T. Barnum, especially here at the 34th annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in...

Clarifications.(Correction)(Correction Notice)
March 21, 2005... A photo of the 1972 Maserati Boomerang in the March 14 Market should have been credited to James Mann. The image accompanying the Feb. 14 Mishne auction story should have been credited to Jack Juratovic.