Sunday, May 15, 2011

Automobiles

From the Automobiles Section
Behind the Wheel | 2011 Audi A5 and S5

Perfectly Tailored Two-Doors Coming Up Short on Charisma

V-8 The 2011 Audi S5 coupe offers a 354-horsepower version of the engine the company puts in its R8 sports car.

V-8 The 2011 Audi S5 coupe offers a 354-horsepower version of the engine the company puts in its R8 sports car.

The Audi A5 and S5 coupes and convertibles are two-door versions of the A4 sedan. But while the cars are in many ways wonderful vehicles, they lack mechanical character.

Collecting

Dreaming of Steam, but Running on Gas

The Paxton Phoenix was conceived to run on steam, but it didn’t turn out that way. No matter, the car was designed by Brooks Stevens and is still one of the more notable cars of the 1950s.

From the Pen of a Giant of Industrial Design

Brooks Stevens designed a broad range of products, like the common clothes iron, but the cars he created are still recognized as fresh and distinctive departures.

Technology

Name-Dropping in Designer Audio

General Motors introduced high-end audio to cars almost 30 years ago, and now most cars have premium sound systems, either as standard equipment or an option.

Motoring

Touchy Ford Telematics

This round of technical service bulletins show Ford telematics systems that have gone haywire and Chryslers and Dodges that can’t get out of Park.

‘Sex on Wheels’? Now Ferrari Has ‘Room for Groceries,’ Too

Ferrari’s chairman is broadening its lineup with a hatchback, but wants to retain the exclusivity of a luxury brand.

For California Mille Drivers, a Mobile Triage Unit

Vintage Italian sports cars that participate in the annual rally sometimes require a very good wrench.

Chrysler Exports 'Imported From Detroit' to New York

The campaign, initially featuring a Chrysler 200, Eminem and Detroit, now includes a Chrysler 300, the fashion designer John Varvatos and Manhattan.

Practical Traveler

13 Ways to Save on Gas this Summer

High fuel prices are driving up the cost of road trips, but there are ways to fight back.

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Troubles at Saab Continue as Chinese Deal Collapses

The Swedish car company said a partnership announced just over a week ago with the Hawtai Motor Group had foundered, although new talks are under way.

Piecing Together a Supply Chain

After Japan’s earthquake, General Motors identified 118 products that it needed to monitor for shortages; it has resolved issues with all but five.

In Search of Star Power

The 2011 Audi A5 and S5 coupes and convertibles are exquisitely styled, but lacking in character.

Powered by an Idea

The Paxton steam car did not revolutionize the auto industry, but it remains a benchmark of innovative design.

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