If you’d taken the pulse of the average hack with media credentials at this year’s New York Auto Show, you’d probably have found signs somewhere between comatose and ambivalent. Sure, early reveals and drip-fed teasers spoiled some of the surprise, but it’s the cars themselves that we get excited about. After all, that’s what we’re in it for. Not…

Usually it’s a good thing when a major political figure mentions an automotive brand. Unless, perhaps, it involves tax dollars and automaker bankruptcy rescues, but hopefully we’re past that now. Still, some Subaru drivers may wonder whether they should feel a little nervous now that telegenic right-wing icon and former Vice-Presidential candidate…

The other shoe has dropped: Yesterday, two U.S. government agencies jointly announced the final fuel-economy rules for model year 2012 through 2016 vehicles, giving automakers a single national set of standards and averting the threat of state-by-state regulation. Starting with 2012, automakers must improve the fleet average fuel economy of their…

The problem with most car commercials is that they try to do too much. They have narrators rattling off features, bullet points touting even more features, the requisite “Do not attempt. Professional driver on a closed course” pasted at the bottom of the screen, and catchy-but-distracting indie tunes playing in the background. Upper-management may…

Mercedes-Benz has made some surprising announcements in recent weeks, perhaps the best example being its hybrid-only lineup of S-Class vehicles. The automaker also lifted the veil on a number of vehicles at the 2010 New York Auto Show, including the E-Class wagon and the revamped R-Class. To spread the word about those rides, however, Mercedes has…