Auto News - Consumer Auto News - Car News

The Driver's Seat

Urban hipsters and the like, take note: Volvo's new C30 goes on sale Oct. 1. A jaunty hatchback with a turbocharged engine, this dramatic three-door will all but beg you to take it for a spin.

The New Motorcycles:
Bigger, Faster, Deadlier

• CAR CAST

A horsepower battle in the cycle industry over the past few years has produced bikes that have the power of a car but often weigh less than ever. These "superbikes" are helping to make 2007 the deadliest year yet for motorcycle riders.

Eyes on the Road:
Niches Go Nuts

BMW's X6 illustrates just how finely auto makers are slicing and recombining their traditional product niches in the scramble for sales and consumer attention, writes Joseph White.

• DISCUSS

Detroit Auto Makers
Try Some New Tricks

U.S. auto makers are building higher-quality cars, but they can't get buyers to get over the fact that they're American cars. Now the Big Three are going to great lengths to get what's known as "consideration" from buyers.

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The Interview

GM's Ed Welburn

Once criticized for badge-engineering, GM is focused on design-driven turnarounds. Chief designer, Ed Welburn, talks about the ups and downs of overhauling the company's Cadillac and Saturn brands.

• PRODUCTS & PROFITS: SATURN AURA

Beyond New-Car Smell

How a car looks has been key to its sales appeal. But increasingly, car makers are wooing customers by appealing to their other senses, to enhance the way new cars will feel, sound and even smell.

Torque Trumps Horsepower

This week, answers to questions about whether torque or horsepower is more important in daily driving, using gasoline that is mixed with 10% ethanol and considering a Porsche Cayman S. ME & MY CAR

Urban Traffic Worsens

Traffic congestion is rising in most U.S. urban areas, costing commuters dearly in both time wasted and fuel expense, a national study says.

Ford Could Step Up Cost Cutting

Ford could accelerate cost cutting if a slowing U.S. economy puts the auto maker at risk of missing key financial goals in 2008 and 2009.

Chrysler Plans Recall

Chrysler is recalling nearly 300,000 vehicles to address potential braking problems while driving uphill.

Boss Talk

Nascar's CEO talks about the challenges facing the stock-car business as its phenomenal growth levels off and it looks for a way to expand without alienating longtime fans.

Texas City Ponders Buses

Arlington, Texas, is America's largest city without public transportation, but as gas prices have risen the city has begun to flirt with starting a bus service.

Frankfurt Auto Show

Read reports from the show floor by WSJ and Dow Jones reporters, and see photos of the concept vehicles and new production models being introduced during the press days at the Frankfurt auto show.

• VIDEO: A look at some intriguing vehicles

• CAR CAST: Trends from the show