A former air base and three cars that set the asphalt steaming: Drive it! compares three cars at the top of their class: The Mercedes E 63 AMG with 525horsepower, the BMW M5 with 507 and the Audi RS6 with a dizzying 580 horses...examine it!: Volvo DRIVe-ModelsJust like VW with its BlueMotion variants, since 2008 Volvo has also been offering its owen line of especially eco-friendly models. The stingy machines are called DRIVe. The targets are ambitious: Volvo aims to produce zero-emissions cars.But before the plug-in hybrid arrives in 2012, the path to less consumption leads through more efficient engines. Volvo has presented seven new, especially economical diesel models. Among them, the C30 diesel has the lowest emissions. It's supposed to use only 3.8 liters per 100 km and emit 99 grams of CO2. compare it!: Mercedes E 63 AMG - BMW M5 - Audi RS6A former air base and three cars that set the asphalt steaming: Drive it! compares three cars at the top of their class: The Mercedes E 63 AMG with 525horsepower, the BMW M5 with 507 and the Audi RS6 with a dizzying 580 horses.They help it reach 100 kph in 4.4 seconds. But it's also the heaviest in the field. Can it still prevail in the acceleration sweepstakes? Prices for both the E 63 AMG and the RS 6 lie beyond the €122,000 mark. At €94,700, the M5 is practically a bargain by comparison.present it!: Chevrolet SparkWith its new Spark subcompact, Chevrolet is aiming squarely at the European market. The car's distinctive design shows clearly that it's not content with small and cute. It wants to be noticed.The spark offers a choice of 1.0 and 1.2 liter engines with 68 and 82 horsepower respectively. It's supposed to use just 5.1 liters per 100 km. Prices in Germany start at €8,900 for the basic version. The Spark will also be available next year in a natural gas version. test it!: Skoda Superb Station WagonThe new Skoda Superb wagon is big, long and roomy. With 1865 liters maximum cargo space, the new Skoda trumps its competitors the VW Passat, Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia - by far. Rear passenger space is also ample.The leg room is more like that of a Mercedes. The Superb wagon's rear is much rounder than the sedan's and has a more elegant look. Options include a dual clutch transmission and all wheel drive. spot it!: The Longnose Land RoverLand Rover fans Thomas Bell and Holger Kalvelage lived a dream when they built their own offroadster. Thomas Bell had the idea over a glass of red wine. Why not turn an average '67 Land Rover into an offroadster reminiscent of the early 20th century?Both then turned the back rdoor into the driver door. The result was an imposing engine hood over two meters long. Beneath this huge "long nose" rumbles a V8. Anyone wanting to sit behind the wheel of this nostalgic dream should be prepared to pay €180,000 for the privilege. vintage: Company Museums Part 4 – VolkswagenShould you decide to pick up your new VW in Wolfsburg, you’re going to get more than just a new car. Volkswagen has constructed 8 pavilions to display the many cars produced by the VW group. And this is no drab display of automobiles.At Autostadt, there are lots of surprises in store, like the excellent multi-media show that accompanies your tour through the Lamborghini Pavilion. And you won’t want to miss the Bugatti Veyron installation in the Premium Clubhouse, a pavilion that houses VW’s top products. Three artists worked on the area housing the Bugatti, and their work will change the way you look and feel about this car. And after dark, things get even better!

• 12/25/09
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Just like VW with its BlueMotion variants, since 2008 Volvo has also been offering its owen line of especially eco-friendly models. The stingy machines are called DRIVe. The targets are ambitious: Volvo aims to produce zero-emissions cars.But before the plug-in hybrid arrives in 2012, the path to less consumption leads through more efficient engines. Volvo has presented seven new, especially economical diesel models. Among them, the C30 diesel has the lowest emissions. It's supposed to use only 3.8 liters per 100 km and emit 99 grams of CO2.

• 12/25/09
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With its new Spark subcompact, Chevrolet is aiming squarely at the European market. The car's distinctive design shows clearly that it's not content with small and cute. It wants to be noticed.The spark offers a choice of 1.0 and 1.2 liter engines with 68 and 82 horsepower respectively. It's supposed to use just 5.1 liters per 100 km. Prices in Germany start at €8,900 for the basic version. The Spark will also be available next year in a natural gas version.

• 12/25/09
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The BMW company headquarters in Munich was built using futuristic architecture and features four cylinders. It's the heart of Bavarian Motor Works. Every day, 250 customers come here to pick up their new cars. But before they can drive off, they take a tour of BMW Welt and its 25,000 square meters.Current models as well as those in the museum show the company's traditions. Among other car prototypes are the Mille Miglia, which combines high technology with a 1940s body.

• 12/18/09
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In 2006, Volkswagen presented the first generation Polo Blue Motion, which at 3.9 liters per 100 km was the most fuel-efficient car in the world. Today VW also offers Blue Motion versions of the Passat and the Golf. The new Polo Blue Motion is the youngest member of the fleet and beats its predecessor in fuel efficiency by a half liter, at 3.3 liters per hundred kilometers.

• 12/18/09
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The economic crisis and concerns about the environment have given small cars a boost. Two small models enjoying popularity are the Alfa Romeo Mito and the Suzuki Swift. drive it! tested the sport versions of these two small cars. Der Swift Sport comes with 125 hp; the Mito 135 hp. Both can do over 200 km/h. Prices in Germany start at 17,700 Euros for the Swift and 18,800 Euros for the Alfa Romeo Mito.

• 12/18/09
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They claim to be the most economical in their class: The Blue Motion models from VW Polo, Golf and Passat. Italian flair or Japanese elegance? We compare the Alfa Romeo Mito and the Suzuki Swift. present it! VW Blue-Motion-ModelleIn 2006, Volkswagen presented the first generation Polo Blue Motion, which at 3.9 liters per 100 km was the most fuel-efficient car in the world. Today VW also offers Blue Motion versions of the Passat and the Golf. The new Polo Blue Motion is the youngest member of the fleet and beats its predecessor in fuel efficiency by a half liter, at 3.3 liters per hundred kilometers. compare it! Alfa Romeo Mito - Suzuki SwiftThe economic crisis and concerns about the environment have given small cars a boost. Two small models enjoying popularity are the Alfa Romeo Mito and the Suzuki Swift. drive it! tested the sport versions of these two small cars. Der Swift Sport comes with 125 hp; the Mito 135 hp. Both can do over 200 km/h. Prices in Germany start at 17,700 Euros for the Swift and 18,800 Euros for the Alfa Romeo Mito. picture it! Sachsen ElectromobileThree years ago, Matthias Bähr and two friends decided to develop their own electric car. The result is the "Citysax", a five-seat battery driven car based on Chevrolet's Matiz. It combines state of the art electronics and batteries to achieve a range of up to 120 km on lithium-iron phosphate batteries. A new Citysax costs 43,000 Euros, but Bähr says he's working with power companies and other partners to bring the price down by 20 percent.spot it! Secma F16Denis Kunze is a big Porsche fan. In addition to an old 914/6, he drives a new Boxster S. When it comes to comfort and driving fun, he's very demanding. He tested a Secma F16 from France for us. The little red car's optical minimalism carries over to its weight as well. It weighs only 560 kilos. The 1.6-liter Renault Mégane engine combined with 105 horsepower creates a power-weight ratio of 5.3 kg per horsepower. And that makes Denis very happy.Vintage: Museum Part 3 - BMWThe BMW company headquarters in Munich was built using futuristic architecture and features four cylinders. It's the heart of Bavarian Motor Works. Every day, 250 customers come here to pick up their new cars. But before they can drive off, they take a tour of BMW Welt and its 25,000 square meters.Current models as well as those in the museum show the company's traditions. Among other car prototypes are the Mille Miglia, which combines high technology with a 1940s body.

• 12/18/09
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Mitsubishi cars aren't famous for provoking strong emotions. Instead, they're generally considered to be reasonable wheels that are heavy on series extras. But the new Lancer Sportback is aimed at changing that. Mitsubishi wants to position it in the sporty segment to help polish up its boring image. Peugeot, on the other hand likes to flaunt a savoir-vivre image -- a successful approach that has worked since the 1960s and 70s. Why should they change now? This week on drive it!, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback goes head-to-head with the Peugeot 308.

• 12/18/09
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It’s spaciousness - On wheels the new T model in Mercedes’ E Class. Sportily light - Mitsubishi’s Lancer Sportback and Peugot’s 308 Sheer compact pleasure. present it!: Mercedes E-Class T-Modell When you think of Mercedes, most people automatically think of station wagon models that have been a steadfast part of the German carmaker's palette for decades. The third body-style in the new E-Class has now been released. The T-model station wagon variant from Daimler offers a huge amount of cargo space. drive it! took it out for a spin.compare it!: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback vs. Peugeot 308 Mitsubishi cars aren't famous for provoking strong emotions. Instead, they're generally considered to be reasonable wheels that are heavy on series extras. But the new Lancer Sportback is aimed at changing that. Mitsubishi wants to position it in the sporty segment to help polish up its boring image. Peugeot, on the other hand likes to flaunt a savoir-vivre image -- a successful approach that has worked since the 1960s and 70s. Why should they change now? This week on drive it!, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback goes head-to-head with the Peugeot 308. inside it!: Tones in Cars It beeps, rings, shrieks and pings -- it's not only the parking assistant system that makes warning sounds. The tones chime to remind us of a wide array of things. That the door is open, the handbrake is on, or that the oil is getting low. In a modern car, more than 100 functions make use of warning sounds. Frank Kristen is a sound designer at Opel who composes the tones in a car. drive it! went to visit and find out more about a little-known art.admire it!: Brabham A legend on the track, the name Brabham instantly calls up images of Formula One. The Brabham facility has registered the brand, and is ready to hit the gas with the BT 92. Based on the M3 platform, a blue monster has been born. With 508 screaming horses under the hood, the BT 92 can now hit over three hundred kilometers an hour. In Germany, the Brabham special costs just under a quarter of a million euros. test it!: Opel Insignia EcoFlex Opel's economy models have hit the bulls-eye when it comes to the thrifty spirit of the times. The company's devotion to savings now goes beyond compact cars to its flagship model, the Insignia, of which an EcoFlex-Variant is being produced. The technology is rather conventional. The usual things that make cars inexpensive to run have been added; larger gear ratios, optimized engine electronics and improved aerodynamics leave it consuming 0.6 liters less than the conventional model over 100 kilometers. Drive It shows that, driven economically, the Enviro-Insignia needs about 6 meters to travel 100 kilometers. It's fun to drive and the price, of 27,890 in Germany, is right.examine it!: Scirocco Roadster The Scirocco Speedster ME1designed by Martin Eckhoff is a rather radical convertible for the young-at-heart. The Hamburg resident has converted an old VW Scirocco II into a convertible buggy. A stylish reinforced fiberglass body makes the vehicle the epitome of sporty. And the wide-angle 15-centimeter tall windshield has no A pillars to block the view. Heated seats and two sockets for plugging in thermal jackets make it possible to drive the Scirocco Speedster without a roof even in the winter. Yet wearing helmet and eye protection are recommended, whatever the season.

• 12/18/09
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When you think of Mercedes, most people automatically think of station wagon models that have been a steadfast part of the German carmaker's palette for decades. The third body-style in the new E-Class has now been released. The T-model station wagon variant from Daimler offers a huge amount of cargo space. drive it! took it out for a spin.

• 12/18/09
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In its 102nd year, the LA Motor Show takes place from 4 to 13 December. Manufacturers show off their newest prototypes, concept cars and models ready for production. Over 1000 models are on display, including 7 world premieres. drive it! checks out what's new and keeps an eye of the newest alternative drive technologies. Some 50 alternative and hybrid models, including the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 are on display in LA.

• 12/11/09
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If a manufacturer wants to keep up in the world championship with a superbike, it needs a serially-produced cycle with a vehicle concept that's been developed in every aspect for just that purpose. That holds true for Team BMW Motorrad Motorsport, which has joined the superbike world tour this year. Riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus are using bikes based on the new BMW S 1000 RR. Weighing in at only 204 kilos, it still generates 193 horsepower. List prices in Germany start at 15,150 euros.

• 12/11/09
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Audi celebrated its 100th birthday this year. Among carmakers, this company's history is particularly varied and colorful. After all, it consists of five carmakers that pooled their resources in the 1930s. The marketing instrument through which Auto Union became world famous was motor sports, with legendary raceing cars. Together with Audi's top active race driver, Timo Scheider, drive it! took a tour of the Audi Museum in Ingolstadt.

• 12/11/09
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No other place documents the history of Mercedes like the company's museum in Stuttgart. The carmaker invested around 150 million euros into the construction of the museum. After all, Mercedes founded the automobilesten. Behind the dynamic and exciting architecture, visitors can marvel at160 vehicles. The journey back in time begins with the founders of Mercedes, Gottfried Daimler and Carl Benz. With their motorized carriages of 1886 they laid the groundwork for the automobile of today.

• 12/4/09
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When Italian temperament is pitted against Swedish understatement you’ve got an interesting rivalry on your hands. Drive it! took an Alfa Romeo 159 station wagon and put it into the ring with a Volvo V50 to see just who would come out on top. The interiors of both contestants, at first, remain true to their brands. The Volvo does have a price advantage, weighing in at 23,690 euros in Germany as compared to the Alfa, which starts at 26,250 euros. But what of their charms? Their ride? Their suitability for daily use? Come find out on drive it!

• 12/4/09
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The Volkswagen van has been popular for decades. Volkswagen has just given the fifth generation T5 a makeover. The front end looks fresher and more stylish. The interior also surprises with some innovative details, such as integrated child seats and electronically controlled sliding doors on both sides. The latest VW bus without any bells and whistles starts at 29,950 euros in Germany.

• 11/21/09
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Some motorists think of adventure when they see a sport utility vehicle, while others consider them monstrous gas guzzlers. We tested two models that set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd. The Lexus 450h is equipped with an electric engine which operates on its own at speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour. The Porsche Cayenne has a fuel-efficient diesel under the hood. The 240 horsepower Cayenne Diesel starts at 56,859 euros in Germany. The Lexus 450h generates 299 horsepower and starts at 59,690 euros.

• 11/21/09
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The Alfa 8C Spider: Sound evokes emotion, at least when it comes to the unique sounds of an Alfa Romeo 8C Spider making its mark on the road. This Spider can rocket to 100 Kilometers per hour in a mere 4.4 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 295. Only 500 8C Spiders are to be produced. admire it!present it! The Volkswagen T5 Gets a FaceliftThe Volkswagen van has been popular for decades. Volkswagen has just given the fifth generation T5 a makeover. The front end looks fresher and more stylish. The interior also surprises with some innovative details, such as integrated child seats and electronically controlled sliding doors on both sides. The latest VW bus without any bells and whistles starts at 29,950 euros in Germany.compare it! The Porsche Cayenne Diesel vs. the Lexus 450 h HybridSome motorists think of adventure when they see a sport utility vehicle, while others consider them monstrous gas guzzlers. We tested two models that set themselves apart from the rest of the crowd. The Lexus 450h is equipped with an electric engine which operates on its own at speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour. The Porsche Cayenne has a fuel-efficient diesel under the hood. The 240 horsepower Cayenne Diesel starts at 56,859 euros in Germany. The Lexus 450h generates 299 horsepower and starts at 59,690 euros.spot it! The Harley Quad For twenty years Sandy Poglavec has been repairing, restoring and selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The most popular models were not enough for Sandy, so he fulfilled his dream by converting one of his Harleys into a quad. The self-taught mechanic called his invention the Q4. It took him 5 years to develop the Q4, but his efforts have certainly paid off. To get an honest opinion of the result, a long-time Harley fan and an enthusiastic quad driver took the Q4 for a spin.admire it! Alfa 8C Spider Sound evokes emotion, at least when it comes to the unique sounds of an Alfa Romeo 8C Spider making its mark on the road. Its Maranello V8 engine has a bit more displacement in the Spider than it does in the Ferrari, and with 4.7 liters generating 450 horsepower, this Spider can rocket to 100 kilometers per hour in a mere 4.4 seconds and hit a maximum speed of 295. Only 500 8C Spiders are to be produced.vintage! The Opel Rekord: Steffi Takes a Journey Back in Time For 33 years the Opel Rekord was manufactured in Germany. Over 10 million units were sold. When it was launched in 1953, it was called the Rekord Olympia. From 1971 to 1977 the Opel Rekord D was assembled. Reporter Stefanie Tücking decided to drive one to Heidelberg. It did not take long for her blue 1975 model to attract the attention of passers-by. Many were delighted to reminisce about their experiences with the classic car.

• 11/21/09
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Since its introduction, the Smart fortwo has been the undisputed winner in the smallest car category. Loved or hated, no one could deny that the Smart showed how small a small car could be. In 2009, the Smart finally got some serious competition. Toyota's tiny IQ is a shade larger than the Smart, but seats four people instead of just two. drive it! tester Mathis Kurrat put the two minis side-by-side to see how they compare.

• 11/16/09
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BMW has unveiled the X1, the newest member of its X-family of off-road fleet. Immediately recognizable as a BMW, the X1 comes with either a gasoline engine or one of three diesels and in all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions. Fuel-saving features like automatic stop-start, shifting cues and regenerative braking help make the X1 especially efficient. The smallest diesel needs just 5.2 liters for 100 kilometers. Prices in Germany start at 27,200 euros.

• 11/16/09
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The new Renault Kangoo be bop: With a bold design and clever features, it’s full of surprisespresent it! BMW X1BMW has unveiled the X1, the newest member of its X-family of off-road fleet. Immediately recognizable as a BMW, the X1 comes with either a gasoline engine or one of three diesels and in all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions. Fuel-saving features like automatic stop-start, shifting cues and regenerative braking help make the X1 especially efficient. The smallest diesel needs just 5.2 liters for 100 kilometers. Prices in Germany start at 27,200 euros.compare it! Smart - Toyota IQSince its introduction, the Smart fortwo has been the undisputed winner in the smallest car category. Loved or hated, no one could deny that the Smart showed how small a small car could be. In 2009, the Smart finally got some serious competition. Toyota's tiny IQ is a shade larger than the Smart, but seats four people instead of just two. drive it! tester Mathis Kurrat put the two minis side-by-side to see how they compare.spot it! Amphicar in VeniceEveryone knows you cannot drive a car in Venice, Italy. Unless you're Berndt Weise and have a 1963 Amphicar. Only a couple hundred of the rare German-made boatable cars are still in operation worldwide. When Venice city officials made a special exception to allow Weise to tour the city of canals and bridges with his odd little car, he jumped at the chance. drive it! went along for the ride, to see how the rare amphibious car with its 38 horsepower engine would handle the crowded canals.inside it! Sign RecognitionGermany's roads are not the only ones with information overload. There are traffic signs wherever you look, sometimes making it difficult for motorists to stay on top of things. In response, some carmakers now offer sign recognition systems. For the first time, they are now available in mid-size models, such as the Mercedes E Class and the Opel Insignia. Cars can also be retrofitted. Opel's system only works at speeds above 55 kilometers per hour and the Blaupunkt TravelPilot 700 is even functional at low speeds, for example in city driving.admire it! The ABT Audi RS6White and innocent, like a wolf in sheep's clothing. At first glance this Audi looks like a usual A6 Avant, but upon closer inspection you will discover the RS 6 lettering, which reveals that it is a fast Audi. The ABT lettering makes it clear that this is an über-Audi. Its 700 horsepower allows the family station wagon to explode from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.4 seconds. Thanks to chip tuning it reaches a maximum speed of 340. Audi's incognito race car costs just under 107,000 euros.vintage! The Ford Capri - Steffi's Journey Back in TimeThe Ford Capri was considered the little man's sports car when it was introduced in the late 1960s. In Germany it was nicknamed the bricklayer's Porsche due to its affordability. Forty years later the Ford Capri has not been forgotten. Steffi Tücking takes a yellow Capri sports version for a ride and quickly comes across some former Capri owners who share their fond memories.

• 11/16/09
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A sports car that guarantees an adrenaline rush, the new Porsche Turbo! The top model in the 911 range is an explosive power pack for the adventurous. Which estate car is better off-road? We compare the Volvo XC70 with the Audi A6 Allroad. present it! Porsche Turbo Porsche's new Turbo is the flagship of the sports car maker's 911 series. The seventh-generation 911 Turbo is powered by a completely new 3.8 liter flat-six that produces 500 horsepower. For the first time, Porsche is also offering a 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox. With the Sport-Chrono package and twin-clutch gearbox, the 911 can shoot from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and hit a top speed of 312 km/h. That kind of performance doesn't come cheaply. The turbo costs €145,871 in Germany.compare it! Volvo XC70 and Audi A6 Allroad Auto manufacturers have understood there's a market for station wagons that can do more than just carry lots of gear. This week drive it! compares two wagons that can also handle off-road terrain. The Audi A6 Allroad and the Volvo XC70 come with increased road clearance and sturdier front and rear bodywork to protect the car from off-road hazards. We tested the 240-hp 3.0 TDI version of the A6 and the 205-hp Volvo D5. Both come with all-wheel drive and perform well when the going gets tough.test it! Fiat 500 Cabrio The original Fiat Cinquequento came with a fabric sliding roof as a standard feature. Now Fiat has introduced it on its popular new Fiat 500. In just 16 seconds, the roof slides out of the way to open up the sky and let the sunshine in. Round and curved shapes dominate the little car's design, both inside and out. Power is provided by one of three engines that meet Euro-5 emissions norms. drive it! tested the Fiat 500C with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that delivers 100 horsepower and costs 15,800 euros. Prices for the base version with 69 horsepower start at 13,800 euros.picture it! VW Lupo plastic burner Peter Eckhoff, an inventor from the town of Lohne in Lower Saxony, has figured out a way to reduce his fuel costs and at the same time save on trash disposal. He and another inventor equipped a 13-year old VW Lupo with a gasification reactor that runs on plastic trash. The car still uses gasoline, but heat from the engine melts the plastic trash, releasing gasses that are fed to the engine. The result is that the car burns 30 percent less fuel and delivers better performance. Peter Eckhoff got the idea while having a beer with some friends. Now he's seeking a patent for his invention.vintage! Eifel Rennen 2009The Eifelrennen, or Eifel races, is a traditional classic car and race event that's been held, with interruptions, since 1922. This year an estimated 32,000 visitors came to the famous Nürburgring race course in the Eifel Mountains of western Germany to admire classic cars and see them race on the track's legendary north loop. Organizers brought together not just a great collection of classic automobiles, but famous racers from decades of German auto-racing history. drive it! gathered some impressions and talked with some of the participants.

• 11/13/09
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The 5008 is Peugeot's new people carrier. Its variable seating configuration is perfect for young families. The second row has plenty of room for three adults, and there's the additional option of two full seats that pop up out of the cargo area. Curtain airbags are also provided, while a head-up display relays important information for the driver onto the windscreen. Prices for the new compact MPF from France start at €21,500 (in Germany).

• 11/13/09
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The Eifelrennen, or Eifel races, is a traditional classic car and race event that's been held, with interruptions, since 1922. This year an estimated 32,000 visitors came to the famous Nürburgring race course in the Eifel Mountains of western Germany to admire classic cars and see them race on the track's legendary north loop. Organizers brought together not just a great collection of classic automobiles, but famous racers from decades of German auto-racing history. drive it! gathered some impressions and talked with some of the participants.

• 11/13/09
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The great station wagon showdown: The VW Passat - The Ford Mondeo - The Mazda 6 - The Toyota Avensis Peugeot expands it line-up The new compact van 5008! A multifaceted spaceship.compare it! VW Passat - Mazda 6 - Ford Mondeo - Toyota Avensis Station wagons are popular the world over, so we take a look at four best-selling models: the Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo, VW Passat and Toyota Avensis. The Mazda's 185 horsepower make it the most powerful of the quartet, although the pace is used more for acceleration than top speed. The Mondeo boasts precise and snappy steering. The VW Passat shows how to deliver a peak speed of 220 kph from 170 horsepower, while Toyota Avensis has power controls for practically everything. But which one wins in the overall standings? Tune in to find out.present it! The Peugeot 5008The 5008 is Peugeot's new people carrier. Its variable seating configuration is perfect for young families. The second row has plenty of room for three adults, and there's the additional option of two full seats that pop up out of the cargo area. Curtain airbags are also provided, while a head-up display relays important information for the driver onto the windscreen. Prices for the new compact MPF from France start at €21,500 (in Germany).picture it! Brake Energy Recovery Brake energy can be recovered by electric motors in order to increase efficiency. The motors are effectively generators that store the energy in capacitors or batteries. Drive It! shows where this technology is being deployed what new concepts and insights research in motor sports and industry is delivering. Repeated acceleration and braking is not just a Formula 1 phenomenon. Urban buses and garbage disposal trucks also stand a lot to gain from brake energy recovery.Vintage: The Bond Bug The Bond Bug is the name of a cute three-wheeler made in Britain, with one wheel at the front and two at the back. It looks like a road-going wedge of cheese. It was designed in the early 1970s by Tom Karren. The reinforced-polyester-clad car came in one color only: bright orange. Torsten Schmidt has had a Bond Bug for years, and insists that "three wheels are all you need"! To this day they remain very conspicuous head-turners.examine it! Getting Your Headlights Right Headlights are a crucial safety factor, and ensuring they are correctly set is very important. All you need is a measuring stick and some sticky tape. The car is parked 10 meters away from a wall, on which you mark the height of the headlights off the ground. The preset inclination is engraved into the headlight. Assuming a figure of 1.2%, you mark a point 12 centimeters below the first measurement. If the beam hits the lower marking on the wall, then the headlight has the correct setting.admire it! The 599 GTB Fiorano Ferrari The 599 GTB Fiorano is Ferrari's new flagship. Like all Ferraris, the marque's most powerful road-going model does without flamboyant spoilers. There's aerodynamic styling from front to back, with function rather than flair the priority. But don't let the graceful contours deceive you - under the hood is a 12-cylinder engine boasting 620 horsepower and 608 Newton meters of torque. The built-in launch control catapults the red-clad speedster from zero to a hundred kilometers an hour in 3.76 seconds, although chief test driver Dario Benuzzi has apparently bettered that mark by two tenths of a second - without launch control, of course.

• 11/13/09
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Luxurious, exclusive and very, very limited. It's rare to see these four beauties on any public street. Seeing one is a pinch-me moment.These cars cost about 2.5 million euros new, but used, they're even more expensive. That's because you can't buy them any more. With race driver Marc Basseng, we compare the four on the Nürburgring race track and find out which of the super-sports cars is the fastest.

• 10/29/09
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Volkswagen introduces its new 3 door Polo. You might be forgiven for not noticing, at first glance, much of a difference between this little Troika model and its 5-door brother. But look again.New cuts and lines freshen up the sporty look of this 3 door, and you'll take note of the differences once again when you get out onto the road where the newer Polo's tight suspension sets it apart from the 5-door version. Prices start in Germany at 12,150 euros. Come see how a car can lose a few doors, but gain a few nice features.

• 10/29/09
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The Polo family gets in gear! The new 3-door VW debuts as the most energy efficient car in its class. The Pagani Zonda, the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari, the Porsche Carrera GT and the Maserati MC 12. Which one has the most power under the hood? present it!: VW Polo 3 DoorVolkswagen introduces its new 3 door Polo. You might be forgiven for not noticing, at first glance, much of a difference between this little Troika model and its 5-door brother. But look again.New cuts and lines freshen up the sporty look of this 3 door, and you'll take note of the differences once again when you get out onto the road where the newer Polo's tight suspension sets it apart from the 5-door version. Prices start in Germany at 12,150 euros. Come see how a car can lose a few doors, but gain a few nice features.compare it!: Pagani Zonda, Ferrari Enzo Ferrari, Porsche Carrera GT and Maserati MC 12Luxurious, exclusive and very, very limited. It's rare to see these four beauties on any public street. Seeing one is a pinch-me moment.These cars cost about 2.5 million euros new, but used, they're even more expensive. That's because you can't buy them any more. With race driver Marc Basseng, we compare the four on the Nürburgring race track and find out which of the super-sports cars is the fastest.spot it!: The Ferrari DuckIf it looks like a duck, then it must be a… stop right there. Imagine what would happen if a couple of innovative Italian guys took an old Citroen Duck and an accident damaged Ferrari and combined the two to make what could be called nothing less than a “Super Duck”.You’ve got to see it to believe it and we’re here to show it to you. You may also want to know what it would cost you to get 395 horsepower under the hood of a Duck. How does 180,000 euros sound? These Italian car freaks put in 1,500 hours of work to dress down this Ferrari… or did they soup up that Duck? Maybe both. You decide when you join us for a look at the Super Duck!picture it!: Diesel and Water in the Fuel TankWe’ve all heard of new initiatives to make cars more environmentally friendly. There are electric cars, hybrids and a number of other prototypes on their way. What you may not have heard about is Günther Kramb’s endeavor to get drivers into cars fueled by a diesel and water mixture.And this is one idea that works, at least that’s what researchers at the University of Cologne are saying. According to their tests, it appears that a tank filled with diesel and up to 27% water can go a long, long way in reducing polluting exhaust emissions. What’s more, you can increase fuel consumption, too!vintage: The NSU PrinzSteffani Tücking is at it again. This time she’s off to the home of NSU in Neckarsulm. It’s just a short drive from there to Mosbach, where Steffi meets with a special group of NSU Prinz fans, some of them with their own Prinz in toe.The first post-war Prinz car came off the line in 1958 and remained in production for years, picking up the hearts and enthusiasm of Prinz fans along the way. Come take a closer look at this stylish car from yesteryear.

• 10/29/09
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