Auto News 5

The Automobile Magazine test fleet has been blessed with a variety of diesel vehicles lately. From the mighty Ram 2500 with a Cummins down to a mere Jetta TDI wagon, we've sampled the vast majority of vehicles currently on sale in the U.S. with diesel engines since January. Although the GL is at the top of the list in terms of price, it comes in mid-pack in terms of the overall experience.inline_mediumwraptextright28331698/green/reviews/1003_2010_mercedes_benz_gl350_bluetec1003_02_z+2010_mercedes_benz_gL350_bluetec+driver_side_view.JPG.jpgTrue

BMW's unique 5 Series Gran Turismo may combine the passenger space of an executive sedan with the versatility of a wagon, but there are still some customers who simply desire a standard wagon. For them, BMW has crafted the new 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring.inline_mediumwraptextright28425895/features/news/1003_2011_bmw_5_series_touring1003_08_z+2011_bMW_5-Series_touring+driver_side_view.jpgTrue

This June marks a golden anniversary in Corvette lore: fifty years ago, the first Chevy sports cars took on the epic challenge of racing twice around the clock at LeMans. Three privately prepared cars were entered by the wealthy American sportsman Briggs Cunningham and one driven by John Fitch and Bob Grossman scored fifth place in the GT class with an eighth-overall finish and a average speed just under 98 mph. Crashes and an engine failure sidelined two of the Cunningham Team cars but a fourth 1960 Corvette fielded by Lloyd Casner's Camoradi team was tenth overall.inline_mediumwraptextright28425262/features/racing/1003_chevrolet_corvette_racing_history_then_and_now1003_01_z+2010_Corvette_ZR1_and_Corvette_C6R_ALMS_Race_Cars+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Cadillac's SRX has grown beyond its sporty wagon pretensions and is now targeting the heart of the luxury crossover market. The strategy seems to be working, as it's already selling much better than the outgoing model (which, we should note, won a few Automobile Magazine All-Star awards in its time), and yet, it seems Cadillac isn't quite ready to give up on having some high-roof fun. To that end, the premium model featured here has ditched the wheezy base 3.0-liter V-6 and standard front-wheel-drive configuration in favor of a turbocharged, 2.8-liter V-6 producing 300 hp and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive - the same setup found in the Saab 9-3 Aero and Opel Insignia OPC. Given these macho specs, we thought it was time to measure the SRX against the best in its class, which, in our estimation, means the Audi Q5. The Q5 won our three-way crossover shootout last year and has since become a well-regarded member of our Four Seasons fleet for its sporting demeanor, handsome exterior, and, yes, Audi-like interior. Does it have what it takes to fend off the brasher and more powerful Cadillac? Read on for our impressions.