E - Tron Gm 207hd Starter Drive on 2040-parts.com

Alluring Alfa Romeo falls far short of its promise

Few names can match the allure of Alfa Romeo. The sporty Italian brand is all about swooping lines, intoxicating engine noise, nimble road manners and the sexiest grille around. Alfa Romeo should be a bright Italian alternative to, say, Audi that stands out from the silver-gray herd of German luxury machines.

Range Rover Hybrids reach midpoint of Silk Trail route to Mumbai

While cars from other automakers were basking on the soft carpets at the Frankfurt motor show, with fingerprints being wiped almost hourly from their glistening paint jobs, a trio of Range Rover Hybrid prototypes were taking the long way to Mumbai. And not just the long way, but the tough way. Twenty-two days after departing Land Rover's home in Solihull, England, a team of Range Rovers has reached the midpoint of their journey along one of the historic Silk Trail routes to Mumbai, India.

Mini Beachcomber concept

BMW's Mini division has revealed the Beachcomber concept, which is set to make its public debut at the NAIAS in Detroit early next year. Inspired by the Mini Moke from the 1960s, the four-seat Beachcomber concept features a removable hard and soft top and removable doors. Measuring less than four meters long, it is said to preview the forthcoming Mini SUV due in 2010.