Kawasaki Jh 750 Muffler Gasket 11060-3724 See Yrs In Desc on 2040-parts.com

Ownership costs of traditional versus alternative fuel vehicles

As gas prices remain high, and an increasing number of automakers roll out plug-in hybrid cars and full-electric vehicles, it's becoming easier to be tantalized with the idea of driving right past the gas station and simply "plugging in." The debate ensues when it comes to cost: These alternative fuel vehicles mean a larger outlay of cash at the onset, but the long-term fuel savings could make the purchase worthwhile. To help straighten out this numbers game, we use the Department of Energy's Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare alternative fuel vehicles with their gasoline-only counterparts. For each scenario, we assumed that our hypothetical owner was able to get the full $7,500 federal tax credit and a $2,500 state tax credit, such as is available in California.

Want wagons? Kill the crossover

Cadillac boss Bob Ferguson recently told Automotive News that GM is considering an ATS wagon. Autoweek contributor and GM big shot Mark Reuss is on record speaking in favor of wagons. And whether they know it or not, American car buyers need a station wagon, but not a wagon built to satisfy station-wagon fetishists.

Top Gear: Video of the Top Gear Live show from NEC 2011

Top Gear Live Show at NEC As we’ve said before, we always know when Top Gear has something to promote – they send us videos and bend over backwards to give us anything we want. But that’s OK. We know lots of our readers enjoy Top Gear and a TG video is always fun.