Longacre 22330 2 Car Stopwatch Clipboard W/ Robic Backlit Sc 848w on 2040-parts.com

GM's green future: EVs, plug-in hybrids

General Motors' future green-car efforts will focus on plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles rather than conventional hybrid powertrains, product chief Mary Barra said Wednesday. Barra said GM has narrowed its future development emphasis in an effort to defend its leadership position attained with the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. GM will unveil an electric Spark minicar in late November at the Los Angeles auto show.

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG packs 550 hp

Mercedes-Benz is adding a fire-breathing AMG variant of the GL sport-utility vehicle for the first time for 2013. The people hauler will pack a biturbo 5.5-liter V8 rated at 550 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Code-named M157, it's capable of propelling the ute to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds en route to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Jeep and Mopar go haulin'

Jeep and Mopar are teaming up to create a line of rugged trailers to go anywhere and haul anything. The Jeep Trail Edition campers will match the conventional Jeep in colors and ruggedness, including 32-inch tires, diamond plating and a tall enough suspension to navigate big ruts. The trailers will pop open to sleep four adults while offering 76 inches of headroom.