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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.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to start at less than $33,000 for four-wheeler

Perhaps the most important vehicle to be launched by Chrysler this year, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, will start at a price that's a shade less than $33,000 for a four-wheel-drive model. The base model with two-wheel drive is $30,995. This Jeep, shown in concept form for more than a year, is critical to refreshing the Detroit automaker's aging lineup and generating some much-needed product mojo.

2014 Mercedes S Class: First interior photos

We have the first interior photos of the 2014 Mercedes S Class ahead of its debut in May 2013, showing a much more modern interior. But now, with a reveal of the new S Class just a couple of months off, we have the first photos of the interior of the new S Class showing a  car that keeps much of the layout of the current S Class but adds in more curves, more technology, a more modern look and a more upmarket feel than ever before. The cabin flows from the screen in to the doors in the same sort of seamless way it does an the Jaguar XJ – where it makes the cabin feel more spacious – the instrument panel is a huge digital display, the seats are differently contoured and trimmed, there seems to be more room, better lighting and an altogether more upmarket feel for Mercedes range topper.