Four big pickups get low marks in crash tests

Four 2009 full-sized pickups got low marks in side-impact crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group for auto insurers. Crash protection is "poor" in crew-cab versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and Nissan Titan without side-impact airbags, according to test results the institute released on Wednesday. The Dodge Ram with standard side-impact airbags got only a "marginal" rating, the institute said.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept (2012)

This is the new Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept car, unveiled on the eve of the 2012 Paris motor show. We hear that we won’t see a Sport Turismo version of the current Panamera, but this concept instead previews the facelift treatment that will be applied to Porsche’s four-door saloon as part of a mid-life refresh in 2013. And beyond that the Sport Turismo showcases a second bodystyle than will join the range when the Mk2 Panamera appears in late 2015.

Volkswagen to crank up U.S. Passat production

Volkswagen of America is prepared to expand production of the U.S. Passat less than four months after building its first one. The automaker is looking for a sign from the market to boost production at its just-opened plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.