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Consumer Reports gets top vehicle picks mostly right

Despite the publication's uncomfortably broad definition of reliability -- it spans everything from "the engine fell out" to "the touchscreen display shows fingerprints too easily" -- automakers still clamor to get on the Consumer Reports recommended vehicle list. This year's winners cover a broad spectrum of vehicles, and for the most part, we're in agreement with the magazine's editors, with one significant exception at the top of the list. Best overall vehicle went to the Tesla Model S.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S launches

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S - available as Coupe or Roadster The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S has launched with an extra 10bhp over the regular V8. Just 10bhp more than the regular V8 doesn’t sound a lot, but there is more than just a smidge of extra power to the V8 Vantage S. The extra 10bhp the V8 Vantage S gets is tweaked from the regular Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but there’s also an extra 15lb/ft of torque.

“Black box” drivers hit by speeding fines from insurers

Black box insurance is nothing new. In fact, the scheme – in which a small black box is placed in your vehicle to monitor how you drive – has been around for nearly a decade. In principle, it promises lower insurance premiums.