It's come a long way - and now the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is on the autobahn with TheCarConnection.com at the wheel. Take a spin with us this week, while we also drive the new Ford Escape Hybrid and show off the latest spy shots of the Pontiac Vibe and BMW 6-Series. Preview some New York auto show debuts, DaimlerChrysler's annual meeting and Hyundai's new engine plant-and in our blog, find out which Detroit designer is on borrowed time and which New York exec is planning a Thai-style exit. It's here at TheCarConnection.com-get in the driver's seat.

New Cars

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (3/18/2007)
You've come a long way, baby.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (3/16/2007)
A tougher look, a smoother demeanor.

2008 Lexus LX 570 Preview (3/13/2007)
New ute coming to New York Auto Show.

BMW Bringing Clean Diesels, X6 and "CLS" (3/15/2007)
New technology will come to the U.S. in 2008, new models later.

BMW Confirms X6 for S.C. (3/15/2007)
Long-rumored crossover coming from U.S. plant.

Spy Shots

Spies Catch the Next Pontiac Vibe (3/15/2007)
Is a New York intro in the works?

BMW 6-Series Spied: Tweaks in Works (3/12/2007)
Big coupe gets a mild facelift.

  

Concepts and Auto Shows

Infiniti Bringing Pair to NY Show (3/13/2007)
New G Coupe, EX Concept to make world debuts.

Honda Bringing S2000CR To NY Show (3/13/2007)
Race-inspired edition planned.

Concept Genesis: Hyundai at Square One (3/12/2007)
New York concept is rear-drive sedan.

Car News

GMAC Could Tank Chrysler Deal (3/18/2007)
Widening trouble at lender might sap cash for takeover.

Ghosn Lets Go of America (3/16/2007)
CEO focuses on Renault role.

DC Annual Meeting: Storm's Coming (3/18/2007)
Countermotions set stage for confrontation.

GM Earns $180 Million in Q4 (3/14/2007)
Slim profit more evidence of a turnaround?

Detroit in D.C. for a CAFE Roundtable (3/14/2007)
But will automakers come back with tangible goods?

Hyundai Plans U.S. Engine Plant (3/13/2007)
Factory will supply Ala., Ga. plants.

Audi's New Plant for the A1? (3/13/2007)
New subcompact will take on MINI.

Sleeping Pills Cause Sleep-Driving, FDA Says (3/14/2007)
Side effects could put you behind the wheel.

Anyone For a Toyota Topless? (3/14/2007)
They're registered, but we doubt these names will ever be used.

Congressman to Ahnuld: STFU (3/13/2007)
New billboard, Web site boost campaign, Michigan.

Aston Martin Sale Confirmed (3/12/2007)
Consultants confirm buyout by Richards.

Audi Building Compact Car in Belgium (3/12/2007)
Takes over plant from VW brand.

Cadillac Adds BLS Wagon for Europe (3/12/2007)
Wagon could boost slow sales.

Auto Union Racer Fails to Sell (3/12/2007)
Christie's mum on auction bids for rare racecar.

Fan Gets Dream Job: Kahne's Right Hand (3/12/2007)
Calif. man is NASCAR racer's assistant for a week.

Driving While Texting: The New DUI? (3/15/2007)
BlackBerrys, Treos latest driving distraction.

Ask A Mechanic: March 15, 2007 (3/15/2007)
Neon brake-eaters, dead horse beatings, fluids du jour.

Car Trivia: March 15, 2007 (3/15/2007)
Mini designer, cousin Vinny, and oil names

Green Car News

Tesla Keeping It Indie: No Fusion Chassis (3/15/2007)
Ford platform won't underpin sedan, startup says.

  

Commentary

Flint: GM's Big Plug-In Talk (3/14/2007)
GM needs to stop talking as if Job One were tomorrow.

Detroit's Reclaiming Names - But Why? (3/14/2007)
The only question is whether it will sell.

  

From TheCarConnectionBlog

The Week in Reverse
Blind items, Blue Devils, Aston goodbyes and Ahnuld disses.

Blind Item: Empty Boxes at Chrysler
When they leave empty boxes, don't count on a long future.

Blind Item: Swimming to Thailand
Is a top executive leaving the Big Apple for the Far East?

GM's Plug-In Promises: Rubber Checks?
The idea might work, but GM's track record is bad, Jerry Flint says.

Officer, The Unicorn Made Me Do It
Driver crashes under influence of magical animal, or so he says.

Detroit Pissing in the D.C. Wind
Automakers-Toyota, too-head to Washington, but what's the takeaway?