This week in Car Tech

Will GM's bio-fuel carry the day?
At the Detroit auto show, GM announced its investment in Coskata, a company with a unique process for making ethanol. The company claims that its process can use just about any waste product--including old tires--to create ethanol, that it uses much less water than other processes, and the well-to-wheel energy cost is one-sixth that of current ethanol production. If this process works, could it be the first stepping stone to a future of ethanol-powered cars? We take a close look at this process to see if it's as wonderful as it sounds. View the image gallery

 Video: Convert your car to biofuel

Garmin Nuvi 660
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Garmin Nuvi 350
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Magellan Maestro 4250
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TomTom GO 720
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Garmin Nuvi 200
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2008 Volkswagen R32
The poor cabin electronics in the 2008 Volkswagen R32 keep it from being a great tech car, but its drivetrain tech makes up somewhat for that lost ground. However, there are many good sport sedans that come in around the same price. Read more

2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited
The 2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited makes for a good car in a variety of driving conditions, but its cabin tech tops out at a decent navigation system, with a stereo that's only passable. Read more

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
With the 2007 FJ Cruiser, Toyota scores with a styling statement that has the substance to back up its retrocool image. It offers on-road comfort and good space with serious off-road ability. At 17mpg, fuel economy is its weakness. Read more

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Easy on the eyes and the pocketbook, not to mention user- as well as eco-friendly, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a fitting front-runner in the new generation of hybrid sedans. Read more

Photos: 2009 Mercedes CLS-Class preview
Wayne Cunningham
We take a close look at photos of the updated Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class to see how the cabin tech may have been improved. The design of the CLS impressed us ever since the car's launch in 2005. But Mercedes-Benz's cabin tech has been a mixed bag, with some mediocre versions of its COMAND interface in various models. We saw great improvement with the new C-Class last year, and hope the new CLS gets a similar update. Read more

Why buy in-dash GPS?
Posted by hosmann95
When I read the reviews on CNET, I obviously see a lot of emphasis on technology and gadgets. However, while I can appreciate this (that's why I'm here) I don't understand why, as a consumer, I should ever choose to purchase an in-dash navigation system in a new car? Read more 

• 1. 2008 Cadillac CTS
• 2. 2008 Ford Focus SES
• 3. 2007 Mini Cooper S
• 4. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport
• 5. 2008 BMW 535i
• 6. 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
• 7. 2008 Audi S5
• 8. 2008 Mazda Tribute HEV Touring
• 9. 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 10. 2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible

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