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Bombardier Unveils 3-Wheeled Wonder

Soon we’ll be test riding this wild-looking three-wheeler, officially known as the B.R.P. (Bombardier Recreational Products) Can-Am Spyder Grand Sport Roadster. Yes, that sure is a mouthful to say, but it'll be interesting to see if the trike is a handful to ride.

New Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles

Long-Term Test Cars: 2 In, 1 Hybrid Out

The Nissan Versa (at left) is a fuel-sipper with plenty of zip. Svelte? Maybe not? Sexy? Certainly not. Fun? More than you'd think. Frugal? Amazingly.

Automotive News

2008 Mercury Montego: New Cars from the Chicago Auto Show

Mercury's version of the Ford Five Hundred made its 2008 model debut on Wednesday at the Chicago auto show, featuring new front-end styling, bigger engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Interiors are quieter, thanks to judicial use of foam fillers and other ...

2008 Ford Freestyle: New Cars from the Chicago Auto Show

Ford unveiled the 2008 version of its Freestyle crossover here, offering major changes in front-end styling and drive-train arrangements. The new grille offers Ford's new styling theme, with large horizontal bars replacing the open, honeycombed version of today's ...

Pontiac G8: New Cars from the Chicago Auto Show

Pontiac unveils a show version of its upcoming 2008 G8 performance sedan at the Chicago auto show. The show G8 differs only slightly from the production model G8 that will be introduced in Pontiac dealerships "early next year."

2009 Toyota Prius: Spy Report

Here's a good look at the next-generation Toyota Prius. The inside word from Japan is that the '09 version of the landmark hybrid will deliver both better fuel economy and more power.

Dodge Dakota Pickup Truck: New Cars from the Chicago Auto Show

After unveiling the new Avenger, Dodge introduced an extensively revised 2008 Dakota pickup series, offering more engine power, interior space and revised styling. The big news for the new model is the optional 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 25 percent more ...

Saturn Astra: New Cars from the Chicago Auto Show

In addition to unveiling two new versions of its 2008 Vue SUV here at the Chicago auto show, Saturn introduced the 2008 Astra, a new line of front-wheel-drive compact sedans that the company will offer in three-door and five-door hatchback versions.

Dodge Avenger: Stratus' Hot New Replacement for 2008

Dodge has introduced an all-new Avenger model to replace the Stratus line for its 2008 vehicle lineup. The five-passenger midsize sedan is offered in four series with three engine types and an all-wheel drive option. Call this one Baby Charger.

BMW Alpina B7: New Cars from the Chicago Auto Show

BMW brings high performance to the super-luxury market with the introduction of the Alpina B7, a souped-up version of the 7-series luxury model specially modified by Alpina. The limited-edition vehicle features a supercharged V8 engine that develops 500 hp.

How to Fix a Blank Car Stereo: Online Auto Clinic

In his weekly expert Q&A;, senior auto editor Mike Allen solves the mystery of the Honda Accord's working radio gone dark—with some help from a reader.

Jay Leno's (Not-So-Mean) Green Cleaning Machine

The Tonight Show host's system is large enough, versatile enough and safe enough to clean most any internal engine part—and some external ones, like carburetors. It’s amazing to see what only a few minutes of those soapy sound bubbles can do for a rusty old Allen tool. Check out VIDEO inside the Green Garage.

Online Auto Clinic: 10 New Tips Added Friday

Retrofitting your ride for stability control, faulty electronic doors, quick-draining batteries, overflowing oil changes, wind-powered electric-car theories and more in senior auto editor Mike Allen’s weekly car-care Q&A.;

Plugged In: Electric Car and State of the Union Reality Check

PM's off-the-grid energy dad and resident green expert checks in from Washington, where does some number crunching on the Chevy Volt at the Washington Auto Show, and on President Bush's (unreachable?) new gas consumption goals.

Audi R8: Exclusive Track Test with Video

Rev up as Popular Mechanics takes the brand-new Audi R8 sports car — a 420-hp, mid-engine V8 — for a (very, very fast) lap on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

How Far Can We Really Drive on a Bushel of Corn?

As President Bush announces in his State of the Union address a 10-year plan to cut U.S. gas consumption by placing more emphasis on renewable resources and tightening our fuel economy standards, we take a second look at a PM special report: crunching the numbers on alternative fuels.

How to Secure Bolts Using Threadlocker: Auto Clinic

When it comes to keeping your car bolts in place, lockwashers don't work in cars. Period. Inside, your weekly expert tips on getting smarter in the garage.

Who Resurrected the Electric Car?

What might be the single most important piece of news to come out of the Detroit auto show this week is that the very company accused of killing and burying the electric car is bringing one to a dealership near you—probably before the end of this decade.

DARPA's Tough New Robot Road Test

PM’s resident roboticist explains why DARPA’s previous robotic races were GPS-guided cakewalks compared to the upcoming Urban Challenge.

The Mood of the Auto Industry for 2007: Detroit Auto Show Wrap-Up

The true importance of the Detroit show is that it is an accurate indicator of mood, and that mood has, basically, not been good. PM's senior auto editor checks in with the pleasantly surprised GM, the subdued Daimler Chrysler and the forced-smile Ford — where ...

2008 Chevy Malibu

Chevrolet accepts the challenge of Camry and Accord in the midsize sedan market with an all new Malibu for 2008, offering more expressive styling on completely new sheet metal—plus a number of important technical, comfort and safety features.

Jeep Trailhawk Concept Likely the New Cherokee - EXCLUSIVE

But our DaimlerChrysler buddy said, “You can expect the Trailhawk to follow the same strategy with another new Jeep.” When we asked, “Cherokee?” He just smiled.

Heavy Security (and Music) in the Motor City: Looking Back at Day Two of the Detroit Auto Show

Popular Mechanics' Detroit editor, who was honored with a lifetime achievement award at this week's auto show, analyzes day two—and finds out why green activists had GM security worried, again.

Pimp My Ride, CES: Car Audio and More

The car-electronics folks are here, and they're pushing all sorts of gadgets—GPS navigation systems are big, and people are starting to integrate them with other systems. But the coolest-looking stuff is the car audio and car video.

Jaguar C-XF Concept: A New Model for S-Type Design

The evidence of Jaguar's big shift is seen in the styling of the C-XF concept, a four-door, four-seat sedan that leaps two generations forward in its exterior appearance, but still manages to carry hints of the designs of classic Jaguar sedans of the past.

Detroit Auto Show Analysis: Looking Back at Day One

Popular Mechanics' senior automotive editor gives some perspective on a gasless first day in Detroit: domination by local brands—including dueling hybrid concepts from GM and Ford—but a late push from Toyota that might tip the balance of the auto industry ...

Honda Accord Coupe Concept (Well, Sort of a Concept)

Honda is officially calling the Accord Coupe a “concept”. But at the press conference today, senior vice president of American Honda, John Mendel, called the car a “glimpse into the future of the most important car in our lineup.”

Toyota FT-HS Concept: Official Says New Supra Is '85%' Ready for Production

Toyota unveiled our favorite car of the show so far, and it's what a 21st-century sports car should look like. The styling is tough, edgy and, for the most part, original. For a brand known for stodgy styling, the FT-HS is certainly a surprise.

Getting Ready for CES

The press events are still going on, but I escaped and wandered around the CES floor, where they're still frantically getting ready for tomorrow. Walls of big-screen TVs, lots of digital cameras, car audio galore—even a Batmobile (pictured at bottom ...

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept: The New NSX

Acura’s iconic affordable supercar, the NSX, was never the huge sales success it should have been, and so it died a quiet peaceful death. Enter the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept today in Detroit.

Audi Q7 V12 Diesel Concept

Audi showed an SUV concept that got our attention. How does a clean diesel V12 with 500 hp and 737 lb.-ft. of torque grab you? Yeah, that’s what we thought.

Eclipse and TomTom Unveil Pop-Out Navigation System/Car Stereo: VIDEO

Hey, you got GPS in my car stereo. You got car stereo in my GPS nav system. It’s two great technologies that work great together. Watch it in action with video from CES.

Saturn Aura, Chevy Silverado Win 2007 Car and Truck of the Year: Live from the Detroit Auto Show

The votes are in, and the biggest automotive awards of the year have been handed out at the Detroit auto show: The Saturn Aura is the 2007 North American Car of the Year, and the Chevrolet Silverado is the Truck of the Year.

Mercury Montego: Spy Report

Here's a mild facelift if we've ever seen one: the 2008 Mercury Montego. Only slightly disguised by the leopard-pattern paint job, the new car appears to offer changes only in the front clip—grille, enders, hood, headlights—and taillights.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept: Detroit Preview

Once last year's Chevy Camaro Concept was officially green-lit for production, you knew a convertible concept would be right around the corner this year. And, in a couple days, we'll be able to see the new Camaro Convertible Concept in the metal at ...

Jaguar C-XF Concept: Detroit Preview

Jaguars have been retro for far too long, but that’s about to change. The C-XF concept sedan, set to take the stage in Detroit next week, is a clean-slate design for Jag. And we’ve got our fingers crossed—this one looks pretty sweet.

Ford's Mustang-Based Interceptor Concept: Detroit Preview

Ford has unveiled a concept car with a body that is all sedan and a grille following the company formula of three horizontal bars. Still, there is a certain look of Mustang in its overall appearance.

Toyota's Supra Hybrid by Any Other Name: Detroit Preview

Toyota calls this sports car the FT-HS Concept. But this concept hints that a future Supra is indeed in the works—and it's a hybrid.

Toyota Sits Atop the Auto Kingdom, but for How Long?

Will GM ever unseat Toyota as the world’s No. 1 carmaker? Probably not. But will Toyota sit atop the heap forever? Definitely not. As GM had its moment, so shall Toyota, but eventually Toyota, too, will be unseated.

Dodge Charger Police Package: Doing Donuts (Instead of Eating Them)

We’ve haven’t exactly been impressed with cop cars before, but with a 340 hp Hemi under the hood, meaty tires and a big, big pushbar, this Dodge was the real deal, and we made the tire marks to prove it.

Acura's Second Rear-Drive Concept: Detroit Preview

When a car company that's had only one rear-drive car ever suddenly starts showing rear-drive sedans and sports cars, it may signal a full-scale shift in future vehicle architecture and also a move upscale.

Mercedes 4-Door Concept Convertible: The Next Continental?

In a few weeks, Mercedes-Benz will show this Ocean Drive concept in Detroit. It's essentially a four-door, convertible version of the S600 with some unique styling touches. But why has it taken a manufacturer so long to rediscover this stylish ...

Volvo XC60 Concept: Detroit Preview

It turns out there’s plenty of room underneath the XC90 in Volvo’s lineup for an entry-level crossover SUV. Volvo will pull the wraps off this XC60 concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (don’t worry, we’ll be ...

2007 Car and Truck of the Year Finalists

PM's automotive editor is one of the esteemed journalists on the international panel that judges the year's big car and truck awards, and he reports back with the six finalists for 2007—two of which took home our own Automotive Excellence ...

Don't Judge A Car By Its Sticker: New EPA Figures Won't Affect Fleet Economy

The EPA, the federal government agency in charge of certifying new car fuel economy claims it has revamped its rating system. Sort of. The EPA has developed a new testing regimen (all fuel economy numbers are based on laboratory testing, ...

Time Machine: 1957

Burt Munro’s 1920 Indian Scout led him to become possibly the world’s most famous DIY mechanic. He raced the Indian from his native New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats, breaking records with his tinkered bike that contained parts he ...

First Look: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

The new Lancer rides a global architecture shared with Mitsu’s own Outlander as well as the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass. It’s got a longer wheelbase and a wider track than the old Lancer. Under the hood is a new 152-hp, 2.0-liter ...

Online Auto Clinic: 6 New Tips on Replacing Thermostats, Using Drygas, New Fuel Pumps and More

Senior Automotive Editor Mike Allen checks in with his latest answers for readers' car-care questions.

Blowing in the Winch: All-in-One Unit with Air Compressor

The Warn PowerPlant is like a 114-pound Swiss army knife mounted on the front of your truck. Matching its power and spacesaving convenience won't be easy, and PM breaks it down inside.

First Look: Kia Kue Concept

The Kue is Kia’s take on a large crossover SUV, and they want you to think "sporty" with this one. The Kue’s about the same size as a Nissan Murano, rolls on 22-inch wheels and promises to "give the driver an exhilarating driving ...

Breakfast with Porsche: Industry News from the Top

Popular Mechanics' automotive editor sat down with Peter Schwarzenbauer, the president and C.E.O. of Porsche Cars North America, who offered thoughts on the German sports car manufacturer's hybrid future--and the industry's ...

Spy Report: 2009 GMC Acadia Denali V8

At our test drive in Silicon Valley, one particularly cool (and loose-lipped) GM staffer told us that GMC will have a Denali version of the Acadia crossover SUV soon--with an engine from a brand-new GM family of V8s, no ...

GM Tests Rollover Safety in New Facility

GM officially opened its new vehicle crash facility with a bang today, demonstrating the auto manufacturer's ability to study vehicle rollovers in laboratory-exact conditions. Using a ramp that lifted the two right ...

Spy Report: Honda's New Accord Coupe Concept

Honda appears to be getting more aggressive with their designs these days. We saw the tough little Remix coupe in L..A last week, and now it looks like we’ll see this muscular Accord Coupe concept in Detroit next ...

Podcast: Radioactive Reality Check

Does the radioactive poison that killed Russian ex-spy Alexander Litvenenko pose any danger to the non-spying public? Investigative reporter Simon Cooper weighs in, and details the history of the KGB's ...

Online Auto Clinic: 9 New Tips on Mixing Coolants, Sleeping Batteries and More

Senior Automotive Editor Mike Allen checks in with his latest answers for readers' car-care questions.

Turbo-Charged, Hydrogen-Powered Prius Test Drive: Live Video from the L.A. Auto Show

The L.A. Auto Show isn’t just about looking at alternative fuel vehicles—today it was about driving them, too. We spent a few minutes with Quantum Technologies and their turbo-charged, hydrogen-powered ...

Green-Colored Glasses: Live from the L.A. Auto Show

Popular Mechanics' automotive editor breaks down today's big news from GM chief Rick Wagoner that the new Saturn Vue is currently under development with plug-in hybrid capabilities.

How-To Central


Home How-To Central

Learn fundamental skills you're afraid to ask about (read: drywall), then choose from dozens of DIY projects illustrated by how-to masters, such as installing a sliding door.

Auto How-To Central

Our Saturday Mechanic and senior automotive editor Mike Allen answers your car-care questions online, then walks you through quick fixes like reattaching a rearview mirror.
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Jay's Green Garage

Welcome to the Green Garage!

Like most of us, Jay Leno has been looking hard at his footprint on the planet. In a long-term project with PM, he's upgrading with environmentally friendly equipment. WITH VIDEO!

Reader Projects Wanted

Show Us Your Woodworking Project!

Are you a woodworker? We are looking for examples of reader woodworking projects, with a focus on creativity, ingenuity and inventive spirit. We're open to anything, so send us your best!

Automotive Clinic Online

Cable Woes

Got a sticky connection from your cruise control to the throttle? Plus, safe towing and more brand-new tips from Mike Allen.


New Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles

Versatility Defined: Ford Edge, 6 More New Rides

Brand-new cars from BMW, Audi, Chevy, Mini and Mercedes, plus spy reports and a fuel-cell battle

New Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles

Long-Term Test Cars: Final Report

We cast a fond farewell to our Jeep, Chevy and Infiniti — and give thanks to the safety engineers at Nissan.

Automotive

PM Automotive Excellence Awards 2007

Automakers bombard drivers with new models every year, and we test drive just about all of them--critically.

Automotive

Is Your Car Smarter Than You Are?

The computing power of the family car has grown exponentially. The question is: Do we like it?

Industry

The Truth About Hydrogen

Promises abound, but can the simplest element really power our homes, fuel our cars and reduce global warming? PM crunches the numbers on a real hydrogen economy.

Industry

Crunching The Numbers On Alternative Fuels

Think gas prices are steep? Check out the cost for a tank of hydrogen. As the race to board the bio-fuel bandwagon heats up, we investigate.

Automotive

100 MPG Available Now!

Where's the magic carburetor? The car that runs on water? Those are fantasies, but a four-door at 100 mpg really is possible--today.

Motorsports

This Is My Job: Aerodynamics Engineer

Talking shop (subtly) with the high-speed wind-tunnel tester for Penske Racing's NASCAR team.

Road Trips

Coast to Coast in a Corvette Z06

Seven days, 3000 miles, five skill-testing two-lane roads, A willing copilot and a 505-hp Corvette. Life is good. Very good.

Auto How-To Central

Your Dad Was Wrong: 10 Auto Myths Debunked

"Let the engine idle. Don't add water to antifreeze." It was well-intentioned advice, but now it's time to face the facts.

Auto How-To Central

Saturday Mechanic: Tapered Wheel Bearings

Good maintenance says bearings should be cleaned and repacked. We show you how in a step-by-step slideshow.

Home Improvement

Mercury Falling: PM's Winter Prep Guide

Beat the cold with our seasonal to-do guide, an insulation handbook, home-repair shortcuts, basement tuneups, tractor tests and more.

9-11 Myths

9/11: Debunking the Myths

PM's investigation, greatly expanded in book form. Plus, new myths debunked.

Automotive


PM Car Of The Week

Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2 Motorcycle

Featured


L.A. Auto Show

Your one-stop shop for the latest rides at the biggest car show this side of Detroit: Stay up to speed with exclusive video, images and live blogs direct from the showroom floor.

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