A recent report on back-over accidents, which kill at least 100 children in the United States every year, prompted a call from Bill Schwenker. The San Diego entrepreneur manufactures the CarTurner driveway turntable. The 15-foot disc creates more space in cramped driveways by allowing vehicles to be pivoted into position so they can be driven front first into the flow of traffic. But it is also a safety device that can help avoid back-overs, Schwenker ... [full story]

Maybe the electric car isn't dead after all. Nearly four years after General Motors canceled its pioneering EV-1 program, pilot projects and commercial production of electric vehicles are gearing up in San Diego County and beyond.   PLUGGED IN - Pat Cadam (left) and Nick Rothman install a lithium ion battery pack in the trunk of a Toyota Prius in San Diego to convert the standard hybrid to a plug-in vehicle. CNS Photo by Jim Baird.    PHOENIX ... [full story]

The Bentley Arnage T reminds me of a lovely, old English manor that has been updated with modern plumbing and appliances.   ARNAGE T - The $250,000 Arnage T is a reward for hard work, but not always by people who need to stand at the top of the mountain and shout 'Look at me!' Bentley says. CNS Photo.    CONTINENTAL GT - The Continental GT is a gorgeous 12-cylinder model that went on sale in 2003. CNS ... [full story]

I was evaluating a Lincoln MKZ when J.D. Power and Associates released its 2007 Initial Quality Study. In it 14 Ford Motor Co. models placed in the top three of their segments, which a survey spokesman called "an achievement unmatched by any other corporation this year" and a testament to the improvement in quality for Ford Motor Co. vehicles and plants.   LINCOLN MKZ - The Lincoln MKZ sedan, previously called the Zephyr, debuted this year ... [full story]

Information superhighway, meet the original superhighway. We already shop on eBay from our desks at work, download the latest "Heroes" episode at home and watch music videos on our cell phones. Now, road warriors can keep surfing as cars - one of the last unplugged realms - are equipped with computers and high-speed Internet connections.   INTERNET CONNECTION - Terry Smith, who works for Geico insurance company's Poway, Calif., office, said he can't imagine doing his ... [full story]

There has been a trickle-up effect at Hyundai as it takes aim at building luxury-class vehicles. This engineering is easily seen and felt in the company's new and largest SUV, the Veracruz. But Hyundai's pursuit of luxury is also felt in its smaller SUV, the Santa Fe, today's test vehicle.   SANTA FE - The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe makes an ideal alternative to a sedan, with roomy cargo space and an option to add a ... [full story]

First impressions can be so, um, judgmental. When I first saw the Kia Rondo, I thought it was one homely guppy with the roofline of a hearse.   KIA RONDO EX - Pricing for the front-wheel-drive Kia Rondo ranges from $16,995 for the base model with 162 horsepower four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission to $22,495 for a topline EX with V-6, roof rails, 17-inch wheels and a few options. CNS Photo courtesy of Kia. The new ... [full story]

I think the devil drives an STS-V. He used to drive a Coupe DeVille, as he did in the song by country crooner Joe Nichols. But Cadillac doesn't sell that big two-door anymore.   CADILLAC STS-V - Cadillac's new STS-V has great potential for American V-8 muscle car enthusiasts. CNS Photo courtesy of Cadillac.    NHRA JACKET - The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum has added a new retro-style letterman jacket to its catalog. CNS Photo courtesy of ... [full story]

TIJUANA, Mexico - Three shiny, new Chinese vehicles to be built in Tijuana - the first for the North American market - were unveiled Monday at the Autonomous University of Baja California campus. With a pickup truck, a sport utility vehicle and a three-wheeled auto behind them, top executives of the Chinese car manufacturer ZX Auto and U.S. partner Chamco Auto signed an agreement to invest $400 million in a ZX Auto manufacturing plant in ... [full story]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, until the copycat makes itself better than the original. Then it is just annoying competition, but it raises the standard for all.   VERACRUZ - Hyundai aims high and succeeds with its new seven-passenger Veracruz SUV. CNS Photo courtesy of Hyundai. Lexus may not fear much competition from Hyundai, but Lexus quality and refinement in its RX 350 sport utility vehicle were the bench mark for Hyundai's new and largest ... [full story]

The cute, cool car of 2008 - the fuel-thrifty "smart fortwo" - is on a national introductory tour. The coupe and convertible don't go on sale in the United States until early 2008, but 20,000 consumers already have placed $99 refundable reservations through the company Web site for the two-seat, 8 1/2-foot-long car - sight unseen, mostly. Now those buyers and many more will be able to get behind the wheel. Part of DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz ... [full story]

How time flies with the top down. The Audi TT roadster came out in 2000 and the 2008 model on sale is a complete redo, but it remains familiar. Pricing is up modestly, features are up exponentially and weight is down significantly.   AUDI TT ROADSTER - The 2008 Audi TT Roadster has a power top that goes back in 12 seconds and a 200-horsepower, four-cylinder engine that will zip to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. ... [full story]

Kevin Arima reads tire treads much like a palm reader. The Toyo Tires engineer sees long life in multiwave siping. He sees saved lives in an asymmetrical, nondirectional tread. And he sees periods of quiet and comfort with reduced "pipe resonance" and a "groove wall."   TOYO TIRES - Toyo Tires' Versado LX is a competitive replacement for such brands as Michelin, Continental and Pirelli, with sizes for luxury-class sedans and minivans. CNS Photo courtesy of ... [full story]