AUTOMOBILE 2006 DEC - R8, IGGY POP, ALFA 8C, COUNTACH

 

Within this issue you will discover the following topics:

1)         ALFA ROMEO 8C: A drive in Alfa's 8C Spider concept shows why Alfa's new sports car is great news for Americans

2)         THE PARIS AUTO SHOW: Our design editor on the five most important concepts and the men who designed them.

3)         MINI HAPPY RETURNS: We drive the new Mini Cooper S in Spain to see if it's as good as the original.

4)         AUDI R8: Just days after its auto show debut, we get an exclusive ride in Audi's new mid-engined supercar.

5)         MERCEDES-BENZ CL-CLASS: The new CL coupe proves to be the perfect car for Masters of the Universe.

6)         MY NAME IS MUD: A figure-eight demolition derby is the perfect send-off for a beloved Plymouth Duster.

7)         FREEDOM ROADS: To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the American interstate system, we take a road trip to rediscover how they came to be.

8)         WHEELS ON FIRE: Rock legend Iggy Pop loves his cars, whether flaming Rollers or flamejob Jeepsters.

9)         RED-HOT ITALIAN: The gorgeous Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is ready for its close-up.

10)   DRIVEN:

11)   FORD EDGE: This mid-size crossover is mainstream, not edgy

12)   MAZDA CX-9: The CX-7's big brother shares parts with the Ford Edge and hauls seven passengers

13)   CHRYSLER SEBRING: Much improved, but with no 300 magic

14)   MERCEDES-BENZ E320 BLUETEC: No urea just yet, but still a very polished diesel

15)   AROUND THE BLOCK: Four-wheeling in the Audi S4 Avant, the Chrysler Aspen, and the Suzuki SX4

16)   Porsche 911 Targa: A four-wheel-drive 911 under glass

17)   LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: By Gavin Conway Our new leader, who comes to us by way of the U.K., on where he's been and where we're going.

18)   NEWS: A baby SUV for BMW, a fancy minivan for VW, and why carmakers are high on hydrogen.

19)   BY DESIGN: The Saturn Aura illustrates both what's right and what's wrong with General Motors.

20)   LETTERS: Not all of our readers are interested in hearing about expensive cars.

21)   FOUR SEASONS WRAP-UP: The Mazda 5 proves that a European-style people mover can work in America.

22)   FOUR SEASONS LOGBOOK: The continuing sagas of our Chevrolet Suburban, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

23)   COLLECTIBLE CLASSIC: The 1974-90 Lamborghini Countach began life as a beautiful concept

24)   AUCTIONS: A Cadillac with a Vatican history headlines the annual Kruse sale.

25)   VILE GOSSIP: Taking the new Mazdaspeed 3 to its top speed-legally.

Plus other interesting features: