Pirelli World Challenge star Andy Pilgrim makes teens, parents better drivers

Here's another addend in the complex driver-training equation: Many parents influence their kids to become both a greater danger when driving and more susceptible to the actions of other poor drivers. This influence begins long before kids are licensed to drive. Consider: -- “More than 75 percent of new drivers exhibit the same distracted driving behavior as their parents.” -- “Most parents are unaware they are teaching their kids things that will make them more dangerous to others and more vulnerable to others.” -- “Most parents want to protect their children and will make changes once they understand the realities of behavior transfer.” These are the words of Andy Pilgrim, the same championship-winning sports-car driver who helped road-test editor Jonathan Wong thrash Porsche's 911 GT3 and Chevrolet's Camaro Z/28.

Toyota to unveil 2013 Avalon in New York

Toyota is set to debut an all-new US-designed sedan at the 2012 New York International Auto Show next month The teaser sketch, which only shows the new car's rear, suggests a departure from the rather bland, conservative design of the current model. The outgoing Avalon very much a traditional three-box design, whereas the teaser image suggests the new model may feature a fastback roofline in the mold of the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS. A 'four-door coupe' if oxymorons are your thing.

VW plotting 'XR1' lightweight supercar

Volkswagen plans to create an ultralight, mid-engined sports car, with the pace of a base Porsche 911 but the fuel economy of a Golf TDI. It's codenamed 'XR1': read on for the full CAR scoop. What's the inspiration for the VW XR1?