New models to spur sales, J. D. Power says

A flood of new-model introductions this year will help pump sales volume for the industry, according to forecasts from J.D. Power and Associates. Automakers have scheduled 60 new or substantially redesigned model introductions this year, compared with just 36 in 2010, by Power's count.

Ferrari California Handling Speciale (2012) first pictures

This is Ferrari’s revised California, which will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March 2012. It’s got more power, weighs less, and can be optioned with a chassis-sharpening Handling Speciale package, all features scooped by CAR last year. The California caused quite a stir when it was launched, ushering in a whole host of firsts for Ferrari: it was the company’s first convertible with a folding metal roof; the first with a double-clutch gearbox, the first front-engined V8 Ferrari, and the first with direct-injection engine technology.

2011 Volkswagen Jettas to be sold for $5,995 each--really

Volkswagen is selling three 2011 Jettas through Gilt Groupe for $5,995--slashing the “1” from the usual $15,995 starting price. One car will be sold at noon Eastern time for three days starting on Dec. 15 in the flash sale.