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VW Phaeton returning to America as early as 2018

Though the Volkswagen Phaeton -- the brand's range-topping, understated luxury sedan -- disappeared from the United States market in 2006, never actually died. The tech-laden luxobarge is still offered overseas, and it has seen a number of revisions and updates since it was last offered here. Of course, much more has changed since 2006 than the Phaeton's front fascia.

VW Touareg BlueMotion hits the UK

Volkswagen has announced the VW Touareg BlueMotion for the UK Offering improved economy and lower emissions, the Touareg BlueMotion manages to drop in to a lower Co2 band by emitting 219g/km (a reduction from 244g/km on the V6 TDi) and it delivers 34mpg as opposed to 30.4mpg on the V7 TDi. These improvements have been achieved by the usual ECU tweaking, low rolling resistance tyres, some aerodynamic tweaks and a lower ride height (exactly the same sort of stuff that Ford has done on the EConetic range). And the penalty for the lower emissions and better economy is very slight, with the Touareg BlueMotion still managing the 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of  126mph.

British driver breaks speed record for steam-powered car

One of the world's oldest speed records has gone up in smoke--or rather, steam. Charles Burnett III drove a steam car to an average speed of 139.843 mph over two runs in California to beat the 103-year-old record of Fred Marriott. Burnett peaked at 136.103 mph on the first run, then he accelerated to 151.085 mph on the second run less than an hour later.