Clarion Cdc605 6-disc Cd Changer on 2040-parts.com

Porsche says Panamera avoids gas-guzzler tax

Few expenses were spared in conceiving the Porsche Panamera, but consumers will avoid at least one cost of ownership: the ignominious gas-guzzler tax. Porsche has announced ratings for the 2010 sedan; it will get a combined figure of 18 mpg or 19 mpg from the EPA, depending on the model. This means Porsche’s four-door foray will avoid a fairly substantial cost of ownership--a tax of up to $7,700 is levied on the most prolific guzzlers.

Mercedes A Class production outsourced

Mercedes is outsourcing some new A Class production as orders continue to flood in for Mercedes’ new compact car. Last week we had the news that Mercedes will be building new A Class compact SUV – the Mercedes GLA – at the Mercedes plant in Rastatt as production of the A Class kicked off. But despite the new A Class being built at both Rastatt and the Mercedes plant in Kecskemet, Hungary, Mercedes don’t have enough capacity for the volume of order flooding in for the new A Class – over 40,000 since it went on sale just over a month ago.

Audi TT Offroad shows off at Beijing auto show

Audi introduced the TT Offroad concept at the Beijing motor show last week. The company says it comes with a plug-in hybrid drive system delivering 408 hp total, while getting 123.8 miles per gallon -- impressive, but we're guessing not exactly real world. To get that power, the TT Offroad concept uses the company's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.