AutoWeek Daily Drive — Tuesday, December 15, 2009

HOME   |   CAR NEWS   |   CAR REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   AUTOSHOWS   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   MARKETPLACE Tuesday, December 15, 2009                  Mercedes-Benz touts the all-season capability of the new E-class convertible. Note the Aircap wind blocker... Detroit auto show: Mercedes E-class convertible joins the family Mercedes-Benz has revealed the final member of the redesigned E-class line with official photos of the E-class convertible, which replaces the CLK in the Mercedes lineup. The open-top E-class will make its formal debut at the Detroit auto show in early January and is set to reach U.S. Mercedes showrooms next May, about one month before the E-class wagon arrives. While the convertible shares ...   2009 Honda CR-V EX-L, an AW Drivers Log COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA OROSCO: This CR-V worked well for a weekend of family stuff and errands, which was perfect to see what the CR-V could do. Yes, there is a bit of hesitation when jumping on the expressway or going up hilly areas and such, but straight out, this little ute can be fast. And...   Branson has big ambitions for Virgin Racing Formula One team Virgin Racing's Formula One plans were finally unveiled in London on Tuesday, months after it became clear that the company was abandoning Brawn GP to rebrand the start-up Manor GP team. Having announced Timo Glock as a driver, the team confirmed that former Manor F3 driver Lucas di Grassi will...   Shelby brings back ‘Shelby American' name for performance-car business Carroll Shelby's performance-car business is returning to its roots. Shelby Automobiles is changing its name to Shelby American--the original banner used by his sports-car business and the historic Le Mans-winning cars in the 1960s. Shelby says the switch is in honor of the 45th anniversary... You May Have Missed...   Detroit auto show: Toyota teases its new dedicated hybrid concept Toyota, you're such a tease! The Japanese automaker on Monday gave us the heads-up that it will be bringing a new, dedicated hybrid concept to the Detroit auto show next month. And that's about all Toyota said.Oh, Toyota also handed over a couple of teaser images of the concept, showing a nearly...   ALMS: Simon Pagenaud joins Patrón Highcroft French sports-car star Simon Pagenaud will join the Patrón Highcroft racing team in the American Le Mans Series in 2010.He will team with David Brabham. Pagenaud replaces Scott Sharp, who is moving to the GT2 class with his own Ferrari team.Pagenaud, 25, goes to Patrón Highcroft after two seasons...   Audi teases A1 subcompact Audi has released a teaser shot of a new premium subcompact, the A1, which will be revealed at the Geneva auto show in March.The shot is a graffiti-style teaser and reveals very little. Still, it appears to be a fairly bold design, with a prominent front end, short front overhang and large wheel...   Crew chief Addington switches Busch teams Longtime NASCAR crew chief Steve Addington has gone from one Busch brother to another. Addington, who helped Kyle Busch win 12 races in two seasons at Toyota-based Joe Gibbs Racing, is the new crew chief for older brother Kurt Busch at Penske Racing.Addington, 45, takes over a Dodge-based team that ... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.