New SUV on the Block Price, Handling Make New Volkswagen Touareg a Market Contender by Karl Ferguson The carmaker best known for its solid, small Beetle cars and subsequent Golf models has just upped the ante. Volkswagen has been a little slow to join the SUV juggernaut sweeping the nation, but the companyís version of a sport utility vehicle has finally arrived. And given the plethora of choices available to automotive consumers, Volkswagen knew that when it finally did make it to the party, it would have to come up with something special if it was to compete with the likes of the Range Rover and others in the uber-luxury class of SUVs. Fortunately, VW fans wonít be disappointed with the Touareg. more... Armored Cars in Great Demand By Dignitaries, High-Profile People by Alan B. Nichols New strong, lighter weight materials are being used in the design and construction of armored vehicles whose demand has increased dramatically around the world in light of 9/11 and the increased frequency of attacks on diplomats, heads of state and high-profile company chief executive officers. These new designs allow manufacturers to build cars able to withstand the impact of high-velocity, high-impact ballistics without adding significant weight or bulk to the vehicles. more... Directory of Automotive Dealerships Serving Washington Area

Driving a Bargain Special Programs Help Diplomats Save on World-Class Cars by Alan B. Nichols There are cars, and then there are luxury carsóand diplomats know the difference. While a diplomatic parent might be driving a Ford station wagon to t ake the children to soccer practice, chances are the spouse is driving to the embassy in a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or other world-class European-made luxury car. Washington-area car dealers specializing in Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW and other models are rolling out the red carpet for diplomats interested in taking a look at their luxurious product lines, from large four-door sedans to sportier models. more... 2005 Subaru Outback Sets New Benchmark for Model by Karl Ferguson Weíre traveling fast. Itís late and weíre overdue at our expected destination. The excellent bi-xenon headlights cast large shadows on the surrounding trees and countryside as they cleave a path for us through the night. The vehicle is supremely stable, cornering neutrally as we negotiate the tighter bends. In case you were wondering, the vehicle in question is not the latest offering in the ever-expanding sport utility vehicle market. Even so, it is sporty and would appear to have utility in spades, but there are crucial differences. For starters, it handles much like a car. Itís pretty quick to boot, and it doesnít cost an arm and a leg to purchase in the first place. Subaruís 2005 Outback has certainly come a long way. more...