As we said last week the concepts are out there this year and they showed up at the Detroit International Auto Show. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about more of these unusual cars.

Jody Victor: Sometimes concepts are just that 'Concepts' - someone's dream car actually developed. But not all of them go into production as you will see in this next group from the Detroit Show.

Hyundai Blue -Will - Hyundai's weirdly named Blue-Will  plug-in  hybrid showcases the Korean automaker's next generation electric drivetrain technology, some of which will debut on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that goes on sale later this year. Its "eco-sleek" design, with sweeping character lines, hints at what future Hyundai models might look like. The basis of Hyundai's new hybrid system is a 152-horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 100-kilowatt electric motor powered by a lithium-polymer battery. It gets an estimated 50 to 55 mpg. The Blue-Will concept's plug-in system will reportedly get an estimated 106 mpg thanks to extended  electric only capability that enables it to drive up to 40 miles on a single charge. It can be recharged from regular household power outlets.

MINI Beachcomber - The Beachcomber Concept givers a good idea of what MINI's new crossover might look like, but you have to picture it with doors and a roof to get the idea. The open-air cockpit theme isn't slated for production at this point; MINI is gauging people's reaction to it to see if it holds promise. The Beachcomber Concept's  Jeep-like form was conceived as a way to tie the forthcoming MINI crossover to the classic cool MINI Moke, which was a stripped down MINI Cooper produced from 1964 through 1993 that looks like a cross between a World War II Willys Jeep and a dune buggy. The Beachcomber Concept's interior features an innovative rail system running between the front seats to the rear of the cabin, onto which cupholders, bins and mounts for electronic devices can be mounted.

Toyota FT-CH - The Toyota FT-CH is a compact hybrid designed to target young buyers and fill a slot just below the company's already-small Prius. The car has a broad, sporty stance, nearly two feet shorter than that of the the Prius, even though the FT-CH is just as wide as its older brother. Toyota didn't give specs on the drivetrain or mention definitive production plans. The FT-CH illustrates the company's strategy to expand its hybrid line with multiple Prius variants in a play to remain the leader in the segment. Toyota sold 530,000 hybrids worldwide in 2009; 195,000 of them were sold in the United States.

Subaru Hybrid Tourer - Expect to see more of the Hybrid Tourer's design cues from Subaru in the future. But don't expect the concept car's fanciful gullwing doors to make it onto production models - they're a common concept-only feature designed to better showcase the interior. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and twin electric motors, on the other hand, could find their way into production. The Subaru Hybrid Tourer made its North American debut at the Detroit Auto Show, but was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last fall.

Volkswagen New Compact Coupe - With its New Compact Coupe, Volkswagen finally gets into the hybrid game. Until now, the German automaker has largely placed its bets on clean diesel as the fuel of the future. The New Compact Coupe is capable of up to 45 mpg, thanks to an efficient 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a powerful electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. The combined output should be close to 177 horsepower. The car has an electric-only mode or it can be powered by the gas engine and electric motor together. While the car is coasting in hybrid mode, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission disengages from the engine for added efficiency. Volkswagen didn't say when it will start offering a hybrid system.

Thanks, Jody! Great autos to come!

Joe Victor

As you will see by the cool concepts below, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are here to stay. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about some of the best prototypes from the show.

Jody Victor: Not all the concepts and prototypes at the Detroit International Auto Show were hybrids. Some future products showcased vehicles with traditional engines too. Here's just a few from a great show.

Audi e-tron - Audi's newest electric car might have the same name as the one unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but it's quite different. Unlike the first e-tron, which is based on Audi's R8 supercar, the so-called Detroit Show Car e-tron looks nothing like any model in Audi's current lineup. Two electric motors with a combined power rating of 204 horses and a jaw-dropping 1,954 lb-ft of torque provide enough pep to get the small 2-seater to 60 mph in less than six seconds. The Detroit Show Car is 250 pounds lighter than the previous e-tron as well. One common denominator between the two is that they're both drop-dead gorgeous.

BMW Concept ActiveE - The BMW Concept ActiveE is a fully electric car based on the t-Series Coupe. Lithium-ion batteries power a 170-horsepower electric motor mounted at the rear of the car. BMW did not say exactly what the capacity of those batteries is, but the company estimates that the ActiveE should have a range of around 150 miles. The car is said to maintain the 50/50 weight distribution of the1-Series, which means it will still drive like a BMW even though it's electric. The car weighs about 3,900 pounds, which is hefty for its size. Look for BMW to put out a test fleet of these vehicles soon.

Cadillac XTS Platinum - The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept is a full-size plug-in hybrid designed to comfortably accommodate five adults. A production version of it is likely to replace Cadillac's two largest sedans, the DTS and STS. The XTS Platinum Concept showcases the company's new design language and strategy for its upper-level "Platinum" series, which will be incorporated on all future models. The XTS interior also debuts anew control layout with few traditional buttons and switches. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays replace traditional gauges and screens. The plug in hybrid powertrain uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine and an electric motor for a total output of 350 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The battery can be fully recharged in roughly five ours and the plug-in hybrid system can deliver efficiency double that of conventional hybrids in certain conditions.

Chevy Aveo RS - The Chevrolet Aveo RS is General Motors' answer to the Ford Fiesta. It's larger, wider, more spacious and cooler than the current Aveo, and takes the model up-market to make room for the all-new Chevrolet Spark minicar, which should make its debut later this year. Although the concept version unveiled at the show has more aggressive styling than the production version that will go on sale as a 2012 or 2013 model, the Aveo RS gives a good idea of what the final product will look like. The show car uses the 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that will be offered in the larger Cruze sedan. Unlike the current Korean-made Aveo, the new one will be produced in the United States.

GMC Granite - The GMC Granite is a cross between a small utility vehicle and a minivan. With aggressive looks and a bold front grille, it is aimed at a younger buyer, and a production version would take the GMC brand into a lower price bracket. The Granite is two feet shorter than GMC's smallest vehicle, the Terrain. It's based on another minivan-like model from Chevrolet, called the Orlando, but seats five instead of seven. The side doors open "cabinet style," with the rear doors opening from the front, not the rear, to reveal an interior with suede-like upholstery and aluminum trim. The Granite pairs a 138-horsepower turbocharged 1.4liter, 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Should it be approved for production, the Granite will be marketed as a premium small crossover, priced higher than the Orlando.

Thanks, Jody! We'll talk about the rest next time!

Joe Victor

With the Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect van winning North American Car and Truck of the Year, Ford proved that the domestic auto industry is ripe for a comeback. I asked Jody Victor  to give us some more info.

Jody Victor: A jury of 49 automotive journalists at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit picked the Fusion Hybrid over two other finalists -- the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI -- for the way it offers superb fuel efficiency without compromising on practicality, amenities, space or driving enjoyment. Twenty-nine cars were considered for the award; only vehicles that are all-new or substantially changed for 2010 were considered.

Several jurors made note of the fact that the Fusion Hybrid can drive on electric propulsion alone at speeds up to 47 mph, which is about twice the top speed the Toyota Prius achieves in electric-only mode. Many jurors also found it remarkable that the Fusion Hybrid looks and drives like a regular car while returning an estimated 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

The Ford Transit Connect is a quirky choice in that the small cargo van is primarily intended as a commercial vehicle for small businesses. It has been sold in Europe for several years but is new to North America. It can be outfitted with shelves, drawers and other equipment to suit particular needs. The base version has only two seats and no rear windows, but it can be outfitted with a rear seat and windows. Jurors favored the Transit Connect because of its ability to haul up to 1,600 pounds of cargo in a small package that gets an estimated 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

Thanks, Jody! Great info for all of us.

Joe Victor

The classic combination of turbo-enhanced performance and hybrid-like fuel efficiency has finally been joined by the modern twist of correct emissions. Will Americans accept these changes? I asked Jody Victor to give us the skinny.

Jody Victor: The Jetta is the best-selling model line in Volkswagen's portfolio. At $18,999, the base Jetta SportWagen S has four option choices: rear side airbags, iPod adapter, a panoramic sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels in place of the stock 16-inch alloy wheels in place of the stock 16-inch steelies.

The SE swaps cloth seats for V-Tex leatherette, adds a premium audio system with 6-CD in-dash head unit, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats with an armrest, bumping the price to $21,425. Options are the same as those found in the S trim, except the wheel upgrade is to 17-inch alloys, and SE buyers can also add touch-screen navigation.

The SportWagen's cabin has an upscale feel, with soft materials used on the dash and door-panel surfaces and leatherette-covered seats.

The panoramic sunroof invites the outside in for both front- and rear-seat passengers. It opened for front-seat passengers, but the glass roof extended to the rear of the vehicle, allowing rear-seaters the chance to enhance their auras.

With its 236 lb-ft of torque standing at attention from 1750 to 2500 rpm, the SportWagen is zippy from the stoplight, but the fireworks are over quickly, erasing any fantasies of the autobahn.

The SportWagen tries to be the "anti SUV," providing the utility of the SUV, more sport in the driving-experience category, and none of the SUV's baggage in the fuel-economy department. Try one on for size. If it is big enough to fit your family, you may have found your ticket to the diesel revolution.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check one out.

Joe Victor

Square cars are nothing new to the United States, with the Scion xB and the Honda Element being available for a number of years. I asked Jody Victorto give us some info on the 2009 Nissan Cube.

Jody Victor: More than basic transportation, the 5-door box-shaped cube relies on offering Generation Y buyers an expression of individualism on top of multifunctional utility. Good or bad, the Picassoesque asymmetry grabs onlookers attention in a way no entry-level compact should. and if the standard setup isn't different enough, Nissan will offer a catalog of 40-plus dealer-installed personalization accessories, including everything from exterior enhancements to a '70s shag-carpet dash topper.

The not-so-stripped-down 1.8 comes standard with all the key desirables, such as power accessories, CD player with aux input for a portable audio player such as an iPod, keyless entry, 15-inch wheels and a multitude of safety features. Though stepping up to the S nets only a few minor additions, including upgraded cloth and cruise control, the SL strikes the best balance of great features with 16-inch alloy wheels, standard continuously variable transmission, and an upgraded stereo with iPod connectivity, along with additional conveniences. The SL Preferred package is the only available factory option for the cube. It packs in numerous techno-conveniences, including parking sonar and intelligent key.

Buyers have their choice of two transmissions: a 6-speed manual that is standard on the base and S trims, or an Xtronic CVT that is optional on the S and standard on the SL and Krom versions. Either choice gets and estimated 27 mpg city/33 highway. All models come standard with traction control and Nissan's stability control (VDC).

Thanks to a tall profile and vertical walls, the aptly named cube packs in heaps of space relative to its diminutive size. The plentiful headroom and legroom are aided by a sliding and reclining rear seat - a unique feature in this class. Unlike much of the competition, the cube makes no sporty pretense in any of its four forms. It focuses clearly on delivering a simple, comfortable driving experience in a fashionable package.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be watching for this car on the roads and byways!

Joe Victor

With its mid-engine design, the Porsche Boxster is one of the best-balanced cars on the road today. For 2011, Porsche is offering the Boxster Spyder, a lighter-weight, more intense version of the German convertible (Hmm, possibly one of the best ways to spend a sunny afternoon). I asked Jody Victor to give us some details.

Jody Victor: The 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder is more than just a limited-edition offering. It's the third machine in the Boxster lineup, joining the base and S versions. It features a manual soft-top and a host of changes to improve the Boxster's already impressive performance. But when it comes to creature comforts, the Spyder is a bit spare. In the name of weight savings, there is no radio or air conditioning, the door pulls are nylon instead of aluminum, and cupholders have been eliminated. However, leather-and-Alcantara sport bucket seats, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, bi-xenon headlights, cruise control, electronic brake differential, locking rear differential and lightweight 19-inch wheels are all included in the sticker price.

The missing radio, cupholders and power sport seats are all available to the buyer at no cost. A lithium-ion battery can be had and shaves about 22 pounds off the weight of the car compared with the standard battery. Standard safety features consist of dual front airbags, torso-protecting side airbags, head-protecting side airbags, fixed roll bars, a tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control.

The 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder comes with only one engine and two transmissions. The engine is the same direct-injected 3.4-liter flat six as other Boxsters. However, it has been tuned to make 320 horsepower at 7200 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual. A 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automated manual transmission is optional. EPA fuel-economy ratings haven't been announced, but they should be the same as or slightly better than the Boxster S's 19 mpg city?26 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 20/29 mpg with the PDK.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to check it out!

Joe Victor

The holiday season is one of the busiest on our nation's roadways and also one of the most dangerous due to the high incidence of drug and alcohol-related traffic fatalities. I asked Jody Victor  to give us some advice.

Jody Victor: 'Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry, but sometimes the festivities extend onto the road and the results can be deadly. In December 2008, there were 7,104 motor vehicle fatalities in the United States with 520 of them related to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In the 1980s and 1990s there were significant declines in fatalities related to alcohol-impaired driving, but since 2005, the levels have risen. However, a new report from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that from 2007 to 2008 the alcohol-impaired-driving fatality rate declined in 40 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

All U.S. states have a legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) standard of .08, but the penalties for drunk driving vary per state. Currently, 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, have license suspensions on the first offense, and 41 states (including D.C.) have stiffer penalties for higher BAC levels. Thirty-eight states, plus D.C., conduct sobriety checkpoints. Other states find checkpoints illegal under their state constitution.

While all the penalties listed above have helped, there has been little change in arrests since 2003. Among the enforcement challenges is that it is difficult to detect drivers under the influence, or to prevent them from trying to drive after they've already imbibed. One idea that has caught on in some states is the use of ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers including first offenders. Currently, 12 states have mandatory or incentivized ignition interlocks that measure the driver's breath for alcohol and prevents the engine from starting if a high level is determined.

Drunk driving is a major safety issue and is more prevalent during the festive holiday season. Law enforcement officials will be out in force and this year a number of states are instituting new programs to help combat the problem.. Before you celebrate, for the safety of yourself and others on the road, choose a designated driver.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to keep this in mind.

Joe Victor

Over the years, those pesky little instrument-panel warning lights that adorn your car's dashboard, have grown more complex and, as a result, more confusing. I asked Jody Victor to tell us more about them in our third installment.

Jody Victor: Some of today's cars and trucks have more glowing dashboard lights than a Christmas tree! But knowing what they mean, and what to do when one flashes, is important for your safety and because the correct response could save you a huge repair bill.

Check Engine - This warning is part of the vehicle's on-board diagnostics (OBD) system, and indicates that the car's computer has detected an emissions-control issue, such as a faulty oxygen sensor. You may not notice any difference in the way the car sounds or drives, but if you ignore this light you could damage an expensive emissions control system - a clogged catalytic convertor is a common outcome. In some cases, you may void the warranty. On late-model cars, the check-engine light will illuminate if the gas cap is loose or missing. It needs to be tightened until it makes a clicking sound. If the cap was loose, it may take a few trips with a tight cap for the light to go off. If the cap is tight and the light stays on, take the vehicle to a qualified repair shop, where a mechanic can plug a scanner into the OBD terminal and read a trouble code stored by the computer, which will pinpoint the problem.

Stability Control - When this light flashes, it's indicating that the electronic stability control (ESC, sometimes called vehicle stability assist, or VSA) is active. This means that you are likely driving around a corner too fast for the available traction, which may be compromised because of ice, snow or wet pavement. (The light should probably just say "Slow down!") An increasingly common feature on new cars and trucks, ESC will be required by federal regulations on most passenger vehicles by 2012. ESC monitors the vehicle's response to driver steering input, and then applies brakes on individual wheels to help the driver regain control in event of a spinout The ESC may activate before you even feel the vehicle start to slide, but it's a warning that you need to proceed with caution.

Washer Level - This light signals you are low on windshield washer fluid. Get some soon. Check the owner's manual to find out where it goes. You can do this yourself if you can open the hood and find the blue cap. Here's a tip: If you are obviously out of washer fluid - the light is on and the washer won't squirt - stop using the washers. On many systems, the electric pump is lubricated by the washer fluid, and if you run it dry, you'll ruin the pump.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to use this important info!

Joe Victor

Do you have problems understanding your vehicle's idiot lights? Join the club! I asked Jody Victor to give us the explanations in layman's terms. For our second installment - read on!

Jody Victor: If you're not sure what the light means or how imminent the problem is, this is the read for you.

Low Tire Pressure - A tire-pressure-monitoring system has been standard equipment on all new vehicles since 2008. A sensor on each wheel monitors tire air pressure and triggers this warning light if the pressure drops to 25 percent below the specified cold inflation pressure. The idea is to warn you of low pressure before it becomes a critical safety issue. Some cars also have a graphic display that indicates which tire is low. Pull over as soon as possible. If the tire is really flat, you'll need to change it with the spare to continue. If you think you can drive safely on the tire, get to an air hose, fill the tire to its specified pressure, and then go to a service center and have the tire checked. It may be a slow leak that can be repaired.

Brakes - This light usually has two functions. The first is to warn you that you're driving with your parking brake on. So the first step is to make sure that the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, or if it suddenly comes on while you are driving, the brake fluid level is probably low. If the brake pedal seems normal, check the brake fluid level (see your owner's manual) the next time you stop. If it's low, have the brake system checked for a leak or other problems, which could be as simple as worn brake pads. If the brake pedal does not feel normal - if it is very soft or goes down to the floor - you have an immediate, critical problem and need to get the car stopped safely and off the road as soon as possible. Shift to a lower gear to help slow the car, and use the parking brake, which is now the emergency brake, to help get your machine stopped.

ABS - This lamp is a warning that the anti-lock function of the braking system is not working. Unless the brake light is also illuminated, the brakes will still work, but have a qualified technician check the ABS for a problem.

Supplemental Restraint System - This light is alerting you to ab problem with the supplemental restraints, which include the airbags, automatic seat-belt tensioners, driver's seat position sensor, the front passenger weight sensor and other items, depending on the vehicle. Consult your owner's manual for details, and see a dealer if you can't solve the issue on your own.

Thanks, Jody! Now we'll know what to do if these lights come on.

Joe Victor

Some of us still call them "idiot lights," referring to the array of warning indicators found in an automobile's instrument cluster that over the years have replaced analog gauges. In a three-part article, I asked Jody Victor  to give us more details about these mystery lights.

Jody Victor: By the 1970s, the only real "instruments" left on most dashboards were a speedometer and a gas gauge - possible a tachometer. Fact is, warning lights are less expensive than gauges, and probably more attention-grabbing for the typically disengaged American driver. We'll start with the more common lights and go on to the rest later.

Low Oil Pressure : When this light activates, it means the oil, the lifeblood of your engine, has stopped circulating and severe damage could occur in just seconds. Pull out of traffic as quickly (yet safely) as possible and immediately turn off the engine. Open the hood and use the dipstick to check the oil level. If there's oil in the engine, but no pressure, the oil pump has likely failed. If there's no oil showing on the dipstick, you've either let the oil level drop so low that the engine can't build up oil pressure, or there's been a problem - like an improperly installed oil filter - that caused most of the oil to drain from the engine. In any case, you risk serious mechanical damage and very expensive repairs if you restart the engine. Have the vehicle towed to a qualified shop for a diagnosis.

Engine Temperature : On late-model vehicles, this warning light is often coupled with an engine temperature gauge. If the needle goes into the red zone and the light comes on, your engine has a fever. Pull over and park. If there's steam coming from under the hood, or if antifreeze is leaking on the ground under the engine, you've likely blown a coolant hose. To avoid burning yourself, do not try to open the hood until the steam subsides. If there's no steam or obvious leak, open the hood and check the coolant level in the plastic reserve tank. If that's dry, you may need to add coolant to the radiator after it cools down. See your owner's manual for instructions. Another cause of engine overheating could be a broken water-pump belt. If there are no obvious signs of trouble and the temperature gauge returns to normal after a few minutes, the engine may have overheated simply from working too hard. Pulling a trailer in the mountains on a hot day, for example, could overtax the cooling system. This could lead to engine damage, so after the engine cools, proceed at a slower speed and watch the temperature gauge closely.

Charging System : If this indicator comes on, it means that your battery is not being charged. The likely problem is a faulty alternator, which charges the battery as you drive, or a broken alternator drive belt. Your car will operate for some time on the power stored in the battery, so it's safe to drive it to a repair shop. To extend your range, turn off as many electrical accessories as possible, including the radio, heater or air-conditioning fan, and windshield wipers and headlights (if you don't need them). Avoid using power windows and, if possible, don't turn off the engine, since it takes a lot of battery power to restart. Once the battery is dead so is the car, so don't ignore this light for long.

Thanks, Jody! Can't wait until the next group of lights gets explained.

Joe Victor

If you are concerned about safety when you're on the road, as we all should be, take a look at this list from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about the top 10 from their list of safest vehicles for 2010.

Jody Victor: In all, 27 vehicles made the grade based on even more stringent testing on roof strength/rollover safety this year - fewer than half of the 72 models that initially landed the coveted award last year. Let's take a look at the top ten.

Ford Taurus - The 2010 Taurus has already made its mark with a bold, new, surprisingly unstodgy redesign. Having earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick every year since 2007, the Taurus cements its position as one of Ford's flagship vehicles.

Volvo S80 - Like the Taurus, the S80 has been on the IIHS annual list since 2007. Considering Volvo's tradition of industry-leading crash safety, passing the new rollover test isn't a gold star so much as a prerequisite. Along with the Lincoln MKS, the S80 is one of just two luxury large cars on the new list.

Subaru Legacy - The 2010 Legacy is one of just six vehicles on this year's list with a perfect record, having won a Top Safety Pick every year since the IIHS started giving out the awards in 2006.

Volkswagen Jetta - Although the Jetta's distinctive looks have become watered down in recent years, the sedan's performance and brand name have helped it stand out in a crowded field. Another Top Safety Pick - the car's third straight since 2008.

Kia Soul - While the Scion xB failed to win tip honors, the Kia Soul somehow passed muster. It might be Kia's only 2010 winner, but in the escalating battle for first-time car buyers, one exceedingly safe little car is better than none.

Nissan cube - Until now, the story of the Nissan cube has been its unique, even freakish appearance, which is either a bold design move or a desperate bid for attention. By storming onto the IIHS list for the first time - one of just five small cars to do so - the cube proves that it's more than just an eccentric first car.

Dodge Journey - Few SUVs made the list. The Journey's biggest selling point has been its price, but for drivers who absolutely need the cargo space and who prioritize safety above everything else, this award could pull this also-ran SUV out of obscurity.

Volvo XC90 - Considered one of the safest SUVs for years, the XC90 has earned top IIHS honors since 2007. In fact, safety is this SUV's only distinguishing trait, or at least the only thing justifying its luxury price tag.

Jeep Patriot - Rounding out the list of otherwise-underwhelming Top Safety Picks, the Jeep Patriot's win reinforces an important point - Safety is not always a function of price or engineering heritage.

Subaru Forester - Aside from landing five Top Safety Picks this year, Subaru is the only company to have not one but two vehicles (Forester, Legacy) with winning streaks dating back to 2006.

Thanks, Jody! Great info to know!

Joe Victor

It seems the message to "Buckle Up" is working. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us more.

Jody Victor: New data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that seat belt use has risen to a record level of 84 percent, up one percent from 2008. Each percent increase translates to an estimated 280 additional lives that will be saved. In 2008, an estimated 13,250 lives were saved by the use of safety belts.

Seat belt use has been increasing steadily since 1994 while fatalities of unrestrained passengers have steadily decreased. Studies show that states where there is a primary law enforcing seat belt use (one which you can be pulled over solely for that offense), the rate is higher - 88 percent compared with 77 percent in states with other laws.

There are also differences in seat belt use by region and vehicle type. Though unchanged for this year, the West continues to have the highest rate of use at 93 percent. However, other areas saw an increase. The Northeast rose 3 percentage points to 82 percent, 2 points in the Midwest to 82 percent, and 1 point to 82 percent in the South.

Occupants of minivans and SUVs have an 87 percent rate of use and passenger cars 86 percent compared with just 74 percent of pickup truck drivers and passengers. A possible reason for the difference may be that minivans and SUVs tend to be owned by families concerned about child safety.

The seat belt is considered the most important vehicle safety invention and this summer was the 50th anniversary of the three-point safety belt design. We've come a long way in getting the message out to motorists, but there is still that 16 percent that needs to jump on the bandwagon and click it.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to always use our seat belts.

Joe Victor

With the eye-popping fuel prices over the past year or two, many of us have begun to re-think how and what we drive. Most car manufacturers are on the band wagon to produce hybrids and ultra fuel efficient models. Think you know which vehicles are the top dogs in the 2010 mpg wars? I asked Jody Victor  to give us the most recent list.

Jody Victor: Much like the EPA's list, which comes out this time of year, we have compiled a list which give both city and highway mpg ratings.

10 - Ford Escape Hybrid - Coming in at number 10, The 2010 ford Escape Hybrid FWD manages to sip away at just 34 mpg city/31 mpg highway. It's a handsome and functional vehicle. If you don't care for the Ford moniker, it also comes as a hybrid in a Mercury Mariner or a Mazda Tribute.

9 - Volkswagen Golf TDI - The 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder manages 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway without any of the hassles of a hybrid drivetrain. If you find the tiny hatch a little too cramped, you can get identical fuel economy from the Audi A3 TDI, Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI.

8 - Toyota Camry Hybrid - At 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway, this 4-door will treat you nice at the pumps.

7 - Nissan Altima Hybrid - The Altima Hybrid may look just like its gas-hungry (by comparison) brethren, but under the sheet metal sits a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor, good for 35 mpg city/33mpg highway.

6 - Lexus HS 250h - The most efficient of the four hybrid cars and SUVs produced by Lexus, this small, premium hybrid sedan gets a surprising 35 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

5 - smart fortwo coupe - Both the fortwo coupe and the cabriolet manage an amazing 33 mpg city/41 mpg highway, thanks to an engine smaller than most briefcases.

4 - Ford Fusion Hybrid - Ford's midsize Fusion Hybrid zips by gas stations with a remarkable 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

3 - Honda Insight - It's no surprise that Honda's Prius-fighter landed a spot in the top five with a fuel economy rating of 40 mpg city/43 mpg highway.

2 - Honda Civic Hybrid - The Civic Hybrid will set you back a good deal more than the Insight, but it also delivers an impressive 40 mpg city/45 mpg highway.

1 - Toyota Prius - The hybrid model that's sold more than any other in the history of battery-powered transportation continues to kick green butt with a staggering 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway.

Thanks, Jody! Quite an impressive list!

Joe Victor

While it's true that some manufacturers have begun churning out a surprising number of incredibly efficient vehicles, it's still possible to get a gas guzzler. I asked Jody Victor  to give us the top 10 gas guzzling cars, trucks or SUVs that anybody can aspire to park in their own garage, or not, as the case may be.

Jody Victor: To be fair, I left superexotic cars with 16 cylinders and as many turbochargers off the list, also "special" models and any car over $100,000 - all too easy a target. So, here's the list (according to the EPA's "Model Year 2010 Fuel Economy Guide") of the 10 worst gas guzzlers from the 2010 model year.

Hummer H3 Alpha - While Hummer has a reputation as the Earth-crushing leviathan that is single-handedly responsible for all of the oil drilling in Alaskan preserves, the reality is that the H3 Alpha manages 13 mpg city/16 mpg highway. Those figures aren't bad for the level of off-road capability the Hummer provides.

GMC Sierra 1500 4WD - The GMC Sierra 1500 4WD is one of just two full-size trucks on our list. With a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine and a heavy 4-wheel-drive system, the pride of The General's hauling fleet doesn't have anything to brag about at the pumps. Expect 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway, good for 14 mpg combined.

Nissan Armada 4WD - While the common conception is that Japanese automakers create more efficient vehicles than their domestic counterparts, the truth is slightly different in the case of the appropriately named Nissan Armada. This thing can seat eight people and tow more than 9,000 pounds. A big 5.6-liter V8 engine swallows gas by the bucketful, dishing our around 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway.

Lexus LX 570 - With its 5.7-liter V8 engine and full-time 4-wheel-drive system, the LX 570 could be the poster child for inefficiency, which is somewhat ironic coming form a company that specializes in hybrid drivetrains. Throw in a curb weight of 6,000 pounds and the Lexus LX 570 manages just 12 mpg city'18 mpg highway.

Mercedes-Benz GL 550 - The Mercedes-Benz GL 550 is as big as you can get from the Silver Arrow without stepping up to the $100,000-plus G-Class. In the GL 550, a 5.5-liter V8 engine produces 382 horsepower, and the cavernous interior makes room for up to seven passengers. Even with an efficient 7-speed automatic transmission, this big guy manages only 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway - 14 mpg combined.

Nissan Titan 4WD - It's hard to believe that Nissan, a company known for its small, fuel-efficient cars, could be capable of a truck with the Titan's consumption habits. At 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway, the truck is no green machine. Those figures come courtesy of a huge 5.6-liter V8 engine and a go-anywhere 4-wheel-drive system.

Infiniti QX56 - By now you can probably guess what that"56" stands for in the QX56's name. Yes it represents the same 5.6-liter V8 engine found in the Nissan Titan 4WD and the Nissan Armada 4WD. Throw in 6,011 pounds of all the luxury you'd ever need and suddenly you're at 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway. Expect those numbers to plummet if you take advantage of the 8.900-pound towing capacity.

Land Rover LR$ - The LR4 brings a heap of luxury to the equation, and its 5.0-liter V8 produces 375 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. That's more than enough to overcome whatever obstacle is in your way but it's not going to do you any favors at the pump. Expect 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway.

Land rover Range Rover Sport - While the Range Rover Sport technically uses a smaller, 4.2-liter V8, the hefty blower on top of the engine helps the SUV produce 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. All that extra gusto means the Range Rover sport manages just 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway for 14 mpg combined.

Porsche Cayenne GTS - So what truck, SUV, car takes top honors as the vehicle with the worst fuel economy of the bunch? The 2010 Porsche Cayenne GTS. This high-riding German utility vehicle uses a 4.8-liter V8 engine with 405 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. All that power serves up numbers of 11 mpg city/17 mpg highway.

Thanks, Jody! Something to think about.

Joe Victor

If cold and snow come with your climate, investing a little time and money now could pay big dividends when the first blast of winter arrives. Checking just five key items on your car, truck, or sport-utility vehicle will help make it a more reliable and safer travel partner from now until the aroma of spring flowers fills the air. I asked Jody Victor  to lay it out for us.

Jody Victor: Don'd let Old Man Winter get the best of you. Here are five ways to get your vehicle ready for the snow and ice.

Check Your Car's Battery - There's no more depressing sound on a frigid morning that the "click, click, click" of a starter that's not getting enough juice to turn over your car's engine. As the temperature drops, a battery naturally loses power, which means that if your vehicle battery is marginal now, if might be dead when the thermometer dips close to zero. Experts recommend a preseason stress test for any battery that's more than four years old. And, now is a grea time to make sure your battery terminals are clean and the cable commections are tight.

Change Your Tires - Tire performance is critical when traction is at a premium. For optimal winter grip, consider replacing all-season tires with a set of winter-rated tires. Identified by a mountain-peak-and-snoflake symbol on the sidewall, they have a gread pattern and compound designed to excel on ice and snow and to stay elastic in extremely cold temperatures. In severe cold the tread compound of all-season tires becomes hard and offers reduced traction - even on dry pavement.

Replace Your Wipers - If you live in a cold northern climate, you might consider converting to winter wiper blades, which have a wiping-edge compound that stays flexible in the cold and a rubber boot that covers the steel frame so that accumulating snow and ice do not keep it from flexing and conforming to the curved shape of the windshield. However, on some vehicles winter blades may occasionally lift away from the windshield at speed and in some wind conditions. But they never freeze up. This is an easy winter upgrade you can install yourself without tools. Always carry a jug of washer fluid in the car to top off an empty reservoir.

Aim Your Headlights - Headlight performance is more critical in the winter simply because we spend more time driving in the dark. Start by aligning, or "aiming," your headlights per the owner's manual. Many vehicles now have small bubble-levels on top of the light housing (you have to open the hood to see them) that act as guides. By adjusting a knob or screw, you can center the bubble to aim the headlight up and down. If your headlights are cloudy or yellowed there is a cleaning compound for less than $30 you can use yourself restore the plycarbonate covers. Finally, keep your headlights clean. Use the windshield-washing tool at the gas station to wipe away dried salt and residue, which can also diminish headlight performance.

Go Fog-Free - Fogged-up interior glass can be a winter-driving headache in cold, damp climates, and a safety issue if it impedes the driver's view. To fight fogging, start by cleaning the inside of the windshield and windows with a quality glass cleaner and a terrycloth towel. Interior glass is often coated with a thin, oily filmof gunk that "gasses off" of the plastic dash in hot weather. This film attracts moisture to the glass. Residue from cigarette smoke has the same effect. You may have to go over the glass several times to really remove the film. Running the air conditioner with the defroster will carry moisture out of the cabin and help defog the windows. Keep the ventilation system on the "fresh air" setting so that damp air is exhausted from the car, not just recirculated in the cabin. Finally, try to brush snow off your clothes and boots before you get into the car - melting snow adds humidity to the air, which fogs the windows.

Put Together an Emergency Kit - It's important to kepp some essential winter-specific emergency gear in the car, expecially if you travel in rural or remote areas. If possible, keep it in the passenger compartment in case you can't reach the trunk. That kit should include:

Jumper cables

A combination ice scraper/snow brush

A compact shovel

Flashlight and extra batteries

Some non-perishable food, such as nuts and energy bars

Bottled water

Spare winter jacket, gloves and boots

A blanket or sleeping bag

Baby formula and diapers if you have a young child

First-aid kit

Reading material to keep you occupied while you wait for help or for traffic to clear

If you become stuck, or stranded, stay with the vehicle, which will provide shelter and make you easier to find. If you have a cell phone, call for help.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to follow your suggestions.

Joe Victor

The Chevrolet Camaro convertible is alive and well, and car dealers even got a sneak peek not too long ago. I asked Jody Victor  to give us a preview of the Chevy line-up.

Jody Victor: It's been reported that the Camaro convertible will go into production in early 2011. The Camaro has been well-received this year, meeting demand from consumers and sparking a modern pony-car war with the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. The Chevy comes with V6 and V8 motors. But there are hints that a Camaro Z28 might also be brought back.

The current Impala has been on the market since 2005, and Chevy is working on a new version that would slot in above the Malibu. The Cruze likely will do well in the domestic market, thanks to its styling and fuel economy. The Volt - the much-anticipated moonshot for General Motors, remains on track and early production versions could be on the road at the beginning of next year. The car is to arrive on the market at the end of 2010.

Additionally, a new generation of the Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups is due next year with a new chassis and a new Duramax diesel engine.

Thanks, Jody! Great vehicles to look forward to!

Joe Victor

One of the reasons for the popularity of the MINI Cooper is that there are so many colors, options and accessories that nearly every car feels personalized. Though the S doesn't have massive power, the 172 horses are plenty to provide satisfying acceleration. I asked Jody Victor  to give us more details on this fun summer ride.

Jody Victor: Small, nimble and light, the MINI Cooper S is one of the best cars ever from BMW. The heart of the Cooper S is the 172-horsepower turbocharged and direct-injected 4-cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission that makes the Cooper S beg to be driven. The unique top has a panel that can slide open like a sunroof for a bit of sun and wind, or the top can be completely retracted for full sun and full wind. The lowered top sits just behind the rear-seat passengers, so it doesn't take up any of the surprisingly useful cargo space. The Cooper S is a small car, so you can expect that the maneuverability in the city is very good. You never have to worry about parking as the Cooper S can fit into most slots.

For around $30K, the MINI Cooper S convertible is a decent deal for a smart-looking car. It will put a smile on your face every time you drive it, and it's totally frugal at the pump. Whether you're a driving enthusiast or just enthusiastic about life, the MINI Cooper S fun factor can't be beat.

Thanks, Jody! Something to think about!

Joe Victor

Americans love to take surveys and see the results, get recommendations on a great product from friends, and get a great deal on a fabulous car. I asked Jody Victorto give us the results of a recent poll that happy car owners took.

Jody Victor– The survey asked one question- would you, the buyer, recommend the car you are so satisfied with to family or friends? The answers are in order based on the percentage of respondents, highest to lowest, that would recommend their vehicles.

Infiniti G37 – The G37 is a fine alternative to luxury sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Its strengths include good looks, willing power, a premium interior with useful space and available all-wheel drive. Add in prices lower than those of the more established brands, and the G37 should be on everyone’s shopping list.

Hyundai Genesis Sedan – Hyundai moves successfully up-market with the Genesis sedan, the company’s best car yet. It aspires to take on the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-class sedans, but is priced closer to the Chrysler 300 and Pontiac GB. It has a good performance, lots of amenities, willing power and a smooth ride.

BMW 1-Series – Available as c coupe or convertible, the 1-Series has all the exceptional goodness of the class-defining 3-Series in a smaller and more affordable package, albeit with tighter rear seating and less striking exterior styling. Top-range 135i versions are hot rods, powered by BMW’s 300-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six, but the 128i coupe is a remarkably sweet car – and a well-kept secret in the market – with the standard manual gearbox.

Chevrolet Corvette – The Corvette has arguably been Chevy’s best designed and best engineered car overall since the introduction of the fifth-generation C5 in 1997. The current-generation C6 has improved further in all respects. And the new ZR1, with its 638-horsehpwer supercharged engine and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, undoubtedly is the world’s best supercar value in spite of the disappointing interior finish.

Cadillac CTS – The CTS has been in the hunt since it entered the near-luxury sedan battle in 2003, and more so after a successful revamp that improved quality, interior, handling and performance for the 2008 model year. The second-generation CTS-V version, powered by a 556-horsepower supercharged V8, can run with Europe’s best sports sedans or purr quietly down the road for much less money.

Toyota Avalon – The Avalon is an unapologetically big, spacious, cushy, well-equipped and conservatively styled sedan aimed at buyers looking for maximum content and value for their dollar, with minimum frills and gadgetry. Its 3.5-liter 268-horsepower V6 has plenty of zip for highway merging and will remain smooth and quiet as you cruise along, sipping gas at a rated 28 mpg. Toyota has more or less perfected the big American sedan o fold with the Avalon.

Acura TL – The TL has long been a solid choice and excellent value in near-luxury sedans, but this year’s redesign has yielded spacey and rakish exterior styling that is unquestionably polarizing. Acura has built on the car’s existing strengths and upped performance with a 3.7-liter 305-horsehower V6 engine, also making it available with its excellent all-wheel-drive system.

Toyota Prius – The second-generation Prius was a solid step ahead of its pioneering predecessor in terms of ergonomics, practicality and driving feel, but most of all for the efficiency of its landmark hybrid powertrain. The extensively redesigned third-generation version that is being rolled out as a 2010 model has higher ambitions still, with more power and the promise of even better fuel economy.

Volkswagen Passat – The Passat sedan and wagon are slick and elegant German-built cars at affordable prices. They are also roomy, practical and fun to drive, with well-equipped and well-crafted interiors.

Thanks, Jody! Great recommendations!

Joe Victor 

If you watch even a little television, you can't help but recognize when an automobile on a series ascends from a mere background prop into just as integral a part of the plot as the main actors themselves. I asked Jody Victor  to choose his favorites from past and present TV series.

Jody Victor: While I'm not a big TV series fan, I do know how great some of those cars become. Look at my list (in order of preference) and see if any match your favorites.

10. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am from "Knight Rider" - It's impossible to compile a list of great TV cars without including the Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT). The talking, smarter-than-the-Hoff Firebird Trans Am was the embodiment of all we thought possible in the '80s - at least as far as sentient transportation was concerned. With an arsenal of crime-fighting technology on board and a super-cool "Turbo Boost" option, the car could vault over obstacles, drive through a hail of bullets and generally thwart the bad guys at every turn.

9. 1986 Ferrari Testarossa from "Miami Vice" - The show that pioneered the "bright blazer, T-shirt and loafers sans socks" look of '80s cool also brought the brashest of Italian exotics of the time into the homes of millions. When "Miami Vice" debuted they cruised around in a much cooler '72 Ferrari Daytona Spyder. Unfortunately, that car was blown up by a rocket launcher. Fortunately, the rig was actually a kit car based on a Corvette chassis, so no one on the set shed too many tears, especially when Ferrari offered to supply the show with not one, but two 1986 Ferrari Testarossas.

8. 1951 Ford F1 from "Sanford and Son" - The only truck on my list but nearly as iconic as the show's catchy theme song and the quick and biting wit of Fred G. Sanford, the show's 1951 Ford F1 pickup had seen more than a few miles by the time it starred in the sitcom's intro in 1972. While not as centrally important to the plot of the show as some of the other vehicles on this list, the truck on "Sanford and Son" was nearly a permanent part of the set.

7. 1975 Ford Gran Torino from "Starsky and Hutch" - Powered by a stout 351 ci V8 with a healthy 250 horsepower, you can't think of Starsky and Hutch without their FoMoCo demon coming to mind. With plenty of tire smoke, J-turns and car chases in every episode, "Starsky and Hutch"  was a kick in the pants for Torino sales. Ford even produced 1,000 special edition models of the car with the iconic red-and-white paint scheme to commemorate the show.

6. 1983 GMC G15 Van from "The A Team" - What could be cooler than a group of rogue ex-special forces operatives on the run from the military? Ex-special forces who act as mercenaries for good and roll in a black van with a red spoiler, that's what. While the cast of "The A Team" offered up acting that was almost as painful as wearing 150 pounds of gold chains around your neck, scenes of the crew's wicked 1983 GMC G15 van ramming through cardboard boxes and sliding around dirt roads mid chase are what adolescent dreams are made of. While still not quite cool enough to overcome the creepiness of four grown men rolling around in a windowless van, we pity the fool who thinks this van is anything less than awesome.

5. 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS from "Magnum P.I." - While Thomas Magnum might have been the key character in "Magnum P.I." this Ferrari Red prancing horse, which he used to tear around Hawaii, stole the show. Ferrari rolled out more than 12,000 copies of the 308 GTS, making it one of the most popular models the Italian automaker has ever produced. Definitely, the Ferrari remains one of the coolest rides on TV.

4. 1969 Dodge Charger from "The Dukes of Hazzard" - Though the General Lee, Bo and Luke Duke's pet name for their Hemi Orange Dodge Charger, regularly thwarted the authorities, it couldn't escape the laws of physics. It's hard to find an exact figure for the number of cars the show's stunt crew wrecked while the series was on the air, but estimates range from 301 to 329. Built as a race car in the show, the General Lee boasted a full roll cage, massive "01" livery on both sides of the car and the signature Confederate battle flag on the roof. The car was as central to "The Dukes of Hazzard" as any main character, and the production crew broke a number of jump records during filming.

3. 1969 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser from "That 70's Show" - If that massive station wagon's single-piece skylight isn't enough to convince you this is one of the coolest rides on the airwaves, the stout 350 V8 engine under the hood should be. With the entire cast of "That 70's Show" sliding across the vinyl bench seats of the mighty Olds at one time or another, this wagon is what car guys think of when they think retro sitcoms.

2. 1975 Pontiac Firebird Esprit from "The Rockford Files" - While you won't see too many reproductions of Jim Rockford's 1975 Pontiac firebird Esprit at your local car show, it's still one of the most memorable rides to come over the airwaves. Clips of the Coppermine Gold Poncho chasing down or running away from hoodlums and the occasional hero are some of the best ever captured on video.

1. 1966 Batmobile (aka 1955 Lincoln Futura Concept) from "Batman" - Topping my list is the vehicle that the king of crime-fighting kitsch and his youthful sidekick used to fight crime in Gotham City. This iconic machine began life as the 1955 Lincoln Futura Concept which was handcrafted in Italy and cost a blistering $250,000 to create. Like most concepts the Futura was never really meant for production. The car sat in the dark corners of a warehouse for five years until Ford, Lincoln's parent company, sold it to George Barris - legendary builder of cars for the big and little screen - for a dollar. In 1965 the producers of "Batman" asked Barris to create the very first Batmobile, and he instinctively looked to the Futura. More than 40 years later the Caped Crusader's cruiser is the most well-known mechanical crime fighter, having taken down every bad guy from the Joker to the Riddler and more.

Thanks, Jody! Great flash from the past!

Joe Victor

Who could forget being passed by a 27-foot-long hot dog, or resist the happy toot-toot horn greeting of two perky ladies driving by in an over-sized can of energy drink? Welcome to the world of promotional vehicles - those rolling exercises in out-sized product placement. I asked Jody Victor  to take us on a cruise back to look at some of the most famous rolling products, and some of the latest to hit American highways and byways.

Jody Victor: Nothing cuts through the clutter of today's media-saturated world quite like a giant fiberglass wiener rolling down the freeway at 65 mph. Long a staple of the advertising business, promo vehicles have become wackier and more comical than ever in recent years. Let's take a look a some of the oldies and the goodies.

1918 Pep-O-Mint Life Savers Car - The first promotional vehicles appeared almost as soon as the automobile became popular in the early 20th century. The first "product mobiles" appeared in America before World War I, with custom coachwork designed to evoke the actual shape of the product, and often were used to distribute samples or make product demonstrations. The vehicles drew a crowd when they were parked, and were rolling advertisements on the road. The giant roll of Pep-O-Mint Life Savers, built on a 1918 Dodge truck chassis, required its driver to lean out of the center window to see forward.

1936 Wienermobile - An icon of American advertising, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile may be the best-known promotional vehicle in the world. The original Wienermobile debuted in 1936 and was the idea of Karl G. Mayer, the nephew of the hot dog company's founder. Built by General Body Co. of Chicago, the 13-foot-long metal sausage had cockpits in the center and rear, and reportedly cost $5000. It cruised Chicago promoting the company's "yellow band" German Style Wiener. Between 1952 and 2004, six new versions of the Wienermobile were commissioned. An example of the 1952 model is on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. the 1958 model created by noted industrial designer Brooks Stevens, rode on a Jeep chassis.

Modern Wienermobile - Today's fleet of eight Wienermobiles has been on the road since 2004. Built by Prototype Source in Santa Barbara, Calif., on a modified Chevrolet truck chassis powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine, each 27-foot-long vehicle is 11 feet tall and weighs 14,050 pounds. It features a gull-wing door with an automatic retractable step, voice-activated GPS navigation system, and a hot-dog-shaped dashboard. The horn, of course, plays the "Oscar Mayer Wiener Jingle." In 2008 a Mini Wienermobile joined the fleet. Built on a MINI Cooper S chassis, the Mini is 15 feet long, 8 feet high and weighs 3,400 pounds. Wienermobile pilots, all recent college grads, are called Hotdoggers.

Hershey's Kissmobile - Trailed by the scent of milk chocolate, two Hershey's Kissmobile Cruisers cover more than 30,000 miles each year. Commissioned in 1997 and 1999, each features a fiberglass body that resembles a trio of 8-foot-tall Hershey's Kisses and has a refrigerated compartment that can store 230,000 of the chocolates. Staffed by a crew of two Chocolate Ambassadors, each Kissmobile is equipped with a 42-inch plasma flat screen television and a DVD and sound system complete with karaoke and Sony PlayStation. The Kissmobiles participate in parades and festivals and make retail store visits. The Kissmobiles also visit the 170 children's hospitals affiliated with the Children's Miracle Network and are part of Hershey's ongoing partnership with the charity.

Planters NutMobile - Originally intended to support the company's marketing efforts at NASCAR racing events, the Planters NutMobile is designed as a hot rod with a supercharger scoop looming over a cockpit holding Mr. Peanut, who should probably be wearing a helmet, not his 32-inch top hat. Built in 1998, the fiberglass shell resembles a Planters promo-car from the 1930s. The vehicle is 25 feet long and 12.5 feet tall. The NutMobile appeared the the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008, and will be at the Plains Peanut Festival in Plains, Ga.

Johnsonville Big Taste Grill - This big-rig BBQ is 65 feet long, weighs 27 tons and packs 444,000 BTU of grilling power. Big Taste Grill rigs have appeared at the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby and the Daytona 500, but they are used primarily to support charitable fund-raising events and have helped raise more than $2 million since 1995, according to Johnsonville. An aluminum walkway is erected next to the trailer to give cooks access to the grill area, which features a clean-up sink and a freezer that can hold 1,000 pounds of Wisconsin sausage. The grill can accommodate up to 750 brats at one time, and can crank out 2,5000 cooked links and hour.

SPAMmobile - Designed to resemble a giant tin of meat, the first SPAMmobile hit the road in 2001. Based on a trolley chassis, the 28-foot-long SPAMmobile has a blue-steel body with rounded corners, just like the famous can. Inside is seating for the driver and on SPAMbassador, who is in charge of preparing product samples, including the signature SPAMburger, in a self-contained, full-service kitchen. In visits to retailers and at special events, SPAMmobiles have handed out more than6.5 million SPAM samples from the SPAMmobiles. Three SPAMmobiles were in action until early 2009, when Hormel Foods discontinued the SPAMmobile program and parked these grinning SPAM cans on wheels.

The Zippo Car - The flames are fake, but the Zippo Car is capable of igniting a crowd when it leaves its home at the Zippo Case Visitors Center in Bradford, Pa. The original Zippo Car, based on a 1947 Chrysler Saratoga, incorporated a giant steel replica of the famous Zippo lighter, topped with 5-foot flames. Beginning in 1948, it appeared in parades and special events, but the 5,000-pound car was too heavy for its tires and suffered frequent blowouts. In the early 1950s it was sent to a shop for updates, forgotten and then lost when the repair business closed. The current Zippo Car, a replica also based on a 1947 Chrysler, was completed in 1998 at a cost of $250,000.

Thanks, Jody! Lots of fun!

Joe Victor

Although in other ways, Cadillac has it right—many of us still want that possibility of glitz and glam out there on the horizon, waiting patiently for our success, but we also want an eco-friendly image, too. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 2WD.

Jody Victor: There is a singular, conspicuous symbol of the consumer-culture excess of the late nineties and early 21^st century in the United States: from hip-hop music videos to Hollywood to the local spendthrift, the Cadillac Escalade's flash-bang escapades as the SUV to be seen with, in or to own quickly gave way to a consumer culture in crisis—a culture that put the pedal to the metal and hit the green line. What does Cadillac do with a quickly out dating piece of automotive, fuel guzzling opulence? They strap an electric motor to its not-so-eco-friendly monster V8.

Who can blame GM for letting hybrid technology go viral on its full-size pickup and SUV lineup? Previous green models have impressed consumers and the auto-press alike. And one would be hard pressed to find someone who didn't, at least secretly, enjoy the bling-bling life style the Escalade has come to represent.

Don't worry sports fans, its still the Cadillac Escalade. Like Hummer, Escalade is a polarizing GM model. Given a shades-of-green make over like Chevy's Tahoe Hybrid and the GMC Yukon Hybrid, Escalade has been given a 6.0 liter gasoline V8 with an electric motor to cut down on fuel expenditure and emissions.

Unlike its eco-minded siblings Escalade Hybrid has boycotted any aero-enhancing model changes, Cadillac likely fearing they'd turn off the bling-luxury market. Strip off the stickers and badges, and you wouldn't know you were driving a hybrid through your latest Top-10 music video, except for the fact you'll save gas doing it. Escalade Hybrid gets a fuel economy rating of 20 city, 21 highway for the rear-wheel drive model. All along keeping its 22 inch, chrome wheels, chrome grin, and leather interior.

Overall the reality of the Escalade Hybrid is this: It can easily be coaxed to about 20 mph in pure electric mode. The Hybrid system is best thought of as a mild, passive system because in real-life driving, the electric motor is mostly used for power assist when at a complete stop. Gold, platinum and diamonds are out; emerald green is in.

Thanks, Jody! What a car!

Joe Victor

The Camaro SS is the newest pup from the Camaro breed dating back to 1966. Although Camaro ceased production in 2002, the fans never left. Anyone looking for evidence has to look no further than their local dealership, who more than likely has a waiting list for the new Camaro 2010. The Camaro brand is looking to attract fans both old and young, even though the younger generations have been fascinated with Far East imports. I asked Jody Victor  to give us more details.

Jody Victor: The Camaro is up against old rivals who have been giving life in the new century the Mustang and the Challenger (not so lucky are the mourned Barracuda and Firebird). Updating itself for the era of “green  machines,” the Camaro SS 2010 includes a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with short throws and a 1-4 gas saving shift mode, when speed is sufficient to bypass the other gears.

Style wise the the SS takes everything you loved about the 1969 Camaro and has updated it for both safety and and performance. The Camaro “looks the part” so to speak, while not resembling its predecessors too much. Both its chopped top and twenty inch wheels give it a “mean” look. Not to mention the “evil grin” peeking from below the hood. It features the long nose/short tail look that is de rigueur in a modern grand touring machine. A side crease helps to define the flanks from front to rear wheel wells. A simulated hood scoop hints at the level of performance underneath, while a larger front intake under bumper sucks in whatever it can to keep things cool inside. A retro looking gauge set, leather seats and a Boston Acoustics audio system make for a top notch interior.

Under the hood the 2010 SS is sporting a LS3 6.2 liter Corvette engine, producing a staggering 426 horse power. However, even with all the “green machine” aspects of the new SS the car is rated around 16mpg in town and 24 highway; in other words,  this isn't your “go-green” granddaughter's Prius.

Overall, the 2010 Camaro SS is a grandiose update of a classic American pedal-to-the-floor asphalt burner. It's a car that makes a statement about its' owner from the updated look, inside and out, to that satisfying gurgling roar when you rev her up. What that statement means, exactly, I leave to you.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be looking for the new Camaro on the road soon!

Joe Victor

Robert M. Lee's 1937 Horch 853 Voll & Ruhrbeck Sport Cabriolet took top honors in Pebble Beach. I asked Jody Victor  to give us more details.

Jody Victor: Amid a flurry of fireworks, blaring trumpet blasts and clouds of confetti tossed about by the early evening Monterey wind, Robert M. Lee stood beside his 1937 Horch 853 Voll & Ruhrbeck Sport Cabriolet and took in the applause of the crowd which cheered his 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Best of Show victory.

It is not the first time Lee, who hails from Sparks, Nev., has won the coveted award - he took home Best of Show in 2006 for his 1931 Daimler Double-Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupe. Nor was it a surprise - for many, anyway - that he won it this year.

The Horch was a crowd favorite from the moment the competition began. Visitors were directed to it multiple times by more than a few competitors - serious awards contenders in their own right - who were awed by the auto's swooping lines and gleaming chrome details.

Lee found the vehicle at the Pebble Beach Concours a few years ago, where the owners were having trouble starting it. Lee pursued the previous owner for several years before he finally relented to sell him the vehicle. It took a full five years to restore to show-worthy condition, and required both his regular team and a specialized crew tasked with tracking down hare-to-find parts in Germany.

Today, it represents a stunning example of what can be done when a collector puts his or her mind to it. Better yet, it runs beautifully, doing 80 miles on the Tour.

Thanks, Jody! What a great car.

Joe Victor

All across America most college students are back in school or getting ready to go. I asked Jody Victor  to give us some 'educational' tips for taking care of your car between classes!

Jody Victor: Between books, tuition, your job, housing, homework and a social life, most of you probably aren't looking for another thing to think about. However, consider these car tips when heading back to school.

It’s never too early to winterize your car. Now, most of you probably aren't going to buy snow tires or go through any other such extremes, but here are a few relatively cheap ideas that can keep you and your car safe in cold weather. First, get an oil change before the cold weather sets in, even if you aren't quite due for one. If you didn't already know, regular oil changes are a good way to get extra miles out of any car. Next, create a winter safety kit to store in your back seat or trunk. This might include a stocking cap, gloves, an extra coat or blanket and hand warmers. Also, standard items such as road flairs, jumper cables and the proper tools to fix a flat are all important.

Many of you will be parking on campus. If so contact your school's campus parking services. Many of them are there to do more for you than write you a parking ticket! Check and see what emergency services they offer such as flat fixes, jumps and help with getting keys out of a locked car. Also, check with the local and/or campus police—they too, may offer such services. Keep a list of campus emergency numbers written down in your glove box or stored in your cell phone.

Although we like to think it won't happen to us, car break-ins are not an uncommon occurrence on many college campuses. At night try your best to park in well lit portions of parking garages and lots. Don't leave valuables in plain sight, even inside a locked car. This includes your college text books! Many cars are broken into each semester just for expensive text books which can be easily sold back for cash and are basically untraceable.

Above all, use your head! Common sense is one of the most valuable tools a college student should have ready at all times.

Thanks, Jody! We can all use this info!

Joe Victor

The government’s so called “cash for clunkers” program may be emptying dealer lots of new, “greener” cars, but is seriously cutting the pool of cars available for donation to charitable organizations. I asked Jody Victor  to telll us more about it.

Jody Victor: There are a number of reputable charities that need donated cars to keep their operation running; however, a large number of vehicles that would have otherwise been donated to “keep the lights on” are being destroyed under the CARS program.

Charities, like Volunteers of America, rely on donated vehicles for funding. Unfortunately for the charities and their beneficiaries, donations have slipped since the initiation of the CARS program. Since July 1^st vehicle donations have dropped 12% and could fall as far as 25%. Whether or not a 12% drop in donation is cause for serious alarm at a non-profit charity, I'm not one to say. However, one cannot deny the devastation of a quarter drop in donations could bring to a non-profit. In all about 175K vehicles are expected to go to the CARS program instead of donation.

Jim Hartman, VP of vehicle donations at Volunteers of America told Automotive News, “It varies by market, but there's been an 11 to 12 percent drop compared with last year.”

“The cars I'm seeing cashed in as clunkers, like older SUVs, are absolutely the typical donation to us.”

Of course other factors might be affecting donations beyond the so called “Cash for Clunkers” plan. People may simply be keeping older, but reliable cars longer, selling or giving them to family and friends or literally “driving them to death”.

The majority of vehicles donated to charities are sold at auction. These auctions net millions in funding each year. The remaining donations are sold at extreme discounts to less fortunate families.

Current tax laws cap deductions for vehicle donation at $500. The CARS program promises up to $4,500 dollars. With a possible difference of 4K, its no surprise CARS is winning the race for clunkers.

However, there is hope on the very distant horizon. Charities are lobbying Washington for a $2,500 cap increase on vehicle donations—such a bill is currently on the floor of the House, but isn't expected to be passed anytime soon.

Thanks, Jody! Great info for all of us.

Joe Victor

The economy may be down but life goes on. We still need vehicles that meet our needs. I asked Jody Victorto tell us about a new Mazda for 2010.

Jody Victor: Generally speaking the Mazda6 occupies a class where low adrenaline, simple transportation is expected. The first Mazda6 was something of a cult classic, so its no suprise that some may find it hard to believe the Mazda6 I GT is something more than a mid-sized sedan. The original 6 was not faultless, but it offered razor's edge handling and controlled suspension, making it capalbe of romps around corners (much like Mazda's "Zoom Zoom" marketing implies).

In the redesign Mazda is clearly targeting North America—the hatchback and wagon variants are gone as well as the turbocharged Mazdaspeed6. The 2010 features a single front-wheel drive, four-door with manual transmission available only in the four cylander model. Fuel economy is down, prices aren't great, the revised 6 isn't quite the car it once was. However, power is up. The 3.7 liter V6 is a match for the defunct Mazdaspeed6. However the 2010 is a car made for Americans. It features Bluetooth and push-button start among other features.

The new 6 is also quite a bit larger. The extra length seems to have mostly shown up in the back seat, which is now mammoth. There is lots of stretch-out room for any sized passanger and flop-down arm rests. The 6 handles well and is comfortable in nearly any terrian. It also handles the curves well. Fuel economy is about 29 highway, 20 city. Typical for the class.

Mazda's intention, clearly, is to make a big, comfortable highway car that resembles cars American's like driving—the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima etc. The new 6 could be a great beiginning family car with its increased room and luxury. Business people who are on the road a lot might also enjoy this car (though you might find better highway mileage in another vehicle). I'm guessing these kinds of customers are going to be the happiest owners of the Mazda6 2010 Redesign.

Thanks, Jody! We'll be looking forward to this new Mazda!

Joe Victor

Jaguar moves on, distancing itself from its history while writing its future; yet, they footnote themselves as in the R designation Jag uses to refer to the performance variants of its models. I asked Jody Victor to give us some details.

Jody Victor: As with the Jaguar XFR, introduced at the N. American International Auto Show (January 2009). What is the XFR? A four door, five-person sedan for the died-young S-Type Jag. The design takes its cue from the older model, but incorporates modern aspects as well. The XFR is the first R Type for the XF sedan (introduced in '08). With an all new, top end supercharged engine, XFR is Jaguar's flagship for luxury and performance. This R-type has many respectable competitors--look at the BMW M5, Audi S6, Mercedes E63, and the Cadi CTS-V. The XFR can boast proudly though, being the equal or better of these competitor models.

The breakthrough styling that made the XF a hit carries over for 2010--with the addition of a full high performance kit! This includes a 'spanking new AJ-V8 Gen III direct injection engine (5.0 liter!). At 510 horsepower and a zero-sixty clock time of only 4.3 seconds, this Jag is no house cat. Along with increased steering responsiveness, improved brakes, active suspension dynamics, differential control and a little bling make the XFR a well-groomed lion on the road. Active Differential Control helps put the rubber to the road, in an ongoing, as needed basis. We found an instant boost in its ability to vary the torque lockup to each driven wheel, which in turn improves acceleration on low-traction surfaces. According to Jaguar, it does not add to under steer in the manner that a mechanical system would. EPA mileage estimates for this 4,306-pound cat come in at 15 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway that averaged out to about 18 mpg in our driving.

As for style the XFR features the fastback sedan look from its '08 model, a honeycomb front grille, chromed intakes, a ground effects kit, low profile wheels and of course the R badge to let everyone know you aren't driving the average Jag. The chrome-trimmed greenhouse reappears, as do the side gills. New additions that boast of the XFR’s newfound power are the body-colored hood-mounted vents that help to release trapped hot air from under hood.  Mr. Bond would probably feel quite at home making moves in this vehicles if Jag added a few stinger missiles and machine guns.

Performance-oriented two-toned black and tan leather covered the interior of our tester, while a polished bit of metal spread across the dash. Accented areas are covered with stitched leather, gray polished maple wood inserts, and aluminum strips. The look is one of understated performance. The heated and ventilated driver seats are especially welcome during our recent sweltering summer temperatures here in South Florida. The HVAC system will cause Goosebumps to rise up in protest (or excitement), while cruising around in the tropics.

I'd buy this car if everyone else on my street was riding an M5 or CTS-V and I wanted to show off and could afford the 80K base price tag.

Thanks, Jody! What a line-up!

Joe Victor

Always with their third-eye open, BMW is planning to seriously expand their brand best-seller 3-series in 2012. I asked Jody Victor to give us some of the details.

Jody Victor: The current, popular body styles of sedan, station wagon, coupe and retractable-roof convertible will remain; however, BMW will be adding a five-door hatchback 3 with a dynamic design that will incorporate the utility of a station wagon with the slick lines of their coupes' styles. One might say, in other words, the 3-series is getting its own 5-series GT concept (BMW's attempt at a station wagon/SUV mutation). The 3-series, like the 5, will offer two adjustable seats, a center console in the rear and will walk the line between Beamer wagon/SUV in height.

The new 3-sereies model will offer options like a lane-departure warning system, night vision, an anti-driver-nod-off system and radar equipped adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking. This will bring the twenty-second century tech of the 5- and 7-series into the 3-. The sporty powertrain and suspension tuning of the 3- will be maintained in the new model; although for those wanting greater control, BMW will offer a three-stage driving-dynamics button like that of Audi's drive select--it will sharpen or soften damping, steering, gearbox and throttle responses.

The new line of aluminum four-cylinder gas engines will get late-breaking technology like variable intake -and exhaust-valve timing, sequential turbochargers and direct fuel injection. The four-cylinder power output is like to range from 135-220 horsepower; the U.S. will probably only see the 220-hp. Purists, don't worry! It is expected that at least one gas inline six-cylinder engine will survive the downsizing to four-bangers. Although the 300-hp, twin turbo six cylinder in the 355i may be replaced by a 2.0 liter, sequential turbo four-banger gas engine making almost as much hp.

BMW will, of course, offer a hybrid version of the 3-, using the same system in the X5 hybrid--this system augments the transmission with two electric motors with a fuel savings of around 20%.

Thanks, Jody! What a great car to look forward to!

Joe Victor 

Remember the Tesla Roadster? I didn't immediately either. It’s been a while since they've had any national, big media ink. I asked Jody Victor to tell us the latest.

Jody Victor: In July 2006 Tesla, a Silicon Valley start-up announced its all-electric prototype model, "Roadster". In March 2008 Tesla announced they would start producing the car. To this day all Tesla models are made only by special order--and with the Roadster's 98K + price tag one doesn't have much difficulty imagining why; however, before one starts judging Tesla's vehicles as yet another impractical solution to gasoline powered vehicles lets take a look at what a Tesla Roadster has to offer.

The Tesla Roadster is a two-seater with a top speed of 125 MPH and zips through 0-60 in only 4 seconds. Its chassis is essentially a Lotus Elise, however that is the end of their kinship. The Roadster sports a completely carbon fiber body. With the "high speed" charger you'll be at full charge in three and half hours via a 220V residential setting. A standard charger will fill the tank in around eight hours. Though the price is steep the Roadster gets an equivalent 135 MPG costing as little as two cents a mile! Though, obviously, one would have to rack up the miles to reap any benefits after the price tag.

Regardless of price tag or practicality Tesla is expanding even in a time of difficulty for most car companies. You can now visit their brand new show room in New York City, in the heart of Manhattan's Chelsea district. Although Tesla isn't stoking any vehicles in the showroom there are models available for test drives. This is the forth dealership world wide after the early-2009 opening of a London location. Tesla says they are also planning a Chicago and Seattle dealership by the end of the year.

More art gallery than car dealership, the building features concrete floors, R.O. Studio furniture (the firm who designed their logo) and a coffee bar (just in case the Roadster's 245HP isn't enough for you). Like its other showrooms, this one is Tesla owned, not a franchise.

Watch these showrooms for the 2012 Model-S Tesla, which is set to rival luxury vehicles (both hybrid and traditional)--with a somewhat more reasonable price tag of around 50K. The Model-S looks like it'll compare with the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes Benz E-Class, and the Fisker Karma hybrid. 

Thanks, Jody! We'll be watching for these new models.

Joe Victor

The pony car war is back on and all the old rivals are back in the ring for another swing—the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Dodge presenting the 2009 Challenger R/T as a mid-level contender. I asked Jody Victor  to tell us about it.

Jody Victor: Big V8’s aren’t in style, since green is “in” this year, however there is still a lot to love about the ’09 Challenger R/T.

The Challenger R/T ’09 is new wave interpretation of its ’70 to ’73 namesake. This Challenger, however, is far more the pony car than sports car feeling more at home on a quarter mile stretch of straight away than a road course. This isn’t to say it doesn’t offer sport-like handling and confident braking though (especially compared to the original, which had more brawn than brains, so to speak).

The Challenger R/T doesn’t immediately come out and grab one with its features on paper, however, the retro lines of the car’s exterior design are as sharp as anything on the road and pop “wow” like the new Mustang did in ’05. Smartly, Dodge kept the production model very close to the 2006 concept—sporting quad-headlights and angry brow the front end sets off an aggressive mood. The hood runs smoothly into twin air intakes, which say “power”, but unfortunately are show-only features. The ’09 R/T design also includes a lot of fun and stylish throw back elements that make the car appear period correct: a fascia chin spoiler, side mirrors and aluminum fuel door cap. The $200 dollar R/T stripe package is a nice touch too.

Inside the R/T may initially appear unimpressive—looking much like its Charger and Chrysler 300 brethren—however, the simple, modern style fits the “retro” exterior better than one might expect. This is the modern muscle car, folks, and, simply stated, “it just works.”

The Challenger R/T runs at 376 horsepower on a 5.7L Hemi V8, but suffers from its stuffed curb weight, 4,100lbs, making it significantly heavier than most of its competitors. The weight drops the R/T’ s quarter mile times to some where in the low 14 second range, so don’t go playing for pinks as the R/T is a bit sub-par in for the muscle car realm.

Who is the best buyer for the Dodge Challenger R/T ’09? Anyone looking for modern muscle, but wants more usable room than the Camaro and something more unique than the Mustang. Someone looking for performance, but not a peddle-to-the-floor asphalt rocket.

Thanks, Jody! What a great car!

Joe Victor