Every now and then, a leading automotive publication compiles a list of cars it thinks have made a valuable contribution to the automotive landscape. The latest to offer such a list is Edmunds Inside Line.

Their list is quite interesting, as it makes mention of such odd-ball picks like the Acura Integra Type R, the Lamborghini LM002 and the 1934 Chrysler Airflow. It has some familiar favorites also, like the Ferrari F40, the Bugatti Veyron and the Lamborghini Countach, which probably adorned more teenage bedroom walls than Brooke Shields back in the 80′s.

Then there are cars on the list that would make you question Inside Line’s sanity, including such dreary motors as the original Ford Explorer, the third-generation Toyota Camry and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

For a full list of entries by Inside Line, and to see which car they placed at the number one spot, click at the source link below:

[Source: Inside Line]

Opel is set to make an impression as this year’s Frankfurt Show which takes place on September 15th to the 25th. Their main focus will be the surprise debut of an experimental car which Opel claims will emphasize the passion for driver-focused vehicles.

In addition, the booth will host the world debuts of the Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer minivan models. They will also show off the Ampera, the first electric vehicle catered to everyday European use, and seven new ecoFLEX models.

We’ve already taken an in-depth look at the Astra GTC model, while the Zafira Tourer is a stylish minivan featuring a completely redesigned Flex7 seating system and will reach UK showrooms in early 2012. The Ampera is basically the European version of the Chevrolet Volt, while the ecoFLEX models will include the following: Agila 1.0 petrol, Meriva 1.3 CDTi, Astra 1.7 CDTi, Insignia 1.4 Turbo petrol, Insignia 2.0 CDTi, and ecoFLEX versions of the Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer.

This week, a news report was released by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, proclaiming Audi as the number one luxury brand for best total cost of ownership.

The data confirmed that Audi yields the lowest average Total Cost of Ownership for the initial five-year ownership period, beating all other luxury brands. The Total Cost of Ownership breaks down the typical ownership costs for a particular vehicle, including depreciation, expected fuel, repair, maintenance and insurance costs. Audi’s success has been driven largely by the A3 2.oT and A4 2.0T models, due to their minimal depreciation and industry-leading fuel economy.

he 2.0-liter TFSI engine produces 211-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine combines Audi’s valvelift system, variable valve timing and TFSI direct injection for increased power and efficiency. The German automaker has already sold more than 1.3 million of these engines, and is one of the most acclaimed powerplants of the last decade.

With the passing of the Volvo V70 and VW Passat in North America, European wagons are becoming harder to come by. But BMW is considering bringing the 5-Series Touring back to our shores to make up for disappointing 5-Series Gran Turismo sales figures.

Nothing has been confirmed, however some sources have learned that the comeback may be a strong possibility. Sales of the 5-Series GT haven’t been particularly exceptional, but the model outsold the previous 5-Series Touring since its arrival last year, even with its controversial appearance and mundane reception.

GALLERY: BMW 5-Series Touring

[Source: Autoblog]

A series of leaked photos and a UK market press release are the first look we have at the 2013 Lexus GS luxury sedan. Also confirmed are F-Spot, and hybrid versions (with a GS450h mentioned) as well as a GS250 packing a 2.5L V6 – for Europe only we presume.

With styling borrowing heavily from previous Lexus concepts (and a rear styling treatment strongly reminiscent of the Lexus IS), the 2013 Lexus GS is just the right side of conservative for the Lexus brand. North American will likely see the GS350 and the GS450h, but with the introduction of the 4-cylinder BMW 528i, we may end up with the GS250 as well.

Lexus claims that trunk capacity is up by 25 percent, while front and rear tracks have been widened by almost two inches. New safety features include a Night Vision System, Lane Departure Warning System, radar-guided cruise control and a new system called Lane Keep Assist, that will actively steer the car back into the proper lane should it drift outwards. The 2013 GS will also feature a new 12.3 inch LCD screen that can be configured for a split-screen configuration (allowing for both navigation and entertainment interfaces on the same screen) as well as an optional 17-speaker, 835 watt Mark Levinson audio system.

Unfortunately, firm details regarding powertrains (such as horsepower and torque figures), fuel economy, curb weights or dimensions haven’t been revealed. AutoGuide will be on hand at the official unveiling at Pebble Beach on August 18th, where Lexus will hopefully reveal more.

GALLERY: 2013 Lexus GS

[Source: CarFanatics]

UPDATE: With the all-new GS now revealed, check out video of the reveal after the jump:

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Spurred by the recent riots in London, the Germans have taken to the streets—and their target are the Mercedes, BMW, and Audi cars owned by “fat cats” that are ruining their country.

About 138 cars have been torched across Berlin, with 26 just in the past two days. 130 of those have been Benzes; 91 Volkswagens, 60 BMWs, and 43 Audis and Opels comprise the rest. Berlin police are setting up special investigative units to process the cases as political crimes, which carry steeper penalties than mere vandalism. Arsonists usually light up the cars through the tires, placing barbeque charcoals around them. So far, no arrests have been made.

Germany is facing a terrible economic downturn: despite lofty sales figures from its car makers, Germany’s growth has almost completely stopped. This is coming from a country that only last year supported Western Europe’s economy. Many people believe that the protests and arsons aren’t about the financial crisis—they’re aimed against capitalism in general, globalization and gentrification in East Berlin’s former Soviet areas.

It’s common belief that any social injustice eventually devolves into an “us vs. them” mentality—the rich make convenient targets in this economic downturn, and certainly those who are wealthy enough to afford luxury cars are more of a target than London’s humble shopkeepers. And even as the Vancouver protests over the Stanley Cup have shown, cars are the number one target: especially expensive ones. As long as there’s inequality, even a perceived one, anywhere in volatile Europe, cars are going to go up in flames.

[Source: Zero Hedge]

Michael Accavitti once worked for Chrysler as its chief marketing officer, even becoming president of the Dodge brand. But now he’s taken his talents to Honda, where he will be doing much the same thing.

Accavitti worked at Cisco Systems shortly after his stint in Auburn Heights, spending the past two years there. It will be a change of pace back into automotive marketing, as he takes over Honda and Acura’s marketing and public relations. Honda’s sales have declined 2% this year, and Acura down 6%, so he’ll have some work to do.

His outgoing replacement Steve Center has been at the position since 2008, but will leave to head up a new department within Honda called the Environmental Business Development Office. It will oversee Honda’s various environmentally-friendly initiatives such as solar arrays for its facilities and electric vehicle production.

[Source: Automotive News]

Following the lead of Atlanta and Washington D.C., New York City is due to get around 300 parking meters that will allow drivers to pay for parking via their smart phones.

Drivers will have to register for the service initially, but will be able to input the parking meter’s ID number via a text message or mobile app, and can buy parking time via their phone. Drivers will also receive a warning when their time is about to expire, and will be able to add additional time without having to return to their cars.

Pay by phone systems are in place in other locales (mainly Europe) and frankly, we think that their implementation on our shores is long overdue.  With an increasing number of parking transactions paid via credit card rather than spare change, these systems only make sense when it comes to a broad implementation.

[Source: New York Post]

In 2010, Volkswagen took a twenty-percent stake in Suzuki, and virtually no progress has been made from the alliance since then. Neither side has been thrilled with the coalition and the two automakers have even stated cultural differences as being a factor in the failed relationship.

Both automakers had different goals: VW wanted to expand into the Asian small-car market, while Suzuki wanted to take advantage of VW’s expertise in diesel, hybrid, and electric cars. As a result, Suzuki may be looking to take its talents to Italy.

Currently, Suzuki has made a deal with Fiat to supply the SX4 crossover for rebadging as the Sedici in Europe. Sources have indicated that Suzuki is looking for ways to further its relationship with Fiat, however the Italian automaker has not indicated whether the feeling is mutual.

As it stands, the Japanese and German automaker have clearly expected more out of this partnership, yet neither are progressing. Suzuki and VW are likely to split but the Japanese automaker has more to lose, so expect to see a move sooner rather than later.

[Source: Truck Trend]

You’re saving all your spare change to buy a Porsche. You may not be able to afford the luxe ride (just yet), but you can afford a cute place to store your nickels and dimes – in the “Pink Pig.” It’s just one of the new items in Porsche Design Driver’s Selection (PDDS) lineup of lifestyle apparel and accessories.

The Pink Pig is a ceramic piggy bank that takes its inspiration from the Porsche 917/20, which shares the infamous nickname. Your coins will be deposited in style and convenience – the Pink Pig is elaborately decorated and comes with a lockable opening for removing your change. It’s a great gift for the little Porsche fan in your life, but you may be tempted to keep it for yourself. The Porsche Pink Pig retails for $70.

You can purchase these items at the Porsche Design Driver’s Selection online store.