#performance

The next Honda CR-Z could wind up with real performance credibility courtesy of the new Civic Type R, even if the latter doesn’t make a trans-Atlantic leap.

Raise your hand if you like functional small cars with grossly overpowered engines. Now that all of your primary upper-body appendages are above your heads, use your non-dominant hand to follow the jump and learn about Volkswagen’s latest fun-machine, the 2015 Golf R.

Mercedes-Benz will reveal a high-performance racecar concept at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The CLA 45 AMG Racing Series provides a preview of upcoming vehicles built specifically for competition.

Streams of chronically dull, utility-minded vehicles plod along the world’s roads and highways every day. What they lack in excitement they make up for in function, hauling people and goods from here to there and everywhere in between.

Germany’s vaunted Nürburgring is arguably the most famous test track in the world. AutoGuide’s intrepid spy photographers have just spotted the 2015 Lexus GS-F circling the famous “Green Hell,” and best of all the car was NOT camouflaged!

Crossovers are taking over the market. Buyers can get big ones, small ones, long ones and tall ones. They can opt for models with three rows of seats, all-wheel drive or in rare instances even manual transmissions. Like it or not these versatile vehicles are rapidly becoming the de-facto choice of drivers in America.

Insanity, it’s not just putting your alarm clock in the freezer or wearing mayonnaise instead of cargo shorts, it covers all kinds of things, even cars. There are plenty of ridiculous vehicles in the market today but one of the most ludicrous is the Nissan Juke-R.

Can’t get enough of the BMW Concept M4 Coupe? You’re not alone.

BMW’s 3 Series Coupe is fading away. It’s soon to be replaced by the all-new 2014 4 Series, a car that’s powered by either a four- or six-cylinder turbo. But what about drivers that want even more performance than what’s provided by these base engines? There’s no need to call Scooby Doo and company because the Concept M4 Coupe is a pretty obvious clue as to what’s in the works.

Crossovers and family sedans make up a huge part of the automotive market. These sensible, everyday vehicles are safe, spacious and efficient; in short they’re perfect for families, be them planned or… not. But for all their merits these cars are about as much fun as counting grains of sugar in a five-pound bag.

It’s human nature to want what you can’t have. American car enthusiasts stare longingly across the Atlantic at all the cool and unusual products their European counterparts have access to.

Our regular Ask AutoGuide feature is all about helping distressed shoppers find the perfect vehicle, be it a cavernous crossover, a sensible sedan or something else entirely. Patrons send us a list of what they need and we get to work separating gold nuggets from gravel to generate a list of recommendations. But this week things are a little different. James forwarded us a message asking for guidance choosing between two different vehicles. Making things easy for us he’s done all the hard work, now all we have to do is share our opinion.

In the rarefied world of exotic automobiles there’s something for just about everyone, so long as their wallets are sufficiently engorged. For customers that wish to be smothered in comfort and morally objectionable amounts of luxury Rolls-Royce offers a host of suitable automobiles that will surely exceed their needs. If someone wishes to attract attention a brightly colored Lamborghini is hard to beat; they’re unsurpassed when it comes to ego-fluffing. And of course for eccentric drivers interested in something completely off the wall there’s the Koenigsegg CCX. Lady Gaga, your car is ready.

EPA mileage certification for Ford’s tiny Fiesta ST hot hatch has just been released.

Automakers are always looking for an edge over the competition. Any spec-sheet advantage, no matter how insignificant, is fair game. Engine output is often something they brag about. One vehicle may have more horsepower but a competing car could offer more torque. What’s the difference between these two measurements? What do they mean? Surprisingly these terms are totally different but related.