#U-s

If you live in the U.S., you’re probably curious as to where it’s cheapest and most expensive to own a car.

With the government shutdown in full force, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stopped many of its functions that help keep motorists safe.

Land Rover will launch a diesel hybrid version of its Range Rover in Europe shortly after the truck debuts during the Frankfurt Motor Show. It might not be so long until it reaches the U.S. either.

Anyone interested in buying a hybrid Honda Accord had better not hold their breath – there won’t be many making it to the U.S.

Advertising salvos usually signal a new car’s release, especially one that hasn’t been sold before, but that isn’t the case with the Chevrolet Spark.

It’s no secret that the Range Rover Evoque is popular. As the 2012 North American Truck of the Year, its striking styling and relatively low starting price is proving to be a formula for success, but how much of a success is it?

A battle that almost seems to have fought it self, selling diesel cars in the U.S. used to be little more than a fool’s errand for most automakers, but that is quickly changing with companies competing to catch up with the trend.

Infiniti has announced its newest incentive in customer service, the National Collision Repair Network.

Audi is introducing their new line of bi-turbo diesel engines that will make their way into several A6 cars and the A7 Sportback.

Mercedes-Benz is going guerilla with its marketing tactics for the new A-Class by placing camouflaged cars around Germany stamped with QR (Quick Response) codes to give those lucky enough to scan them a chance at some prizes.

While that’s good news for a bunch of lucky Germans, the rest of us will have to settle for a new video showing the body shape, headlights and bits of bumper. The video is just a small teaser for the full reveal which will happen in Geneva this March.

If you’re in Germany and see one of the “specially marked” vehicles, whip out your smart phone and scan the code. It could lead to a visit to witness the A-Class debut in person.

Last month our spy photographers spotted a camo-wrapped A-Class being tested but we weren’t sure about the mechanical details. Since then we’ve learned that it will likely feature a 1.8-liter turbocharged four cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Most models will feature front-wheel drive, though the AMG variant will get 4Matic treatment.

Expect to hear about the A-Class hitting the road in Europe by the end of the year, but not in the U.S. until mid 2013. There will, however, be a four-door coupe hitting the American market based on the same drivetrain later this year.

We’ll be covering the A-Class reveal as well as other breaking news from Geneva starting on March 6.

Watch the promo video after the jump.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Maseratis, they all have distinct exhaust notes that turn heads from Hoboken, New Jersey to Hollywood, California. They still ain’t got nothing on the rare and raspy resonation that marks an Acura NSX.

Don’t head to the optometrist just yet. If the parking lot outside the California Pizza Kitchen and P.F. Chang’s seems particularly crowded with Mercedes-Benz SUVs, you’re probably seeing just fine.

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Porsche is spicing up their U.S. vehicle lineup starting next year with three new models, including a diesel Cayenne.

Chrysler is getting some Italian style thanks to former Ferrari designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti, 63, who will now be lending a hand at Chrysler and Lancia.