BMW’s unique 5 Series Gran Turismo may combine the passenger space of an executive sedan with the versatility of a wagon, but there are still some customers who simply desire a standard wagon. For them, BMW has crafted the new 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring.inline_mediumwraptextright28425895/features/news/1003_2011_bmw_5_series_touring1003_08_z+2011_bMW_5-Series_touring+driver_side_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring – BMW Luxury Wagon – Automobile Magazine

Ford’s aging Crown Victoria is barely relevant to most consumers, but cabbies and police officers across the country will bemoan its demise once production ceases next fall. The Transit Connect van may satisfy the livery fleets, but to appease law enforcement officers, Ford crafted its new 2012 Police Interceptor.inline_mediumwraptextright27176507/features/news/1003_2012_ford_taurus_police_interceptor2012-ford-police-interceptor-in-action.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2012 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor – Automobile Magazine

One year ago was the nadir. February 2009 was the low point last winter, when auto sales all but ground to a halt. So the fact that February 2010 sales are up versus last year is good, but it’s not saying much. What’s more encouraging is that the percent gain over one year ago was pretty healthy: 13%. That’s much better than January’s 6% increase over similarly sickly 2009 totals, and close to December’s 15% gain over year-ago figures. But while December sales are always goosed by the year-end deal-a-thon, February’s boost seems more organic. Particularly since it was achieved despite an ongoing publicity nightmare for Toyota and, for much of the country, several days of bad winter weather. The only real qualifier for February is that it did reflect increased fleet sales (up from a very low level last winter) – and the fact that the February’s annualized sales rate of 10 million vehicles is still far off the 17 million of just a few years ago.inline_mediumwraptextright24626542/features/news/1003_2010_february_auto_sales0908_04_z+2010_ford_fusion_sport_aWD+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2010 February Auto Sales – Car Sales Analysis – Automobile Magazine

GMC has always been about “Professional Grade” trucks, but the Denali trim level takes it up a notch or two — it’s the package for people who work hard but like to do it in style, too. Now, the folks in the big trucks will get their own pampering as GMC reveals the new 2011 GMC Sierra Denali Heavy Duty.inline_mediumwraptextright28350700/features/news/1003_2011_gmc_sierra_heavy_duty2011-GMC-sierra-denali-heavy-duty-front.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali Heavy Duty – GMC Fullsize Pickup Truck – Automobile Magazine

A new seventh-generation (C7) Corvette is at least three years away. That means the current C6 Vette will have to soldier on for nine, possibly ten, full model years. To keep the old girl fresh, Chevy will continue coining limited-edition packages and model variations to juggle the storehouse of engines, transaxles, frames, bodystyles, and chassis components developed for the sixth generation.inline_mediumwraptextright28344964/features/news/1003_2011_chevrolet_corvette_z06_carbon_edition1003_01_z+2011_chevrolet_corvette_z06_carbon_edition+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

This August, Alfa Romeo will celebrate its centennial at Pebble Beach, where it is a featured marque at the Concours d’Elegance. Rumor has it that the Italians will cap off the festivities by unveiling the 4C, a compact, lightweight sports car concept. Says one insider from parent company Fiat’s headquarters: “The 8C has been a very successful halo car. What we need next is a more affordable follow-up model that spreads the message over a wider customer base.”inline_mediumwraptextright28091446/features/news/1004_alfa_romeos_centennial_anniversary1004_02_z+alfa_romeo_4c+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Photo Gallery: Alfa Romeo’s Centennial Anniversary – 4c, Giulia, Giulietta, Crossover – Automobile Magazine