(September 16, 2011) It's full steam ahead for Volkswagen. Today the company announced a huge five-year investment plan to become the world's biggest automaker. The German automotive giant will invest $86 billion over the next five years as it seeks to supplant General Motors and Toyota at the top of the industry.

VW's 20-member board today approved the spending on plants, vehicles and research and development for VW's nine brands, including Audi, Skoda, Seat, Bentley and the core VW marque, from 2012 through 2016, according to press reports.

(September 15, 2011) ATLANTA, Ga. — Hot on the heels of its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, the new seventh-generation Porsche 911 will make its North American debut at Rennsport Reunion IV Oct. 14-16 at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif.

“As the 911 race car and street car histories are completely intertwined, it is fitting to show our latest 911 at a motor racing extravaganza,” said Bernd Harling, who is heading up Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV for event host Porsche Cars North America.

(September 15, 2011) DETROIT — The 2012 sub-compact Chevrolet Sonic with the Ecotec 4-cylinder 1.4-liter turbo has been rated by the EPA at 40 mpg on the highway with a six-speed manual transmission, and 29 mpg in city driving.

The Sonic's highway fuel economy makes it one of the most fuel-efficient small cars in the market, on par with the 2012 Ford Fiesta SFE and the 2012 Hyundai Accent. Along with getting 40 mpg, the 1.4L turbo Sonic can reach 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, according to General Motors.

(September 15, 2011) Honda's hydrogen powered car, the FCX Clarity made a star appearance in Scotland this week at the World Hydrogen Technologies Conference in Glasgow, at the SECC where more than 150 experts from around the world discussed the future of clean energy with hydrogen power playing a key role.