The Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is back! The Beetle was one of the most popular open-top cars ever built. More than 330,000 units of the first Beetle Convertible were manufactured over a 32-year span, while another 234,619 New Beetle Convertibles were released from 2002 to 2010.

Look out MazdaSpeed3, Volkswagen GTI, and Subaru WRX...What do these pocket rockets all have in common? They’re all being challenged on the road by a new hot rod from Ford...the 2013 Ford Focus ST. A Ford Focus you say? I know it’s hard to believe but with the 252 horsepower and with the 270 pound-feet of torque finding its way to the front wheel drive via a 6-speed transmission...this Ford Focus ST fourdoor hatchback delivers a real performance surprise behind the wheel.

We test drive around 60 automobiles each year in writing an automotive column, everything from trucks, sport utility vehicles and family sedans to high performance luxury and luxury sport model automobiles. The first question that always arises when talking cars is “What’s your favorite car?”

Just when auto enthusiasts may have thought the Toyota Avalon had gone to the wayside, the 2013 edition is in the news and making a huge splash for the new model year.

It’s one thing to test drive new high-performance luxury automobiles on a racecourse or an abandoned airfield, but to try out the new 2013 Lexus LS models in the proper environment of future owners such as the affluent communities of Torrey Pines, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe was a real treat.

The Chrysler 200 S for 2012 was a pleasant surprise during this month’s test drive. It’s what I refer to as a personal-sized car. It has plenty of room for passengers and cargo when needed, yet small and sporty enough to be a great commuter car or for making those sales-call road trips.

A rare opportunity this month to test drive the new Audi lineup for 2013 all started at a private hanger in Denver

Being behind the wheel of a 2012 Porsche Panamera 4S for a one-week test drive is an exciting proposition.

An invitation to Sparky’s Hot Rod Garage in San Carlos was a fitting venue for Chrysler to showcase the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart.

Just when you thought the automobile market was content with such a wide variety of vehicle choices based on such a wide variety of body styles, sizes and utility, along comes one more entry.