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On today's show, all the ways Google is going to take over the world (even though some of them might be good), and Amazon is bringing back the short story, the essay, and the self-published manifesto. I'm working on mine as we speak. Plus, lawyers get rich, and why on earth would people get excited about a Gap logo, and even worse, why would Gap cave? --Molly

In an article being echoed around the Web, Motor Trend reporter Frank Markus lays out in detail how the Chevy Volt transmits power to its wheels. And unlike GM's press releases claim for the car, the power does not solely come from the electric motors.

According to GM's materials on the Volt, "When the battery energy is depleted, the Volt seamlessly transitions to extended-range mode. Power is inverted from a technically advanced, 1.4L 63-kW (84-hp) gasoline-powered onboard engine to the electric drive unit to provide up to 310 additional miles of range."

But GM left … Read more

Since 1939, The Christmas Book from Neiman Marcus has featured luxurious, exotic and limited-edition items including his-and-hers matching airplanes, an ark with all the critters, and several luxury vehicles.

This year the catalog includes the Neiman Marcus Edition 2011 Chevy Camaro convertible. The car comes with a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine. The six-speed manual transmission delivers 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic delivers 400 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.

The car features a deep Bordeaux exterior color and "ghosted" rally stripes.

"The tricoat, metallic paint shifts in response to natural light," … Read more

Distracted driving: what's the real story? Jaguar looks into an exotic sort of hybrid; BMW slaps an iPad behind your head; new app lets you slap lousy drivers upside the head, and we drive the 2010 Scion xD.

• Distracted driving deaths fall 6% in the U.S.

• Chevy shows off Cruze EV

• BMW first with factory iPad mount?

• Modern electronics for vintage Porsches

• Take a ride in the 2010 Scion xD

There has been a lot of buzz about the Chevy Cruze over the last couple of months, but General Motors today announced the highly anticipated compact cars are rolling off the assembly line in Lordstown, Ohio.

"Our new body shop is among the best in the world. Our team is inspired and energized by the build of the Cruze. It's a safe and reliable compact car with that mid-size experience," Dave Green, president of UAW Local 1714 at the Lordstown Metal Center said in a press release.

The Lordstown Complex has been in operation since 1966. According … Read more

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco will owe, in part, its estimated 40 MPG on the highway to its innovative design.

Greg Fadler, aerodynamics engineering group manager at Chevrolet, said in a press release, the front grill and air shutter system of the Cruze Eco uses sensors to feel and sense wind and temperature conditions. The senors allow the car to change shape and cut through the air more smoothly.

At high speeds, the shutters stay closed to reduce drag. At lower speeds, the shutters open to maximize engine-cooling air flow.

The Cruze Eco's cooling systems was put to the … Read more

Chevrolet's quest for more vehicles that match the styling appeal of the Equinox crossover and Camaro muscle car will continue in the next several years.

For instance, a more upscale Impala is in the works, with a low production volume and limited rental fleet sales, one source says. That would follow the example set by the 2010 Ford Taurus. But the new Impala is not coming until the 2014 model year.

In the nearer term, Chevrolet will prepare for rising federal fuel economy standards by decreasing the displacement of its V-6 engines, adding more four-cylinder engines, and introducing redesigned small cars.

Here are Chevrolet's 2011-13 model year highlights:

Spark: This minicar will enter the United States as a 2013 model with three- and four-cylinder engines. General Motors Co. is expected to build the first Sparks for this market in South Korea, home of the Spark's sibling, the five-door Daewoo Matiz hatchback. Spark production may move to Mexico later.

The Spark already is on sale in Europe, South Africa, and other markets. Expect midcycle updates in time for the U.S. model's debut.

Aveo: GM will start producing the redesigned subcompact in mid-2011 at Orion Township, Mich. The car will be longer and wider than the current Aveo and have a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan. Production is expected to reach 60,000 to 70,000 annually. … Read more

Some General Motors dealers across the U.S. have been attempting to profit from would-be early adopters of the Chevy Volt by tacking on high premiums.

In the last few days, car sites have become awash with anecdotal complaints about various dealerships telling interested buyers they will have to pay more than the price GM announced in July if they want one of the first run cars.

The most egregious example reportedly took place at one Southern California Chevy dealership, which unwittingly told an Edmunds.com staffer via e-mail that he would have to pay $20,000 in addition to … Read more

NASHVILLE--The Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf have less in common, aside from the hype behind them, than you might think. But marketers are preparing the two battery-powered cars for head-to-head battle for green-conscious American consumers, even though the two will compete head-on in just a handful of markets.

Last week, General Motors said it will price the Volt at $41,000, a stiff $8,220 above the Leaf's retail price, set in March, of $32,780. The Volt's price includes a shipping charge; Nissan hasn't set the Leaf's shipping charge. Also, a buyer of either car is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

But backed by anticipated strong residual value from an aggressive eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the Volt, GM said it also will offer a lease on the battery-driven Chevy of $350 a month for 36 months after a $2,500 down payment.

That plan clearly targets the Leaf's lease plan of $349 a month for 36 months after $1,999 down. And leasing likely will dominate electric-car transactions for the near future, said Mark Perry, Nissan North America's director of Leaf product planning.

"It doesn't matter," Perry said as he drove to an electric-vehicle conference in San Jose, Calif., last week. "We're still the most affordable electric vehicle."

Nissan immediately said it would offer an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the Leaf, citing "U.S. market competitive conditions." … Read more