“Lean as wire, hard as iron, and dark as a tar road at midnight,” is how H-D describes what is essentially just a variation of the high-end Softail series, but the Blackline has several notable features that grabbed our attention when we saw it at its New York City media reveal last week.

The Blackline brings in a new “Black Denim” powerdercoating for its frame and swingarm, laced aluminum wheels with black-anodized rims, a fresh FX front end topped with a new “Split Drag” handlebars mounted directly to a thin upper triple clamp powdercoated black.

Download 2011 Harley-Davidson Blackline Softail

Won't come until the redesigned model is launched

The United States has been stuck with a petrol-powered Tiguan, but increasing demand for diesel engines could force Volkswagen to offer a TDI variant.



Download VW Tiguan TDI delayed until 2015 in U.S. - report

Winner: Toyota Highlander
Runner-Up: Chevrolet Traverse

2011 Toyota Highlander Front Three Quarters
This is the hottest category on the market, with the most segment-straddling models. What is a Honda Accord Crosstour, or a Toyota Venza? Didn't the Subaru Outback used to be a station wagon?



Download Truck Trend's Best In Class 2011: AWD Crossover

BMW has officially unveiled the new M5 Nürburgring taxi at the M Festival in Germany.

While the car is decked out in unique livery, it is virtually identical to the standard model.

Download BMW M5 Nürburgring taxi officially unveiled

In 1993 Mercedes-Benz ventured into a completely new vehicle class with the revolutionary concept of the Vision A 93. Now the brand is once again presenting a car that might have come from another planet: the Mercedes Concept A-Class is the first heartbeat of a new generation whose expressive design stands for concentrated dynamism. The Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class is celebrating its premiere at the Auto Shanghai show (21 to 28 April 2011). The technical highlights of this front-wheel drive Concept car include a new, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 155 kW (210 hp), a dual clutch transmission and a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist.

Download Mercedes Concept A-Class Debuts at Auto Shanghai 2011

After tons of speculation and confusion, Audi finally officially confirmed they will be bringing the high-powered TT RS to the United States. Initially, the car was set to be a model only sold overseas. What changed their minds? After putting up a poll on their Facebook page, Audi had more than 11,500 US-based people express interest in the car in the first month. Chances of 10,000 of them being wide-eyed teenagers just wanting to see one on the road? Pretty damn high, probably, but I think the car will do well over here.

Download It’s Confirmed: The Audi TT RS is Coming to the States

xDrive and new diesel engine also announced

BMW has officially unveiled the 6-Series Individual and 6-Series M-package.

First up, the Individual has "exclusive paint finishes," unique alloy wheels, bespoke wood trim and premium leather upholstery.

On the other hand, the M-package features an aerodynamic body kit (with modified fascias and revised side skirts), LED fog lights and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there's revised trim, leather/Alcantara sports seats and an M steering wheel.


Download BMW 6-Series Individual & M-Package revealed

Prototype developed specially for the Chinese market

On the outskirts of Steinegg Germany a Porsche 911 Cabriolet prototype went up in flames during a routine test drive.

Download 2012 Porsche 911 prototype up in flames

A strong product line-up and rise in sales of Mercedes-Benz cars in China helped Daimler recover well in 2010, according to the carmaker.

The firm doubled its year-on-year profit due to strong sales in emerging markets despite difficulties with the European debt crisis and the Japan earthquake, Associated Press reports.

Download Mercedes-Benz sales in China help Daimler double profits in 2010

Call it what you will: blasphemy, a sign of the times, a smart business move. For Lotus, it's simply reality. In markets like North America and Asia, the brand is turning away a large number of customers who say they'd be happy to buy an Evora, if only it had an automatic transmission. That's about to change.


Download First Drive: 2012 Lotus Evora IPS Automatic