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Consumer Reports declares most and least loved cars [w/video]

Consumer Reports is crunching the numbers from its annual owner-satisfaction survey, and part of that process is finding out how attached drivers are to their cars. CR simply asks readers of models up to three years old if they would buy the same vehicle again in light of their entire ownership experience, and tallies the results. After looking at the responses for about 350,000 vehicles, it turns out that people really love a certain California-built, electrically powered luxury sedan. That's right, this year's the overall winner was the Tesla Model S with a whopping 98 percent of owners saying they would purchase another one (the Model S also won this award last year, with 99 percent satisfaction). The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray came in a close second with 95 percent of drivers hoping to park another one in their garage. A few models weren't quite so favored, though. The Nissan Versa Sedan was the least loved model among its owners; a mere 42 percent said that they would purchase another. The aging Jeep Compass didn't do much better, with just 43 percent of drivers willing to buy the softroader again. On average, about 70 percent of owners say they would buy their car again, and only four cars ranked below 50 percent in CR's findings. Check out the video above to see some of the winners and losers in a few of CR's categories. If you're a subscriber, you can check out the full list on its website. Related Gallery Consumer Reports Most Loved Cars 2014 Related Gallery Consumer Reports Least Loved Cars 2014 News Source: Consumer Reports - sub. req., Consumer Reports via YouTube Chevrolet Ford Mazda Mercedes-Benz Porsche Subaru Tesla Ownership Videos car ownership

Porsche busts out new Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS

Baby 911. The poor man's Porsche. That's what they called the Boxster when it debuted some 20 years ago. They said the same of the first Cayman when it arrived a decade later, but they stopped saying it when the latest iterations hit the scene two years ago. That's because Zuffenhausen's entry-level models have long since stepped out of their big brother's shadow and into their own. And that's all the more true of the new Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS.
Based on the Boxster S and Cayman S, the new GTS models benefit from an enhanced 3.4-liter flat six that produces 330 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque in the roadster or 340 hp and 280 lb-ft in the coupe - representing an increase of 15 hp and 7 lb-ft in either model. Both also come with the Sport Chrono package as standard, along with adjustable suspension and 20-inch alloys, blacked out to match the dynamic headlight surrounds and other muted trim.
Those disappointed by the unavailability of a manual transmission in the fire-prone 911 GT3 will be pleased to note that a six-speed manual comes standard, but those enamored of letting a pair of clutches shift themselves seamlessly will want to spring for the optional seven-speed DCT. So equipped and with launch control engaged, the Boxster GTS will rocket from a standstill to 62 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds, while the incrementally lighter, more powerful Cayman will hit it in 4.6. Either way you're looking at a third of a second quicker than the Boxster/Cayman S. There's also a 20-millimeter lowered suspension on offer for track-day enthusiasts.

Autoblog Minute: Porsche goes after Tesla

Volkswagen Group Night kicks off the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Autoblog's Adam Morath reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute with commentary from Autoblog's Editor-in-Chief, Michael Austin. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] Volkswagen Group Night kicks off the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. I'm Adam Morath and this is your Autoblog Minute. In keeping with tradition Volkswagen Group Night will take place before the first press day of the Frankfurt Motor Show. It's here that VW will unveil all the latest innovations for each of the brands in the group's extensive portfolio. For more we go to Autoblog's Mike Austin: [00:00:30] [Michael Austin Interview] Autoblog staff is on site in Germany [00:01:00] for comprehensive coverage of the events. To check out all of our short cut videos of Volkswagen Group Night head over to Autoblog dot com slash short dash cuts. For Autoblog, I'm Adam Morath. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals.