Boxster S, Mercedes-Benz GL win Autoweek honors
The Porsche Boxster S and the Mercedes-Benz GL have been chosen as Autoweek's Best of the Best Car and Truck of the year for 2013.
This is the third year the auto enthusiast magazine, a sibling publication of Automotive News, has given such awards.
Porsche's 911 also was a finalist for the car category, making Porsche the only brand with two nameplates nominated for the award.
"Both the Boxster S and 911 are stellar vehicles, but ultimately the Boxster S proved an absolute delight to drive, and it claimed the title," Editor Wes Raynal said in a statement. "The Boxster S should be in every enthusiast's garage."
Other contenders in the car category included the Cadillac ATS, Dodge Dart and Subaru BRZ.
Raynal said the Mercedes-Benz GL's ride set it apart from the competition: Acura RDX, Ford Escape, Infiniti JX35 and Mazda CX-5.
"For a large seven-seat vehicle, the GL has amazing body control and among the smoothest powertrains of any SUV," he said.
To qualify for the awards, vehicles must be all-new or substantially changed for the model year. Cars are defined as sedans, coupes, convertibles, hatchbacks and wagons. The truck category includes classic pickups, crossovers, minivans and SUVs. All must be readily available to the public.
Autoweek staff evaluated the vehicles for drivetrain, ride quality, handling, exterior, interior design and fun factor.
BMW to collaborate with Boeing on Carbon Fibre:
FRANKFURT (Reuters) -- German carmaker BMW AG and U.S. aircraft maker Boeing are to exchange information about making carbon fiber, an emerging battleground among auto and plane makers.
BMW, in a statement, said today the two companies aimed to advance research for carbon fiber recycling and know-how about manufacturing and automation.
The deal intensifies competition between BMW and rival Volkswagen, which already has a collaboration deal with Boeing through its Italian sportscar unit Lamborghini.
Last year, BMW moved to extend its influence over carbon fiber manufacturer SGL Carbon after VW accumulated a stake in the company. BMW and SGL jointly built a new carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake, Wash.
Carbon fiber is 30 percent lighter than aluminum and 50 percent lighter than steel, a crucial advantage to help cut vehicle weight and carbon dioxide emissions.
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is 50 percent made of carbon fiber material, and BMW plans to start selling vehicles with a carbon passenger cell late next year.
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