Three Automotive Revolutions in the Making: TheCarConnection.com Offers A First Look at the Volkswagen/Audi W8 Engine; Examines the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius and Other Hybrid Gas-Electric Vehicles; Then Crosses China's Great Wall to Explore the World's F

    DETROIT, July 9 The auto industry is undergoing rapid
evolution; indeed some might call it a revolution, as it responds to
increased competitive pressures, the challenges of safety, emissions and fuel
economy, and the opening of new markets.  In the largest issue in its five-
year history, TheCarConnection.com explores a wide range of technological,
social, business and other issues that could lead to significant changes in
the auto industry for decades to come.
    Responding to environmental pressures -- as well as the recent run-up in
fuel prices, automakers are introducing a wide range of clean, fuel-efficient
vehicles, such as the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.  Soon, there'll be an
array of additional gasoline-electric hybrids on U.S. roads.  Do they
represent the auto industry's future direction -- or simply a detour?
    The long-lived internal combustion engine isn't ready to call it quits.
In this issue, TheCarConnection offers the first look at the new
Volkswagen/Audi W8 engine, which debuts early next year in special versions of
the Audi A6 and VW Passat.
    Then TCC takes a trip halfway 'round the globe and over the great wall of
China to visit a country that some believe will soon boast the world's largest
auto industry.
    In this week's reviews, TCC tests the all-new Lexus SC430 convertible.
For those with performance tastes and practical needs, there's Bimmer's 325xi.
TCC also tries out two solid workhorses, the 2002 Nissan Xterra SUV and
Frontier truck, and asks whether the Shaquille O'Neal SST Expedition is
reaching too far.  From Europe, check out the chic Renault Avantime, and get a
preview of BMW's breakthrough iDrive, which will make its debut on the all-new
7-Series, next Fall.
    This week's spy shot captures the next-generation Saab 9-3.
    The world of luxury cars is also going through rapid evolution.
TheCarConnection reveals that the all-new Jaguar X-Type is a sign of things to
come, with most upscale brands switching over to all-wheel-drive.
    In business news, TCC reports on the unexpected and untimely loss of
entrepreneur Heinz Prechter, the man who introduced the sunroof to America.
And TCC's European correspondent, Ian Norris, reports on the takeover of
Qvale.
    Don't miss TheCarConnection's weekly motor sports round-up, and take a
trip out West for a run up the annual Pike's Peak Hill Climb.
    In the market for a car?  TCC shows you some of the week's hottest buys --
and offers up some used car "no-nos."
    You'll find the most accurate pricing data on the Internet from Kelley
Blue Book, real-time traffic alerts, help from TCC's Onsite Mechanic and more
on the Web's Automotive Authority, http://www.TheCarConnection.com .
    Web users also can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire
site http://www.prnewswire.com .