TheCarConnection.com Test Drives the Radically-Restyled Ford F150, Challenges Cadillac's First Crossover, the SRX, Spins Tires in the Porsche Carrera 4S Cabrio, Uncovers the '05 Mercedes M-Class SUV and More This Week

DETROIT, July 7 -- Who says the fireworks are over? TheCarConnection.com has some sizzling Summer stories, starting with first drives of Cadillac's hot new SRX sport-ute and Ford's breakthrough F-150.

Following in the tire tracks of the big Escalade, can Caddy's first crossover challenge the likes of the Lexus RX330, Acura MDX or BMW X5? TCC had some surprises during series of road tests in everything from blizzard to desert conditions. Check this week's issue for the complete story.

Anyone who thinks Ford's new F-150 got a minor facelift will get some big surprises when they check out the radically redesigned full-size pickup offered in five distinctly different versions. It's a costly and risky strategy, but does it work? TheCarConnection puts the new F-Series through its paces to find out.

Porsche's new Carrera 4S Cabriolet offers more than just a tire-spinning 320 horsepower. As TCC discovered during a test drive, you can raise and lower the top at up to 30 miles an hour. Check the review this week.

Want to see tomorrow's cars today? So did the TCC spy team, and they've come back with pictures of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz M-Class, as well as Ferrari's sizzling 400 Modena.

In this week's business news, June sales caught everyone by surprise, providing good reason to celebrate this July 4th. GM is refinancing its long- term debt -- and raising long-term questions about its pension liabilities. In this week's World Report, a "stronger-than-ever" Porsche unleashes two new 911s. And TheCarConnection's curmudgeon-at-large, Jerry Flint, wonders whether DaimlerChrysler will destroy its suppliers.

This week's reviews also include the unexpectedly refined Hyundai XG350, and a preview of the 2005 BMW X3.

And don't miss TheCarConnection's complete coverage of Corvette's 50th birthday celebration.

Will it promote safer roads, or is it just a deal with the devil? A TCC editorial determines that the only reason why states are lowering the drunk driving threshold is to get back highway funds Washington is threatening to take away.

And find seven things you didn't even know you needed for your car in this week's TCC Tip.

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