Strike or Settle at the Big Three? VW Writing Off Profits on Phaeton Image-Builder; Spy Shots of BMW 4-Series and Next 7-er; Complete Frankfurt Show Coverage, Chrysler Again at the Abyss; Taking the Mazda3 for a Spin, And More - Only on TheCarConnection.com!

DETROIT, Sept. 15 -- Negotiators are now working overtime -- trying to figure out what went wrong with a groundbreaking, industry-wide deal between the Big Three U.S. automakers, two top suppliers and the UAW. Turn to TheCarConnection.com to bring the latest reports on what's happening at the bargaining table on deadline day.

Get a good look at the next-generation VW Golf, the show car that could become the future for Buick, Mercedes' gull-winged SLR, BMW's new X3 and 6-Series models -- and lots more, in TCC's complete coverage of the Frankfurt Motor Show.

If you've always wondered what comes between 3 and 5 at BMW, you'll get your answer this week as TCC captures spy shots of the 2005 BMW 4-Series. And the 7-Series has been a lightning rod for controversy since its debut two years ago. Judge for yourself whether the '05 update will win over fans and critics alike.

The Phaeton is Volkswagen's most expensive product ever, a direct challenge to the likes of that 7-Series, and Mercedes-Benz's big S-Class. Join TheCarConnection for a visit to the incredible Transparent Factory, where the Phaeton is built and see why VW is willing to trade off profits on this high-lux sedan as long as the car can transform the reputation of a brand whose name translates into "people's car."

In other business news, are the bad times back at Chrysler? See what's in front of the automaker as it stares into the abyss -- again.

It was once the king of American auto racing, so what's happened to CART? And can a new deal save the troubled league? TCC has the story.

Mazda's gone through an endless evolution over the years, but judge for yourself whether it's been worth the wait as TCC takes the new Mazda3 for a spin. Then see what reviewers think of the '04 Toyota Highlander.

Who are the winners and sinners for 2003? You may be in for a big surprise.

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