First Drive: All-New '06 Mercedes M-Class; Mercedes Vowing a Turnaround; Alfa Again Looking for a U.S. Comeback; Delphi Going Down; Complete Geneva Motor Show Wrap-Up; and What Happens if Gas Hits $3 a Gallon? This Week on TheCarConnection.com

DETROIT, March 8 -- With the 1997 launch of the original M-Class SUV, Mercedes-Benz single-handedly created an all-new market segment. Now, the German automaker is back with an all-new ute, and TheCarConnection.com goes for a test drive to see how the 2006 ML 350 and ML 500 SUVs hold up in today's increasingly crowded luxury ute market.

There's more news about Mercedes in this week's issue of TCC. First, get an exclusive look at spy shots of the next-generation C-Class. Then see why company officials believe they're ready for a turnaround -- and the quality and financial problems they'll need to fix.

Speaking of trouble, in business news this week, see the mess that the world's largest auto supplier, Delphi Automotive, is in. Then learn more about the merger of Alfa Romeo and Maserati, and Alfa's hopes of returning to the U.S. market after a more than 15-year absence.

Alfa's striking new 159 and sporty Brera were just two of more than 50 new cars, trucks, concepts and crossovers debuting at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Get a complete round-up of the event in TCC's exclusive coverage.

Analysts are worried that oil could surge past $3 a gallon in the coming weeks. What does that mean for motorists -- and for the auto industry? Read the report on TheCarConnection this week.

Other reviews this week include the big Ford F-350 King Ranch edition, and the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, the market's first hybrid-electric pickup.

The engine is the heart of every automobile, so if you're wondering what the best powertrains on the market might be, TCC columnist Doug Flint rolls out his 10-best list.

Turn to TCC for complete J.D. Power reliability reports on every car, truck and crossover. Let OnSite Mechanic solve your service problems. Find Kelley Blue Book pricing and more -- on the Web's Automotive Authority, TheCarConnection.com.

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