The Good, The Bad and The Ugly as U.S. Interstates Turn 50;

DETROIT, June 26 -- Fifty years ago, America was a much smaller place, or so it seemed. With its winding roads and lazy byways, the U.S. was more a collection of states, rather than an intertwined tapestry of people, commerce and destinations. The signing of the Interstate Highways Act on June 29, 1956 changed everything ... from how fresh our produce is to where we take our families on vacation.

To commemorate this occasion and recognize the enormity of its impact, TheCarConnection.com (http://www.thecarconnection.com/ ) launches an in-depth look at the indelible marks the interstates have made on this country.

"The Highways Project is not just a recitation of facts and figures. It's an exploration of how the country has changed both for better and worse, and perhaps in ways we're still unsure of," said TheCarConnection.com Publisher Paul Eisenstein. "Virtually every aspect of American life has been impacted, from jobs to housing, dining, shopping, even our religious practices. We likely wouldn't have McDonald's, Starbucks, nor any of the big box super stores were it not for the interstates," added Eisenstein.

The Highways Project debuts Monday, June 26 with additional reports posted all week.

TheCarConnection also continues its Speeders' Excuses Contest, encouraging readers to submit their best story, illustrating how they did -- or didn't -- escape a speeding ticket.

"We had so much success with this contest in the past, we knew we had to bring it back," said Eisenstein.

The contest -- sponsored by Jaguar, Garmin and XM Satellite Radio -- will reward the best stories with the grand prize: a Garmin Street Pilot 2730, which features navigation, real-time traffic advisories, XM radio and MP3 audio. Second and third prize winners will receive the Pioneer Inno XM2GO, portable XM Radio receiver/MP3 player.

Also on TheCarConnection.com this week: get a good look at Chrysler's new Sebring sedan, as well as the all-new Land Rover LR2. Then check out spy shots of the 2008 BMW X5 and '07 Acura MDX. Then find out if Ford is ready to give the go to its striking Fairlane "people mover."

Web users can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire site www.prnewswire.com.