First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

As enthusiasts, many of us are quick to dismiss convertibles as the preferred conveyance for hapless poseurs (BMW M3 cabrio) or fake-bake hairdressers (Toyota Solara). And with good reason. When you lop the top off a coupe, the result is often a floppy, overweight chassis that provides all the dynamic delights of a rubber nine-iron and a granite golf ball. Such executions fail to please on almost every level, and that's before you start dealing with complex roof mechanisms, awkwardly styled rumps and abysmal trunk space.

As a whole, convertibles aren't for everyone, but they do fill a need and a niche. And they sell. Almost half of all two-door BMW 3 series models are purchased with a retractable roof, and it's a segment that Infiniti hasn't played in for years (anyone remember the M30 convertible?). As Nissan's luxury arm continues to push into the European market, it's back in the game with the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. But who is it for? Someone who's simultaneously sultry yet demure; assertive yet relaxed; commanding yet delicate. Someone compelling. Someone like Moneypenny.

Having never married (being a Second Officer in the Women's Royal Naval Service isn't conducive to a social life), M's executive assistant has had her fair share of cabrios over the years. After dealing with a few unreliable Brits and Italians (parroting her love life) she finally took 007's advice and treated herself to a BMW Z3. After ten years of dutiful service, Moneypenny is looking for something a bit more plush, slightly larger and a little less jarring. The G37 C fits like a set of starched and pressed dress whites.



Nissan's engineers and designers worked hand-in-hand to mold the G37 Convertible's shape, avoiding the bulbous back-side that plagues most coupes called to cabrio duty (and our fictional assistant). Although everything aft of the A-pillar is specific to the Convertible, the 0.2-inch stretch in the rear is masked by a short overhang that makes a seamless transition from coupe to convertible. The trunk doesn't bulge upwards like the visually-challenged Volkswagen Eos thanks to a completely redesigned rear suspension, and torsional rigidity is on par with the standard two-door G courtesy of a floor support on the transmission tunnel, reinforcements behind the rear seats and duo of braces mounted fore and aft of the rear wheels. But as you'd expect, the extra strengthening causes the G to pay the weight piper – along with the folding hard-top, the Convertible tips the scales at just over two tons, 453 pounds more than the coupe and over one hundred pounds more than a 335i drop-top.



After a day of dealing with diplomats and eyes-only documents, the ol' girl could use some time in sun, but outside MI6's London headquarters, the weather won't cooperate. Thankfully, the G37 is still a looker when avoiding the elements, with a clean profile that flows undisturbed from the windshield to the boot. Viewed from the side, the Convertible benefits from the appealing visual space found on B-pillar-less GTs and from the rear it is almost indistinguishable from its coupe counterpart.



Motoring along the M25 Corridor, wind noise is kept in check at all but the most extra-legal speeds; the tone from the exhaust is muted, humming just above the tire noise. The G is a rolling sanctuary when she's ready to unwind, and with a 13-speaker Bose audio system that – like the climate control – changes its settings based on speed and the top's position, Moneypenny can alternate between Schubert and the Sex Pistols on her iPod.



Back into town for a brief stop at the store, the skies finally clear. At the push of a center console-mounted switch between the (optional) heated and cooled seat knobs, the three-piece roof disappears into the trunk in a 30-second mechanical port de bras that can only be performed when stationary. A display nestled between the tach and speedo lets her know when things are tucked away. The only question now is: Where to put the groceries?



With the top up, the trunk is on the shallow side; when the lid is down, it's practically non-existent (two cubic feet). She'd be lucky to fit a baguette, a bottle of wine and a small wheel of brie before heading out for a late-night encounter.



No matter, with the two-piece wind-diffuser mounted over the rear seats, there's ample room for a few bags from the shops, but she'd be hard pressed to find anyone willing to stay put in the rear without divulging state secrets.



Back up to speed and on her way home with the windows up, only the strongest gusts at speeds over 80 miles-per-hour will muss her perfectly coiffed helmet of hair. And with 325 horsepower (five less than the coupe due to a repackaged exhaust) and 267 lb-ft of torque on tap from the 3.7-liter V6, anyone attempting to tail her will have trouble keeping up.



With either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic delivering power to the rear wheels (all-wheel drive isn't an option), our feisty protagonist has the choice of two exemplary transmissions. Partnered with a light clutch, the stick shifts smoothly from gate to gate, but with much of her time spent running errands around London, the auto 'box is the prudent choice. Rev-matching downshifts have the potential to elicit a bit of excitement from her steely demeanor, and when fitted with the Sport Package, magnesium paddles make 007's PPK feel like a potato gun cobbled together from PVC.



Bouncing around on the B-roads, the G37 Convertible is just as rigid as her brief encounters with Bond. Ruts and divots are soaked up with aplomb and the steering provides a direct, if slightly desensitized, connection to the ground. Laying into the long pedal evokes a sonorous soundtrack partnered with a progressive power delivery, and with the Sport Package's 14-inch discs up front and 13.8-inch rotors in the rear (upgraded over the standard 13-inch discs at all four corners), quicker steering, sport seats and 19-inch wheels, the G37 Convertible can waltz and samba on demand. Although the extra weight in the rear is felt during quick transitions, unless she's avoiding the baddies through the bends, the dynamic differences between coupe and cabrio are barely noticeable. And that's where the G37 C shines.



At the core of the convertible conundrum is compromise. Something Moneypenny isn't used to doing. The extra weight and laughable trunk space might be a stretch for enthusiasts and weekenders, respectively, but the G37 Convertible's ability to deliver the majority of the fixed-roof's strong-suits along with an open-air experience make it the sensible choice for our sultry secretary. And with a host of options, including the Open-Air Audio system that changes the sound signature depending on the roof's position, even Q would approve. Now Bond just has to kick the tires...

[Source: Autoblog]

BMW announces 38-mpg X3 xDrive 18d

BMW has just announced a new addition to its SUV Sport Activity Vehicle line called the X3 xDrive 18d. Have we mentioned how much we dislike the current naming scheme for BMW 'utes? In any case, the new X3 will come equipped with a 2.0-liter (oddly, not a 1.8-liter as you'd expect from the nomenclature) direct-injected and turbocharged diesel engine that puts out 143 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, the 18d manages about 38 miles per gallon (46.5 mpg Imperial, 6.2L per 100 kilometers) in the EU combined cycle. That equates to 165 g/km of carbon emissions, for those keeping track of such things. Despite the all-wheel-drive system's extra weight and drag, the new X3 xDrive 18d is reportedly capable of scooting to 60 mph in just about 10 seconds. Any chance it'll come to the U.S.? Don't count on it.

[Source: BMW]

2010 Mazdaspeed3 is shiny, happy

Yes, we saw it in Geneva in MPS guise, but if you wander over to the New York Auto Show over the next week or so, you'll get to eyeball the U.S.-spec 2010 Mazdaspeed3 in person. By now, you should know what to expect:: 263 turbocharged hot-hatch horses mated to a six-speed manual. Inside, you'll find a nicely-organized cockpit dressed up with exterior-matching color accents on the seat favric and carbon fauxber dash trim. This is all wrapped in brand-new sheetmetal that puts Mazda's new perma-smile corporate face front and center. If you like happy-looking pocket rockets, this is a match made in heaven. If Mazda's new happy face makes you feel sad, however, know that the used-car market will give you a shoulder to cry on.

Inside nano car | Intip Daleman nya

tata nano  car mobil termurah abad ini



 The car start to sell Public in 9 april 2009. let see inside the car.First, what should I call the car? It’s not a hatchback since there is no door to open at the rear end. It should be called a ‘Nano’, a new term for this segment. And because of no rear door, the luggage in the boot can only be accessed from the rear seat. When I got into the car, my first impression was the space inside the car, much more than its closes rival, M 800. The head room too is quite good and in fact is more than Santro xing, the tallest small car. Since there is no engine in front, the leg room was pretty good for the front passenger. The dashboard console was at the center and has a Speedometer, an odometer besides turn indicators and a few Engine lights.

i-MiEV Terganjal Harga

i-MiEV is The Sounds of Silence. it is MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle) or MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle)Listen carefully and you might hear the slight whir of its motor, the hint of wind noise and a faint thrum from the tires. Think whisper; that's how quiet this minicar is.
Could this be the sound of future driving? If Mitsubishi has its way, then this Mitsubishi i MIEV — a test bed for an electric vehicle scheduled to be introduced for 2010 — makes a pretty strong case for it. This particular car is one of a 30-vehicle test fleet that's running around Tokyo right now.
At Mitsubishi's first driving demonstration of its i MIEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) prototype, we jumped behind the wheel to check out the sounds of silence. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. started production already i MiEV electric car in the next year, and planned to go to Europe and the U.S. market in 2010.
However, whether this environment-friendly cars will also go to the Indonesian market. It seems impossible if the car is environment-friendly can go to the market conditions in the middle of a global economic crisis at this time.
In this case the Director of Marketing KTB lift speech. "Being that our constraints hybrid car or low emission can go to the market of the country," said Marketing Director of KTB Rizwan Alamsyah detikOto when contacted on Saturday (11/4/09).
According to him, in the course price Jepangnya perunit i-MiEV is expensive and even 2 times normal price car, so it is difficult to determine when the cost of the car to enter Indonesia.
However, Riswan be sure if the car can the government subsidy from the KTB can consider the value of the mitsubishi i-MiEV to when in Indonesia, the Indonesian society itself will be moved from vehicle to vehicle beremisi friendly environment.
"One of them revealed the price miEV i-entry by the government, the community can move on to greener cars" said Riswan.
Meanwhile, Indonesia persistence Mitsubishi i-MiEV incorporate the reasons are very environmentally friendly terbukti sure if there is a reserve unit of the vehicle, ready to attend KTB.
"We are ready if there is a message unit i-MiEV," he said.
However, it seems impossible because of the many considerations. "Although there is, it is not possible. What about the needs sparepart they need," he said.
"Once again, it is not possible. We still have to front," specifically.

Hasil Sementara Pemilu 2009 Update !!!

Hasil Sementara Pemilu 2009
Sabtu, 11/04/2009 22:17 WIB
No Partai Poltik Jumlah Suara %
1 Demokrat (31) 157.973 21,25%
2 PDIP (28) 111.442 14,99%
3 Golkar (23) 107.201 14,42%
4 PKS (8) 65.276 8,78%
5 PAN (9) 47.894 6,44%, who is the winner ...

SMS 570X debut

Under the bright sunlight of the Javits Center's Crystal Palace atrium, Steve Saleen took the covers off of his latest creation, the SMS 570X. The Dodge Challenger-based muscle car registers a few rungs above the 570 that we first viewed at its Orange County unveiling in January. Where that car was fitted with a 5.7-liter V8, the 570X utilizes a 6.0-liter engine, reportedly good for 700 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque - plenty of gumption to roast those wide and flat 20-inch meats.

The engine includes lots of forged bits (pistons, crankshaft, con-rods, etc.) lurking beneath new CNC-ported aluminum heads. In addition, the 570X receives a SMST six-speed manual transmission and a high-performance cooling package. The heart of the car is a production version of the SMS 296 supercharger, the firm's new blower co-developed with Lysholm. Like Mopar muscle of yore, this system features a Six-Pack too – only in the SMS' case, it refers to a brace of cylindrical intercoolers.

While the supercharger comes as part of the 570X package, it will also work on other Chrysler LX products including the Charger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300C. SMS also promises that "aftermarket fitments" are in the works for both Ford and General Motors products.

Aesthetically, the X is nearly identical to the original 570, which is a good thing, because it looks sensational. From its "Red Butterfly" side-induction hood to its flared, vented fenders and new front fascia, the basic form looks spot-on. With its lowered stance, details like its GTX-style grille, fender vents, carbon-fiber splitter and side skirts, and rear spoiler, the 570X is at once classic Motown muscle and a thoroughly modern tuner car.

As this car was just a prototype, there were some unfinished bits (off-kilter badges, hood fitment, etc.), but officials promise to get the production car right. No word yet on official pricing and availability, but well-heeled Mopar fans would do well to reach out to SMS straight away.

Hyundai Equus coming to the U.S.

Citing an unnamed source "close to the project," InsideLine is reporting that Hyundai plans to bring the Equus super-sedan to the States within the next two to three years. According to the insider, "... you wouldn't be too far off if you said the car was coming to the United States. Our chairman wants it."

Although the news doesn't come as a complete surprise, particularly considering Hyundai brought out an Equus to this week's New York Auto Show, the biggest hurdle to overcome is price. In its current form, the Equus starts at around $96,000, putting it squarely up against such high-dollar machinery as the Audi A8, BMW 7 series, Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Hyundai knows it's not ready to swim with the whale sharks of the luxury world, so it's hoping to get the sticker closer to $50,000 when equipped with the automaker's 5.0-liter V8 and new eight-speed transmission.

[Source: InsideLine]

2010 Mazda CX-9

Mazda's new CEO introduced the CX-9 and its raft of changes to a U.S. audience at the New York Auto Show today. The swoopy lines picked up from the Nagare are said to be "the embodiment of emotion." And that's right, if you get can worked up for the new 20-inch wheels, bigger side mirrors and "red garnish, which compliments the look of the front fascia." Inside there's new fabric, new stitched leather, piano black inserts and no shortage of chrome accents. Power to haul your loads remains at 273 hp and 250 lb-ft from the CUV's 3.7-liter V6.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 GT

The McLaren SLR isn't the most conventional platform on which to create a racecar, but when everything is said and done, it sure looks the part. The New Jersey Motorsports Park brought one such example, dubbed the SLR 722 GT, to showcase in their display here at the New York Auto Show. Florida-based tuner RENNtech is solely responsible for importing any examples here to the States from Europe for a small fee of $1.2 million.

Each SLR 722 GT is built by British motorsports specialists RML Group and features more than 400 unique components compared to the road going version including FIA-spec safety equipment, a fully adjustable suspension, upgraded brakes, carbon fiber bodywork, a towering rear wing, full race interior, and much more. Engine output is increased to 670 horsepower thanks to a race-only exhaust, and shifting is done solely by paddles behind the carbon fiber steering wheel.

Hyundai Nuvis concept hints at next-gen CUVs

The first hint of what we can expect from the next generation Tucson and Santa Fe crossovers was revealed today at the New York Auto Show as the Hyundai Nuvis concept. The sweeping creases echo and expand upon Hyunadi's design direction that could be seen on the Genesis coupe and sedan and the Korean market Equus that stood on display nearby. Like so many other concepts at the show this year, this one featured doors that will almost certainly not be duplicated in production, extra-long gull-wings in this case.

The interior is designed for exactly four occupants instead of going for the maximum possible seating with three rows. Nuvis designers have dispensed with all the usual switch gear in favor of a river of information flowing throughout the concept's interior, all of which is accessible through touch-sensitive surfaces. All of the interior fabrics are also made from 100% recycled materials.

Under the skin, the Nuvis is spec'd out with the same Hyundai-developed BlueHybrid drivetrain that was shown at the LA Auto Show last November. The hybrid system uses lithium polymer batteries, which give designers more flexibility in packaging compared to more typical lithium ion batteries. The production version of this hybrid system debuts next year in the next-generation Sonata, while the design elements of this concept will likely appear on the new Tucson later this year.

Volkswagen Up! Concept

Here in New York, Volkswagen CEO Stefan Jacoby said the company might be shaking things "Up" again in the States. The on-again, off-again status of the Up! mini-car on these shores is apparently about to go on – again. While the Up! (likely to reintroduce the Lupo nameplate) won't see production until 2012 at the earliest, Jacoby is hinting that it could be on sale here when it debuts: "Up! could be in the future of the market here. In urban areas like New York, a car like Up! has a good chance."

Jacoby, among others, thinks that fuel efficiency will remain a big draw into the future, so cars like the Up! make a lot of sense for VW, returning an anticipated 50 mpg. And that's just in conventional internal-combustion engine configuration. Throw in some of VW's alternative-fuel technology, and that number could go up significantly. "We are looking at second-generation biofuels, electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and nanotechnology," Jacoby said. That doesn't mean VW thinks the end of the ICE is nigh. When the U.S. market starts to rebound at the end of 2009, Jacoby anticipates a total market of 13 million to 14 million vehicles, the vast majority ICEs.

We've already speculated that the Up! will be produced in India, and that we'll most likely get the roomier Space Up! microvan model rather than the smaller three-door hatch version. We're also hearing that the original Beetle-like rear-engine, rear-drive configuration will be swapped to front/front for production. Engine options are said to range from a 600cc turbo to a 1.2-liter three-cylinder, in gas and diesel forms. Mileage could be as high as 80 miles-per-gallon. If it has any of the driving dynamics that Volkswagen is known for, we can see this being a worthy rival for the Honda Fit and Fiat 500 in the fun little econo car class.

[Source: Automotive News]

Mercedes-Benz ML 450 hybrid - Up to 34 MPH on battery alone

The road to production for the Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid hasn't always been smooth, but now that the Germans have shown off the new SUV here at the New York Auto Show (following its early debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show), they'll be happy to tell you just how amazing and luxurious this SULEV people-hauler is.

The numbers start with a respectable 21 city/24 highway mpg rating. With a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson cycle engine and a 288V NM battery pack, the ML450 hybrid can go 1.8 miles and up to 34 mph on battery power alone (take that, Toyota Prius!). The hybrid powertrain altogether has a combined output of 335 horsepower, so providing adequate power to move the giant SUV was clearly just as large a priority as fuel economy. The ML450 hybrid features Mercedes' first application of the Two-Mode hybrid powertrain it co-developed with General Motors and Chrysler - similar applications also appear in the Chevrolet Tahoe Two-Mode Hybrid, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen Hybrids.

Kia goes 2-door, debuts Forte Koup

Following the introduction of its all-new Forte compact sedan at the Chicago Auto Show in February, Kia unveiled the 2-door variant here at the New York Auto Show today. The car takes not only the name, but also plenty of styling cues from the KOUP Concept that make it distinctively different from its sedan brother. Up front the Koup receives a more aggressive design, featuring a bespoke front end with a larger lower intake and more vertical side intakes. At the rear are wider and thinner taillights with a larger rear fascia and dual exhaust tips.

Powertrains are identical to the sedan; the base EX model gets Kia's 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft torque while the SX features a 2.4-liter four-banger with 173 horsepower and 168 lb-ft torque. Transmission options are a standard 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic on the EX, and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic on the SX. Inside the Forte Koup features standard sport seats, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry and cruise control, and a leather package is an option on both models.

Counter Balance - the batmobile of yellow, expandable trucks

Sometimes the words fail us. Here in the press room at the New York Auto Show, though, people had all sorts of things to say about the Counter Balance, um, truck ... thing ... concept ... vehicle. The best of the bunch: "That's what happened when a Carbon Motors police car had a night of illicit sex with the Batmobile." However you want to describe it, the Counter Balance demands your attention. So, now that we're all looking... what is this thing, exactly?

The designer, who runs Barkan Designs, says the Counter Balance is a compact pickup truck (seriously). Where most engineers would put a pickup's engine (i.e., in front), the Counter Balance has empty space and there is an five-foot bed in back (it can extend an additional two feet, too). The engine sits low in the middle of the vehicle, which necessitates that the rear seats be bumped stadium style, which explains the awkward secondary window hump.

According to the company's press literature, the Counter Balance is also "light, efficient and environmentally friendly," mostly because you could theoretically burn biofuels or CNG to move down the road and because, as the designer says, the vehicle "keeps its dimensions as compact as possible." Compact dimensions apparently don't apply to height in Judge Dreddland, however...

[Source: Barkan Design]

2010 Subaru Outback

Yesterday, Subaru unveiled its new Legacy sedan, a vehicle that is pivotal not just in its own right, but because it also forms the basis for the softroader stiltswagon seen here. It only makes sense that Subaru chose to unveil its new Outback here this morning, as the very first model debuted here in the Big Apple some 15 years ago.

Predictably, the all-wheel drive Outback's running gear remains pure Legacy, and as such, it has grown similarly. Interior volume is up eight percent thanks in part to a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase (which also adds nearly four inches of rear legroom) and a two-inch wider footprint. Despite these gains, Subie officials claim the 2010 model is actually shorter overall. It also rides a bit higher, with ground clearnce swelling to 8.7 inches. Not only is this growth part of a strategy to combat upsized family sedans from Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet and Mazda, the move also allows the Outback to distance itself from popular Forester that also got biggie-sized with its last redesign.

The new model will be available in the buyer's choice of a 2.5-liter, normally aspirated flat-four giving 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque (backed by one of two new transmissions: a six-speed manual or Subie's "Lineartronic" CVT) or a 3.6-liter flat-six (256 hp and 247 pound-feet) paired to a conventional five-speed automatic. Regardless of which engine is specified, the fuel tank grows to 18.5 gallons (from 16.9), and regular fuel is all that's required.

As with yesterday's Legacy, the Outback appears to be more about providing solid, predictable product than surprise-and-delight, but one cool unexpected feature is the roof rack's integral cross bars. Instead of having to remove and stow the spars to reduce wind noise and potentially rattly bits, the rails actually swing-out into place only when called for.

Inside, the interior is the same as with the Legacy, which means that there's a new cliff-like instrument panel, along with new features that include an electric parking brake, ambient lighting and available toys like Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, USB/iPod ports, and a new voice-activated navigation unit.

Even if there isn't much sizzle here, we expect to continue to see Subaru's well-rounded, all-wheel-drive quasi-crossover to continue to outperform its ground-bound Legacy stablemate in the U.S. market, although it figures to face some stiff new high-end competitors in the form of the Saab 9-3X, Volvo XC60 – and potentially even a new Audi Allroad – when it rolls into showrooms later this summer.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT heading for production

Mitsubishi made it official, the Outlander GT Protoype revealed at the New York Auto Show will go into production with these changes: a higher ride height to match the typical Outlander, more power for the V6, but you'll lose the vented discs and Brembos. The polished aluminum roof on this GT is a beautiful addition, but only for the show, and that's a shame. You will be rewarded with the upgraded interior, which also stays for production. Price for the more powerful V6 model with S-AWC is expected to be about $30,000, nicely equipped. And yes, you can expect the new Lancer nose to make its way throughout the rest of the Outlander line.

New York: World Green Car of the Year

At the New York Auto Show this morning, the organizers of the World Car of the Year competition honored four cars that garnered the most votes in their respective categories from an international jury of journalists. While other categories were open to all newly introduced cars, the Green Car of the Year started with a list of 22 significant cars that had been produced in volumes of at least 10 and were in the hands of customers or test fleets. A team of three international experts in the field representing North America, Europe and Asia (including yours truly) examined the list and narrowed it down to five finalists. Among those, the top three vote-getters from the overall jury were the Honda FCX Clarity, Toyota iQ and Mitsubishi iMiEV, with the fuel cell-powered Clarity taking the top prize.

New York: World Car of the Year

It seems everyone has a car of the year award to give out from the perpetual (and perpetually controversial) Motor Trend version to the North American COTY named at the Detroit Auto Show. This morning at the New York Auto Show, the one and only World Car of the Year was named. Actually, four winners were named, an overall victor, best design, best performance and best green car. The only car to make it to the final three in two different categories was the diminutive Toyota iQ that also appeared as the latest Scion concept yesterday.

The overall winner chose by the 59 international jurors turned out to be the new VW MK VI Golf, beating out the Ford Fiesta and the iQ. Among the top performance cars, the Nissan GT-R beat out rivals like the Corvette ZR1 and Porsche 911. The top design was between the Citroen C5, Fiat 500 and the Jaguar XF with the 500 taking the beauty contest honors.

Mitsubishi confirms i-MiEV will come to U.S.

At a press conference in a few minutes here at the New York Auto Show, Mitsubishi representatives will officially announce that the i-MiEV electric vehicle - already a hit in test drives and displays the world over - will be coming to the U.S. This move has been hinted at for a long while, but now we know for certain that the electric jellybean, based on the "i" minicar, is coming. Official details are scarce, but company representatives told us ahead of schedule that the car would be available here sometime "before 2012." The problem isn't the technology (a left-hand drive model should go on sale in Europe in 2011 after the right-hand model hits Japan this summer and the UK, maybe in 2010), but rather guaranteeing a supply of lithium for the car's batteries. If GS Yuasa can't produce the batteries, then Mitsubishi can't make the cars. Mitsubishi recently upped production plans in order to make 20,000 units a year. But don't get too attached to the i-MiEV name (which stands for "Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle"); when this car comes to the U.S., it'll get a fresh moniker.

Speaking of the iMiEV; it looks like AutoblogGreen readers know a good thing when they see one. The iMiEV dominated our recent poll of which car should win the World Green Car of the Year over the Honda FCX Clarity and the Toyota iQ. The judges of the event, though, disagreed and picked the hydrogen fuel cell Clarity as the 2009 winner this morning.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

Mitsubishi's Outlander GT Prototype vehicle isn't slated for a reveal until tomorrow morning, but we caught the raced-up crossover lurking uncovered in the darkness as the Japanese automaker was preparing for a run-through of tomorrow's presentation.

As you can plainly see, the concept vehicle is essentially a lowered Outlander that's been given a bit of Evoplasty up front. The new mouth breather look is significantly more aggressive than the current happy-faced model, but changes beyond that are minimal, including OZ split-spoke wheels and a few badges.

While Mitsubishi has yet to announce that this new face will make it to production, the handwriting and spy photos are on the wall for the aggressive new look to become a brand hallmark, what with the recent introduction of the production Lancer Ralliart Sportback sporting a similar front graphic. The fact that this is called a "prototype" and not a concept is a further clue in Mitsu's production intent.

No word yet on what (if any) modifications have been performed under the skin, but a quick peek inside before the press conference rehearsal began seemed to indicate a stock leather-lined interior. We'll keep you in the loop as we learn more,

BMW pulls sheet off X6 M

Here at the New York Auto Show today, BMW is publicly showing the new X6 M for the first time, resplendent in red. For all the questions that were raised about the X6's own reason for being a year ago when it debuted, the same questions are even more boosted with the X6 M. The standard 400-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 has been boosted to a massive 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Does it make any more sense? Certainly no more so than any other 500-hp vehicle, but that's not what the X6 M is about. As BMW points out, M is about an expression of joy. Aside from the acceleration, we didn't find the standard X6 all that joyful. We'll have to wait until we get the X6 M on a track in July to see if nearly 40 percent more power can address that. We're just hoping the next M5 gets this engine.

Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition gets called to the carpet

Back in February, General Motors circulated a few studio shots of a new Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition package, but the New York Auto Show is the first time we're coming face-to-face with just such an animal.

Built up from a standard 4LT coupe or convertible, the GT1 CE is essentially a trim-and-tape tribute package designed to celebrate the C6.R's racing successes. As such, it features a graphics package influenced by the racecar's livery, including the skull "Jake" logo, driver flags, a windshield banner, and so on. There's also a ZR1 "style" rear spoiler and chrome wheels to complete the package, although unfortunately no drivetrain bits from the King Corvette will make the scene.

Inside, as you can see in our photographs below, the ebony interior has been done up in yellow stitching, and there's special GT1 embroidery adorning the instrument panel, center console armrest, and seats.

As Chevrolet has plans to build just 600 of these limited-edition models, this could well be the closest any of us ever get to driving one.

Stop by CorvetteGuys.com and check out their large selection of C6 Parts.

Honda ramps up attention for dog-friendly Element concept

Honda doesn't have any big reveal planned for the New York Auto Show this year, but it does have a vehicle on display that should make one section of the population sit up and take notice. Front and center in the Honda display here is an Element that's outfitted with Dog Friendly components, many of which should be available as accessories for the vehicle this fall. Fido will find himself very comfortable in the back of this Element where a cushioned pet bed is placed on an elevated platform. There are also pet restraint systems fitted to the second row and rear cargo area. An extendable ramp can be used to aid your pooch's ingress, while a 12V DC fan in the rear keeps him cool. A spill resistant water bowl, rubber floor mats covered in a toy bone pattern and second row seat covers with a dog-themed pattern round out Honda's cadre of canine friendly accessories.

Hyundai Equus

If you think the Genesis sedan is nice, wait'll you get a load of Hyundai's home-market luxu-flagship, the Equus. The automaker has one prominently on display here at the New York Auto Show this week, and while it's supposed to merely be a "Look, this is how awesome we can be" thing (there's no plan for the Equus to be sold here at this time), you can bet Hyundai is taking note of people's reactions. Outside, the Equus is more ornate than the Genesis, with a bright grille, highly-polished wheels and a pedestrian-impaling hood ornament. The sheetmetal details are nice, too. We especially dig the subtle fender bulges over the rear wheels.

While that's all well and good, it's inside the cabin where the Equus shows that it's truly meant to do battle against the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS and BMW 7 Series. All the toys are present: push-button start, a console-mounted control interface for the in-car systems, classy wood accents, upmarket switchgear, and even Grey Poupon snack trays for the rear passengers. Oh, those rear passengers get massaging back seats, as well. It's very impressive looking and it stinks of quality. If Hyundai ever decides to gamble and attack the next price segment up from the Genesis sedan, they clearly have the ammo to do so. The Equus is the real deal.

2010 VW GTI brings the hot back to the hatch

When the MKV GTI arrived in 2005, many of Volkswagen's faithful felt the car had lost the edgy look that so many dearly loved. Fortunately the restyled sixth generation GTI has been given sculpted new exterior that features much more aggressive and detailed bodywork. A new front fascia is fitted up front, with wider central intake that now flows into the side ducts styled with horizontal rakes. The upper grille is now smaller and carries the GTI's signature red striping, and the Scirocco-inspired headlights provide the edgier look that was missing on the previous generation. The rear of the car has a sportier appearance as well with restyled taillights and dual exhaust tips that now exit on both sides of the car through a diffuser-look appendage. Apart from minor styling tweaks, the interior is largely unchanged from the previous generation, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's everything we would expect from a Volkswagen, which essentially means it sets the bar for all others in its class. Power comes from VW's tried and true turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 210 horsepower and 206 lb-ft torque mated to either a six-speed manual or DSG. Both two- and four-door variants will be available When the GTI arrives in dealerships later this summer.

2010 Subaru Legacy all grown up

The New York Auto Show is the backdrop for the 2010 Subaru Legacy's unveiling, and we just checked it out on the display stand downstairs here at the Jacob Javits Center. The red car you see in the gallery below is a Legacy 2.5 GT equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox, while the dark gray car above is a PZEV-certified base model. The new Legacy is clearly a step up from the car it replaces. It's taller, longer and wider, which makes for more room inside than the old car, which in turn makes for a more compelling rival to the cavernous Accord. The interior's trimmed out with decent plastics, a thick-rimmed wheel, a relatively uncluttered center stack (as opposed to the Accord's loaded Scrabble board) and nice leather seats. The mere presence of that manual shifter makes it all the more welcoming. (Man, if only you could get this trim and setup in a wagon)

Outside, the new Legacy's got a new, distinctive front end with big eyes and that familiar corporate grille. The 2.5 GT's hood scoop jazzes things up a little, too. In profile, the 2010 Legacy is inoffensive and will blend into the family-sedan crowd nicely. The rear end features large taillamps and, in the case of the 2.5GT, dual exhaust outlets. Open the trunk and you'll find a nice, large opening with thoughtfully-placed release handles for the rear seats (no need to drop them from inside the passenger compartment, which is a nice touch.) In all, the 2010 Subaru Legacy's restyling is far less controversial than the one underwent recently by the Impreza, though we're still going to miss the outgoing car's clean, handsome lines. That said, the new car is better-positioned to do battle in this hugely-competitive segment, and we expect that Subaru is eager to throw its hat in the ring against the Accord and Camry.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

First thing this morning at 12:01 am, we gave you a deep dive into the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and earlier we sneaked a few snapshots while the truck lazed about before its press conference. Now, we've just returned from Chrysler's press conference to bring you live shots of a polished silver example that climbed the stairs up to the stage here in New York's Javits Center.

Shown here in this color live for the first time, we found that silver serves the Grand Cherokee's newfound contours and angles to very good effect – particularly the muscular door panels. This was also the first glimpse we had of the GC's new air suspension doing its thing, as it easily clambered up the stage steps at full off-road height (11.1-inches), before sinking to its lowest setting, where it looked for all the world like an impromptu low and mean SRT8 version.

[Source: Autoblog]

The Scion iQ Concept

To no ones surprise, Toyota unveiled the Scion iQ concept today at the New York Auto Show. Ever since the iQ debuted in Europe last year, the expectation has been that Toyota would sell the micro compact car as a Scion here in the U.S. to compete against the Smart ForTwo. What surprised us were the modifications made to the iQ for its debut in the States. In keeping with the customization culture that is rampant among Scion owners, the concept features widely flared fenders and super-size 18-inch wheels.

Like the current production model, the concept iQ features 3+1 seating with a very compact air conditioning unit that fascilitates an asymmetrical dashboard. This allows the front passenger seat to slide forward so that one adult can fit in the back. The seat behind the driver, however, is strictly for the legless. One new innovation in the iQ is a rear window airbag that provides protection to rear seat passengers whose heads are butted up against the rear glass. The concept also features lots of special lighting and a pop-up 10-inch LCD embedded in the dash.

Acura ZDX aimed squarely at BMW X6

After a few weeks of teasing, Acura has finally revealed the ZDX, its new four-door, luxury crossover "coupe" that is clearly aimed at the similarly proportioned BMW X6. The ZDX wears the now familiar shield grille and sharp styling that has spread across the entire Acura lineup. To further emphasize the crossover's coupiness, Acura designers have hid the rear door handles in the base of the C-pillar. The ZDX rides tall on 20-inch, 9-spoke wheels and also glints under the lights thanks to a number of chrome trim pieces including a pair of shiny dual exhausts out back. Inside you'll find typical Acura luxury with high quality materials arranged in a high-tech package that includes a new multi-view rear camera system with both a wide angle and top down view. The production ZDX will be V6-powered and kept in line by Acura's superb Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

Feel free to poke around the ZDX in our high-res gallery below. It's the best expression yet of Acura's new design language, which has taken some getting used to on its current lineup of sedans. This segment-busting crossover should arrive in dealerships by the fall of 2009, according to Acura.

Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 39 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz brought the new E250 BlueTEC concept sedan to the New York Auto Show today, showing the type of clean diesel sedan that could follow in the wake of last year's BlueTEC SUV mini-fleet. The E250 BlueTEC boasts a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust technology mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The small diesel motor produces big power: 369 lb-ft of torque at 1600-1800 rpm. Part of the conceptual clean diesel fun comes from a 25-liter urea solution (AdBlue) tank that sits in the exhaust stream and reduces NOx emissions, which helps make the car 50-state legal. This is key, since the E250 was created just for us Yankees, MB says. The concept would also meet Europe's strict EU6 emissions standards, which won't be enacted until the later part of 2014. Using BlueTEC in the E250 would probably get the car a 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway rating from the EPA, Mercedes estimates.