The Ford Boss 302R Mustang

Ford Racing introduces the BOSS 302R

That’s right, Ford Mustang fans–the BOSS is back! Many aftermarket players have sought to capitalize upon the classic Ford moniker with tributes paying homage to the original. Somehow, some way, the attempts at achieving the magic have been all but completely satisfying. To quote Mr. Clarkson…”Until now.”

Ford Racing just took us forward with a glance back at the magical past that was the BOSS 302 Mustang. The Mustang BOSS 302R is a complete factory-built race car, prepped for time trials in any imaginable circuit. Boy Racers beware; your wallets are about to take a trip down a path often feared taken. The BOSS 302R brings back 5.0 liters of American V-8 muscle and crams all those ponies into a tightly-knit, track-capable Ford Mustang. Keep reading to get the full scoop in the Ford Press Release.

2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 First Look

2011 Ford Mustang GT Picture

For all the changes to the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, it sure doesn't look much different from last year's model.

New Toyota LandCruiser Prado Diesel Car Launched in India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) announced the launch of the Toyota Prado Diesel car in India. Inheriting the Land Cruiser's DNA, the redesigned Toyota Prado will appeal not only to buyers in the market for a genuine SUV, but also to passenger car owners who are looking to upgrade for the perfect combination of maneuverability and interior luxury.

The basic concept for the new Toyota Prado is based on the design philosophy - 'Intelligent & Modern'. The new design aims to create an exterior with the active feel expected of a four-wheel drive and an interior that is refined and roomy.

Specific improvements include a 3.0L Diesel engine, and the adoption of a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that allows driving stability at city and highway speeds. It also has enhanced comfort features like 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Optitron Meter, Multi-information Display, Parking Assist System with front/rear sensors & rear camera and rich leather interiors. A host of Driver Assist Technology such as DAC (Down-hill Assist Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and A-TRC (Adaptive Traction Control) aid in outstanding off-road performance. The new Prado is available in five exciting colours - White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Greyish Blue Metallic and Black.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Nakagawa (MD, TKM) said, "Globally, the Prado has sold over 1.56 Million units in more than 170 countries so far. And, since its launch in India in 2004, customer response to the Prado's legendary quality, durability and reliability have far exceeded expectations. As part of our long-term commitment to bring the best of Toyota's technology to India, we are very proud to introduce the all new Prado."

Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director, TKM) said, "The new Prado apart from a new diesel engine, offers three core values - the Land Cruiser DNA, Leadership in off-road and on-road performance and excellent maneuverability and interior luxury. It has been a challenge to improve upon the best-selling Prado, which is highly appreciated for its reliability and versatility. We are certain that our Indian customers in India will experience superior comfort and luxury while handling all kinds of terrain."

F1 Tagged Bugatti Veyron

The worlds’ most expensive production super car, the Bugatti Veyron, tagged with an F1 number plate will be appearing at the 2009 MPH show. The show scheduled from Nov 5- 8 at London Earls court will feature Top Gear Live. Bugatti Veyron is owned by Afzal kahn who owns the Project Kahn. He bought the car a year and a half back, and the F1 number plate costing £440,625 from the Essex County Council. The car gets finished with the most expensive F1 number plate in UK that had been owned by the Essex county Council since 1904.

Kahn has no plans to sell the car at the show. However he mentioned that, it could be up for sale, if the right price gets offered. He also added that the new F1 world champion Jensen Button will be the preferred buyer, in case a deal on the car takes place. Kahn feels that the 253mph super car could be the right choice for the selling the car since it features the most expensive number plate in UK. The super car has an impressive 0-100mph acceleration time of 5.5 seconds and the speed tops at 407km/h. The 1,010 BHP Bugatti Veyron is simply the most expensive production car and has no modern rivals in terms of the price tag. Incase there is any, they will all be heading to the MPH Motor Show.

The Official Photos of Bugatti 16 C Galibier Concept Released

The ultra-luxury and ultra-performance brand Bugatti has officially released the photos of one of the most anticipated cars, the Bugatti 16C Galibier concept. Even compelling news is that Bugatti is likely to display the model at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Bugatti 16C Galibier concept is designed as the most elegant, exclusive and powerful 4-door automobile in the world.

Power in the Galibier comes from the same 8.0-litre W-16 engine with two-stage supercharging as in the Veyron. It can churn out about 1001hp (747kW) and 1250Nm of torque and uses the AWD system for channelizing the power to the wheels. The Galibier gets a new eight-speed automatic gearbox instead of a twin-clutch in the Veyron. A set of powerful carbon ceramic brakes is also available.

The basic architecture of the modern four door sedan has a torpedo-like character. It boasts splendid features like the typical Bugatti radiator grille, the clamshell running the length of the vehicle and large round LED headlights. The polished aluminum door & wings and carbon-fiber bodywork mark its high-tech elements. It helps in achieving outstanding performance of engine and improved efficiency. There is no compromise in safety and to support that it also features an advanced active suspension system and all the top electronic driving aids.

On the inside, the car is exactly as you might expect from a Bugatti, extremely sumptuous with shiny wood parts complementing the stylish interior. Speed and power dials are centrally located on the dashboard in a comfortable position for the driver. A Reverso Tourbillon clock designed by the famous, Swiss maker Parmigiani serves like the car’s interior clock and can be detached and worn on the wrist.

The Galibier with its splendid “Art, Form and Technique” will cost about US$ 1.4 million or £900,000. Given the details which make the Bugatti 16C Galibier an ultra-luxury automobile, the price-tag is to be expected.

Review: Chevrolet Equinox

The small SUV category is so competitive that it was critical General Motors get it right with the all-new Chevrolet Equinox. Not only did they get it right, they designed it better than the competition.

Our handsome test vehicle is a front-wheel drive model. All-wheel drive is available. Eighteen-inch machined wheels are a bargain at an extra $250, ditto the nice trailering package for $350.

In my opinion, the new Equinox interior is the best in its class with lots of room and comfort and lots of storage space. The armrest compartment is deep enough for a laptop computer. A monitor for the back-up camera magically appears in the rear-view mirror when you select reverse on the six-speed automatic.
Row two seat room is very good, even for adults on a long trip.

If you wanted a small SUV with a power hatch, you were pretty much out out luck until the 2010 Equinox came along - and its hatch is programmable.

There's more than 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold row two and the space doubles.

GM's new direct injection V6 is a real gem of an engine, putting out a smooth 264 horsepower. The base Equinox gets a four cylinder.

The new Equinox is whisper quiet on the road and it handles well. Fuel economy averages about 23 miles to the gallon. As equipped, our top-of-the line LTZ model sticker price is $31,685.

GM hits a home run with the new Equinox.

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 First Official Detail

As part of its customer racing programme, BMW Motorsport is offering private teams another attractive car from 2010: the BMW Z4 GT3. This sports car is an impressive addition to the BMW product range and offers drivers and teams the opportunity to compete in international and national championships in accordance with GT3 regulations - such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters - as well as in 24-hour endurance races.

The BMW Z4 GT3 is powered by a four-litre, eight-cylinder engine producing approximately 480 bhp. When it comes to electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions, which have proven themselves in the BMW M3 GT2: the engine is controlled by the modern ECU 408, while the Power400 control unit is responsible for operating all actuators. The transmission takes place via a sequential, six-speed gearbox. The scope of delivery also includes rims with locking and safety clips, as well as racing ABS and optional air conditioning.

The BMW Z4 GT3 in its racing version is available from the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of 298,000 Euro (plus VAT).

2011 Audi A8

Audi has released the next generation of the Audi A8 – the sportiest sedan of the luxury class sets new standards. Its elegantly styled body with the Audi Space Frame (ASF) is aluminum, the engines are powerful and highly efficient, and the power transmission and running gear combine dynamics with convenience. The new flagship’s generously designed interior captivates with its luxurious equipment, newly developed control system MMI and the excellent quality of its workmanship. Innovative assistance systems lend even more confidence to driving.

2011 Audi A8

2011 Audi A8

Audi A8

2011 Audi A8

2010 NAIAS: Detroit Auto Show Schedule's Out

For those of you anxiously awaiting a trip to Detroit in January for the city's annual auto show, it's time to plan.

Organizers have released the press conference schedule for the show, which is reduced to two days' worth of press events for the upcoming year. While some automakers have returned after a year off from the Detroit show, some are amping up their presence even more--Audi, with the first auto show debut of its A8 sedan; Chevrolet, with the new Aveo and Camaro Convertible; and Ford, with its next Focus.

We'll be back shortly with a 2010 Detroit auto show preview. Until then, it's on your marks:

Monday, January 11, 2010
7:00 am Media Credential Office Opens / Oakland Concourse
7:00 am Show Floor Opens
7:30-7:50 am NAIAS 2010 Opening Ceremony / Michigan Hall Stage
8:00-8:30 am North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards/ Michigan Hall Stage

****
8:45-9:10 am Ford / Cobo Arena
9:25-9:50 am Buick and GMC
10:05-10:30 am Toyota / Riverview Ballroom
10:40-11:05 am Volkswagen
11:15-11:40 am Mercedes-Benz
11:50-12:15 pm BMW
12:25-12:50 pm Audi
1:00-1:25 pm Bentley
1:35-2:00 pm Honda
2:10-2:35 pm Kia
2:45-3:10 pm MINI
3:20-3:45 pm Hyundai
3:55-4:20 pm Chevrolet
4:30-4:55 pm SMS Supercars

Tuesday, January 12, 2010
7:30 am Show Floor Opens
8:00-8:25 am Lincoln / Cobo Arena
8:40-9:05 am Cadillac
9:15-9:40 am Subaru
9:50-10:15 am Commuter Cars
10:25-10:50 am BYD
11:00-11:25 am CT&T United
11:35 am-12:00 pm Revenge Designs
12:10-12:35 pm Tesla
12:45-1:10 pm Michelin / Location TBA
1:20-1:45 pm MEDC-X Prize / Location TBA
1:55-2:20 pm ZF Group / Location TBA
2:30-2:55 pm Dow Kokam / Location TBA
3:05-3:30 pm EyesOn Design Awards / Location TBA

BMW Goes Electric

Boom!

That’s the sound of another round being fired in the electric vehicle war, and it’s a big one: BMW is getting in on the action in a big way. The Germans are rolling into the Detroit auto show next month with the slick Concept ActiveE and hinting it might see production. It looks mighty close to being showroom-ready as it is.

The Concept ActiveE is the latest car out of Project i, BMW’s campaign to to develop low-emission city cars and a sustainable means of producing them. It follows the Mini E electric car out the door, and looks like a far more practical automobile even with the garish graphics.

Volvo Will Show Its C30 Electric At Detroit Auto Show

2007 C30 ReCharge Concept

Volvo let the world know about its full-electric C30 concept months ago, but so far hasn’t shown it off in any obvious public venues. That’ll all change this January when the Swedish automaker will show the car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The all-electric C-30 will use a 24 kWh li-ion battery pack that will juice the car up for 93 miles of driving on a charge. Charging of the pack takes eight hours. The car is capable of an 11-second 0 to 60 and around an 81 mph top speed.Volvo has yet to give all the details on the electric’s powertrain, so we’ll have to wait until Detroit draws neare

Volvo Bringing Updated Electric C30 To Detroit, Will Start Trials in 2011

Last September, Volvo introduced a proof of concept version of its all-electric C30 compact car. That car was more of a novelty than anything else; but now Volvo has done up the interior and added a complete set of instruments to bring the C30 EV to the prototype stage of a distant production version.

They will be debuting the prototype at next month’s Detroit Auto Show, and plan on producing at least 50 of them for a group of “selected users” to start test driving in 2011.

With a range of about 93 miles (150 km), the electric C30 is on par with other soon-to-debut EVs such as the Nissan LEAF or the Ford Focus BEV. Since all auto manufacturers have limited experience with EVs, Volvo wants to start with small aspirations so that it can have the opportunity to see how users handle the unique aspects of driving an electric car.

“Our test fleet data will be valuable in Volvo Cars’ development of electric cars. It will also provide crucial input for the infrastructure planners and help define which services are needed to make rechargeable cars the most attractive choice in the future,” said Lennart Stegland, Director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

Volvo says they will “need to spend a lot of time” developing a transmission system that “is both comfortable and safe for the driver to handle and at the same time utilizes the battery’s capacity optimally at different speeds.” I’m not sure what this PR speak means, exactly, but it can’t be that hard to build a transmission for an EV. I mean, really, of all the engineering and design considerations that go into developing an EV, it seems like the transmission is something that is a fairly robust technology at this point, no?

Volvo claims that the C30 will have all of the fun of a regular C30, but without the guilt of emissions. Look, I’m all for EVs—in fact, I’ve frequently said that when compared to hydrogen or biofuels, they are clearly our only real long-term solution—but I get sick of companies trying to claim they will be “just like” driving a regular car. The fact of matter is that these first generation EVs will take some sacrifices on the part of the driver. Initially they may not be as convenient as gas cars, they will have limited range, and they will take some adjustment. They are not meant for everybody right off the bat. When companies claim they are, it does a disservice to potential EV owners.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Pictures/Photos

2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition

Cam Aero Body Kit

hennessey hpe550

BMW Concept ActiveE

In March of 2008 BMW first announced plans to establish a new research division called “Project i,” whose task would be to develop a number of solutions for a vehicle designed for congested city motoring.

The goal of Project i was never to exclusively develop one type of vehicle or another, but to come up with a range of technologies BMW could introduce across its fleet. Last year’s Mini E electric vehicle, which is currently testing in small fleets around the world, was the first tangible evidence that Project i was in action.

Now, BMW has released details of a new all-electric concept car, which will be based on the 1-Series Coupe and make its debut next month at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Like the Mini E before it, the Concept ActiveE will go into limited production and be offered to interested customers keen to help out with the electric vehicle test program.

Feedback gathered from the trial users will be used to help design a production BMW electric vehicle that officials have confirmed will be put on the market under a sub-brand of BMW in the first half of the next decade.

As for the Concept ActiveE, BMW has shown that it is able to install all the necessities for an electric powertrain into the body of a compact car while still retaining space for all four passengers as well as up to 7 cubic-feet of storage.

Powering the concept is an electric motor located in the rear axle, making it rear-wheel drive. Peak output stands at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to offer 0-60 mph acceleration times of approximately 8.5 seconds. Top speed has been limited to 90 mph.

Toyota Plug-in Prius on sale in 2011

In less than two years, Toyota plans to sell a plug-in version of its popular Prius hybrid to consumers. The company will want to fend off challenges to its green crown, which will be aplenty by 2011. Nissan will be selling its Leaf electric car. General Motors will have the Volt, to name a couple of them.

But will there be enough buyers for all of these high-tech rides? Toyota will start selling the Prius in test batches next year but will offer the car to consumers in 2011. The company expects to sell tens of thousands of the car. GM has similar ambitions for the Volt and Nissan expects the Leaf to garner a lot of interest. On one hand, Prius buyers have a lot more cash than people who typically buy $25,000 cars. The average Prius owner makes $84,000 a year and half of them earn more than $100,000 annually.

On the other, advanced cars like plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles will be expensive. The National Research Council put out a report on Dec. 14 saying that plug-ins could be as much as $18,000 more than conventional car. If fuel stays under $4 a gallon in the U.S., car buyers won’t get a payback on the added cost, not even close.

Of course, there will be plenty of buyers who want to be green, make a political statement or test out the latest technology. But it probably won’t be enough for every carmaker to hit their targets on sales of these advanced cars. What they really want to do is make their own statement. When these cars hit the market, every carmaker will be flogging their technology to make a case that they have the killer app. While all of them may be impressive, each will have short comings.

Rolls-Royce Ghost

The Rolls-Royce Ghost

What it isn't is a 7-series with a Rolls-Royce body. No, the Ghost is the new baby Rolls, and it shares less than 20 percent of parts with the big BMW. Underhood, the Ghost uses BMW's V12 engine block, stroked to 6.6 liters. The twin-turbo V12 produces 563 hp, good enough for a 4.7-second 0-to-60-mph time. It will go on sale in February for $250,000, including destination and gas-guzzler charges.

What's it like to drive? Awesome, as you'd expect. The Ghost feels a lot more British than we thought it would. It drives very much like a Rolls: Smooth, smooth ride, seamless acceleration and whisper-quiet at all speeds. The car will go through corners as well, with nicely weighted steering and adaptive roll control. It is fast and, did we say smooth? The car feels well connected to the road.

Do I want it? Indeed you do. It's the everyday Rolls-Royce. Rolls says it has orders for 1,500 cars, and all will be built at the firm's Goodwood assembly plant. It's an impressive car, gorgeous inside and out, and one that should be hugely successful. It deserves to be.

2010 Ford Taurus Limited

The 2010 Ford Taurus

The first thing to understand about the new Taurus is that it's big! We're talking Crown Victoria big here. Owners of previous-generation Taurus cars will be amazed.

And kudos to the Ford styling department; it has managed to make the Taurus visible on the street again. Even though this example is painted to blend in with the silver crowd, three times during my weekend stint did someone shout out and ask if this was the new Taurus or make comments. Mission accomplished here.

Now, for as big as the Taurus is on the outside, Ford sure found a way to make it feel small on the inside, in my humble opinion. There are a couple of factors at play here. First, the center console is huge and wide. It has two separate covered areas with drink holders, a sizeable shifter handle and an armrest/storage-bin area. This is coupled with a big and tall instrument panel. The combination of the two has the visual effect of shrinking the space inside the cabin. This is compounded by a set of beefy seats.

And speaking of the seats, I was never able to find a comfortable setting, even after a weekend of trying. I prefer to sit with the backrest upright. Headroom is fine in that position, but the seat is engineered to have a higher H point and doesn't adjust as close to the floor as I would prefer. This results in having to contort my head and neck getting in and out of the car or risk a mild concussion from hitting the roof rail. Also, the bolster on the seat is such that I felt like I was sitting on it, versus sitting in the seat, which would be more comfortable. Finally, adjusting the seatback recline to avoid the roof rail, and seat travel rearward for pedal comfort, left me with an arms-out driving position to reach the steering wheel.

One final interior note: The gauges are set deep into the dash cluster. But the combination of the chrome needles, the angle of the plastic gauge lenses and the high-gloss wood trim that surrounds the gauge cluster sets up plenty of glare on the gauges during the day.

Fixing those irritants would make the new Taurus close to a home run for me. The chassis is solid and the ride is firm without being too harsh. The V6 has adequate power, although it wants you to give it plenty of pedal when moving off from a full stop. At freeway speeds, this Taurus is luxury-car quiet.

2010 Taurus Limited

In Fleet: May 28-June 3

Base Price: $31,170

As-Tested Price: $38,080

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; FWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 263 hp @ 6,250 rpm, 249 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,015 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/19.3 mpg

Options: Rapid Spec package 302A including blind-spot information system with cross traffic alert, memory power-adjustable pedals, auto high beam, branded front floor mats, rain-sensing wipers, intelligent access with push-button start, Sony audio system including Dolby 5.1 surround sound, 12 speakers, two subwoofers ($2,000); voice-activated navigation system ($1,995); adaptive cruise control ($1,195); power moonroof ($895)

The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

You can't argue with how useful a minivan can be. It just so happened that I had to help a friend move a 50-inch television, which worked out well because I had this minivan for the night. The Stow-n-Go seats flipped-up with ease, and the power third-row seats disappeared into the floor at the touch of a button to give us the room we needed to slide the oversized box into the van.

Chrysler really does have minivans down well. Like our departed long-term Town & Country, this Grand Caravan was smooth shooting down the expressway at 80 mph and is a surefooted ride around town. Steering is light and quick to respond, and pickup from the V6 is brisk. The brakes are strong and offer a firm pedal feel.

The amount of entertainment packed into the cabin makes me jealous as I think back to the days of being stuffed in the back of a Toyota Previa for long road trips.

If there is a better vehicle than a minivan for large families, I can't think of it at the moment. I will tip my hat to the Honda Odyssey for better ride quality and nicer interior surroundings, but this Dodge isn't too far behind.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I like this as much as I liked the long term Town & Country--which was a lot.

It's just so practical. The gobs of room, the sliding doors that can be operated from the driver's seat and the interior's clever layout are all good. Is this the perfect family vehicle? Could well be.

It's a quiet, refined traveler that goes down the road as smoothly as many luxury cars. There's plenty of power for a minivan, and I have no issues with the driving as far as minivans go.

If you only need to move five people at a time, I'd recommend almost anything other than a minivan. But to be able to haul seven people, a bunch of stuff and get 20-plus mpg on the freeway is impressive.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: This Grand Caravan was a champ in transporting family to and from a party. Yes, the van has most of the same features of our beloved Chrysler Town & Country, but the ride of the T&C feels smoother and more solid, even in the weeks immediately before it left. This Grand Caravan felt too light in the corners, something just seemed off.

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

In Fleet: Sept. 17-Oct. 5

Base Price: $29,480

As-Tested Price: $40,170

Drivetrain: 4.0-liter V6; FWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 251 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 259 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,514 lb

Fuel Economy: (EPA) 20 mpg

Options: Customer-preferred package 28M including 17-inch aluminum wheels, 25th-anniversary edition group, perforated leather-trimmed bucket seats with French seams, eight-way power driver and front passenger seats, heated front seats, heated second-row seats, vehicle information center, P225/65R17 BSW all-season touring tires, removable/rechargeable flashlight, power liftgate, sport suspension, bright belt moldings ($2,475); dual-screen DVD entertainment system with second-row overhead 9-inch video screen, third-row overhead 9-inch video screen, additional single-disc DVD player, wireless headphones, video remote control, AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 radio, hard disc drive and ParkView backup camera ($2,200); premium group including iPod control, Uconnect phone with voice command, auto-dim rear view mirror with microphone, 506-watt amplifier, nine Infinity amplified speakers with subwoofer, air conditioning with three-zone automatic temperature control, power-folding third-row seat, rain-sensitive windshield wipers ($1,995); security group including blind-spot and cross-path detection, ParkSense rear-park assist system, security alarm, automatic headlamps ($1,030); AM/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 with navigation radio, hard disc drive, ParkView rear backup camera, SIRIUS traffic ($905); power sunroof with dual rear overhead mini consoles and mini overhead console ($895); family value group with second- and third-row manual window shades, premium sliding floor console with cupholders and remote-start system ($695); 4.0-liter V6 SOHC engine oil cooler ($630); Uconnect studios SIRIUS backseat TV ($495).

Novitec Rosso Tunes the Ferrari California

Popular Ferrari tuner Novitec Rosso, as expected, just got their hands on the new Ferrari California. They’ve applied their usual touches to it, focusing on both style and performance, though the changes to the California are a bit more subtle than their usual “HEY LOOK AT ME!” design style.

The first thing Novitec did was add some downforce to the Ferrari by developing a bolt-on front spoiler, rear diffuser, and rear lip spoiler in addition to their own side rocker panels. All parts, of course, are made from 100% carbon fiber.

New three-piece Novitec wheels round out the styling package, sporting 21-inchers in front and bigger 22-inch wheels in the rear. To compliment the more aggressive styling, Novitec lowered the car by about 35 mm. To make sure drivers don’t scrape the front of the car too often, they’ve also added a hydraulic lift system to raise the car while coming out of steep driveways, going over speed bumps, or navigating a parking garage.

The best improvement of the Novitec-tuned Ferrari California is the engine work. They’ve managed to squeeze out an additional 40 hp to the 4.3-liter V8 engine, bringing the total output up to 500 hp. They’ve managed this increase in power by retuning the ECU and adding a new high performance exhaust system with a butterfly valve actuated from the Manettino switch located on the Ferrari’s steering wheel.

Novitec rounds out the package by offering a nearly unlimited choice of leather and alcantara interior colors.

Price wasn’t given in the press release as usual, but expect it to be significantly higher than the Ferrari California’s base $192,000 price tag.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Very well, since the additions only add about 30 pounds compared with the MR. It still drives like the Evo it is, it just seems to bring a little less craziness than do other Evos (and it can be argued that the normal one brings less craziness than most previous generations of Evos did). In other words, it’s fast, fun, and firm on the road. Retained are the sharp steering, right-now brakes, and very aggressively scooped seats. (We still have bruises on our right butt cheek from the first time we hopped in and didn’t quite clear the structurally reinforced lower bolster.) The turbo whirl and rorty note of the 291-hp four-banger are still present, happily, just not as in-your-face, which should be welcome on longer drives. Indeed, while we probably still wouldn’t choose this car for any “touring” duties, it is certainly the most touring-worthy of the current crop of Evos.

How Does It Stack Up?

If you consider the 305-hp Subaru Impreza WRX STI as the Evo’s only direct competition, the Lancer Touring can be considered the most premium and elegant car in its class. Tee-hee. However, at the Touring’s heavens-to-the-high price, there are many other slick rides that are just as fun—however different in character—including the Mazda RX-8, the Infiniti G37, and the BMW 1-series. We wouldn’t buy a Touring without cross-shopping the others to see which best handles your own brand of touring.

What’s the Cost?

At $41,710, plus a couple grand for navigation, the Evo Touring is a near-$44K proposition. Yikes. And it remains hard to get around that price tag even when bombing around corners with as much hustle as you can muscle. It might be a great used-car deal, however, once the first guy takes the hit, provided the car doesn’t take too many hits itself on its various “tours."

2009 Honda Fit

The name and the face are familiar, but this isn’t the same Honda Fit that rewrote big sections of the subcompact playbook when it made its U.S. debut in 2006. Known as the Jazz in other world markets, that car had been around since 2001, making it due for a major makeover, and that’s exactly what it got. It’s essentially a brand-new car—longer wheelbase, a little bigger overall, slightly roomier within, a little more mass, a little more muscle, a little more hustle, with the same fuel economy.

We were impressed with the high-quality appointments and design that distinguished the interior of the first Fit, but the makeover raises both elements of the inner car by a couple of notches. It also improves the usefulness of this amazingly voluminous small car. For example, the rear seatbacks flop forward with a single flip of a lever. Honda has added an adjustment for steering-wheel reach, as well as rake, and there’s also a nav-system option.

The best part is that Honda’s updates haven’t diluted this car’s warrior spirit at all. The Fit won’t contort facial muscles at full throttle, but its agility ranks at the top of the econocar charts. If there’s a better combination of thrift, practicality, and fun-to-drive, we haven’t seen it yet.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon

BASE PRICE: $15,220

ENGINE TYPE: SOHC 16-valve 1.5-liter inline-4
Power (SAE net): 117 bhp @ 6600 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 106 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: 5-speed auto, 5-speed auto with manumatic shifting, 5-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 98.4 in Length: 161.6 in Width: 66.7 in Height: 60.0 in

Curb weight: 2500–2650 lb

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 27–28/33–35 mpg