New Ferrari California revealed: a hugely versatile, innovation-packed GT

Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.

SPORTY NEW LOOK FOR 2009 FORD FOCUS COUPE TO DEBUT ON WEDNESDAY 'AMERICAN IDOL' EPISODE

* The 2009 Focus coupe is set to debut on "American Idol" on Fox on Wednesday.
* Sporty updates inspired by customer feedback, including new front and rear fascias, a new roof-line spoiler and standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SES series, enhance the car's profile and further differentiate the Focus coupe from the sedan.
* Performance improvements include increased horsepower on 5-speed manual versions and quicker acceleration, thanks to a new final drive ratio on models with four-speed automatic transmissions - without any compromise to Focus' 35-miles-per-gallon fuel economy rating.
* Focus posted an 88 percent increase in retail sales in April versus a year ago.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 13, 2008 - The hot-selling Ford Focus debuts a new coupe version for the 2009 model year Wednesday on American's hottest television show - "American Idol." This marks the first time Ford has ever revealed a new product on prime time television.

"Focus is the little car that delivers in a big way for customers, with 35 mpg fuel economy, cool features including SYNC, a fun drive, strong quality and the right price," said John Felice, Ford Division group marketing manager. "We've built on those strengths to deliver an even sportier coupe version for 2009 and thought the 'American Idol' debut would be a new way for customers to see the upgrades for themselves."

The new Focus coupe can be seen for the first time during the Wednesday broadcast of "American Idol" on FOX, which airs at 9 p.m. EST.

The Focus coupe will be part of the "American Idol" Ford Video featuring this season's remaining contestants. Episodes of American Idol typically draws an audience of more than 20 million viewers. The 45-second music video also will be featured on the "American Idol" Web site at www.americanidol.com under the Ford Music Video page.

Sportier Design
Focus retail sales were up 88 percent in April versus the prior year, and a growing number of younger customers have been buying the new Focus model that was launched in late 2007.

"We've spent a lot of time talking with small-car customers and Focus enthusiasts," said Sam De La Garza, Focus marketing manager. "Their overwhelming feedback was that a sportier exterior design could attract even more Millennials, or those people born between 1980 and 1995 - 11,000 of whom reach driving age every day in the U.S."

With that in mind, the Focus team sculpted the coupe's new front and rear fascias to provide a sportier appearance. The lower front fascia incorporates a larger open area that bares a strong resemblance to the acclaimed design of the new global Ford Fiesta subcompact. The fog lamps - now standard - are better integrated into the overall design of the front fascia, and its signature two-bar chrome front grille and chrome accents around the headlamps have been darkened for added differentiation.

"The new coupe looks really sporty," said Thomas Tang, co-founder of www.focusfanatics.com and Ford Focus owner. "It is great to see that Ford values our feedback and is willing to make quick changes."

"The new front fascia, 17-inch sport wheels and fog lamps remind me of the old Focus SVT models," Tang added.

For differentiation, the high-end Focus SES will feature a standard high-mounted spoiler that is incorporated into the design of the roof. The high-mounted design contributes to Focus' overall muscular stance. A decklid spoiler will remain part of the Focus SE exterior design.

New premium-painted Dark Chrome 17-inch aluminum wheels, also standard on SES, complete the coupe's redesigned exterior.

Sounds 'Bad' and Goes Faster — With More Control
The 2009 Focus SES coupe features more horsepower and a throatier sound, thanks to a new sport-tuned exhaust. The SES coupe with a four-speed automatic transmission will have a new 4.2 final drive ratio to deliver quicker off-the-line acceleration for a faster 0-60 mph time.

A new option for 2009 is electronic stability control (ESC), which uses sophisticated sensors and the anti-lock braking system to help correct skids that can lead to accidents.

Fuel-efficient Powertrains
The 2009 Focus Coupe is equipped with a 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 143 horsepower when mated to a five-speed manual transmission and 140 horsepower when paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). The 20E's tailpipe emissions are cleaner than some hybrid gas-electric vehicles'. The Duratec 20 and 20E in Focus Coupe are mated to a five-speed manual transmission and achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg.

SYNC Standard on Focus SES
Also setting the Focus coupe apart from other small cars is Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC technology, which will be standard equipment on the SES series and optional on the SE. SYNC is a fully integrated in-vehicle, voice-activated communications and entertainment system for customers to use their Bluetooth cell phones and digital media players.

SYNC was first introduced on the 2008 Focus and was an immediate hit with customers, helping to increase Focus' share in an extremely competitive small-car market. Nearly 50 percent of the 2008 model year Focus units sold during April included SYNC. SYNC-equipped vehicles sell nearly twice as fast as those without.

SYNC also was a feature that helped motivate editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com to name the 2008 Ford Focus one of the "Top Ten Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" in April.

The 2009 Focus Coupe, available later this summer, will have an MSRP that starts at $15,920. All Focus models are built at the Wayne (Mich.) Assembly Plant.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 244,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Mazda, and until completion of their sale, Jaguar Land Rover. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

What do you think they thought — it sucked? Hmm, wethinks not. And we'd be right. PopMech's Basem Wasef thought the LP560-4 was an "entertaining drive at any speed." Specifically,

"when revs are high and the V10 is working hard, the LP560-4 is in its element, though it exhibited more flexibility at lower rpms than we were expecting. Launch control is activated with ESP off, Corsa mode selected and both pedals depressed until the engine revs to 5000 rpm; lift the brake, and you'll be whacked into your seat with a thud of satisfying, skid-free acceleration."

Lexus IS Spy Report

Last week's appearance of a disguised, and suspiciously fade-painted Lexus IS led to much speculation about the true nature of the camouflaged test car. Guesses on the ID of the IS ranged from a mid-cycle facelift for the production car, a new Hybrid model, while the roll cage, Recaros and trick paint suggested it was a Lexus-sponsored race car.

With its camouflage-free appearance at the ADAC Rundstrecken Trophy Endurance race in Germany, the mystery is now solved. Those who guessed race car turned out to be right. The hood bumps under the camouflage that triggered much of the Hybrid speculation are nowhere to be found once the coverings were removed.

The TME/Team Gazoo IS competed in the first of seven four-hour endurance races. One six-hour and a 24-hour race complete the nine-race series. The newly identified IS race car is registered as a Lexus IS 250 in group SP5. Group SP5 consists of cars between 2.0- and 2.5-liters, with a minimum weight of 2,270 pounds. The race-prepped IS logged a fastest lap of just under 10:58, and an overall finish of 95th place with 21 laps covered over the 4 hours.

Our friends at PickupTrucks.com are also telling us this morning rumors aren't as far-fetched as one would think. Ford desperately is looking for ways to hold on to their share of the ever-shrinking pickup truck market and if they need to offer a stripped down F-150 on Weight Watchers, they'll do it. Heck, they've even got a pretty sketch of what a new boldly-moving-smaller pickup based on the current F-150 might look like. Expect the real version to look nothing like it. But have a look anyway. [PickupTrucks.com]

The CHP reported that the car was in working order. No mechanical failure seems to have appeared...the impact was estimated at 50 to 60 MPH...Cort Summerfield was 46 years old (02/01/1961)

UPDATE: If you remember, the 242 Turbo was actually the inspiration for the choice of the V8olvo.

UPDATE #2: The V8olvo happened to be right behind the 242 Turbo when it crashed. We're told it went into the wall at speed which made our team think perhaps something happened before the crash to the driver.

UPDATE #3: We have confirmation from a source with close ties to the team that there was indeed a fatality. We are withholding the name and other identifying characteristics until we're given the OK from the family and team.

UPDATE #4: The folks over at Bryan's Message Board have been chronicling the adventures of "Team Porcubimmer" — as such, a few of the forum fan-boys (and girls) were in the stands at Altamont. Here's one of their recaps of what happened:

he shot forward and sped up right before the turn, and went head on into the wall. didn't break, didn't turn...i didn't see anyone bump him. best guess is that he passed out and his foot just acted like a lead weight... but that's just based on the fact that he blasted forward so suddenly and made a beeline for the wall...took them forever to get a fucking tarp up. i was up in the stands with my dad, and he was really upset that it took them so long to do that.

UPDATE #5: We've just received the following e-mail from a team member of the victim of the crash with his name, age and a little bit more detail on what may have happened:

The CHP reported that the car was in working order. No mechanical failure seems to have appeared...the impact was estimated at 50 to 60 MPH...Cort Summerfield was 46 years old (02/01/1961)

We can't promise this is anything other than a body and chassis mule, there could be no hybrid power train under that sleek sheetmetal, but we can't help but drool over the idea this thing might actually become reality. Check out Wired for the whole photo set.

As you can see, the Skyline was far from stock. It started life as an R32 GTS-T, but now it's powered by a RB26 from an R33 GT-R. The ride feels brutal at first, but you quickly adjust your mindset as your expectations realize that this is a full-on stripped-out racer capable of running in the highest level of drift competition. You may think it sounds loud in the video, but that was with the silencer on, something that comes off when it hits the track.

While the shop at ONI JDM isn't particularly big, you get the sense that the business is an extension of the guys' passion. Take the guy that gave me a drive in the R32, he worked as a mechanic during the week, but was a racer and drifter on the weekends. Now, I know that many of us here at Jalopnik aren't necessarily into the tuner scene, but you've gotta admire that dual-purpose spirit of racing on Sunday then wrenching on Monday.

So, despite the free health care, we've discovered the first real reason to move to Canada: awesome JDM rides.

[Check out their website at: ONIJDM.com]

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: Yes
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
*Honda Fit
*Nissan Versa
*Volkswagen Rabbit
*Used Subaru WRX
*Subaru Impreza 2.5i
*Mazda Mazda3
*Suzuki Burgman

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Suzuki
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $14,999
• Price as Tested: $16,870
• Engine type: 2.0L DOHC I4
• Horsepower: 143 @ 5,800 RPM
• Torque: 136 @ 3,500 RPM
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
• Curb Weight: 2,800 lbs
• LxW: 162.8" x 69.1"
• Wheelbase: 98.4"
• Tires: P205/60R16
• 0 - 60 mph: 8.3 Seconds
• 1/4-mile: 16.8 seconds
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 21/28
• NHTSA crash test rating: ****/**** (Driver/Passenger)

Also see:

• 2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One
• 2008 Suzuki SX4, Part Two

MAZDA6 i SV
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
Vehicle features
* Independent front & rear suspension w/ stabilizer bars
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
* Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
* 16" steel wheel w/ 7-spoke wheel cover
* Halogen headlights with automatic headlight shutoff
* Power remote door mirrors, door locks, and windows
* Air conditioning with pollen filter
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible stereo w/ 6-speakers & SIRIUS Satellite Radio-compatible audio system
* 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, floor and cargo mats
* Center instrument panel display (A/C, audio, clock, outside temp.)
* Power door locks, windows, door mirrors and remote keyless entry
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $19,850

MAZDA6 i Sport
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i SV Model features plus:
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
MSRP: $21,250*

MAZDA6 i Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Sport model features plus:
* 17" alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* 8-way driver's power seat & electroluminescent gauges
* Push button ignition start
* Leather-trimmed steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $22,750*

MAZDA6 s Sport
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
Vehicle features
* 17" alloy wheels
* Chrome dual exhaust finishers
* Halogen headlights
* Dual power remote side mirrors
* V6 emblems & scuff plates
* AM/FM/CD MP3 compatible 6-speaker sound system
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Steering wheel mounted audio & cruise controls
* Remote keyless entry w/ jack-knife key
* Key-activated remote down windows
* Carpeted floor mats
* Tilt & telescopic steering wheel w/ cruise and audio controls
* Advanced front air bags, side air bags, side air curtains and side impact door beams
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
MSRP: $25,150*

MAZDA6 s Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Sport model features plus:
* 18" alloy wheels
* Fog lights
* Push button ignition start
* Mazda Advance Keyless Entry & Start System
* Leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
* Trip computer & welcome mode
* 8-way power driver's seat w/ manual adjust lumbar support
* Anti-theft security alarm
MSRP: $26,150*

MAZDA6 i Grand Touring
* 170-hp 2.5L DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder with VVT
* Ultra-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV)†
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 21/29 MT
i Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain-sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $25,850

MAZDA6 s Grand Touring
* 272-hp 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V6 cylinder
* Mileage, City/Hwy (mpg) 17/25 AT
s Touring model features plus:
* Xenon auto on/off headlights & LED rear combination lights
* Rain sensing windshield wipers
* Auto-dimming, heated outside mirrors w/ ground illumination
* Leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats
* Driver's seat memory with outside mirror adjust function (2 settings)
* Passenger power seat
* Auto dimming inside mirror w/ Homelink® system
* Dual zone automatic climate control
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio
* Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
MSRP: $29,150

[Mada6Club]

it seems that DMX likes people to know which yellow Chevy Nova II is his, so he had "DMX" put on his front windshield in big yellow letters. Or maybe it was because he'd always go into parking lots, and forget which yellow Nova II was his. No word on who the female in the car is, but we're presuming she was a bit disappointed that DMX didn't show up in a Lamborghini. [AP via Fox News, TMZ]

Some of you may have caught wind of something going on in the Chicago area recently.

Well, it has happened, and here is a quick review:

Some weeks ago I was contacted by a representative at Ford about an upcoming Focus group in Chicagoland about the next generation Taurus.

They wanted specific input and information from SHO enthusiasts.

I was asked to give them about a dozen names of people from the LOCAL area (there are good reasons for this I will go into later) for this focus group.

I was asked to keep it quiet till after the event and asked those that I contacted to do the same, and for the most part, that was accomplished. The one thread that was on SHOforum about this, was not anything specific, and didn't really cause any problems, but it was deleted just to be sure. So if you saw that and wondered what it was about, that is what happened.

Last night (Monday, 5th of May) a dozen SHO enthusiasts met at a hotel in Schaumburg for a 2+ hour focus group session. Here is what we did NOT see: We saw NO prototypes. we saw NO drawings, we saw NO parts of any new car, the entire session was video taped.

Here is what we DID see: A Chrysler 300, A dodge Charger and an Chevy Impala, all in the same shade of silver with all identifying marks taped over.

Here is what we did:

We sat at a table across from a very friendly and skilled interviewer that led a fairly free flowing exchange of information. We were asked about our own history with the SHO, we were asked about what we liked about the SHO, and didn't like, what made a SHO, a SHO, and also what we might like to see in any future SHO or Ford sedan. After a while, several representatives of the new Taurus program came into the room and we gathered around the cars assembled. When asked which one appealed to us, almost all said the Charger. This seemed to surprise the interviewer since we claimed "stealth" as one of the main factors attracting us to the SHO. But I think we answered that by several of us stating that although we can appreciate the Charger in that group of three, it is maybe too up front for what we would like to see in the SHO. Also, great styling need not be so "in your face" as the Charger.

The Ford staff assembled were given a chance to ask us specific questions about their individual area of expertise, as in wheels, seats, paint colors etc.

Then we were let loose on the assembled Ford people to just talk and mingle. In talking with one rep, he was floored that virtually every one of us put ROAD/ TRACK performance over straight line/drag performance. He had somehow gotten the opinion that the original SHO was all about the drags. Glad we caught that one. Drags are fun, but track days and overall handling is much more important.

Of course engines and drivelines were discussed, and here the group was less of a single mind, with likes running from 400+ hp twin turbo revvers, to 5.4L torque monsters with and without blowers! I commented that with $4 a gallon gas soon to be reality, maybe something in the 280-300 hp range with GREAT handling, style and quality and decent MPG would be relevant. I think most of us agreed that gimmicks were less desired over things like great brakes, suspension, gauges, seats (gen 1 and II style seats with bolsters were a big request) and a unique engine to the SHO at least in the Taurus/Sable line were high points and things like "I-Drive" GPS and other tech things were down on the list. Trying to keep weight down was also a big point with most people. Oddly, we left out a big desire of the previous early focus groups, a hand emergency brake. Maybe it isn't important anymore?

Man I can sympathize with anyone trying to create a new car these days...."Hey, give us luxury ride, Lotus handling, Ford GT performance, and OH, 40+ mpg, room for five and luggage, make it stand out, and be something police won't see....and under $30 grand would be great!" LOL

Some suggested maybe a two tier car with the "nice" version for more average buyers, and a lighter, lower content "performance" version for the gung ho, like most of us!

Most everyone wanted a car with "three pedals" but if an auto was part of it, steering wheel buttons or paddles are less important than a good shifter and proper programming for quick up and downshifts when called for, and maybe even blipping the throttle on manual downshifts.

The FWD, AWD, RWD question came up, and I think most wanted RWD, with AWD as the second option, but a few would be just as happy with FWD as in the past for safety and also cost.

Defeatable Stability/traction control was another big request, as was a factory accessory, modification parts program with actual performance parts, suspension parts etc available at dealers or through Ford, and included in the factory warranty.

Acceleration:**
If I could change one thing about this car it would be the transmission. Though power plays into the equation, and the 143 horses tied together with Suzuki's version of variable valve timing try hard, the five forward gears are one shy of awesome and a reconsideration of the ratios could push this car into knock-out economy car territory.

Braking:****
The four-wheel disc brakes, front ventilated and rear solid, have an easy feel and would do well on a larger, heavier car. On the lilliputian SX4 they're perfect for creating a little stop-short moment with your lady friend.

Ride:**
For a big chunk of our bike riding adventure one of my passengers was facing down a sharp bike pedal. Though he made it out without a scratch, it got a little close. Suzuki made a decision to err on the side of handling, and though most would agree it was the right choice, there's a touch more bump than some economy buyers are willing to accept.

Handling:****
"Are our cars as exciting as our bikes?" Suzuki asks in its advertisements. I'm not a big bike guy, but I'm willing to guess no way in hell. But it's closer than you think. The best part of this crossover is how it handles when it needs to. The SX4 goes where you point it and the auto AWD system provides just a touch of energy when necessary. Even in slippery conditions the car maintains its composure and is, most importantly, easy to predict.

Gearbox:**
A sixth gear and an aluminum ring is all that's needed to make this an excellent gearbox. The throws are a touch long but the clutch works well even with clunky footwork and the placement is right in my sweet spot but it revs way too high in freeway driving, literally whining for that extra gear.

Audio:*
This is, without a doubt, the worst FM radio in any new car I've ever driven. Chicago is all buildings and, therefore, signals aren't at their best. But I constantly lost signals and rear passengers couldn't hear anything. Thumb controls are a nice touch, but they don't connect to a radio I'd like in my car.

Toys:***
The entire car is a toy, but we have to give credit to Suzuki for providing gimmicks like tumble-forward rear seats, a sharp center information strip with fuel range and external temperature and other smart touches. The AWD system, though lacking in low/high range (c'mon, what did you expect?), has a great "2WD/Auto/Lock" switch next to the handbrake that makes you feel like you're in a far more expensive ride.

Value:****
For $16,870 you get three-mode AWD, a six-disc changer, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, roadside assistance, six airbags, cruise control, power everything and even rear intermittent wipers. Throw in automatic air-conditioning that cleverly mimics climate control and you're hard-pressed to find another bargain for this MSRP. Oh, and it has keyless entry, though it requires carrying around a key fob that might be mistaken for a Sega Game Gear.

Overall: ****
It's hard to know what the Suzuki SX4 aspires to be, but it's not the usual SUV-car dichotomy that most crossovers try to fake. You're not going to mistake this for a Range Rover. The real question you have to ask when judging this car is whether or not it is an exciting bargain car or an exciting car that's a bargain, and though I'd lean towards the former, it's a question that doesn't even come up with other cars in this price range.

Also see:

• 2008 Suzuki SX4, Part One

This new Genesis that's bigger, longer and more uncut by 8" will replace the Equus JS 380 that's currently the car of choice for Hyundai execs. While the Equus is one big mutha-four-door, this new Genesis XL (or whatever) will out-lengthen the ol' and busted exec-mobile by an extra 2". And as we all know, size does matter — and apparently the U.S. market just isn't big enough to warrant those extra 8" of lengthened platform RWD executive hauling power. We'll live. In the meantime, we'll have more over the next four hours after we get a chance to snag dinner with Hyundai's Vice Chairman & CEO D.J. Kim. We hear he spins the records right-round. Also yes, after this post, we're assuming Hyundai probably won't be inviting me back.

Though the SX4 has a rather small footprint, the tall greenhouse and folding seats mean that it can hold all the active lifestyle accouterment we brought along, plus Jane and her fiance Kevin. I should clarify here, my gear was a pair of hiking boots, a camera and a cooler full of sandwiches. Their gear included two bikes, bike accessories, helmets, cleaning supplies, assorted hiking gear and another cooler full of snacks (biking burns calories). The SX4 swallowed all of this without too much Tetris, though Kevin was staring down a set of handle bars for the long drive out to the Palos Forest Preserve southwest of town.

When we got to the biking staging area we found some other, intense looking bikers and their assorted E-series vans, Saab wagons, WRX's and even an Aveo with a roof rack, thereby blowing a hole in my theory that only high school girl's drive Aveos as their first car. According to the Chicago Area Mountain Bikers site, Palos is the "grand daddy of the trail systems available in Chicago... The area has hills, rolling widetrack, tight twisty singletrack, climbs, fast descents and plenty more to keep you satisfied for hours." And this beats a Howard Hawks film festival how?

After unpacking the bikes and assembling them, we stopped to setup for some pictures. My conception of what you wear for an outdoor adventure was a little different from what they actually wear, as you can see from the picture above. I quickly changed back into my normal normal clothing and left them to their off road fun. For me, the fun was to be had on the roads.

This is where the SX4 abandons all the pretense contained in the black plastic wheel arches, metal-look skidplates and fog lights. The roads running through and around the forest preserve include a surprisingly engaging mix of gravely uphill curves, downhill straights and even a few esses that make you wonder why anyone gets out of their cars. Maybe because they aren't driving something as fun as the SX4.

The car simply drives with more poise than any vehicle in this class should. This particular model featured Suzuki's three-mode intelligent AWD system, which offers the option to send all the power to the front wheels, to all wheels on demand or to lock the transfer case into a full 50/50 split. I kept it keyed into the auto mode and found you had to push the SX4 hard into a corner before significant power was transferred rearward, giving the little hatch enough energy to propel it into the next straightway.

While Kevin and Jane attempted to find the limits of their abilities I tried to find the limits of the SX4 and was pleased to discover that this was a difficult task. There's not much noticeable roll when guiding what is essentially a tall wagon around the turns. The suspension is aggressively tuned for a small economy car that competes with Scions, but the ride isn't overly harsh. If there's one obvious complaint it's that the all-black, unadorned shifter looks like it's been taken out of the bargain bin at a Boy's Town sex shop, but the easy clutch action means you're not likely to be staring at it long.

In the lower gears there's a steady stream of manageable power to be had from the 2.0-liter, DOHC fourbanger, which puts out 143 horsepower and 136 lb/ft of torque. Though you may not want to race for pinks at your local drag strip, there's enough oompf left to keep you entertained in all but the longest straights. And entertained you'll be. All of a sudden I looked at the clock in the smartly designed info strip above the center console and realized I had to get back from, well, I wasn't sure where I was at this point. Thankfully, Kevin had packed an extra trail map for me and I was able to work my way back to the original staging area.

When I got there, Kevin jokingly asked if I'd like to "actually see nature" by going for a short hike. I agreed, not knowing a short hike meant more than an hour, and we loaded the gear back into the Suzuki. Here's where the SX4 really shines as an "outdoor lifestyle" vehicle. The ergonomic interior doesn't merely store all of our stuff, it manages to do so without getting damaged. The seats tumble all the way forward and the synthetic seat covers and interior plastics take a lot of abuse without damage, leaving every scrape and chunk of dirt to be easily wiped out.

The bikes once again stowed, we headed out for this "nature" everyone talks about. Though the hiking trails are varied enough to be entertaining and open up to a shallow lake rimmed by striking green grassland, I couldn't help but wish I was back on the road. That says a lot for this vehicle considering its fully-loaded test price is less than $17,000.

Though the SX4 does have its shortcomings, most strikingly the amount of cabin noise you're subjected to as the engine whines above 80 mph, you'd be hard-pressed to find another new vehicle for this price that not only gets you to your "off the beaten path" adventure, but makes getting there the fun part.

Imagine my excitement, driving to Lee Johnson Chevrolet's 75th Anniversary Car Show, coming around the bend and laying eyes upon a confusing yet rousing and mystical sight. They lined the cars up on the front row by the street?? That's more then I expected! 30's to late 60's Chevys braving the elements (rain in Seattle? NEVER!) and showing off their wax jobs. Not by the usual standard of bling and shine, but here it's a measure of your water beads! There were about 32 cars in all, members of the three North Western chapters of the VCCA (Vintage Chevrolet Club of America).

Most were unhappy about the rain but as a conversation went:
Me: "I'm amazed and excited that the cars are still out! In SoCal, it clouds up and everyone scatters like cockroaches!!"
VCCA member: "Well if we did that, there wouldn't be any cars shows!"

Thanks for the bravery!

Car notes:
Nova 400 Conv. sadly no 400 in it... BOO!! flat 6 with 180HP I believe
75 Caprice had a real 400 with a Malaise 150HP.... HOW was that all the power it had? Sad, but the car looked so cruisable!
53 Vette is number 125 of only 300 made

[via CarDomain]

The friendly photogs at KGP have a heavily-concealed scoop for us today on yet another product out of Dearborn with re-designed sheetmetal — the 2010 Ford Fusion. It looks like it'll be getting the same treatment it's bigger brother, the 2010 Ford Taurus, will receive — twin bar up top and honeycombed mesh over the lower air intake. Here's the details from our spy photo-snapping friends:

Ford engineers in a prototype for the 2010 Ford Fusion hit the road with its normal grille-covering camouflage removed. Our sole shot is not definitive by any means, but it does give us our clearest look yet at the next Fusion's new mug. It appears that the three-bar grille pioneered by the first Fusion will be jettisoned in favor of a two-bar upper grille design, with a new large honey-comb mesh treatment to the lower air-intake. Additional mesh intakes reside wide at the corners of the front bumper.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: Yes
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
• Infiniti G37 Coupe
• Nissan 350Z
• Honda S2000
• Ford Mustang
• A really nice used 93-95 RX-7; they're gorgeous
• Audi A5

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Mazda
• Model tested: RX-8 40th Anniversary Edition
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $31,370
• Price as Tested: $32, 594
• Engine type: 1.3 liter rotary
• Horsepower: 232
• Torque: 159 lb-ft
• Redline: 9000 RPM
• Transmission: six-speed manual
• Curb Weight: 1.015 Ferrari Enzos (3,053 lb.)
• LxWxH: 174.3" x 69.7" x 52.8"
• Wheelbase: 106.4"
• Tires: 225/45 R18
• Drive type: RWD
• 0 - 60 mph: 6.6 seconds
• 1/4-mile: 15.1 seconds
• Top speed: N/A
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 16/22 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

Also see:

• 2008 Mazda RX-8, Part One

• 2008 Mazda RX-8, Part Two

For Mustang-loving fan boys, we're thinking the above first glimpse of the headlight design on the 2010 Ford Mustang is the equivalent of a celeb crotch-shot. So what can we tell from this new spy photo from KGP? Well, it looks like — well — like nothing Giugiaro made. Full report from the sneaky spies of KGP below.

We just caught our first uncovered look at the headlight design destined for the 2010 Mustang. Past prototypes have hinted at a little chrome trim residing behind the headlight camouflage, and now we can see what was truly lurking behind the disguise. While the overall grille layout still appears to take some inspiration from the Giugiaro Mustang concept, it's now clear that the headlights are going their own, retro way.

Acceleration:**
Thank the Lord this was the 232 horsepower version (both motors have the same 159 ft/lb torque rating) of the RX-8, because it needs it all. Serious tail-twisting mechanical Wankelry is required to make time in this car, and it's a dog in traffic. On the numbers it might earn a third star, but persuading it to do so is more hard work than it should be.

Braking:****
Very nice. Precise, smooth, lets you know exactly what's going on. And the calipers are plain old caliper-colored, despite recent attempts by automakers to turn them into some sort of jewelry-like accessory for your wheels. ABS shows up a bit earlier than many will appreciate.

Ride:****
Should be far worse than it is for as well as it handles. You 'll know it when there's bad pavement underneath you, but you won't worry about it too much.

Handling:*****
Outstanding, gorgeous, superlative, predictable, and lots of fun. Whether you decide to steer with your hands or your right foot, this car will do exactly what you want all day. The RX-8 is a rather light car to begin with, but once it's in a groove it seems to drop about 500 pounds. A real hero-maker.

Gearbox:**
Look, our car may be an anomaly, as many RX-8 owners love their 5- and 6-speeds, but this Aisin/Mazda co-manufactured gearbox was kind of a chore. Short throws aren't much of an advantage when you feel you need a home-run swing to select the next gear.

Audio:****
Nine Bose speakers with 300 watts behind them and a fairly intuitive button cluster. Very good sound, but no MP3 player hookup.

Toys:***
The 40th Anniversary Edition comes with just the normal stuff standard, like heated seats and Homelink and so on, although it's very well-executed normal stuff. But don't forget, it has fratricide —er, Free Style doors, if those count. We think they do.

Value:***
If you want one of these, it's worth it—What else is like it? However, at $32,594, you might opt for, say, the 350z or the G37 with their increased torque and normalcy, not to mention far better fuel economy.

Overall: ****
There's no denying the RX-8 is a lot of quirk and a lot of work. But this lovable oddball has charisma by the bucketload, even if you do need bucketloads of patience, good humor, and gasoline to live with it every day. Plus more than a few pails of high-quality synthetic oil. But even with all that, I'd own an RX-8 in a second. Maybe it's because I'm a dedicated oddball and a sucker for a light, agile, fairly unique car. Maybe that should worry me, but to hell with it — I'm not yet too old to believe that lots of good moves and a few big laughs just might make up for a little drinking problem.

Also see:

• 2008 Mazda RX-8, Part One

"This Hemi is most definitely not shy or watered down. But what surprised us the most about the Challenger SRT8 was its civility. Power is abundant, but never to the point that we couldn't rein her in. Our two-hour highway drive home from Willow Springs was quiet and smooth—characteristics more akin to a grand touring car than a muscle car. The only things we miss are a more vocal exhaust note and a manual gearbox, the latter of which will be available in the fall of 2009. "

"After flogging the 2008 SRT8 on the track and driving home in insulated comfort, we can safely say that the Challenger ain't what it used to be—it's a whole lot better."