The Concept: Film a two-minute or less short about why you're the most Jalopnik of them all. We'll be running a few of these contests as we've got a sizable stockpile of goodies to go around, so we'll keep this one hugely open-ended. Do whatever you like: Show us your car. Show us your pile of vintage. Keep it light, keep it interesting. Hoonage is highly regarded, but we're not responsible for any pain or damage you bring upon yourself.

The Judging: In the same vein of many of the college film contests, this is a very short deadline project. You've got 'til Sunday, March 22nd at Midnight to submit your video. Videos need to be submitted to YouTube.com with the tag "JalopnikContest1". Videos not conforming to this policy won't be accepted as we won't be able to find them. Optional: If you think you're really hot shit, you can submit your video link and a short blurb explaining why your clip is especially good to Didorosi@Jalopnik.com with precisely the subject line: "Jalopnik Video Submission: I'm In With You Like Brown On A Cow" We'll nominate our favorite videos and post five clips for one stage of voting. The winner of the voting earns the prize! What's the prize, you ask? Well...

The Prize: One quart of official Roush Full Synthetic engine oil signed by Jack Roush! Winners will get their choice of tasty 5W-20 or 5W-30 weight oil, Sharpie-signed by the short, hatted racer himself. You can't buy this kind of merch, folks. Sit this shiny silver quart on your speedshop's shelf in pride as it unleashes the fury and precision of American craftsmanship onto all that you build under it's watchful eye. We'll also publicly declare the winner with an article featuring their video, so fame and glory is definitely on the table. After we run three video contests, we're likely to have a championship competition between the three winners; so think of this as edging your way into the semi-finals.

The Rules: Standard contest rules apply. If you're posting straight to YouTube, make sure to include your Jalopnik username in the description, or we won't know who we're giving the prize. We reserve the right to use your likeness in all posted videos and may post them to our site at anytime. After we announce a winner, the prize will be shipped cheapest possible option straight to a continental address of your choosing. Don't discount the carrier pigeon choice - those guys work cheap.

Get out there, have at it. Happy filming!

Rather than just bring the US a Euro-styled Polo, which has come a long way in 35 years, Volkswagen of America CEO Stefan Jacoby believes we're all much too obese. Therefore, they're building us a bigger, more roomy set of Polos. Both will take dead aim at the Honda FIt and try to fill the $13K to $15K price-point below the Rabbit.

[Automotive News via AutoBlog]

2009 NISSAN CUBE SET FOR SPRING U.S. DEBUT; NEW ENTRY-LEVEL COMPACT COMBINES FASHION WITH FUNCTIONALITY – Small But Substantial, Spirited But Economical, All-New Third Generation Cube's Asymmetrical Design and Lounge-Style Interior Provide Unexpected Charm and Utility – Huey Lewis once sang "It's hip to be square." Few believed him. Mathletes wax poetic about the superior geometric efficiencies of a cube in terms of volume v. surface area. And get little respect. Cavemen discovered that a round stone rolls better than a square one. And, as a consequence, gave birth to the traffic jam. In 1998, Nissan introduced the original Cube, an aptly named box-on-wheels, to minor consumer interest. Perhaps, like homo erectus, the Cube was simply ahead of its time. But times change, and so did the Cube. In 2002, an all-new second generation Nissan Cube was introduced in the Japanese market. More spacious inside, more glass outside, more power under the hood and, more importantly, a few more angles and curved surface details added to its compact, slab-sided exterior. Quintessentially Japanese, this new Cube took Tokyo by storm. A pocket-sized fun-and-function cocktail mixing the charm of Godzilla and the wit of Mothra, buyers were smitten. And so, it turns out, Huey was right after all. Like the Nissan GT-R before it, the Nissan Cube soon found an audience outside of Japan – not in person, but through its exposure in fashion and automotive magazines, videos and on the Web. Reboot to today, more than 10 years since its original appearance, and the Nissan Cube is ready to meet the world in person, coming to America in spring 2009 in an all-new, dramatically rethought third generation design that is clever, quirky, witty, fun and uniquely functional. And still totally square. More than just unique geometry, however, the new 2009 Nissan Cube is also conceived as a totally different take on an automobile – a car that doesn't want to be defined as car. "With its unique blend of fashion and function, Cube imagines a life less ordinary," said Al Castignetti, vice president, Sales, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "Cube is as much of a Mobile Device as it is an automobile, something that enhances life like people's digital devices do. Cube is a vehicle that people of all ages can fall in love with, even when they don't love cars." Evocative Yet Rational Though its uniquely styled, asymmetrical body makes a standout statement against the backdrop of today's look-alike entry-level vehicles, Cube presents a range of strong rational arguments for purchase as well. Along with its projected fuel economy of over 30 mph Highway (equipped with the CVT transmission, actual EPA estimates not available at this time), Cube offers an alphabet of standard safety equipment – including an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six air bags (including front, side and curtain supplemental air bags) and front seat Active Head Restraints. "The new Nissan Cube is not, by any measure, a pure ‘youth car,' though it especially meets the needs of young adults' lives in the sense that it is social, expressive and practical," said Castignetti. "And like many entry-level vehicles, Cube will be purchased by young consumers with the help or influence of their parents. We believe the combination of value, fuel economy and safety will be especially reassuring to parents involved in such decisions." A "Bulldog in Sunglasses" The all-new 2009 Nissan Cube builds on the previous generation Cube's non-traditional design with an improved stance and an added sense of dynamic movement. With Cube's long wheelbase relative to its overall length (a 99.6-inch wheelbase against a 156.7-inch overall length) and wide track, the wheels, in effect, are pushed out to each corner – providing exceptional space utilization and a confident-looking stance that has been compared to a "bulldog in sunglasses." "The designers, engineers and planners' effort and passion in creating the next generation Cube was unheard of – perhaps only exceeded in recent memory by that of the Nissan GT-R development team," said Castignetti. "They were constantly drawing, cartooning, adding thoughts and ideas, which is how the image of the bulldog emerged and evolved. This was not a traditional development process." Along with its stance, the "incognito canine" look is aided by the wide headlights and grille treatment, the small but substantial body proportions and the short "tail" section. In the rear, the bar-type taillights reinforce the wide, anchored feel. The Cube's creators also sought to maintain a sense of "pure design," reducing the number of character lines to give simplicity and freshness to the styling. Another unique aspect of the Cube's exterior is the greenhouse. The A-pillars are positioned far outward and relatively upright, giving a wider range of forward visibility. The front door windows utilize a "photo frame" design patterned after a personal photo frame, while the asymmetrical wraparound side/rear window creates enhanced rear diagonal visibility for lane changes and reverse parking. "The ‘geometric circle shape in the square' rear window is Cube's signature," said Castignetti. "Though there are D-pillars on both sides of the Cube, the visual effect of the narrower passenger-side pillar is quite remarkable in the overall appearance, a look aided by the asymmetrical back door." Unlike typical top-hinged or clamshell-style utility rear doors, Cube features an easy-access refrigerator-style opening, which makes it possible to open or close it even if parked tight against other cars in parallel parking spaces or when backed in against a wall or other obstacle. The back door opens fully when space allows for loading groceries, luggage or large-sized objects – or to a limited-access position (about eight inches) when space is restricted for retrieving or loading a backpack or other small objects. The one-hand door handle operation is designed for easy use, even while carrying things in the other hand or arm. The 2009 Nissan Cube is available in eight mild-to-wild exterior colors: Chrome Silver, Steel Grey, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black and White Pearl. A "Casual Lounge" Interior The centerpiece of the new Cube's universal appeal is its "social space" – the surprisingly roomy interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort. "Cube is not wasteful in terms of its footprint, carbon or physical. It creates a third space, in addition to home and school, for interacting with friends. It's a space that is highly changeable and adaptable to owners evolving lives, with plenty of room for personalization," said Castignetti. Cube's clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space was conceived with a "Jacuzzi Curve" layout and "floating meter pod" driver's area. It combines "casual lounge"-style passenger seating with a relaxed driving experience. The interactive interior is anchored by its curve-themed architecture, such as the subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, armrests and the iconic circular/oval shapes of elements ranging from air conditioning vents, door pulls and climate controls. The comfortable Cube seating includes 6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger's seat, along with a "lounge sofa" style sliding rear bench seat. The reclining rear seat can be adjusted to three positions – full rearward (providing ample legroom), mid-position (3.9 inches forward) or front position (6.0 inches forward). The rear seat also is positioned higher than the front seats, theater style, enhancing rear passenger comfort and visibility. "In some ways, the Cube is like the big cardboard appliance boxes you used to play in as a kid – they could be clubhouses, race cars, forts, whatever your mood and imagination wanted at the time," said Castignetti. "The new Cube's interior leaves room for imagination and personalization, yet also starts with a solid functional purpose." Stress-Free Driving, Room For Personalization Cube's stress-free driving experience is the result of a number of factors: an extremely tight 32.8-foot curb-to-curb turning radius, a tall seating position made possible by the tall body height, an extremely short hood "invisible length" (the area of the hood panel that the driver is unable to see) and the good rear visibility for parking and backing up. "Our studies show that one of the most stressful aspects for young or inexperienced drivers is parking, particularly parallel parking," said Castignetti. "Cube is extremely adaptable to parking environments in terms of its compact exterior dimensions, good visibility and easy steering." Other interior features include the "floating pod" instrument panel with asymmetrical light blue and white gauges, which are designed to make it easier to distinguish between the speedometer and the tachometer. The gauge needles "sweep" when the engine is started to add a sense of flair, while the gradation effect gives a natural ambience similar to the glow of the white moon and the blue earth. Sub-gauges are concentrated for enhanced visibility. The three-spoke steering wheel is available with leather wrapping and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Convenient storage spaces and cup/bottle holders are abundant throughout the Cube interior – including six cupholders (instrument panel, front center console and rear armrests) and five bottle holders (door panels and center console). There are also detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats, which can be moved from place to place – including the instrument panel and rear passenger doors. The "shelf expression" concept features two "shelves" located on top center and passenger side of the instrument panel. Not designed for holding objects when the Cube is in motion, they provide convenient spaces for placing keys, cell phones or digital music players when the vehicle is parked. The shelves can be personalized with accessory wood-like trim or shag carpeting. Cube's "Magic Rubber Bands," another clever Cube accessory item, are colorful rubber straps (red, yellow, orange or silver) that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps, nametags, photos, towels or small stuffed animals. "The interior concept is really about the Cube conforming to the users' needs, rather than the other way around – you can put your favorite items anywhere you want, not where the vehicle tells you to," said Castignetti. "The designers demanded that every aspect of the Cube interior be delightful, as well as functional." The Cube interior design also incorporates a series of subtle "Water Drop" concentric circles, inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water. The circles can be seen in items ranging from the roof headliner to the cupholders to the climate control design. A Wide Range of Available Features Cube's heating and cooling system provides quiet, efficient operation with easy to recognize and use knobs and switches. Other standard equipment offered on the 2009 Nissan Cube includes power windows with driver's side one-touch auto down feature, Remote Keyless Entry system, power door locks with auto-locking feature, variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear window wiper, rear window defroster with timer, cargo area courtesy light and hooks, 12-volt power outlet and adjustable front seat belt upper anchors. Available Cube technology features include Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six speakers, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Interface System for iPod® and a rear sonar system. The Cube interior is offered in two color environments, Wall Gray and Graphite. Wall Gray, available in a quilted suede-like fabric with special "natural wave" stitching only, is designed to create a relaxing contrast between the warm, light gray upholstery and warm off-black interior accents. The warm off-black Graphite interior, available in two cloth grades, provides a combination of relaxation and more traditional "driving enjoyment" attitude. "The Cube interior is a great example of how an inexpensive, high value vehicle can be done well – quality design, quality materials and the features and equipment that the user needs with room for personalization, rather than forced customization," said Castignetti. Unexpected Power and Driving Ease Just as Cube has its own unique take on styling and interior design, the engineering team took a fresh approach to performance – creating a vehicle that is easy to drive and easy to handle in traffic. The emphasis for Cube's performance credentials is squarely on fun-to-drive, rather than exhilaration. Cube combines an advanced 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder with a new-generation Nissan Xtronic CVTÔ (Continuously Variable Transmission) for good acceleration response, smooth operation and fuel efficiency. Torque is rated at 127 lb-ft. The MR18DE engine, also utilized in the popular Nissan Versa, is designed to be powerful and responsive, while also delivering excellent fuel economy. Fuel economy is projected to be over 30 miles per gallon Highway with the CVT transmission (actual EPA fuel economy unavailable at this time). The Xtronic CVT, unlike conventional stepped gear automatics, operates as essentially "one gear" through use of a belt and two pulleys. By infinitely varying the working diameters of the two pulleys, the transmission eliminates the "steps" between gears, resulting in a smoother, more efficient operation by keeping the engine in its optimum power range under a variety of driving and load conditions. Cube's new generation CVT adopts a new CVT oil warmer for enhanced warm-up performance in cold conditions (reducing friction). It also includes an advanced Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which detects the driving situation and style (economy, normal, sports) and communicates with the engine control – helping optimize both fuel economy and driving pleasure. The 2009 Cube is also offered with a 6-speed manual transmission with a new shift control system, triple cone synchronizers (1st and 2nd gear) and reverse synchronizer system. The 6-speed manual is available with Cube 1.8 and Cube 1.8 S models. "The Cube has a strong power-to-weight ratio, which combined with the advanced CVT, gives it a surprisingly spirited driving feel. Throw in the small turning radius, good outward visibility and the smooth suspension feel and you have the perfect formula for navigating through traffic with confidence and ease," said Castignetti. Cube's suspension combines an independent MacPherson strut front design with stabilizer bar with a torsion beam rear with integrated stabilizer bar. Its comfortable, flat ride is a result, in part, of the "Ripple Control" shock absorbers and the high body stiffness. Other standard equipment includes vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power-assisted steering, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes and 15-inch wheels with P195/60R15 tires. Cube's long list of standard safety features includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), seat-mounted driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. Cube also offers standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Three Well-Equipped Models The 2009 Nissan Cube is offered in three well-equipped models: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL. A full range of dealer accessories allows buyers to expand their Cube world with items such as an illumination kit with 20 selectable colors, illuminated kick plates, rear cargo organizer, pet blankets, wheels, aero kits and more. "We know that self-expression is important to many potential Cube buyers, so we've provided the room and accessorize to help with personalization," said Castignetti. "However, Cube is far from a blank or empty canvas that buyers must equip on their own. Cube is a different kind of box than other vehicles on the market, with an abundance of personality right off the assembly line." Smart Simplicity "Economical, affordable, functional and adaptable, the 2009 Nissan Cube offers an unmatched sense of ‘smart simplicity.' It builds on a Cube DNA of distinctive spirit and non-automotive style, and adds an enhanced level of humanistic charm and clever design," said Castignetti. "If cars could talk, Cube would be likely to say, ‘Nice to meet you.' Come this spring, America gets its chance."

INTERNATIONAL MaxxPrO™ MaxxPro,™ the International® Mine Protected Vehicle. Built to withstand ballistic arms fire, mineblasts, IEDs, and nuclear, biological, and chemical environments that threaten the safety of its crew. Armoring flexibility allows upgrades to achieve the correct level of protection the mission requires. And International's proven severe service platform means quality, durability and reliability are on the battlefield. The International MPV. Miles Ahead. In protection and progress.

MaxxPro and Maxxpro XL Basic Specifications
Length: 254"- 282"
Width: 99"
Height: 120"
Wheel Base: 153"- 176"
Ground Clearance (Center of Vehicle): 14"
Ground Clearance (Differential Clearance): 11"
Angle of Approach: 58°
Angle of Departure: 46°- 48°
Gradeability: 70% low range
Side Slope: 30%
Mass Tare (GVM): 27,850-29,850 lbs
Payload: 3,650-11,150 lbs
GVWR: 31,500-41,000 lbs
Seating: 2-man crew plus 4-10 passengers
Configuration: 4 x 4
Turning Circle: 58'-68'
protection levels
Ballistic Protection: Armor and glass protection to meet mission needs
Mine Protection: Specialized 'V'-shaped hull design protects against mine/IED blasts
Engine
Make: International® I6 Diesel
Type: Turbo inter-cooled, direct electronic injection, four stroke
Displacement: 8.7 L (530 ci)
Emission Standard: EPA 2005
Maximum Power: 330 hp @ 2,100 rpm
Power/Mass Ratio: 18.9 - 20 hp/US ton
Maximum Torque: 1,150 ft-lbs @ 2,100 rpm
Batteries: 4 x 12-volt Batteries
Alternator: 400 amps
Other Features:
• Blackout lights
• Diamond Logic® Electrical System
Transmission
Make: Allison 3000
Type: 5-Speed Automatic
Trans fer Case
Make: 4 x 4 Two-Speed
Steering System
Steering Type: Hydraulically assisted recirculating ball axles
Front Axle: 16,000 lbs - 20,000 lbs Drive/Steer
Rear Axle: 21,000 lbs - 23,000 lbs Drive
Suspension
Springs: Semi-elliptical leaf springs
Shock Absorbers: Double acting telescopic hydraulic
Service Brakes: Full air brakes with ABS and traction control
Parking Brakes: Air-activated, hand-operated, rear axle brakes
Fording Depth: 36" without preparation
Wheels and tires
Rims: 10" x 20"
Tires: 395/85R20
Run Flats: optional

Our new buddy Will happened on an Opel party somewhere in the Golden State, where a group of classic Opel GT owners got to eyeball GM's Germanic B-car, the Astra — in hatch and retractable hardtop versions. As you know already, the Astra will be coming to the US as an entry-level Saturn sometime later this year.

Well, dunno what happened. It was only a one-day gig. they had a meeting of "classic" Opel GT owners (who knew??) there this am, and then this pm, they loaded the new Opels onto the transporters. I asked the truck drivers "where to?" and they said "San Diego" I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Related:
Shocker! Opel Astra Officially Saturnized for '08! [internal]

According to Edmunds Inside Line, Japanese buyers are more interested in their tiny little keicars than the much larger Mitsubishi Lancer, a car that wouldn't even crack midsize in the states. As such, the company will introduce the redesigned Lancer in the US before it's launched in Japan — which, among Japanese automakers, happens as frequently as the Year of the Parakeet. In fact, the 2008 Lancer will arrive in the US in mid-2007, six months before the Japanese model comes out late in the year. The move underscores the new Lancer's status as a hail-mary pass — into a charging herd of Buffalo.

U.S. Will Be First To Get New Mitsubishi Lancer [Edmunds]

Related:
Caught On Tape: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Spy Video [internal]

A first glance at the monthly lease payments members are making may make you wonder whether your Congressman (or woman) has even the slightest clue about how to "deal" with a car salesperson. The Freep definitely is pushing the populist shtick by merely providing the monthly cost for the lease. The problem highlighted to me by two house offices we spoke with this morning is a bit more nuanced than the Freep leads you to believe...

The problem is that the rules of the US Congress allow members and their staff to be reimbursed $0.405 per mile. And as was pointed out to me by a staffer of a member not mentioned in the story:

"We have a reimbursement rate of $0.405 per mile for members and staff when they drive their own car, and my member drives around 4,300 miles a month. In one month, if we were to reimburse, taxpayers would be footing the bill for just over $1,700. It just makes sense to lease these vehicles...the bigger problem is that Congress shouldn't be paying that much per mile in reimbursement. If the leadership were to pass a reduction in that rate or reimbursement it would lower the incentive to lease and increase the incentive for members to use their own vehicles."

It makes it easy to lease a vehicle at a reasonable price when you're looking at putting 1,000 miles or less per month on your car. It's not so easy when you're putting 4,000 or more miles per month on your car. In addition, because leadership in Congress aren't willing to drop the reimbursement rate, they are forced to either inefficiently use their own car or inefficiently lease their a car. Gotta love the US government.

Public pays millions for lawmaker car leases [Freep]

Related:
What Would Walter Preston Brownlow Drive? Leased Cars of the US Congress [internal]

DaimlerChrysler CEO, Dieter "Funke" Zetsche told German business newspaper Handelsblatt that, more likely than not, the company will launch the Smart brand in the US. Despite that the DCX division is more upside-down than Ernest Borgnine in "The Poseidon Adventure," Zetsche told Switzerland's am Sonntag he's looking to make the company "as profitable as BMW." That likely means all is well in the design stages for the new Smart car to meet the next generation of US crash regulations without breaking loose of its already slim profit margins. Either that or Dr. Z has a 3-Series up his sleeve.

DaimlerChrysler mulls launching Smart car in US [Forbes]

Related:
More on Smart [internal]

With the Dodge Caliber on its way down the pike, it's fitting that American Car Fans would uncover some spy shots of its badge-engineering mate, the Jeep Compass. Taken during cold-weather testing in Northern Europe, the shots indicate a vehicle similar to the concept unveiled in Frankfurt last September — albeit dressed in its finest leather-daddy attire. Production of the four-banging front/all-wheel-drive crossover (Trail Rated, huh?) will reportedly begin in mid-2006 for the 2007 model year.

Jeep Compass Spy Photos [American Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Jeep Compass; Frankfurt Premiere: Jeep Patriot and Compass Concepts; First Calibers Roll Off the Line [internal]

A zen koan for you: What is news about no news? A DCX official said the company won't decide whether or not to build a Smart car for the US market before sometime next year. In the meantime, a team of business strategists will finish reviewing Smart's sales and marketing network, and the company will likely develop a new ForTwo model that meets US emissions and crash-test worthiness standards. Just in case. [Thanks to Robin for the tip (or is that non-tip?).]

No decision till '06 on U.S. Smart cars [CNN]

Related:
Funke, Tobias Funke: Zetche Gets a Send-Off From Connery, Mulls smart Future in US [internal]

Why you should buy this car: For a commodious family four-door, the Fusion s priced right, undercutting its rivals by some margin. (Depreciation is another matter.) The Fusion s also a bit of a handler, both nimble and tenacious through the twisties.

Why you shouldn t buy this car: If you want to drive a rental car, why not rent one?

Suitability Parameters:
· Manufacturer: FoMoCo
· 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: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals
· Model tested: Fusion SEL
· Model year: 2006
· Price as Tested: $22,360
· Engine type: 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6
· Horsepower: 221hp @ 6,250 rpm
· Torque: 205 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
· Redline: 6550 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: P205/60TR16 on 16 x 6.5-inch steel wheels
· Drive type: front wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 7.5 secs
· 1/4 mile: 16.2 secs.
· Top speed: better you than me
· Fuel economy city/highway: 21/29
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 4/TBR/4

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Ford Fusion, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Exterior Design: **
The Fusion s three-bar front grill takes us to Infiniti and that s it. The Fusion s sharp, Caddy-like fender creases are distinctly dissonant, as are the oversized (and inexplicably clear) rear lamps. The rest of the car also goes meekly where a bunch of other manufacturers have gone before, creating a design farrago that s about as organic as Cheez Whiz.

Acceleration: ****
Ye Olde Duratec gets a freshening for this application: dual overhead camshafts with intake variable cam timing (iVCT). The result delivers a satisfying amount of punch (221 hp) and a healthy amount of poke (205 ft.-lbs. of torque), but you still get the same old rough, gruff, whiney sounds under throttle (described by Ford as a velvety, sophisticated exhaust note ).

Braking ****
No complaints here, save the fact that the binders get a bit squidgy after repeated hard use.

Ride ****
It s a bit weird to experience something very much akin to road feel in a mass market mid-sized Ford, but there it is. We celebrate the Blue Oval s decision to sacrifice plushosity on the altar of body control.

Handling *****
Ford s got this one wired. The Fusion is a front-driver that steadfastly refuses to understeer or succumb to pitch or roll — unless you do something very, very naughty. Thank you notes go to the multi-link rear suspension (that works like a double wishbone) and the front s double ball-joint lower control arm and coil-over-shocks (which places the kingpin axis further outboard than a conventional McPherson strut, helpfully enough). We d like a little more heft through the helm, but what the Hell.

Gearbox ***
The class-first six-speed cog-swapper is smooth enough, but it s geared for highway economy with a vengeance. The autobox s complete inability to motivate the horses for highway passing power (without resorting to a vicious kickdown in the sides) strangles two stars at birth.

Audio/Video *
By equipping its entire fleet with the exact same ICE and HVAC controls — whose look, feel and operation seem carefully designed to deny drivers the slightest hint of sensual satisfaction — Fords dashboards will always seem irredeemably cheap, not matter what inputs are offered or sounds emitted. The Fusion is no exception.

Toys *
The analog clock is easy to set.

Trunk *****
The aforementioned rear suspension set-up eliminates the need for cargo killing shock towers. All that s left is space, and plenty of it.

Overall ***
[by Robert Farago]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Ford Fusion, Part 1 [internal]

Ford s attempt to regain its place atop the sales charts is looking more and more like the scientific pursuit of cold fusion. Theoretically, The Blue Oval Boys should be able to screw together a nice car for a reasonable price and then sell it to the millions of US car buyers whose automotive aspirations never reach higher than nice and reasonable. But The Blue Oval seems to share chemist Stanley Pons inability to turn theory into reality. I reckon that's because Ford can t get control of the mission-critical variables.

The Fusion s V6 powerplant is a good example. It's a peppy little unit (221hp) with plenty of torque and admirable mileage (21/29). And yet the Fusion's six is a gruff-sounding mill whose whine serves a constant reminder that refinement wasn t job one. By the same token, the Fusion s six-speed autobox is a class-first, yet it s not first-class. At highway velocities, its reluctance to deliver in-gear shove, or kickdown to produce same, makes passing situations more problematic an eighth grader's first dance.

The Fusion s interior fails at the final furlong. On one hand, the fit and finish give nothing away to Ford's foreign rivals. The car holsters four proper adults without fear or favor. The main gauges are simple, elegant and ergonomic. But... the Fusion s cabin is a spizzarkle-free zone. Every detail- from its unremittingly generic ICE and HVAC switchgear to the rhino-skin steering wheel- seems carefully crafted to withstand a Hertz hammering. In a world where a Civic sedan s cabin evokes the spirit of a Jedi knight, Ford s yeoman effort (as witnessed by its undamped top box) doesn t cut it.

From an exterior perspective, it s Fusion by name, Fusion by nature. The sedan's snout boldly goes where Infiniti (and the BIC disposable razor) have gone before. Cadillac called; they want their creases back. Honda s on Line 2; they re OK with the rear crib. And that nice gentleman from Audi s here; he wants to write a profile. Of course, you can t expect a mainstream Ford to shock and awe like the GT, or seduce with the lyricism of a Mustang GT; only why the Hell not?

On the road, the Fusion makes a more complete and compelling case for itself. Ford s family four-door/rental fleet mainstay may be a model cycle behind the competition, but Mr. Bill s chassis gurus have, at least, kept their newest mid-size contender at the forefront in the ride and handling department. The Fusion is harsh but fair over bumps and astonishingly nimble around corners. Body roll is suppressed like enemy fire during a napalm attack. During major flingage, the Gods of Understeer are appeased for a great deal longer than you d expect. If you sneak-up on serious speed (avoiding torque steer stomps), the Fusion is willing to have a proper go.

Still, flogging a Fusion is a curiously joyless process that reflects a certain grim determination all round. It s as if the Fusion was designed using a reverse-engineered checklist, based on a Toyota Corolla. While there s nothing particularly wrong with the perfectly priced Fusion, like its stable mates, it doesn t have the X-factor needed to rise above the category "more-than-merely-adequate everyday transportation." Does this mean Ford has lost its MOR mojo? The Fusion puts the theory to the test. [by Robert Farago]

Related:
Ford Announces Fusion Pricing: Undercuts Rivals [internal]

With GM announcing that its plant closures will most definitely include Saturn's Spring Hill, Tennessee facility Saturnites are worried for the future of their brand. The Spring Hill plant is 7 million square feet and currently produces only the VUE compact SUV, which is due for a replacement in 2007. Does the end of Spring Hill — the revolutionary plant from which Saturn was born — mean the end of Saturn, or will a raft of rebadged models remake the brand? Take our latest poll after the jump. [Update: Just to clarify, Spring Hill line #1 is closing — that means no more plastic-coated Saturn ION. Following a renovation, the plant will go from a devoted Saturn facility to a general GM plant.]

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To awkwardly paraphrase the retail pizza industry, you've seen all the rest, now see the biggest. The Car Connection has a bunch of shots featuring the newest release among GM's GMT-900 full-sized trucks for 2007, the Chevrolet Suburban, clad in a typical leather bustier and chaps. It pretty much looks like you'd expect it to, having already seen its Tahoe sibling, so we won't mind if you don't even bother to click through. But go ahead, we know you can't resist.

Spy Shots: 07 Chevrolet Suburban [The Car Connection]

Related:
GM Reveals New Chevrolet Tahoe [internal]

Cadillac has at last revealed the royal card in its hand of redesigned GMT-900 SUVs — the Cadillac Escalade. Here in the high-margin upper reaches of the market is where GM hopes the new models' refinement will pay off. The Escalade is easily the most appealing of the new trucks, sporting a post-bling understatement that's striking, considering the last-generation Circus-Circus wagon had as much sophistication as the all-you-can-eat buffet at Trump Taj Mahal. The standard 6.2-liter aluminum V8 offers 403hp of fuck-you power and 417 ft.-lbs of fuck-me torque. It'll be available in early 2006. More pics and specs after the jump. [Update: More photos]

· 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 with VVT rated at 403 hp (301 kw)*
· Six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 transmission with Driver Shift Control (tap up/tap down) capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts with a button on the column shifter
· Stronger frame chassis with responsive coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering
· Standard roof-mounted head curtain side air bags and StabiliTrak stability control system with new rollover mitigation technology
· New radio family, including available navigation radio with touch-screen controls
· Factory-installed 22-inch chrome wheels, climate-controlled front seats, power fold-and-tumble second-row seats, remote start, power articulating running boards, power liftgate and IntelliBeam headlamps
· Enhanced four-wheel disc brake system
· Improved fuel economy

Related:
Don't Tease Me, Escalade [internal]

We're hoping the upcoming Ford Edge crossover will come standard with that big red button on the dash, and hopefully it'll be labeled "DO NOT PRESS." Still, the Mazda6-based Fordie — due in late '06 — looks decently swank on the inside, at least in upmarket leather trim, and we're still waiting to rev out the new, 245hp, 3.5-liter V6 on the front/all-wheel driver. Of course, we'll have to handcuff our hands to the seat backs to keep from pressing that button.

Ford Edge Interior Spy Photos [MPH]

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford Edge Crossover; Spy Photos: 2007 Lincoln Aviator; Ford Releases Shot of New Lincoln Aviator [internal]

Far from laying it on us with a straight shot, these teaser images of Cadillac's new GMT-900 Escalade for 2007 could be just about any slab-sided SUV this side of a Land Rover Explorer H3 (but for the barely visible "DE" of the door badge). Still, the Escalade is definitely the most anticipated of GM's new trucks so we can forgive a bit of pre-market tweaking. But only a little.

Two new teaser images show 2007 Cadillac Escalade [Leftlane News]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade; GM Reveals New Chevrolet Tahoe; GM Reveals New GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali [internal]