10. Nissan GT-R

It's not hard to appreciate the 2009 Nissan GT-R. Unlike almost anything on the road, this latest iteration of the famous Japanese supercar not only outperforms many of its pricier competitors, it also offers a look that's both familiar and fresh. The aggressive front and strong profile makes no secret of the GT-R's ability.

9. Mitsuoka Galue Convertible

Whereas the strange-in-the-wrong-way Orochi from Mitsuoka may be one of the ugliest cars in the world, the Mitsuoka Galue Convertible is very much strange in the right way. Based on the current-generation Ford Mustang, the carriagemakers at Mitsuoka have crafted on the front from a Rolls Royce and the rear from a CTS. It's strange, but we can't help but love it. [Photo Credit: Carscoop]

8. Nissan Teana

While the current Nissan Altima isn't unattractive, the car's Japanese cousin is downright becoming. The sedan's elongated proportions and sweeping lines are distinctly European, while the sharp headlights and large grille are particularly Nissan. Let's hope this is the direction they're going to take American Nissans sometime soon.

7. Honda S2000 Type S

As much as we like the base Honda S2000, the S2000 Type S takes the modest and becoming sports car and adds a dash of Super Potential to the equation. Though some may fault it for its large wing and aggressive ground effects, these bits not only add aerodynamic function to the S2000, they also add much needed teeth. If you've got a hankering for one, the Honda S2000 CR is fairly similar.

6. Mazda RX-8

A minor refresh this year hasn't changed the fact that the Mazda RX-8 design is getting a bit long in the tooth. Nevertheless, the RX-8 is still a head-turner. A mixture of rotary-inspired shapes and exotic details, it's a car that only Mazda could design. One of the best-looking rear 3/4 views of any GT, we're glad those rad rotarians finally added a front to match with the 2009 RX-8.

5. Daihatsu Copen

One of the favorites among Kei Car enthusiasts, the tiny Copen from Daihatsu may not be the most powerful car on the list (in fact, it's the least powerful) but it's undeniably the cutest. In the tradition of tiny roadsters, the Copen looks like something fun a British company like MG would build if British carmakers like MG weren't all owned by the Chinese and Indians. It's proof that good things do sometimes come in small packages.

4. Toyota Century

A love for the Toyota Century is a love for a car that personifies understated luxury. Way understated. The only front-engined, RWD Japanese car to get V12 power, the Century has only been redesigned twice in the last 40 years of its production. Thought it costs nearly $100,000, it doesn't have the "Look at me, look at me!" cues of a Lexus, Mercedes or Bentley. Tasteful and reserved, the Century is the luxury car of the cunning diplomat. [Photo Credit: Yehey Forums]

3. Mazda MX-5 (Miata)

In addition to being a competitive LeMons racer, the MX-5 has historically been a low-key but sleek roadster, and the latest iteration is no different. The slightly flared fenders, rounded surfaces and low profile are timeless and beautiful.

2. Toyota Mark X

One of the best looking sedans that few people have ever heard of, the sleek Toyota Mark X may be related to the American Lexus GS300 but in a way that makes us think one of the two was secretly adopted. This RWD sedan has the shapely curves of an E-Class Mercedes combined with the sloping and textured nose of an Alfa (sans the crest) and that wonderful disregard for subtlety that makes us love Japanese cars.

1. Infiniti G37

The Infiniti G37 is a coupe that just missed getting placed on our most beautiful cars list. A drastic improvement over the previous generation, the G37 practically sparkles in person. Unlike most Japanese luxury cars, the sculptors of the G37 took chances with the design. The gently raked beltline and 1980s-professional-woman wide shoulders balance the feminine and the masculine like few modern cars can. But it's the details, like the 10-spoked wheels and creased grille, that make this otherwise toned-down coupe scream.

Report on Business reports that while US auto sales are projected to fall to 14.9 million this year - the lowest level since 1997 and down from 16.1 million last year - Canadian sales are projected to hit 1.645 million, only a slight decrease from last year's 1.653. The strong market there is being credited to strong job creation.

The paper goes on to report that vehicle prices in Canada have fallen about 5% so far this year, due in part to widespread publicity about vehicle price disparities between the two countries. This despite the stabilizing exchange rate between the two currencies during the same time period. But this correction only goes a small way to addressing the higher prices Canadians are asked to pay for vehicles, which, as evidenced here, are often 20% more than their US equivalent.

Saab's Press Release announcing Canadian pricing follows:

Saab's Turbo X and Innovative New Cross Wheel Drive Technology Take Vehicle Handling and Control To New Levels

Oshawa, Ontario (April 9, 2008) - General Motors of Canada today announced pricing on the new, limited edition 2008 Saab Turbo X 9-3 variant. The all-black Turbo X takes Saab "back to the future," evoking the iconic appeal of the first black 99 and 900 Turbos while introducing Saab's cutting-edge "cross wheel drive" (XWD) technology, with pricing starting at $54,995 for the Sport Sedan version and $56,305 for the SportCombi. Saab's advanced new XWD system is also available as an option on 2008 9-3 Aero models, in both body styles, for $2,340.

Turbo X
Saab celebrates three decades of leadership in turbocharging by launching the 2008 Saab Turbo X, a driver-focused performance car that sets new standards of performance and capability for the brand. The Saab Turbo X has enhanced aerodynamic performance and a distinctive appearance, including specially designed 18-inch alloy wheels that have a grey, titanium-like finish and draw on Saab's classic three-spoke design. The "black turbo" theme is continued in the uniquely equipped interior which includes premium leather.

The Turbo X is the ultimate performance expression of the new Saab 9-3 range. It delivers levels of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never experienced before from Saab. To exploit the full benefits of Saab XWD technology, the chassis of the Turbo X has been lowered 10 mm and the springs and dampers optimized to minimize body movement. To maintain a constant ride height, self-leveling dampers are fitted at the rear.

Stopping power is also increased with larger brake discs fitted: internally ventilated, 345 mm-diameter (13.6-inch) at the front; and externally ventilated, 292 mm (11.5-inch) at the rear. Standard 235/45 R18 tires ensure excellent grip for the 18-inch alloy wheels.

XWD driving experience

Developed in Sweden with Haldex of Stockholm, the Saab XWD "Cross Wheel Drive" system is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. It is offered in the 2008 Saab Turbo X and Aero versions of the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, in combination with an uprated 280hp, 2.8L V6 turbo which now delivers almost 15% more maximum torque (295 lbs./ft.) to exploit the greater traction available. Engine design features include a lightweight, all-aluminum construction, with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks for perfect balance; variable-inlet valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. XWD is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system on the Turbo X includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off; and an active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), allowing variable torque transfer between the rear wheels.

Saab XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100 percent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels, whenever necessary. While offering drivers sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions, the system's sophisticated operation also enhances the sporty driving experience in all road conditions. Fine balancing of the drive torque between the front and rear axles raises the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered, providing more scope for closer driver involvement.

At take-off, a torque transfer device (TTD) is initially activated engaging the rear drive module. This pre-emptive function is a valuable improvement over current technology, which requires the detection of wheel slip before the TTD is activated. For the driver, the enhanced functionality gives maximum traction immediately for smooth, strong acceleration from rest without the possibility of any initial hesitation.

On the open road, drive torque is seamlessly and continuously varied between the axles by the control of a valve in the TTD. When cornering, Saab XWD rewards the driver by providing enhanced, more finely balanced chassis dynamics through the application of rear drive to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and road holding.

In highway cruising conditions, when traction or optimum grip is not an issue, only 5- to 10-percent of engine torque is typically transmitted to the rear wheels providing a greater measure of stability while helping to save fuel.

The Turbo X also features an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD), which uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. It represents the first application of an electronically controlled, rear limited-slip differential in the segment.

The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high-speed maneuver, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. This yaw damping effect can keep the car better balanced and more tightly controlled, without requiring "outside" intervention from electronic stability aides.

General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is engineering and manufacturing advanced environmental technologies ranging from Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and hybrid systems to E85 biofuel and fuel cell vehicles - more than any other auto company right here in Canada. Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, GMCL employs more than 19,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 732 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac.

The auto shifting flappy-paddle manual makes sense in a sports car like the Evolution X, but we're having trouble figuring out what place it has in a 3,500 lb crossover. Where's the demand for such a system? What's the market? Is there some Outlander Autocross circuit we don't know about? [CarScoop]

Mitsubishi EVO X Real World Photos [WorldCarFans]

Related:
Spy Photos: Mistubishi Evo X; Spy Photos: Mitsubishi Evolution X?; Here It Is! The 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X [internal]

"Last Friday (June 1) around 2:30pm on the 605 heading North, near Cerritos Auto Square. I spotted this weird looking EVO-VIII, the weird interior caught my eyes. RHD, some mechanical differences from EVO-VIII. Before I merged onto the 91 freeway, I snapped a few pics with my trusted DC (I always keep it handy in my car now). I don't know, seems like an EVO-X but with EVO-VIII sheet metals. We had some discussion over at ClubLexus, some people think it's a riced-out EVO, some think it's some wannabe-JDM EVO, others think it might be the EVO-X in disguise, just like how they were testing the GT-R under G35 coupe shell."

I spied: possible Evolution X in disguise? [evolutionm.net]

Related:
Here It Is! The 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X; Spy Photos: More on the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X [internal]

When Mitsubishi showed off the Prototype-X at the Detroit show (gallery below as a reminder) a couple of months ago, everyone and their brother knew it was nothing more than a thinly-disguised Lancer Evo X, or at least we all thought that's what it was. The only problem is that since Detroit, we've seen precious little spy photography of the next-gen Evo, so we can't do much more than speculate that's the case. But lucky for you, the first spy photos since Detroit appear to have come in the form of a video, and it appears that...well...umm...yeah, we still can't make heads or wing of it as it's a really heavily camo'ed prototype. But yeah, the shaky vid's above, see if there's something your eagle-eyes can discern. While you're doing that, we're going to go over to D.O.C. and see if we can check into that Lasik thing. – Ray Wert

VIDEO: Autoblog reader runs down Mitsubishi EVO X mule on public roads [Autoblog]

Related:
SUPER DETROIT UNVEILING POTENTIAL! Turbo Specialty Sports Sedan: Prototype X [internal]