GM WILL SELL YOU CORVETTE ZR1s ENGINE IN A CRATE

There's no dining room centrepiece quite as intimidating as  a 6.2L supercharged V8. Need your future son-in-law to know just who the boss really is? Park the LS9 Corvette ZR1 V8 between the roast beef and potatoes. Just don't let any candle wax drip on the manifold, ok?

638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque could combine to make any current new car fast. Thus, General Motors won't restrict its fitment to the Corvette ZR1. No, you can purchase the engine seperately from GM Performance Parts late next year.

(For more on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, click here or here or here)

Designed to feel rather different from a typical old-tech V8 or most supercharged engines, the LS9 is high-revving; producing power down low and in its upper range. GM will sell the V8 crate package fully fitted with ignition, supercharger assembly, and exhaust manifolds. You'll need your own ECU/wiring harness. Have fun with that.

JAPAN TRIO vs GERMAN TRIO: Altima, Camry, Accord battle A4, 3-Series, C-Class

For Canadian consumers seeking luxury and speed in one roomy package, the ability to hit up mainstream Japanese manufacturer dealerships doesn't necessarily strike you as obvious. Isn't this German territory, or at least a place where premium Japanese brands contend?

The Honda Accord, a Good 12 winner, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima can likely offer you more features than you know what to do with. Moreoever, their high horsepower levels (Accord 271; Camry 268; Altima 270) produce quite a spark underfoot when pressed, preferrably without two booster seats in the rear and a trunk full of groceries. Is the Japanese trio a partnership of sport sedans? Not at all, but that's not to say they won't shock you with their dynamic capability.

From Germany come lesser-powered alternatives with less space for your people and smaller cargo areas for your stuff. But sport sedans? Oh yes. The 230-bhp BMW 328i with a six-speed manual will light your fire on the backroad commute. Audi's recently renewed A4, in turbocharged form with 211 horsepower, is a better steed than ever before, and the Mercedes-Benz C300 with 228-bhp is a new dynamic force. In fact, BMW and Mercedes-Benz could provide you with 200 and 201 horsepower, respectively, and save you plenty of money in the process. But saving money in this climate? Who needs it? The Japanese trio below is loaded to the gunnels with equipment and flies high into a price spectrum you won't believe.

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Nissan ALtima 3.5SE: $39,938 or (est.) $44,520 with tax

BMW 328i: $39,900 or (est.) $45,087 with tax

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI: $41,200 or (est.) $46,556 with tax

Mercedes-Benz C300: $41,200 or (est.) $46,556 with tax

Toyota Camry XLE V6: $42,629 or $49,849 with tax

Honda Accord: $47,368 or $55,265 with tax

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Imagine heading to the Audi, M-B, or BMW dealership to save money when Honda and Toyota wanted to charge too much. Let's be honest, though. For the Germans to meet the equipment makeup of the three Japanese sedans, their MSRPs would skyrocket. The Accord, with every possible accessory, a back-up camera and the best wheels possible, would drive by looking like.... an Accord. Meanwhile, its occupants would be basking in amazing luxury. Meanwhile, the 3-Series on its tiny (and ugly) 16" wheels looks impoverished and awkward, but does have a blue and white propeller. 

Oh, and if you want to actually enjoy driving the car rather than being driven in the car, you know only the Germans will do the trick.

AUDI NO LONGER 4-WHEELS ONLY - THE CALAMARO CONCEPT

Beyond typical GoodCarBadCar.net means of description, we'll have to let the pictures speak for themselves. This is the Audi Calamaro concept, "inspired by the bone of the cuttlefish" - I'm not seeing it - and surprisingly, not by squid, the design was completed by a young Hungarian.

Naming processes never go the way I'd like, but surely Audi could've discovered something other than the last name of an Argentinian composer?

Absolutely useless, then, this Audi Calamaro. But boys does it look good or what?

NISSAN 370Z PRELIMINARY PHOTOS LOOK TERRIFIC

Nissan and Datsun's Z cars have proven popular over the course of four decades. The 240Z of 1969, the 260Z of 1974, the 280Z of 1975, the 280ZX of 1979, the 300ZXs of 1984 and 1990, and finally the 350Z of 2002 were all well-received. Some did not go on to incredible sales success in the way the most recent Z car has; but all will be fondly remembered.

With the 350Z exiting to a round of applause, the 370Z debuts with a fair degree of pressure. Enthusiasts want a renewed look, but its Z-esqueness must remain strong. Genuine sports car ability can't be sacrificed with the hopes of enlarging the probability of market capitalization. 

Here in pictures you saw the successful redesign. Not knowing the exact strength of the engine (probably 330+ horsepower) or the weight of the car (possibly lower) or the new MSRP (nearly identical), we're only able to judge its looks. The Nissan 370Z appears better from almost every angle. 

More dramatic headlights and taillights scream new. Emphasizing the body around the rear wheels speaks of power and its rear-wheel drive nature. Tinkering with the shoulderline - right where the window line meets the roofline - may not be to everyone's taste but is, at least, unique. Nissan's constant worry over the grille of the previous edition resulted in a good look: the new 370Z looks strong in that department, too. 

For comparison, check out the gallery of this '07 Nismo-tuned 350Z below.

TECHART UNVEILS NEW BODY KITS FOR THE PORSCHE 911

Renowned Porsche tuner TechArt has released images of their latest Porsche 911 aerokit. With a front spoiler that manages to "reduces buoyant forces on the front axle" while also ensuring "optimal air flow for the effective cooling of the brakes", style does seem as though it may be secondary.

Decorative items include varnished wing mirrors; carbon fiber or chrome. Special wheels and double oval exhaust tips add TechArt flavour. TechArt took some heat here at GoodCarBadCar.net for overdone 911 GT2 modifications. Nevertheless, the German manufacturer, almost 22 years old, seems to have hit the right note with these aero kits.

GORDON BROWN TAKES A LOOK AT THE THINK

Fully homologated for European Union roads, the Think City is 100% electric and 100% ugly. That didn't stop Gordon Brown and his Minister for Business and Secretary of State for Transport from having a look-see at the Norwegian city car.

Think bodies are recycled plastic. 65 mph is possible, although the range is only 112 miles. Typical electrical sockets can restore full power to the battery. Airbags and anti-lock brakes are present and accounted for. Beauty, unfortunately, was left in the fjords.

One might wonder if the Think City stands a chance at upsetting typical parliamentary rides like the Jaguar XJ and Toyota Prius in London. Regardless, Monday's introduction of Prime Minister Brown with the Think City happened to time well with a summit on business where electric vehicles - as a means of mass transportation - was a topic of discussion. Think Citys will be on sale in the UK in 2009.

2009 HONDA CIVIC SI HAS DISAPPOINTING WHEELS - SIXTEEN IMAGES

Comparing the '09 Honda Civic Si with the model that ran for three years before it is like comparing apples with.... well, apples. In fact, its like comparing the juiciest, crispest honeycrisp apple with another very juicy, crispy, honeycrisp apple.

Why will the 'new' Civic Si garner any attention at all? Well, Honda will market it as relatively new; relatively being my word and not their's. Secondly, the Civic Si is an excellent car and a wise purchase. That's why the motoring press, both mainstream and web-based will talk about it.

All too true, however, is the Civic Si's continuance. Follow? The '09 is just like the '08. And the '07 and '06 that came before. That's not a bad thing. Features will likely be bumped up a notch. Some slight styling tweakery will reveal a slightly, erm, crisper look. Prospective owners tend to gravitate to new or somewhat new things. That'll help Honda sell a deservedly successful car, a car that's quick and fun-to-drive in an era when fuel efficiency is demanded (and provided by the Si). 

But while The Good Car Guy will willingly point out that the '09 Si  is just like the 1-year old model and note that fact as 'not a bad thing', one problem has arisen. In the gallery below, pay specific attention to disappointing wheels. Granted, "Honda" and "good wheels" traditionally avoid each other like life-long enemies. But this is seriously disappointing because Honda had managed to equip the '06, '07, and '08 with decent wheels. Comparo pics are available. 

For more on wheels, check out this GCBC Top 5 where the Civic Si's competitor ranks #2

Oh I know plenty of Civic Si owners strip these four off and fit 19" five-spokes. That's beside the point. These disappointing creatures look like they belong on a mid-rung Accord sedan, not Honda's most righteous coupe. Anyway, sixteen pictures are in the gallery below.

THE POOR MAN'S LAND ROVER LRX - CHEVROLET'S GPIX

Fairly handsome, likely capable of carrying less than its low-slung counterpart, and heavily featured one would assume, the Chevrolet GPiX is a General Motors Sao Paulo auto show debut worth attending to. Try to ignore the name, which Chevrolet says standards for Global Pix; pix as in image or picture. This then is the Chevrolet Worldwide Photograph. Whatever. There's no denying that with rumours of Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban future development under cancellation possibilities and the Cadillac Escalade switching to the Lambda platform, that Chevrolet is thinking small in the same way that Land Rover's done with the LRX.

evo SAYS KTM X-BOW 'MISSES THE TARGET'

Such excitement behind the release of the KTM X-Bow, isn't there? Considering the rarity with which it'll be seen and the likelihood that most people who catch a visual will be at the side of a racetrack, it's easy to figure that KTM's background in motorcycles and work with Audi on a car is part of the reason for the enthusiasm and hype.

And, as evo points out in issue 123, "The X-Bow is arguably the most extraordinary object with four wheels ever to be seen on a road". So then, why did evo say on the cover of the magazine that the KTM X-Bow "misses the target"? The X-Bow, of all cars, is an evo sort of car, isn't it?

"It's seriously and effortlessly quick, properly stuck down, remarkably easy to drive and, well, strangely underwhelming," writes David Vivian. Of the shifter, Vivian says "the throws are family-car long and feel incongruously ponderous in a superlight road racer". Ah, there's plenty positive, but if you were expecting rave reviews, KTM bosses, evo wasn't the place to read. "... let things get too out of shape and the momentum of the engine will take over and you quickly discover there isn't enough steering lock to gather it up. Yet - and for better or worse, this seems to be the X-Bow's defining characteristic - the sense of drama and excitement is much less heightened."

John Barker said that the X-Bow is "too good". Well, to be honest, he explained it more thoroughly. "In terms of what it does and how it deals with different road surfaces, it's outstanding. But," he continued, "perhaps the baby has exited stage left along with the bath water. Cars like this are about excitement, a quick hit of adrenalin, and I think this is too good, disguises speed too well." 

Referring to the Ariel Atom Supercharged, a vehicle many would consider to be KTM's natural progenitor, Vivian writes: "And this is the crucial difference between it and the KTM. The X-Bow's manners are keen to flatter, all-but guaranteeing that your heart won't end up in your mouth. The Atom, which has a more softly sprung and reactive chassis, forces you to face up to the consequences of ill-judged actions, makes you worry that a few millimetres too much throttle, a momentary lapse of steering finesse and failure to accurately read the road surface might be punishable with genuine danger."

Thus, it sounds as though evo has made the KTM X-Bow out to be the Toyota Camry of the mad trackday cars. Well, the Camry that's dressed like a mad trackday car capable of accelerating like nobody's business and gripping the road like a newborn grips your finger.

One KTM X-Bow gallery can be seen with a click over to evo's stats from issue 123. The other, found below, is of the KTM X-Bow race version.

HOLY CRYSTAL INTERIOR VOLVO - The next S60 to debut with wicked concept interior

Gutt eftermiddag, kristall inre.

Volvo wanted imaginative. Transparency would be good. Bright, light, airy, modern. You know the Swedish drill.

At the concept debut for the next S60 in Detroit this winter, be alert to the possibility that the interior will far outshine anything Volvo's exterior designers can come up with. That being said, we haven't seen the exterior teasers.

Orrefor, a Swedish glassworks firm, helped Volvo out on this crystal waterfall dashboard. Dashboard? Centre stack? Instrument panel? That sounds so terribly downmarket. Expect three things to change on the production S60: no flow into the rear passenger compartment, no crystal, and a lot less white. 

SEAT IBIZA WINS DUTCH COMPACT CAR OF THE YEAR

Surely you're familiar with the marketing concept. Release a hot new car. Watch sales come your way. Time goes on. Hot new car ages. Tell everybody this once-hot new car won dozens of international awards in its day. See a few more sales come your way before end-of-cycle.

Well, one of those awards may well be the CCoty from the Netherlands. Yes, the Dutch like their compact cars, and apparently they like them with Spanish flair. Beating out Ford's excellent new Fiesta, the Mazda 2, a beautiful Alfa Romeo known as the Mito, Dacia's Sandero and the not-at-all-widely acclaimed Chevrolet Aveo, Seat's 2009 Ibiza becomes the Compact Car of the Year in the Netherlands.

(Read all Seat-related GCBC posts here)

Say the deciders: "The Ibiza is one step ahead of its rivals, and the difference can also be seen in the interior, where passenger compartment comfort is second to none." 

For those not aware of Seat's background, the Spanish automaker is a Volkswagen subsidiary. The Ibiza is about one size down on the Volkswagen Rabbit that we receive in North America, sharing architecture with the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia. The Ibiza in this CCoty contest was an 85-bhp 1.4L model. Obviously diesels are a popular choice, and horsepower can be as high as 180 in the Cupra model. Three and five doors are available.

Up one rung from the Ibiza is the Leon. The handsome Alteo and awkward Toledo seem to attack a similar market. The Alhambra is basically the same vehicle as Volkswagen Sharan and the Ford Galaxy. The Seat Exeo will be at the top of the rung. With the introduction of the new Audi A4, the Exeo is basically the older A4 reincarnated as a Spaniard instead of a German.

RENAULT DONE WITH ITS LARGEST MPV, THE ESPACE

Credited on the other side of the Atlantic with the introduction of the "minivan" - to Europe the MPV - Renault appears to have decided that the fad's forerunner will not be replaced at the end of its current life cycle.

The Espace and Grand Espace are rather luxurious family vehicles now but still completely capable of transporting you and all that comes with you across continents. Renault has long since developed smaller, cheaper alternatives to the Espace - the Scenic and Grand Scenic; Modus and Grand Modus.

(See all Renault-related posts with a click right here)

The irony of it is almost sad. In an era where Chrysler, the North American originator of the minivan, is struggling mightily to survive as truck sales fall of a cliff and minivan sales continue to stagnate (if continuing to stagnate is possible), their European equivalent's underling (Nissan), is rumoured to be interested in purchasing a chunk of the world's biggest minivan-maker, Chrysler LLC ,even as Nissan's parent (Renault) is cancelling further production of the Espace, a vehicle the rest of the world sees as famous. Irony, see?

VOLVO XC60 GROUND CLEARANCE DOESN'T HURT?

In its first drive/review of the Volvo XC60, a soon-coming competitor for the BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and Infiniti EX35, Motor Trend surprised me with the following statements (read the whole piece here):

"Canyon-carving sessions are surprisingly rewarding given Volvo's priority on safety...... Clearly its engineers took a different tack with the XC60 and gave on-road performance a high position on the agenda...... the XC60 doesn't feel tall or unstable. Credit its firm and responsive MacPherson-strut front and multilink rear suspension that minimizes body roll through corners...... Volvo's traction and stability-control systems (DTSC, RSC) don't kill the fun too quickly...."

Why is this so surprising? Does The Good Car Guy, an admitted Volvo fan, not believe Volvo to be capable of turning a compact SUV into a bit of a dynamic dynamo? No, no, no. See, Motor Trend also brought to my attention another aspect of the XC60 - it's height. The XC60 T6 AWD possesses 9.1 inches of ground clearance. Height off the ground inherently produces tipsy-topsy vehicles, and the 4000+ pound Volvo with that much ground clearance led me to believe that this, of all Volvos, would be the softy in the corners. For context, have a look at competitor clearance below.

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Volvo XC60: 9.0 inches

Mercedes-Benz GLK350: 7.9 inches

Audi Q5: 7.87 inches

BMW X3: 8.0 inches

Infiniti EX35: 5.4 inches

Land Rover LR2: 8.3 inches

Volvo XC90: 8.6 inches

HOW CONSUMER REPORTS RELIABILITY RANKINGS RELATE TO GCBC AWARDS

Late last year and in early 2008, The Good Car Guy handed out twenty awards. Well, let's be honest: eight of them were shameful awards. The Good 12 and The Bad 8  place significance on vehicles that can be purchased by people you and I know - no Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or Bentleys. Of the hundreds and hundreds of different models available to the North American consumer, The Good 12 tells you which you should buy if at all possible in 2008 and The Bad 8 makes very clear which cars you should not buy if at all avoidable.

Of course, those vehicles are in the running for 2009's Good 12 and Bad 8. If they're still the best, they ought to be recognized that way. But before that comes, it appears that Consumer Reports has released its reliability rankings, pieces of news in which many consumers (how ironic) place a great amount of trust.

So, how do those rankings compare with The Good 12 and The Bad 8? Have a look below.

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Small Cars: Consumer Reports says the Scion xD and Mini Cooper Clubman are at or near the top while the Nissan Versa sedan is the worst. The Good 12 holds fast on the regular Mini Cooper while the Versa sedan resides in The Bad 8.

Family Cars: Consumer Reports puts the Toyota Prius and Kia Optima at or near the top with the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger platform-mates at the bottom. GoodCarBadCar.net is silent on the topic.

Sporty, Coupes, & Convertibles: Consumer Reports places the Lexus SC430 and Volco C30 at the top with the Chrysler Sebring convertible and Saturn Sky at the bottom. The Bad 8 has both the Sebring and Lexus SC in its grasp.

Luxury Cars: Infiniti's M35 and Lexus IS250 are CR's most reliable; the V8-powered Cadillac STS and V8-powered Mercedes-Benz E-Class are at the bottom. GoodCarBadCar.net speaks neither well or ill of all four.

Minivans/Wagons: The Toyota Matrix and Scion xB are the best of the bunch in CR's rankings, the Chrysler twins (Town & Country, Grand Caravan) are the worst. GoodCarBadCar.net is silent.

In the SUV/truck arena, the Toyota Tundra; Honda Ridgeline; Toyota Sequoia; Honda Pilot; Lexus RX400h; Honda Element, and Toyota FJ Cruiser are all leaders of their respective packs. Conversely, the Ford F-250; Land Rover LR2; Saturn Vue in V6 all-wheel drive form; Land Rover Range Rover; Volkswagen Touareg; V8-powered and diesel-fired Mercedes-Benz GL-Class; and the Dodge Dakota 4x4 are all unreliable by Consumer Reports' standards.

One more thing: Consumer Reports also said the Honda Fit; smart fortwo; and Infiniti G35 are "also very reliable". Those cars are in The Good 12.

SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 20TH ANNIVERSARY - All 300 To Remain In Japan

For about $4,700 extra more than the basic WRX STi, Subaru will offer 300 Impreza WRX STi 20th Anniversary editions to its domestic market customers. All 300 are supposed to stay in Japan, but don't be surprised if somebody like Litchfield Imports manages to sneak a couple out.

Remember the criticism when the basic Impreza was first introduced? Then the WRX looked kinda soft, as well. The STi is mighty aggressive but has undertones of weakness. Well, this 20th Anniversary special is body-coloured in all the right places and matte black wherever matte black looks best. Power isn't improved, but new shocks and coil springs will supposedly bump the handling up a notch, provide added steering feel, and offer a more compliant ride. 

Mind you, the 304-bhp engine isn't the same as the powerplant found under the hoods of North American-market STi Subies. Where we see a 2.5L four-pot, the JDM car is back-to-WRC-roots in its 2.0L format. 30 pictures are in the gallery below.

LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP560-4 FOR ITALIAN POLIZIA - 20 PICTURES

I know exactly what you're thinking: apparently the Italian troopers were insatiable. The regular Gallardo wasn't good enough? In 2004, a Lamborghini Gallardo began a stint in the police service with tasks that - generally speaking - weren't related to tracking down high-octane speeders. Transporting organs for transplants was one of the Gallardo's more likely tasks, in theory. 

That first Gallardo has almost 88,000 miles on its odometer. A second Gallardo used in more northern areas since '05 has almost clocked almost 70,000 miles.

Check out the older Gallardo along with other wild police vehicles here 

and here along with police vehicle suggestions here

Apparently Lamborghini and the polizia believed more everything was required. The upgraded LP560-4 features 59 more horses than the original Gallardo with fewer pounds to propel. Thirty officers are trained in driving the Gallardo as well as in the use of its medical equipment. Thus, police personnel accustomed to Fiat Bravos won't be seen steering the LP560-4 off a cliff at 200mph.

VERY SMALL '08 HONDA CIVIC RECALL

Due to "a bracket that covers the fuel hose connector" that's supposedly secured with a bolt and nut in MY2008 and MY2009 Honda Civics but actually is only secured with a bolt, Honda has issued a Recall on 128 vehicles.

I know, the total number seems strange considering NHTSA's notification that '08 Civics are involved before stating in the text that it's '08 and '09s. Anyway, in an accident that bracket could squeak loose resulting in a damaged fuel hose connector. Obviously, dealers will be responsible for ensuring the bracket is firmly secured. For your information, Honda's available at 1-800-999-1009.

MERCEDES-BENZ GLK IN MOTION

Static images are one thing, motion is another story. Then again, the real live drive-by can tell another story. After only a couple posts where the Mercedes-Benz GLK was pictured (including today's Lowdown), it seemed a good idea to show how the GLK impresses with movement. Of course, videos can be shot using good angles exclusively, as well. However, the advent of YouTube and other online video sources has often shown a vehicle for what it truly is before it hits the dealer lot. Here you go then, the Mercedes-Benz GLK in motion.

TOYOTA'S SCION BRAND WILL COME TO CANADA IN 2010

Without knowing exactly which Toyota executive determined that Scion wasn't a fit in Canada when Toyota debuted the brand in California - and then across the country - back in 2003, we don't know exactly which direction the blame should be thrusted. Canada will receive Scion fairly well in 2010, now that Toyota realizes their past folly, but the question lingers: why wait seven years?

Sure, Canada is a big country that doesn't buy very many cars. By a slow urban release, with dealers set up in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, Toyota is copying its American strategy; a strategy where total volume wasn't the key. At first it seemed as though Scion was to be very well protected. But then the xB bloated and the tC aged. So, Canada was and is a small market, but a close-at-hand market that would've helped when Scion sales began to slide; considering Canada's collective desire to buy small in the first place.

In Toyota's press release, stupid statements abound. "Young Canadians have been telling us they want SCION, and now their desire is within reach," said Toyota's director in Canada, Larry Hutchinson. Hmm, young Canadians wanted Scion in 2003 and, since every other Toyota model in America comes here (except the Land Cruiser, which we see only as a Lexus), it's within reason to believe that Scion was 'within reach' back then.

"The time is right to bring Scion culture to Canada." Larry Hutchinson again. He's right, the time is right. In fact, the time is so far past right it couldn't be... er, righter. Fuel prices have always been higher here. We've always liked our cars one size smaller. Canadians are open to hatchbacks in a way Americans have never been. Now that Americans are realizing this, the time is right for Canada?

"....Scion will be an important avenue through which we reach new drivers - those who represent the greatest future growth of the market - and give them the opportunity to experience, first-hand, Toyota's reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, safety and value," the release continued. One problem I see here is Scion's original mission steered clear of heavy linkage with Toyota. That statement is from Scion's Canadian site. Scion's American site only lets on to its Toyota connections through legal fine print. While I realize that Scions appear in Toyota dealers and are thus, rather obviously interconnected with the establishment, making that point clearer to a demographic that doesn't want to drive the vehicles of their parents is unnecessary and ill-advised.

It has been suggested that renewed bumper regulations will make life easier for Scion importing to Canada with costs that are significantly lower than earlier this decade. Problem? That point about Toyota doing it with every other vehicle they sell in the USA. 

ScionNation.ca is a high-tech slow-loading site with a space where you can sign up for updates. Sensing bitterness? As a member of the target market for Scion in Canada, there's plenty of bitterness. Not only at Toyota's odd decision, but at the fact that Toyota is now searching for reasons for Scion survival. Allowing the vehicles to become so Toyota-like defeats Scion's purpose. Sales were hurt before the financial crisis and continued to suffer through a period of high fuel prices. Now that Americans are discovering these may not be the hip, new, cool, sweet rides they once were, feed them to those north of the border? I come close to saying, "Thanks, but no thanks", but that statement was already overly abused by somebody else from the north.

Canadian desire for Scion can be seen in the evidence of personal imports. An '06 xB in New Brunswick with 55,000 miles is selling for $12,500 on Kijiji. Outrageous. Of the ten Scion results on AutoTrader.ca's British Columbia section, eight are the old xB (none priced lower than a $16,900 MY2006), one is the tC, and the other is a new-style xB. Or check out the 24 Scions at Houle Toyota in Quebec. 

Did Scion wait too long? Probably not. Should Scion have come sooner? Obviously. 

2009 VAUXHALL INSIGNIA.... AND ALL ITS ENGINES - PLUS 77 PHOTOS

You'll know it - or something like it - in the future as a Saturn and you've known it before as an Opel. Pictured here is the Vauxhall Insignia from General Motors' British outpost. As a replacement for the long-running Vectra nameplate, GM hopes the Insignia will reignite some desire for mainstream large cars in the UK, a segment that is struggling to keep up with small MPVs from mainstream brands and low-powered sedans saloons from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.

Plans to bring a vehicle like this, thought at one time to be the core of the brand, back to a place of significance include a range of engines wider than the gap between Alaska and Russia. Ahem.

Starting out with diesels, Vauxhall will start the Insignia with 128-bhp and 158-bhp powerplants, both of which surely make up for their horsepower problem in the torque department and at the fuel pump. A 187-bhp mill will be added to make a diesel trio sometime next spring, a few months after the late '08 launch.

If 'petrol' is your fuel of choice, engines ranging in power from 138-256 horsepower will be available. Only that 256-bhp V6 comes standard with an automatic. 

Highlights from this engine lineup include a 1.8L gas engine that weighs 20% less than its predecessor; a 2.0L turbo with 217 horsepower; and diesels with a range of 750 miles. The turbocharged gasoline models are available with all-wheel drive. 20-inch wheels will be an option. Yes, you did just read that 20-inch wheels will be an option. This is the Vauxhall Insignia and not a Cadillac Escalade, but yes, 20-inch wheels will be an option.

Why does this matter to ye who are not Across The Pond? For one thing, there's the Saturn connection. Secondly, there's the here's-what-you're-missing factor in an age when GM is trying desperately to avoid sinking in a market where swimming is very difficult. 

500 ALFA ROMEO 8C SPIDERS RIPE AND READY

Sadly, only thirteen photos are available. But what photos. Oh. My. Goodness.

For detailed information on Alfa Romeo's 8C project, check the Lowdown on the 8C Competizione. Decked out in wicked red paint, the 8C with a roof was nice. In all white, the 8C Spider - supercar convertibles not normally my cup of tea - is equally spectacular. Check out the gallery below for justification.

VIDEOS OF AMCI TESTING - HYUNDAI BEATING E-CLASS, 5-SERIES, BOXSTER, 7-SERIES

In Orange County, California Hyundai's latest push upstream, the Genesis luxury sedan, was tested against a variety of relatively direct and completely indirect competitors. The Porsche Boxster, for instance, isn't likely to be cross-shopped. 

Nevertheless, according to Automotive Marketing Consultants Inc., the Genesis is quicker than the Porsche. Other tests were completed and of course, Hyundai wants to share with you its sedan's all-around capabilities. 

HyundaiGenesis.com has a performance video section that you can visit by clicking here. It should be noted that the numbers sometimes present a different story than the driver(s) who found that story. For instance, here's a paragraph from Car & Driver's test of the V8 Genesis: "On smooth freeway stretches, the ride is creamy and quiet. But on those back roads, contoured and crinkled by Michigan winters, it was not difficult to use up all of the suspension travel, yielding hard bumps and episodes of head toss." C/D goes on to say that BMW is the master of this domain "and assessed by the 528i’s standard of response and balance, it’s a fraternity to which the Genesis does not yet belong. But competing as a luxury cruiser, the Genesis rates well."

INFINITI EUROPE READY TO SELL

Although it's only a half-lineup - lacking the jumbo SUV that is the QX56, the M35, M45 and all-wheel drive derivatives -  and though the Infiniti dealership network represents less than two dozen outlets, Infiniti is ready for Europe. Alive for two decades in other parts of the world, most notably North America, Infiniti's most recent successes bode well for this European adventure, more of which you can read about here.

The lineup is pictured below. At its grandest, the FX50 is a wild and value-driven alternative to a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. The lesser-powered but still capable FX37 should do the trick for many buyers. The EX37 is a true crossover; stuck halfway between wagon and SUV. The G37 coupe and sedan are two of Infiniti's strongest products, taking the fight to the German trio from Mercedes-Benz (C-Class), Audi (A4), and BMW (3-Series) quite ably.

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Three dealers in Switzerland, five in Spain, two in the Netherlands, five in Italy, and one each in Poland; Estonia; Belgium; Bulgaria; France; and Greece will serve potential customers. Many of whom, I might add, will be searching for diesels that they will not find. Problems establishing dealers in the UK will delay Infinitis's launch there until 2009.

2010 TOYOTA PRIUS REVEALED

With a vibrant new competitor ready to fight for every sale, the Toyota Prius plans to be all-new around the same time. More power, increased efficiency, and improved design will be part of the package. Official photos have been leaked and confirmation has arrived that what you see here is the next Toyota Prius; ready for battle with the Honda Insight.