Driver's News: Subaru WRX, Paris Preview

Spy Shots: 2008 Subaru WRX

This past month has brought several sightings of possible WRX test mules (in Legacy bodies), but now we've caught the very first pictures of an actual WRX prototype, and it doesn't look like any WRX that you've ever seen before.

See more of the next WRX

 

2006 Paris Preview: Renault Nepta

Paris' auto show is coming, and one of the most beautiful concepts could be this new Nepta convertible from Renault. See more of the Nepta and the other vehicles coming to the Paris auto show today inside TheCarConnection:

2006 Paris Auto Show Preview

 

NHTSA Mandates Stability Control

Anti-rollover stability control will be required on all new passenger vehicles-cars, trucks and SUVs alike-come the 2012 model year, according to a new mandate announced on Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency estimates that from 5000 to 10,000 lives will be saved each year when stability control is made standard on all new passenger vehicles. "No other safety technology since the seat belt holds as much promise to save as many lives and prevent as many injuries as electronic stability control," said Nicole Nason, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at a press conference announcing the new rules. A slew of automakers have already announced their compliance with the rules, including Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota.

 

Scion xA, xB Also Retiring

The first two models from Toyota's Scion division are on their farewell tour. But unlike Cher, Toyota really means it: the Scion xA and xB will end production this year in advance of two new models coming to the division in spring of 2007. "The xA and xB will always be very special models for us and have contributed greatly to Scion's success, but we're ready to move into our next product phase," said Mark Templin, vice president, Scion. The pair, on sale since June 2003, have sold more than 200,000 copies combined through July. The new models replacing the xA and xB will be 2008 models, Toyota said in a release.

Spy Shots: Toyota Hatchback Coupe by Hans Lehmann/Hidden Image (7/31/2006)
Could it be the next Scion?

 

Bricklin Delays ChinaCars Again

Malcolm Bricklin's plan to sell Chery's Chinese-made automobiles in the U.S. is experiencing another delay. Bricklin, Reuters reports, now says that the vehicles will come to the U.S. market by the end of 2008 or early 2009, rather than early next year as first had been planned. Bricklin tells the news agency that he has 50 dealers signed up to sell the vehicles, which may be priced from $15,000. Bricklin's initial plans had anticipated 250 dealers through his Visionary Vehicles corporation, selling cars priced below existing Korean, Japanese and American competitors. Bricklin says 20 models will eventually come to the U.S.

READ: Bricklin had bigger plans last year

 

BMW Has Streetgoing Hydrogen 7er

BMW's first road-ready, hydrogen-powered car will soon take the streets. But the 7-Series sedans outfitted with the company's hydrogen-burning engine will not be available to the public, as has been the case with some fuel-cell vehicles. Instead, the BMW vehicle-which burns hydrogen in an internal-combustion process, and does not produce electricity as a fuel-cell vehicle does-will be used by government agencies starting next year as the German automaker evaluates the on-road performance of the new powertrain. About 100 7-Series sedans with the hydrogen engine will be put into service around the world, with about 25 destined for U.S. users. The effective range of the vehicle will be about 125 miles per tank.

What's the difference between hydrogen fuel and fuel cells?

 

Audi V-12 Diesel Fitted to Q7

Audi has big designs on diesels-and the proof is in the latest version of the Q7 sport-utility vehicle. The VW brand has fitted what it calls the world's first V-12 diesel engine into a passenger car. The new powertrain is a 6.0-liter V-12 with some 500 horsepower. Audi claims it powers the Q7 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and up to a limited top speed of 155 mph. The common-rail diesel is mated to a six-speed Tiptronic and of course, quattro all-wheel drive. Audi says there are no plans to bring the 20-mpg vehicle to the States at this point.

What's a diesel? Glad you asked

 

Lincoln MKZ Stickers Under $30K

The new Lincoln MKZ-you remember it best as the 2006 Lincoln Zephyr-is getting a price break even as it adds more power and features along with a new name for the new model year. The MKZ arrives in dealers in October with a base price of $29,890, including destination. Ford says the new all-wheel-drive version of the sedan will be priced from $31,765, also including destination. The MKZ gets a mild makeover outside and a more meaningful one under the hood, where a new 263-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 takes charge of things.

MORE: All-wheel drive gains traction in luxury brands