Next Generation Mini Cooper Cabrio Leaked

The new Mini Cabrio isn't due to hit the motor show circuit until the Detroit Auto Show in January, so presenting these first leaked press images of the model comes somewhat as a surprise.

Production of the previous generation Mini Cabrio has already ended, and the first units of the new generation won't make it to the production line until March next year. Therefore, these unearthed images are likely to provide enthusiasts a welcomed fix in the meantime.

Quick Test: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD

The Traverse is the fourth General Motors' model built on its Lambda unibody architecture, others being the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, and GMC Acadia. The Traverse is functionally much the same as its cross-brand siblings and gives Chevy a much-needed entry in this segment, replacing the ages-old, truck-based TrailBlazer. It also gives us our first taste of GM's direct-fuel-injection V-6 in this platform, although the other variants also are so equipped for 2009.

With optional dual exhausts, the newest version of GM's 3.6L DOHC V-6 spools out 288 hp. The engine is quiet and smooth and has a wide powerband. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, replete with a handy toggle switch on the end of the shifter to allow manual scrolling up and down all six gears. It's a good powertrain, but it works hard to move the Traverse's mass, plus cargo. You pay the penalty at the pump: While the EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, the observed fuel economy for our admittedly hard-driven, top-of-the-range, 5111-lb, all-wheel-drive LTZ was just 12.1 mpg.

2008 Paris Motor Show Preview: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Ralliart revealed early

Mitsubishi told us way back in June that it would debut the five-door Lancer Sportback and Sportback Ralliart at the Paris Motor Show in October. They were close, as images of the two models have surfaced on the web today just a week before the big show in Paris. The new Sportback model adds all the versatility of Subaru's similarly shaped 5-door Impreza models, which should be a big hit in Europe where they'll go on sale first. The base Lancer Sportback models will come with your choice of a 1.5L or 1.8L four-cylinder or 2.0L turbodiesel, and the Sportback Ralliart that serves up a side of practicality with your main course of performance, will be powered by a 2.0L MIVEC turbocharged four-cylinder making 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. It will also come with Mitsubishi's new Twin-Clutch SST transmission, an Active Center Differential and all the go-fast goodies found on the sedan version. The Lancer Sportback should hit European showrooms this fall, and we're cautiously certain it will end on sale in the U.S. as well where Suburu already offers the Impreza in both sedan and five-door hatchback versions.

LA Auto Show Preview: Toyota to display CNG fueled Camry Hybrid concept

Toyota Camry Hybrid vehicles are increasingly becoming mainstream, but so far all of the production units available on the market have used gasoline exclusively as the fuel for the internal combustion engine. Various manufacturers have also shown concept and one-off test hybrid vehicles with diesel and E85 capable flex-fuel engines. One combination we don't recall seeing is a CNG fueled hybrid. Toyota plans to address that oversight at the LA Auto Show in November with a CNG fueled Camry Hybrid. Vehicles running on compressed natural gas are nothing new, although the only one currently offered by a major automaker in the US right now is the Honda Civic GX. Since CNG vehicles have a shorter range, they have primarily been used by fleets with centralized filling stations. Toyota has built this vehicle as part of its wide ranging sustainable mobility strategy. With domestic supplies of CNG being comparatively plentiful, something like a CNG hybrid sedan could be a good option for someone who does most of their driving locally. Combine it with the Phill home fueling station and you'd never have to go to a gas station again. Press release after the break.

Quick Drive:Chrysler Future Electric Vehicles Dodge Sports Car E

It takes a contortionist to slip inside the little yellow Dodge EV. But what would you expect? It is, after all, little more than a modified version of the cramped Lotus Europa.

Yanking my legs in and stowing them under the steering wheel, I reach for the "D" button, which has replaced the British sports car's gearshift, on the center console. At first, it seems nothing has happened, but my escort just smiles, then suggests I tip in the throttle. Not quite as firmly as I try, it turns out, the sports car lurching forward with a shot.

"Got it," I say, gamely returning his smile. This time, I squeeze the pedal a little more smoothly, steering my way out of the parking lot and onto the ramp that leads to the sweeping test track at Chrysler headquarters, in Auburn Hills, Michigan.