THIS WEEK'S CAR NEWS

Spy Shots: 2008 Nissan Skyline

The 2008 Nissan Skyline has broken cover in Germany. The car has just arrived for testing on the Nürburgring this week, and TheCarConnection's spies have shot these near-production photos of the new supercar. The production version due out as a 2008 model will likely feature a twin-turbo V-6 displacing somewhere between 3.5 and 3.8 liters. Look for something "in excess of 450 horsepower." Expect the car the reach Japanese showrooms soon after the '07 Tokyo Show, with a U.S. launch in early 2008.

See more Skyline inside TheCarConnection

Spy Shots: 2009 Lotus Esprit

Lotus is working on the replacement for the Esprit, which gained world fame for its roles starring in two James Bond films. Internally known by the code name MSC, the new Esprit is now expected to make its debut in autumn 2008 for the 2009 model year. Improvised test mules have been around for quite some time, but now, the first complete prototype has hit the roads, which gives evidence that all crucial design features of the vehicle, such as the principal structural design and manufacturing technology, packaging and drivetrain supplier have all been decided.

Spy Shots: 2008 Pontiac Vibe

What's hidden behind the yards of black plastic and cloth in these spy photos? After working overtime with the pictures, it's been narrowed down to a pair of twins - the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. One clue is that the test caravan consisted of two prototypes plus a GMC Yukon as a support vehicle, all with Michigan manufacturer license plates. So it's likely that it's a GM product. How else can we tell it's likely the Vibe? Read more inside TheCarConnection today.

Hyundai Shows First Veracruz Shots

Hyundai has released the first photos of the Veracruz, the Honda Pilot-sized crossover coming to the U.S. market by the beginning of 2007. The Veracruz is slated to make its first public appearance at the Detroit show in January. Standard stuff on the vehicle will be a stowaway third-row seat, a 240-hp 3.8-liter V-6 engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as stability control and side-curtain airbags. The Veracruz will be built in South Korea, but is derived from the U.S.-built Santa Fe. Hyundai hopes to sell 85,000 Veracruzes each year, with most going to the American market.

Lotus, Enterprise Renting Elise

No more Cobalts for you - it's time to think Lotus when renting your next car. The Atlanta-based sports car company says it's now offering its two-seat Elise roadster in select Enterprise Rent-A-Car outlets. Some 50 Elises will make their way into the rental fleets in cities like San Francisco, L.A., Vegas, and San Diego. Lotus hopes to get the cars out in states other than California, Florida, and Nevada in the near future. The Elise soldiers on for the 2007 model year as a 190-hp, two-seat roadster weighing less than 2000 pounds, giving it better dynamics than just about anything else at the Enterprise counter.

We drive the Lotus Elise

Volvo Prices S80 From $39,400

The new Volvo S80 sedan will be priced from $39,400, Volvo said in a press release on Tuesday. The base S80 will come with a 3.2-liter in-line six engine and a six-speed automatic. This version is front-wheel drive. The $48,045 S80 V-8 comes with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment on both models includes front, side and curtain airbags as well as stability control. Options include 18-inch wheels, a Dynaudio system, a cold-weather package and adaptive cruise control.

We drive the 2007 Volvo S80

Sentra Priced From $14,750

Nissan also set prices on Tuesday, for its new Sentra compact range. The Japanese automaker said from its new Nashville headquarters that the base Sentra will start at $14,750, including a 140-hp, 2.0-liter four and a six-speed manual gearbox. A CVT-equipped model is priced from $15,550; a sport manual edition starts at $15,650, while a sport CVT edition goes from $16,450; and an SL model with the CVT is priced from $18,400. All Sentras include 60/40 split rear seats, air conditioning, power door locks and windows.

Ford Recalling 145,000 Vehicles

For will recall some of its Five Hundred/Montego sedans and Freestar minivans for a problem with side door latches. The recall of about 140,000 2005 Five Hundred/Montego sedans and 2005-2006 Freestar minivans is being performed because the latches in the vehicles may let in water, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said. The water could freeze and prevent the door from closing properly. Ford will also recall 6164 Escape Hybrids for a potential problem with drivetrain shafts, which could break and allow the vehicle to move even when shifted into Park.

  

From TCConfidential

Bunnies Meet Rabbits at the Playboy Mansion

"Financially prudent" rather than Rabbit meets Bunnies is how Volkswagen explained its decision to unveil four Limited Edition models at the Playboy Mansion October 4, but prudent is hardly the word to describe the recent shenanigans involving the iconic Playboy trademark. During a week when the new Playboy Club opened in Las Vegas and bratty heiress Paris Hilton was downed by a knockout punch from former Playmate Shanna Moakler, Volkswagen brought its own bunny Rabbit to Hugh Hefner's Beverly Hills romper room. Just as well. There was nary a Playmate in sight, and the 22-room home for Hugh Hefner and his three girlfriends was closed up tight as a drum. Hugh had fled, it seems, to Sin City, taking every cottontail with him.

Venture on Playboy Mansion grounds with TCC

  

ASK A MECHANIC

Parking brake release

Q--My 1997 Buick Century's rear passenger-side tire is not turning. It's as if the brake is locked on it. Is this a common problem? What do you think is wrong, and is there anything I can do to get it working enough to take it to a mechanic?

A--Far too few people, especially those who live where the terrain is flat, use their parking brakes regularly. Without regular use, the cables can corrode inside their housings. Although you can usually apply the parking brake, they may not release or only release partially. Have a mechanic check out the cables.

Our Ask a Mechanic archives

NEW PRODUCTS: Flickin' The Bird Pump Up Finger, $18

How long have you waited for something so eloquent? You want to make sure other drivers know exactly how you feel, but between the steering wheel, the cell phone, the Starbucks and XM, well let's face it, your fingers are otherwise occupied. Perfect: enter the Flick'n the Bird Pump Up Finger, an inflatable hand that sticks to your car window and does the dirty work for you. Squeeze its pump (I don't know, with your foot, maybe?) and give them an inflatable piece of your mind.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Just read the article about the M6 for Neiman Marcus. Is really so hard to type the word Christmas?  I do not appreciate taking the reason for the day out of the title. Xmas does not set well with me. I maybe only one but I had to speak my mind. Christ is the reason we celebrate this day of the year and to take His name out of the title is like not showing the same respect for the President of the United States only on a grander scale. 

Dan Harsh
Russiaville, Indiana

"Xmas" may not sit well with you, but in terms of lexicography and iconography, it's purely correct. X has been the literal and figurative representation of Christ as far back as the Dark Ages, and in fact throughout the history of art and literature, it has always been understood as standing for-not omitting-the presence of Christ. Ravishing artistic examples practically write the history of the Renaissance, from Giotto all the way to mannerist El Greco. We suggest a few texts: Ladis and Eiland's Visions of Holiness: Art and Devotion in Renaissance Italy; Norman 's Art, Society and Religion, 1280-1400; or really anything by our favorite Italianate disciple, the late Rona Goffen.

THECARCONNECTION TRIVIA by Murray Jackson

1. This 1992-1997 Subaru coupe had an unusual window-in-window glass design.

2. This carmaker offered a Land Cruiser four-door sedan in 1954.

3. Which GM division did not offer a station wagon in the 1951-1956 model years?

4. Which Toyota model was the first with front-wheel drive?

5. Which Scandinavian country switched to driving on the right side of the road in 1967?

6. In 1958, this car line was in the number three position in U.S. sales rankings.

7. In 1906, this Boston carmaker offered a rudimentary three-speed automatic transmission.

8. What name was given to the optional sliding steering wheel on the 1961 Thunderbird?

9. Which GM division produced its first station wagon in 1937?

10. Where is the Mercedes-Benz museum?

Get more TCC Trivia