When any manufacturer, but particularly an industry titan like Toyota, rolls out a new vehicle that they say is “in a new class”, well, the hairs on any journalist’s neck stand up a bit. That was certainly the case as we listened to Toyota’s executives and engineers roll out the new Venza.  But after a couple of days of driving it, talking to Toyota about it, and reviewing the data, we think they have a point. It’s a subtle point, but a point nonetheless.

You’ll notice that so far we haven’t said what the Venza “is”.  We haven’t put it in a category. Before we discuss the category the vehicle belongs in, we invite you to do the same experiment we performed with some of our colleagues at the launch.  Take a good look at the pictures of the Venza. What would you say this is?  Just for fun, make a mental note of that, so you can compare your reaction to what a group of journalists said in response to the same question.

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After officially debuting its new 3 at the L.A. Auto Show this week, Mazda has decided to take control of the release of information regarding the 3 hatchback as well. Rather than face the inevitable deluge of spy photographs from outside sources, the company has gone ahead and taken its own “spy” shots, revealing a clad Mazda3 hatch running around in scenic Iceland.

The move makes a sort of sense, as Bob Lutz made clear when Camaro spy shots started cropping up all over, as it gives the automaker the ability to have its mule seen in the best possible light, even if it is largely covered up. The car isn’t dissimilar from the Mazdaspeed3 we’ve already caught out this year and should prove to be a spirited driver. Have a look at the extra pretty spy photography in our gallery above.

+ Jalopnik: 2010 Mazda3 Hatchback Spied By Mazda

Our long-term Jetta TDI has 4300 miles on it now, and even though it's been in our local VW dealer's service department twice due to faulty seatbelt sensors, today's news of the Jetta's win as Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year gives us another reason to smile when we see our blue TDI sitting in the parking lot. We've been achieving fuel economy numbers around 41.5 miles per gallon so far under our normal driving habits, and we're impressed with how powerful this engine is while still being quite economical.

“The Volkswagen Jetta TDI rose to the top as Green Car Journal’s 2009 Green Car of the Year for some very important reasons,” says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal. “Hybrids have dominated the discussion of environmentally positive vehicles in recent years. The highly fuel efficient, 50 state emissions certified Jetta TDI shows that advanced clean diesel has arrived and is poised to change this dynamic. With its affordable price point, refined ride and handling, and high fuel economy, the Jetta TDI shows that hybrids now have a strong competitor in the marketplace.”

Congratulations, TeDI. Click through the post to read Volkswagen's official press release.

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The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe has been spotted during some final engineering shakedowns in preparations for the car’s imminent arrival in the spring of next year. Following its brother the E-Class convertible in the wave of recent Mercedes spy shots, the new coupe is expected to share all engine and transmission options—a tasty assortment of V-6s and V-8s—with the rest of the class.

The lack of exterior cladding hints at a car that is nearly completed, and shows the further development of the new M-B corporate face, and the continued use of the high, rising beltline that was born with the CLS. Enjoy the spy photographs in the gallery above, or some additional notes from the shooter below. 

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The Infiniti G37 Convertible has been speculated and teased for quite some time now, but the official details about the drop-top G have finally been released. A three-piece folding hardtop allows this G37 to do battle with the likes of the Saab 9-3, Mercedes-Benz CLK, and BMW 3-Series in the premium cabriolet market. The G37 Convertible can either be mated to a six-speed manual (in the G37S) or seven-speed automatic transmission, though unlike the coupe and sedan, no all-wheel-drive G37x version is available.

Infiniti has added a few technological goodies that make this convertible even more attractive, including an available Bose Open Air sound system that dynamically changes sound equalization based on outside noise, top position, and vehicle speed. On top of that, there's an adaptive dual-zone climate control system that adjusts the fan's speed depending on vehicle speed and whether the roof is on or off.

We do love convertibles here at Winding Road and NextAutos, and we're eager to get some seat time in the latest addition to the convertible segment. We're also happy to see that the folding hardtop hasn't ruined the G's sleek shape too much, either.

Scroll through our gallery of images to see the G37 Convertible in all its glory and click through the post to read Infiniti's press release.

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Now that the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan have been completely refreshed for the 2010 model year, it only makes sense that their platform-mate, the Lincoln MKZ, would get a couple of updates. The styling has indeed been influenced by that of the larger MKS sedan, though we don't find it to be nearly as attractive as its Fusion and Milan siblings.

Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V-6 which produces 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic. The MKZ is said to sprint from zero to 60 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds, or six-tenths of a second quicker than the previous model. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available.

The interior gets a slight update with a handful of useful features like Ford's updated navigation interface with Sirius Travel Link, Sync, rain-sensing wipers, and a reverse camera system.

Click through the post to read the official press release from Ford and have a look through our gallery of images, as well.

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With around 1.8 million units sold so far and some 90 awards won, the Mazda3 has been treating the Japanese automaker quite well ever since its initial release five years ago. So to keep the favorable trend going, Mazda will show the all-new Mazda3 sedan at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
 
The styling has been nudged towards what the automaker likes to call a unified Mazda global "family face." This translates into a lower air intake, and a modernized and 'instantly recognizable' five-point grill. The lines have also been tweaked and molded on the body for a more coupe-like shape, featuring a similar the C-pillar profile as the one on the 2009 Mazda6.

Interior upgrades include a sharper and more contemporary look than the previous generation, with keyless entry and push-button start as its standard party piece. Options will include rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated seats. While these changes are nothing too special, it does come with a Bose 10-speaker premium surround sound system, a dock for iPods, Sirius satellite radio, and connectivity for cell phones and portable media players. These additions should happily satisfy anyone with a techno-accessory junkie within.
 
The power comes in the form of either a 2.0-liter inline-4 capable of generating 148 horsepower and135 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 167 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. To transfer power to the wheels, there is yet another list of choices ranging from a five-speed or six-speed manual transmission, as well as a five-speed electronically controlled Sport-AT autobox.
 

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Like its hardtop Cayman sibling, the Porsche Boxster also gets a few upgrades for the 2010 model year, specifically direct injection and Porsche's new PDK dual-clutch gearbox, along with some minor styling tweaks.

The base Boxster's 2.9-liter flat-six now produces 255 horsepower, an increase of 10 horses over the previous model, while the direct-injected 3.4-liter engine in the Boxster S pumps out 310 horsepower -- an increase of 15. The Boxsters should achieve fuel economy numbers in the range of 25 to 26 miles per gallon.

Scroll through the gallery for photos of the updated Boxster, and click on over to our earlier Cayman coverage for the official press release.

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Porsche is preparing to launch the second generation of its super-desirable Cayman coupe at the L.A. Auto Show this week, prominently featuring new, more powerful, and more fuel efficient flat-six engines.

With a 2.9-liter six displacing 265 horsepower for the base Cayman, a bump of 20 ponies and 0.2 liters from the outgoing car. Meanwhile the hot Cayman S jumps from 295 to 320 horsepower wrought from its 3.4-liter boxer six. When used in conjunction with the new Porsche PDK transmission the 2.9-liter Cayman is rated for a consumption of 31 mpg on the highway.

Both levels of the coupe now come with the newest version of the Porsche Stability Management, now offering tricky braking assist features (Brake Pre-Loading and Brake Assistant) that should provide good service in emergency stopping situations. The Cayman wheels have been bumped up by a half of an inch in width to accommodate the new wizardry.

While Porsche’s traditional evolutionary mode of styling change is in evidence here, the new Cayman hasn’t gone completely without visual updating. The front and rear ends have been massaged, with directional signals now integrated into the front headlamps, tapering LED taillights, and “rod-shaped” LED side lights.

Scroll down to read the Porsche press release.

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While Ford has already spilled the beans about the revised powertrain lineup for its newly redone Fusion (in standard, Sport, and Hybrid Flavors), the automaker has waited on the occasion of the L.A. Auto Show to show off the full redesign of the car.

The early verdict seems to be that the redux is quite an attractive one, with the Fusion looking more refined and upmarket in its newest iteration—a terrific thing in a market segment that offers ultra stiff competition and cross-shop happy buyers. The aggressive new front end of the car features headlights that have been well integrated with the three-bar grille, as well as a square power dome of the sort seen on the new Mustang.  Fusion Sport models get a boot lid spoiler and side skirts that amp up the go fast looks to go with the newly capable 263 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6.

Fusion’s interior has also been changed over to a slightly higher level of refinement, though the adjustments aren’t so great in scope as what we’ve seen Ford do with the Mustang living quarters. The center stack makes room for a large new 8-inch navigation screen, with cleaned up controls for the HVAC and media systems.  Plastics have been covered in softer touch materials and more metallic finish surfaces abound.

Have a closer look at the Sport and Hybrid Fusions in our gallery above, or delve deep into Ford’s thinking with the official press release below.

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While it’s impossible to make a fair judgment about the car without having had any time behind the wheel, what say you about the 2010 Ford Mustang from a purely aesthetic point of view? Are you in favor of, or opposed to the Mustang redesign after your first look? Give us your vote, in comments.

Do you like what you see so far of the new for 2010 Ford Mustang? Or do you think that the car has gone in completely the wrong direction and want to know who’s responsible for the change? In either case (we’re guessing the former), the Autobloggers have put together an interesting video, interviewing a few of the designers responsible for the new Mustang, and coving the details of the car in greater depth. Take a few minutes and listen up…this stuff is important.

+ Autoblog: VIDEO: Autoblog goes in-depth with 2010 Ford Mustang

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While we have already keyed readers in on the upcoming Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85—a road-going version of the Spyker GT2 Le Mans car complete with an Audi-sourced, 4.2-liter, 400 horsepower V-8—we were unable to show much of the massively orange car, until now.

In advance of the car’s pending debut at the L.A. Auto Show, Spyker has released a slew of new detail shots of the racer; all in its blindingly orange glory. Have a closer look at the Dutch super treat in our gallery above. Or, feel free to brush up on the details of the car (it comes with a watch!) in the full press release below.
  

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Introduced to the world this past August, it seems that Audi and racing team ABT Sportsline are spending some time at the Nürburgring with this, supremely wild R8 GT3.

The hugely winged and kitted R8 is said to have been fitted to the requirements of a GT3 race car, meaning that all of its 500 horsepower is directed to the rear wheels only—as four-wheel drive isn’t permitted in the formula. That prodigious shove from the V-10 engine is handled through a six-speed sequential gearbox. We’ve heard rumors that the racy R8 was clearing the ‘Ring in laps of around eight minutes, forty seconds, which isn’t bad considering the recently rainy driving conditions.

Have a closer look at the super R8 GT3 in our gallery above, or scroll down below to read a few words penned by the spy shooter himself.

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This week’s big news will likely emanate from the Los Angeles Auto Show, but half a world away, Ford has made some pretty significant news by rolling out the 2010 Fiesta sedan at China’s Guangzhou International Auto Show.

The betrunked subcompact will be built at Ford’s new Nanjing plant beginning early next year, but more importantly for U.S. buyers, the car will also reach North America and Asia with production facilities coming on line in Mexico and Thailand. Interestingly, Europe will have to be happy with the liftback version, as they won’t be receiving the Fiesta sedan.

(Official press release below, further live reveal shots available from our friends at Jalopnik)

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The Range Rover Sport is a vehicle that can go anywhere, do anything, and look trendy in the process. No, it’s not going to win any awards in within the Green crowd, but for the consumers who actually pay out for one of these (especially in Supercharged trim), it won’t matter. In our week with the Range Rover Sport, we found it to have more than ample performance, relatively good handling (for an SUV), and a pretty luxurious interior.

Click through the post for our editors’ full notes on the Range Rover Sport Supercharged.

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After what feels like an interminable period of waiting, following teaser shots, and hunting around for spy photographs, Ford has officially pulled the wraps off its 2010 Mustang, just hours before the car’s gala debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Realizing what a good thing it has had with the current (fifth) generation of Mustang since that car’s launch in 2005, Ford has taken an evolutionary approach to the new car; seeking to update or change the bits that weren’t quite right, without totally tearing up the successful blueprint altogether. That philosophy is most apparent in the exterior styling of the 2010 car, where the pointed massaging of a solid design has lead to a Mustang that is tauter, more athletic, and more refined than the outgoing product.

The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia has been chosen as the 2009 European Car of the year, beating out Ford’s all new Fiesta by a single point. The result is the closest such in the past eight years, when the Ford Mondeo was beaten by the Alfa Romeo 147. The Insignia received 20 first place votes and 321points from the jury of automotive writers, while the Fiesta garnered 19 votes and 320 points. Volkswagen’s new Golf ran third with 223 points, while the Citroen C5, Alfa Romeo MiTo, and Skoda Superb were fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively.

NextAutos’ Reader Tim was the first to respond with the correct answer in the contest post we published last week, and will be on the receiving end of a fabulous NextAutos//Winding Road gift package! (Ok, it’s mostly tee-shirts and stuff, but hey, still free.) Thanks for playing!

Check out the full press release below.

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French design powerhouse Hermès, known for its leather items in the fashion world, has stepped into the automotive world once again. With a leathered up Bugatti Veyron already under its belt, the car Hermès selected was this time was none other than the popular and stylish Smart Fortwo.
 
The Hermès touch for the Fortwo covers almost the entire interior with leather, including the door panels, dashboard and of course, seats. Minor details such as the handbrake have even not escaped the Hermès influence. Complementary to the leather is a special canvas known in the design world as 'Toile H' (which essentially means Canvas H in French) on other interior surfaces.
 
Being, French, modified, and chic, the Hermès Smart car is a wallet-annihilating $48,500— almost three and a half times as much as the base $13,990 model. But hey, what does money matter for a bit of style and flair? It will all seem even more of a bargain when you learn that customers can choose from a range of ten color combinations, with yellow, teal, black, red, green, and Hermès' signature orange among the list options.
 
+ Motor Authority: Hermès releases custom Smart ForTwo