—Ann Arbor, Michigan

One of the most crucial things that American automakers—namely Ford and GM—are currently doing is working on building better individual brand identity within their larger portfolios. In years past, the Lincoln brand suffered by being written off as the grandfather-oriented luxury brand, offering soft vehicles with only a few more luxurious touches than similar products with Ford or Mercury badges. But recently, we’ve seen some really attractive things come from Lincoln, and Ford’s marketing representatives have a clear objective to bring new products to dealer lots that don’t plainly resemble the Ford vehicles that they’re based off of. Sure, you can look at a Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS side by side and see some similarities, but non-automotive media consumers won’t necessarily spot the similarities.

Enter for 2010, the seven-passenger Lincoln MKT crossover. It may be based on the trusty Ford Flex platform, but Lincoln engineers reiterated that not a single body panel or interior amenity has been carried over, unchanged, from the Flex. Its exterior appearance alone is a very polarizing opposite from the boxy Ford crossover, and while the debate still continues about if we find the MKT to be a “pretty car” or not, one thing’s clear—you won’t mistake it for a Flex. Or anything else, for that matter.

CLICK HERE to continue reading this review.

These spy photos show what may be a prototype of the Subaru-powered Toyota FT-86. The FT-86 Concept was recently announced, and will show up at the Tokyo Motor Show.

This test mule, seen here on the Nürburgring, is likely a prototype for the eventual production model. If the FT-86 is any indication, this “Toybaru” will be a rear-drive sports coupe, powered by a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter flat-six engine. With a low weight and low center of gravity, Toyota may finally be making a car drivers like us can get excited about.

See the supposed Toyota/Subaru in the gallery above, and feel free to make any speculations of your own in comments.

http://www.sub5zero.com/auto-news/sema-2009-preview-zele-nissan-r35-gtr-370z-com...

http://www.sub5zero.com/auto-news/lamborghini-new-financing-terms-murcielago-lp6...

Winding Road presents its second Special Edition, the BMW Issue. Full to the brim with Munich’s finest, this issue includes our best coverage of the Ultimate Driving Machine, along with buyer’s guides and previews of some Bimmers yet to come.

This special issue is available only in downloadable PDF format from NextNewsStand. It’s yours for the super low price of $3.99.

CLICK HERE to download this issue.

http://www.sub5zero.com/auto-news/senner-tuning-whitelady-z-based-nissan-370z

http://www.sub5zero.com/motorcycles/2010-honda-vfr-1200f-officially-revealed-pho...

Ever fantasize about a BMW M3 wagon? We sure have. Really, we have.

Manhart Racing has made our dream come true, and then some, with its BMW M3 V-10 Touring. The ingredients include a 3-Series Touring (Sports Wagon here in the States) body, an M3 sedan hood, the engine and gearbox from an M5, and a custom body kit. The result is magnificent.

The M3 V-10 Touring can his 62 miles per hour from a dead halt in 4.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 201. Take that, stock Ms!

It also gets an adjustable Bilstein suspension, larger wheels, and Stoptech brakes, as well as an upgraded interior. Manhart also tuned the ECU and exhaust for good measure, and a total of 550 horsepower.

The price tag is the current equivalent of $178,000.

+AutomoBlog: Manhart BMW M3 V10 Touring

We’ve seen versions of the Volkswagen Up concept at auto shows, most recently as the electric E-Up in Frankfurt.  Today, our spy shooter offers these photos of an Up mule (badged as a Polo) testing on public roads.

The Up should appear on the market as a 2012 model, and, as our photographer points out, it may end up being called Lupo. It will likely house Volkswagen’s clean diesel and gasoline engines, and perhaps we’ll also see the fully electric version come to fruition. Expect a five-door version down the line.

See the diminutive VW Up in the gallery above, or scroll down for the photographer’s own words.

Hot damn! We've got our hands on a 2009 Lotus Exige S260 Sport this week, a car that is (no doubt) one of the best driver's cars on the planet.

Let us know what questions you have about the supercharged rollerskate by heading over to our Ask It forum post. We'll be sure to answer, as well as post driving impressions... if we ever get out of the car.

+ NextAutos Forums: Ask It: 2009 Lotus Exige S260 Sport