Over the summer I reported on Mitsubishi working on an all electric mini car that would be competing in the Asian market.  The i-MiEV was going to be a zero emissions, 100 mpg, electric car.  These have been around for decades and they are more commonly known as golf carts.  But I digress.

Mitsubishi has now announced that they are attempting to bring the i-MiEV to the US market, a full 18 months ahead of schedule.  However, they do not intend for it to be competing on the same block that it is currently in the Asian market, meaning this little sled will be gas powered.  Sorry 15 mile commuters, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, if it makes it to the US early, will only be an electric hybrid and not a full electric car.

The implications of releasing the Mitsubishi i-MiEV gas vehicle in the US early is that it may be successful.  If it does become popular you can probably kiss the all electric version good bye, unless you are doing your own car importing.

Even by luxury golf cart standards the current offering of the i-MiEV in Japan is expensive, expect MSRP to be around $16,000.

Suzuki has yet to be known for their mid size sedan offerings, but they are hoping this will change with the upcoming release of the 2011 Kizashi.  Even though the new sedan name sounds like a raw fish appetizer, Suzuki is hoping they can build on the success of their compact car offerings.  If they can start stealing market share with little cars, why can't they do it with midsize?  Not to mention the pie is a little larger, weighing in at 20% of Canada's market.

Like most press releases from car manufacturers in a recession, it's full of big words and supposed cutting edge technology.  Plenty of references to european style handling, expensive styling ques, and the ability to be had for a fraction of the next closest competitors price.  But what stands out to me is its lack of engine options.  Early adopters of the Suzuki Kizashi will have only one choice for engines, a 4 cylinder.

Now, this works in compact cars, but I'm not sure how it will stack up in the mid size market.  The minimum offering should at least be a 4cylinder gas saver for the car-pooler without friends and then a 6 cylinder option for those living in the mountains driving a full load.  Fill a mid size sedan up with 4 fat ass business types, throw in some luggage, and good luck getting that 4 cylinder to react and perform like other sedans on the market with v6 offerings.

That being said, just because it's got the same safety equipment, handling, and amenities of every other mid size sedan on the market doesn't mean you can take some pie.  It will only take one poor review from a fat driver to put your sales in the tank.  Good luck Suzuki, but please hurry up and plan on offering a V6 option in the 2011 Kizashi.

It's amazing how far of a cry the final 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is from the concept a few months back.  So much for hoping for a performance minded mid size sedan.

BMW has released some information on the elusive M3 saw running around the Nurburgring a few weeks ago. The factory built race car is truly an inspiration for corner carving light weight goodness. But perhaps BMW has gone too far? nah!

Not only is this new M3 lighter, thanks to an ample amount of metal for carbon fiber swapping, it's also more powerful.  Think about an ultra light car packed with a 4.4 liter v8, producing over 400 horsepower.  This deadly combination of power to weight ratio, 19 inch rims, and adjustable suspension makes for an improved lap time BMW can be proud of.

Much like privately built race cars, this BMW factory flyer also includes many other upgrades over the typical dealer M3.  Not including high priced rubbers, over sized disc brakes, and stripped down amenities.  All of this can be yours, special ordered from BMW, for $172,500.  I just don't think this includes destination charges and any other kind of nickel and diming.

Subaru Performance Tuning has prepared a custom Impreza WRX STi and a Legacy VIP concept specifically for the SEMA show.  The show, which starts today in Las Vegas, will be housing some of the most spectacular modified vehicles in the world, so companies must bring their A-Game.  Perhaps that's why Subaru is also debuting their WRX Trax car.

The Legacy VIP is a one-of-a-kind vehicle inspired by the VIP rides found on
the streets of Tokyo, Los Angeles and New York. It uniquely blends parts from
SPT and the Japanese domestic market (JDM) with custom features for the "full
VIP treatment." VIP is a style known for a clean, yet heavily reworked, luxury
theme with an emphasis on impossibly low ride height and huge, aggressively
styled wheels.

Pictures of the inside of the Subaru Legacy VIP can be found below, along with Subaru's special edition 2010 WRX STi.

Regular readers of The-Grayline.com know how much I ooze over the idea of a potent Mustang.  Lately Ford just seems to keep on delivering one awesome version of a Mustang over another.  Even though the SVT brand doesn't seem to be hanging around, we have been blessed with the Shelby GT500 and now, the 2010 Cobra Jet.  Fitting, considering Ford has aesthetically and internally redesigned the 2010, so let's see what's in store.

The 2010 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang can be seen by those lucky enough to attend the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, which begins today.  The Cobra Jet has been specially outfitted in SEMA paint, complete with Cobra likeness down the side.  The pictures of the SEMA special Cobra Jet can be seen in the gallery below.

What sets the 2010 Cobra Jet apart from other 2010 Mustangs?  First of all it will come equipped with the first ever factory equipped Rev Limiter, which is a staple for low ET's.  Basically the Cobra Jet is a factory built race car, similar to the one Ford released on the 40th anniversary of the Cobra Jet in 2008.  Although consider it a much more track ready beast, complete with roll cage.

I've had trouble finding specific power numbers for the 2010 Cobra Jet, but suffice it to say, it won't matter to those buying.  All 50 produced have already been ordered by the dealers and sold to customers, sorry, no longer available.  But maybe, just maybe, you might have a friend of a friend that will give you a ride in one.  Until then, please feel free to slobber over the pictures below.

Cobra Jet's Available for purchase right now on eBay

Ford Mustang mach 1 CJ 1973 mustang mach 1 cobra jet project    US $1,700.00

Ford Ranch Wagon Custom 500 1969 Custom 500 w NEW 429 Super Cobra Jet Heads RARE    US $1,924.00

Ford Ranchero 1972 Custom Ford Ranchero 351 cobra jet    US $3,102.00

Snow tires not cutting it out in Colorado so far this year?  Perhaps Subaru has the answer for you, at least in theory, a WRX STi equipped with snow tracks!  And not just any WRX, a 400 horse power version was shown at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA).

Right now the snow track WRX is a modified rally version of Subaru's popular all wheel drive car.

Under the hood, the ultimate Subaru snow machine sports a 2.5-liter,
4-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled STI engine tuned with a MOTEC M800
ECU. The engine, which kicks out approximately 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of
torque, is teamed with a KAPS 5-speed close-ratio dog-engagement gearbox and
the Subaru programmable DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) all-wheel
drive system. Employing custom machined hubs, the drivetrain - which has been
dropped three inches - is mated to Mattracks 105M1-A1 rubber track conversion.
The car also features Group N competition rally dampers made by EXE-TC.

Subaru WRX STi Trax

Sorry guys, this is a one off, so no chance of catching this on the Subaru show room anytime soon.  But I'm sure someone with deep enough pockets could contact Mattracks, which is responsible for the rubber track system pictured here.