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.

Honda was showing off their latest in go-kart technology at the Toyota Motor Show with the all new CRZ concept.  Of course it's a hybrid and it's biggest selling points are efficiency, but Honda is touting it as a hybrid sport vehicle.  Performance and enough efficiency to keep the hippies at bay?

As you can see from the CR-Z pictures below, it's a concept car still and I'm sure the glass ceiling w0n't make it to production.  Honda claims that the new CR-Z will be available in the US market by late 2010.  Will this be available to compete with Chevy's Volt?

Lexus is counting on buyers going smaller and more efficient in the years to come.  And why not?  With the success of the US governments clunker program and other incentives why wouldn't someone buy a fuel efficient daily driver?

Lexus has released a picture of what they think the future of luxury hybrids will be, with the LF-Ch concept.  View the pics below and chime in with your opinions.  I personally don't think anyone looking for expensive luxury would have any need for a smaller package.  But perhaps Lexus is hoping to flesh out a new niche, not yet attained by competing manufacturers.

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid

The all new 2010 Acura ZDX is being released to compete directly with the likes of the BMW X6 and Infinit FX35.  The upcoming 2009 New York auto show will be it's world debut, where Acura will show off the all new prototype ZDX.  However, don't expect to order the Acura ZDX until some unannounced time in the fall.

Speaking of placing an order for the Acurz ZDX, there still has not been any pricepoints announced.  However, industry analysts feel that the ZDX will be priced in the $42k to $50k range.  Not a budget throw away car, but still priced right below the competing target brands.  Not to mention the radical teaser images of the Acura ZDX indicate it will have a little extra to offer those looking to drop a cool $50k.

"The ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, Acura sales vice president.

Even performance wise, no imformation has been released.  Speculators suspect that the engine will be the Acura popular TL SH-AWD 3.7 liter V6.  If this engine is choose, expect power output to be around the 300 horsepower mark, coupled with a 6 speed transmission.

Yummy.  But personally, I'm still waiting on them to bring back the NSX.

NSX on eBay

Acura NSX 1991 Acura NSX out of a private collection    US $200.00

Acura NSX 1991 Acura NSX with OVER $50k IN UPGRADES 400HP    US $200.00

Acura NSX Low Miles 1991 Acura NSX Auto Upgrades AZ Must See WOW    US $1,991.00

It's a new racy hatchback in response to the failed acceptance of the last 'sport-back' Lancer that was available in the U.S. Equipped with a turbo charged 2.0 4 cylinder, capable of 230+ hp.

The part that sucks, is that the U.S. never gets a potent finished model like this. Hopefully it won't be too dumbed down by the time it hits domestic dirt.

Mitsubishi exquisite metal key ring key chain 6    US $.85

Mitsubishi exquisite metal key ring key chain 03    US $.88

Mitsubishi Key Ring Genuine Peuter Look New    US $.90

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO Mitsubishi Motors Photo Frame    US $.90

Gregorys Mitsubishi Magna TP Series 1989 1991 No257    US $.90

I'm fairly certain I felt something move when I spotted the latest spy shots of the upcoming Lexus.  Fat Wallet Elites have had to keep their lips wet since the Detroit Auto Show 2005 when the machine was first debuted. It's came a long way since it's first prototype, maybe we will see a finished product soon.

GM has been taking large steps forward in regards to creating an electric car. Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show they debuted the Chevrolet Volt, which features an electric power train. Questions are arising now as to the safety and economic value of creating such a vehicle, which would operate on lithium ion batteries.

With a fully operational prototype by the end of 07, GM is hoping for a launch as early as 2010. Such a strict time line on production has caused some to question GM's sincerity and view it simply as a PR stunt.

"Competitors who write this off as a PR exercise are going to be brutally surprised," Lutz said.

Ford has announced it's latest in propulsion technology development, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The development of hydrogen fuel cells for use within the automotive industry is a mark that Ford is innovating the industry.

At a few million a pop, don't expect these to be in production any time soon. Not to mention, where is are the hydrogen stations for fill up?

Production for the new Chevrolet Camaro is at least 2 years away, but don't let that keep the manufacturer from announcing new packages. On the 18th of January it was announced that there will be a convertible package available at launch. Announcements such as this will hopefully keep the general public interested in a product that will take years before they can buy one.

In addition to product announcements Chevrolet intends to have the Camaro in front of it's consumers via movie spots, sporting events, and TV awards shows. 2 years is awhile to hold a gimmie-gimmie consumers attention, but if anyone can do it, it's Chevrolet.