The Ferrari California has met industry experts with mixed reviews, but one thing stands clear, it's one beautiful piece of art work.  Not to mention, it should be, at least with the cool price tag of $217,000.

Some argue that the new Ferrari California is a bit to feminine, it's a dolled up version of the legendary Magnum PI brand Ferrari, the 308 GTS.  Some truth to that, consider that the Ferrari California seats 4, is a hard top convertible, and even has enough room in the back for a baby seat.  Granted it's still a Ferrari, so a V8 under the hood and impeccable suspension means that it's the sexiest chick car I'd drive.

I don't know any females that are capable of handling a 460 horsepower V8 capable of 0-60 in 4 seconds? Do you?  And even if said female could handle the power of the Ferrari California, would you want her steering $217,000 down the highway?  Maybe for the target market, price is no object, so it makes a great gift for say one of Tiger Woods mistresses.

Ferrari California Pics

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is this manufacturers answer to the luxury market at an affordable price.  Further more, performance enthusiasts will approve of it's engine options, including a V8 above an already potent v6 setup.  This coupled with a 6-Speed transmission and luxury accessories make it a real contender, no matter the market.

According to recent reviews, the most appealing aspects of the 09 Genesis is the strong motor, rear wheel drive, 17 speaker audio system, and it's ability to be well priced.  Hell, most even European reviewers are claiming that Hyundai has a serious contender amongst big luxury manufacturers like Lexus and Mercedes.  But will consumers be able to justify a $40,000+ Hyundai?

I'm not sure what customer is interested in purchasing a squatty minivan, but apparently Hyundai has the market cornered.  The new 2009 Elantra Touring is exactly that, a squatty minivan, without the space, but slightly larger than a Ford Focus.  Those who have driven the new Elantra are comparing it to Mazda's wagon, and those who haven't driven it, are happy.

The only good thing about the 09 Elantra Touring is it's ability to remain well equipped for around $20,000.  But let's be honest, it's going to have to be cheap to move off of the show room floor.  Furthermore, it may  need a little help to move, considering this 4 door accordion wagon is only equipped with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder.

The extremely small engine makes me question the actual real world gas mileage of the vehicle as well.  Is the rated miles per gallon based on only a driver or fully loaded with 4 adults and some baggage?  Obviously anytime that little 4 cylinder is under strain the gas mileage will suffer.

At any rate, please view the pictures of the 09 Hyundai Elantra Touring below and you be the judge.  If all else fails, at least it comes with a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty, so Hyundai will be standing  behind it all the way.

US residents need not apply, the 2009 Nissan 370Z Nurburgring Special Edition will only be available in Europe.  Special consideration is being given to this 370Z because of the cars contribution to the 24 hour race last month.  Although there are no major engine overhauls on this special edition, there are a few tweeks that make it a worthwhile purchase.

Most notable difference between the Nurburgring Special Edition 370Z and regular 370Z is the exhaust.  This special edition will get a higher performance exhaust system to accompany the unchanged 3.7 liter V6.  Also, there will be an upgraded set of rims and tires, with 19" OZ racing rims.

The special edition 370Z will only be available in the color Yellow.  So, close your eyes and imagine the car picture below in bright racing Yellow with some fancy schmancy rims.  Basically, that's all it takes to pump out a special edition nowadays.  This comes with a price tag of over $71,000 and a limit of only 80 will be made.  Time to go stand in line.

370z Nurburgring Race Car

Boston.com is quickly becoming a popular source of great photo sets and slowly creeping up in world popularity in regards to news reporting.  However, the latest article, about the 2009 Honda Fit has me perplexed.  The reviewer focuses on the Fit's ability to handle a curvy highway, more suited to a super cars review platform.

Giving into the fact that the Fit has looks only a mother could love, since I wouldn't think 'Bug Like' is a positive remark, this brief review seems to give more life to the 09 Fit than deserved.  It's articles exactly like this that make me question, who paid for this review, and what relationship does the author have to it's local Honda dealership?

I can't put any faith in such a review, no matter the trim the 09 Fit may be wearing.  Furthermore, if the author was this impressed, how many vehicles has he actually driven on a perfectly curvy road with suspension worthy of such a review?  Nevertheless, the review has been done, and has done little to convince me that the 09 Fit is anything more than a throwaway car.

Yeah, yeah, I can already hear the negative comments and horrid emails from people who love their reasonably priced Fit.  Personally I think any throwaway car over the $10k mark is too much and the Fit tested was closer to the $20k price point.  No, I have not and will not drive a Fit, I'm scared of tiny spaces with wheels and the idea of a gas tank in the front seems like a bad idea.  Maybe really did want to start 09 boom, but I don't think this is what they had in mind.

Looking to topple the Ford Ranger off the leader spot for small size truck, the 09 Suzuki Equater rolls like a Frontier.  The 09 Equater is a small truck setting on a Nissan frame and suspension components.  Other than badging and a few small differences, if you've driven a Nissan Frontier, you've driven a Suzuki Equator.

Nothing really to get excited about here, other than for the Suzuki ATV fanboys that want to pull their gear coordinated haulers.  The idea is that the customer base that buys all of Suzuki's motorcycles, ATV's, etc will want to pull those toys with a Suzuki branded truck as well.  So enters the Suzuki Equator.

In an economy that is struggling to sell new full size pick up trucks for $10,000, the entry level package for the Equator has me confused.  Atlthough there is plenty of standard equipment to keep buyers happy, the $33,000+ basic 09 Equator is a little intimmidating.  I think I'll pass and spend my money on their toys, rather than their pickups.

I'm not a huge fan of foreign cars, tuners, or even rally inspired sedans, but the new WRX liftback got my attention.  It's rare that a car peaks my interest without the assitance of a throaty V8.  But how could anyone even slightly interested in good engineered performance from a handling perspective.  Not to mention a platform that has  been tried and true on and off the track.

Enter the 09 Subaru WRX STi 'liftback', which is a nice way of saying a 5-Door hatchback curve cutter.  And that throaty V8 sound I mentioned earlier, think turbo charged 4 cylinder capable of 300+ horsepower at 6,000 rpms.  Knowing it's not all about the horsepower, can you imagine they are pumping over 290 ft lbs of torque through this light weight aluminum power box?

What has reviewers singing the praise of this rally worthy WRX is it's ability to tune itself to the driver.  That's right, the 09 WRX STi is capable of adapting to the type of driving or abuse the driver puts the WRX through.  Furthermore the 09 WRX is equipped with a control center where you can tweak the performance at the flip of a switch.  There are 3 options that allow for different types of clutch and throttle response, which can make getting groceries a lot more exciting.

Although price can be relative, I think of all the other vehicles that could be had for a $40k price tag.  Hell, taking a $20k car and dumping $20k in modifications would be more my style, but I don't think the STi is targeted at me.  Rather the European market, with money to burn, and more curves to carve.

09 Subaru WRX STi

09 Subaru WRX STi

It may sound a bit odd, considering the state of upheaval the US economy and much of the world is in, but Lamborghini sales rose 1% last year. A significant amount, when you consider their cars sell for around $200k each, which is making them consider new dealerships in 2009. The super rich always seem to have money, even in a down economy.

At the Detroit auto show Lamborghini showed off their Matte Blue finish LP640. They were making a statement that those lucky enough to purchase a Lambo, were offered cosmetic options at the time of ordering. Custom colors are offered for everything from Brake Calipers to the type of leather used inside. Those with a big enough wallet can live by Lamborghini's moto, "Think The Impossible".

I've yet to see one flying car, but that doesn't mean advancements in the automotive industry can still have the flavor of science fiction.  For example, today Ford announced that they will be releasing 2 different models of Lincoln's that are capable of parking themselves.  The target audience for the Lincoln model cars will no doubt appreciate the ability of a self parking vehicle, saving scratches and the lives of small animals everywhere.

The self parking mechanism and technology being developed by Ford will focus on parrallel parking.  This leap in auto technology will be featured of the Lincoln model MKS Sedan and MKT crossover.  This new advancement will be demod at the North American International Auto Show, for a sneak peak of what 2009 will bring, check out the Ford booth.

In other auto show news, Ford plans on debuting their hybrid Ford Fusion, which is capable of producing 41 miles per gallon.  Yes, 41, which is exactly 8 more mpg than the nearest competitor Toyota Camry hybrid.  Domestic vehicles will be stepping up their focus on technology and economy for 09, showing the foreign group that they still have some tricks up their sleeves, at least Ford does.

Looking to turn up the heat in Detroit, Audi plans to debut their latest A7 4 Door Coupe.  This initial concept by Audi plans to look sleek and fast, but with 4 door appeal.  The A7 has high hopes of increasing the manufacturers sales figures, specifically up to 1.5 million by 2015.  According to Audi they hope to sell close to 40,000 A7's per year once released, although a specific date has yet to be made.

Audi A7

Audi A7

Expect to see a lot more of the Audi A7 in the upcoming months.  Specifically the A7 will be debuted at the North American International Auto Show.