Take a look over Infiniti's current line-up and two vehicles stand out: The M and the QX. Both vehicles have been soldiering on while the brand's volume models (G and FX) have undergone major redesigns, leaving Infiniti's flagship sedan and hulking SUV toiling away unchanged since 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Tonight, that changes.

We'll probably see a mildly tweaked G in So. Cal. while covering the LA Auto Show (an updated QX full-size SUV won't appear until later), but the star of the party is the 2011 Infiniti M. Due to go on sale next spring, the M will be available with two powerplants -- Infiniti's ubiquitous 3.7-liter V6 and a new 5.6-liter V8 -- each available with rear- or all-wheel drive and both packing enough electronic gizmos to make even the most hardened NASA engineer's head spin.

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The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is finally coming Stateside and during a private event held earlier this evening ahead of the LA Auto Show, General Motors – 20 minutes after announcing the departure of Fritz Henderson as CEO – unveiled the U.S.-spec version of its Cobalt replacement and Toyota Corolla competitor.

Sharing much of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt's architecture, the Cruze has the potential to be a massive leap forward for Chevy in the mid-size/compact segment. Larger than the Cobalt in almost every dimension and packing a choice of either a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder putting out 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque or a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-pot, fuel economy and efficiency take center stage. However, "driving enjoyment" was mentioned more than once during the presentation, so to aid both its fuel consumption (an estimated 40 mpg with the turbo'd four) and enhance the experience, buyers will be able to choose between a manual or automatic six-speed gearbox.

Although we've seen the Cruze in person before (it's been on sale in Europe and other markets for over six months), its sharp lines, taut headlamps and enlarged grille play Dr. Jekyll to it's rather staid, Mr. Hyde rump. Inside, the two-tone brown and black leather interior is a tremendous improvement over the model it replaces, with an artfully sculpted dash and center stack surrounded by soft touch materials, brushed fauxluminum and a smattering of chrome. Back seat passengers should be equally pleased with the appointments and a 60/40 split bench ups the ante for usability.

The Cruze's arrival late next year couldn't be better timed, as Ford is readying the next generation Focus and Honda is toiling away on a reworked Civic. We're expecting to get some seat time in the coming months, and for the first time in recent memory, we're looking forward to sampling a new mid-size product from the General. Full details in the press release below the fold and check out the gallery of live images below.

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Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?

If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to benefit from more than a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.

Gas prices, as low as they may be, may cause drivers to erupt in bouts of rage, but according to a new study, that's only the half of it.

A researcher at Cairo University exposed rats to unleaded and leaded gasoline vapors and discovered that the rodents forced to huff the fumes were more prone to violence.

After the gasoline treatments, the rats were put into a cage and exhibited a variety of aggressive behavior, including gnashing of teeth and biting. After the study was conducted, the rats were dissected and their brains showed signs of damage from the fumes.

Taken to its extreme, the researcher that conducted the tests, Amal Kinawy, believes that humans who are regularly forced to inhale fumes at the pump may be more prone to road rage. "Heightened aggression may be yet another risk for the human population chronically exposed to urban air polluted by automobile smoke," Kinawy wrote in her report, although a lack of oxygen delivery to the brain can cause similar effects.

[Source: Wired | Image Source: Frederic J. Brown/Getty]

We're not overly familiar with XTR Carchip, but the Berlin-based tuning company caught our eye with its "X-Wide" Porsche Cayman project. Designed as a daily-driver-turned-track-tool, the 987 S underwent a major exterior overhaul, with a detachable CFRP front splitter, fenders, side skirts, carbon fiber exterior mirrors and an adjustable rear spoiler, along with a set of three-piece, central locking 18-inch BBS RS wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber.

Inside, the stock stereo and air conditioning remain, but a set of Recaro GT3 seats with six-point Schroth harnesses and a roll cage make it ready for a late night assault on Hockenheim.

Somewhat disappointingly, the only modifications to the engine are a Super Sprint Magnum cat-back exhaust and an ECU tune which boosts output to 310 horsepower and brings a top speed of 177 mph. However, XTR isn't stopping there -- they're working on a twin-turbocharged version that will reportedly put out around 850 hp when it arrives next spring.




[Source: XTR Carchip via Porsche Point]

If you've been following the Toyota Tundra rust saga, you're aware that NHSTA recently requested data from Toyota about the purported frame corrosion affecting 2000 and 2001 models. Today, Toyota has extended that recall to include the 2002-03 model years, saying that a small number of trucks could suffer from frame corrosion that could cause the spare tire to detach from its underbody housing. That brings the total up to 110,000 Tundras located in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia.

Toyota will begin an inspection program next month which will run through January of 2010, and if you're driving one of the affected pickups, you can get all the details in the press release below the fold. Hat tip to Mike from Pickuptrucks.com.

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Kia has taken the wraps off the 2010 Cadenza in its home market before its official debut at next month's Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, and if you're wondering what the South Korean automaker had planned for the next generation Amanti, this is it.

Based on an all-new front-drive platform (Type-N) spanning 195.5 inches, the Cadenza is slightly shorter than the Amanti it's due to replace, but its wheelbase has grown to 112 inches and Kia managed to reduce the weight by over 280 pounds while keeping torsional rigidity and overall strength up. MacPherson struts are employed up front with a multi-link suspension in the rear, while 11.8-inch discs (front) and 11.2-inch rotors (rear) are hidden behind standard 16-inch or optional 17-inch wheels.

Three engines, each mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, will be available when the Cadenza launches outside of North America in January. Outputs will range from 162 (four-cylinder) to 286 hp (V6), with the latter like to come to the US. Kia hasn't released when the new Amanti will make it Stateside, but the smart money says sometime late in 2010. Make the jump for the full release.




[Source: Kia]

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Although Nissan and Infiniti won't have an official presence at next week's LA Auto Show, the luxury marque will unveil its 2011 M sedan at an event the night before the show and plans to webcast the proceedings at 7:00 pm PST on December 1.



Joining the thoroughly redesigned M on stage will be the updated 2010 Infiniti G and the oft-spied the 2011 Infiniti QX. Although official details haven't been released for either model, a set of promo shots have already leaked out, showing a slightly reworked fascia equipped with a few organic creases, new foglamp surrounds and a tweaked grille. The QX receives a similar, although much more elaborate redesign, with a bulging hood, acres of chrome and a canted D-pillar.

Powertrain and equipment details haven't been released yet, but expect all the information to be revealed in one week's time.



[Source: Infiniti, The Infiniti Source]