Out with the old, in with the new Lexus GS 460

The Lexus GS 430 is dead. Long live the Lexus GS 460. For 2008, the top-of-the-range GS model gets a new 4.6-liter V-8, an eight-speed automatic transmission and an active power stabilizer system, which allows the driver to switch the suspension between "comfort" and "sport" modes for even better body control.

Dodge Journey, lest you forgot, is coming soon

We first saw the Dodge Journey crossover vehicle at the 2007 L.A. Auto Show. Dodge's intention is to provide all-wheel-drive capability (good for towing and inclement weather) with the kind of clever packaging and canny seating normally found in minivans. Yet the Journey is still a convenient size.

The entry-level, front-wheel-drive SE model is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive SXT and R/T Journey versions come with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Journey is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2008, as a 2009 model, with a starting price of $19,985.

-- Colin Ryan

Kia's Spectra5 gives frugal a good name

Probably not even the designer's mother would call it sex on wheels, but as a decent five-door car that starts at $16,000, the Kia Spectra5 does the job. Just recently, it was ranked No. 1 out of 12 contenders on U.S News & World Report's list of affordable compact wagons for 2008.

The things is, the Spectra5 isn't just affordable. It's pretty good. I drove one recently and found it to be roomy, practical and frugal: Its 2.0-liter, 138-horsepower engine delivers 23/30 mpg in city/highway driving. Yet the interior sports good-quality materials, and the car's ride is sweet. The paint work plus general fit and finish are also fine. And even in a town like Los Angeles, the car's anonymity is no bad thing.

VW Touareg, $40,000; "Bourne" adventure road trip, $2,000

Just in time for the DVD release of "The Bourne Ultimatum," the most recent entry in Matt Damon's wildly popular spy thriller series, comes this chance to drive like the star –- and to be pampered like one as well.

In the film, Bourne's signature car chase is in a Volkswagen Touareg -- the agile and tough cousin of the Porsche Cayenne. The DVD has a great "making of" section about the chase and Damon's training that car buffs and movie fans alike will love. Although the chase in the movie was through New York City, Volkswagen is offering a chance to do some Touareg racing and off-roading in style.

Honda’s hot hybrid road ahead

When we think of hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius is usually what springs to mind. But don't forget that Honda also makes hybrids -- there's the gasoline-electric version of the Civic, and does anyone remember the Insight?

There's still a lot of discussion/argument/indecision over what will be the way forward for personal transportation, considering that ethanol needs so much energy to produce, hydrogen is so difficult to obtain and there's the whole issue regarding how to dispose of spent nickel-metal-hydride batteries sometime down the road (come to think of it, there will probably be a similar situation with lithium-ion batteries later on).

ZR1: best Corvette ever?

Start saving now. Or at least hope the writers strike will end soon. Next fall will see the launch of the 2009 Corvette ZR1. With power from a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, it should be good for 620 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.

And unlike the Z06, it won't primarily be a track-focused machine, although the estimated zero-to-60-mph time of 3.5 seconds, possible top speed of 214 mph, bigger brake system (as used on the more hard-core Ferraris) and carbon-fiber aero appendages might appear to contradict that.

BMW X6: the new SUV, coupe, whatever

BMW has taken the sport utility vehicle, turned up the "sport" button and come out with this, the X6. The company describes it as a "sport activity coupe," which is somewhat misleading, because the X6 has four doors.

Think of it as a lower, sportier X5. It has the same all-wheel-drive system as that vehicle but has its own particular slant: dynamic performance control.

Nissan's concept minivan: popcorn optional

The Nissan Forum is a minivan with a microwave. No, that’s not some futuristic means of propulsion, just the usual thing for heating up pies and making popcorn. And given that the Forum seats seven, it should be quite a well-used microwave.

This concept -- which will be displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January -- takes a decent stab at making minivans more appealing (not just to pie- and popcorn-eating types). It has wide-opening front doors and a clean, swooping profile with sliding side doors. Above the passengers is a moon roof with glass panels that open.

Knight in new armor

There's a new "Knight Rider" two-hour television movie coming soon to NBC (scheduled for Feb. 17), and it's updated in most every way. David Hasselhoff will make an appearance, but the 1982 Pontiac Firebird that was KITT will be replaced with new blood.

This is a new time with new technology, and, of course, General Motors no longer makes the Firebird, much to the chagrin of fans of both the car itself and the car as TV star.

For the 21st century, KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) has new powers and a new voice and is a different car: a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR. It now takes two forms and is capable of shifting shape and color, which requires computer-generated graphics and two distinctly designed cars. That means you go from the first design, a stock GT500KR, and morph to the second, the so-called Attack Car. Because there are no GT500KRs yet, the parts had to be shipped to Galpin Ford and its GAS shop in Van Nuys, the home of "Pimp My Ride," for the KRs to be assembled for filming.

Volvo's safe future

It used to be a simple matter of counting air bags when assessing a car’s safety potential. But now there are all sorts of things like radar-guided intelligent cruise control, driver alertness and pre-collision systems.

Volvo has plans to deploy radar in a collision warning and automatic braking system. A wide-angle search system detects pedestrians and other objects in front of and around the vehicle; the sensor then sends a warning signal to a driver’s heads-up display if a hazard has been detected. If the driver doesn’t hit the brakes, the car will do so. And should the driver manage to brake in time but a heavier foot is required, the system will oblige.

F1 for insomniacs

History will be made in Singapore next year. The Formula One circus arrives at Asia’s answer to Switzerland to run the first-ever night race. On a street circuit, no less. About 1,500 special lighting projectors will be used. These will be set up in such a way that minimizes glare and reflections from a wet surface or spray from other racing cars (in the event of rain) and are claimed to be four times brighter than those in a sports stadium.

This should be one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the F1 calendar, with a crowd of 80,000 expected to attend. The circuit is 3.148 miles long and the race will run in an anti-clockwise direction (one of the few races that do, Interlagos at Brazil being another). The organizers promise plenty of overtaking opportunities as well as fast and challenging corners.

Ad-Vantage Aston Martin

There’s no real reason for running a pic of this car. At the moment, it’s merely a concept -- a twinkle in the eyes of Aston Martin lovers everywhere. But it’s just so darn gorgeous that it cannot be ignored. Oh, and it has a 600-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-12 engine beneath its lightweight carbon-fiber hood.

This is the Aston Martin V-12 Vantage RS. It’s based on the smallest car that AM makes, the highly acclaimed Vantage -- about the size of a Porsche 911. Normally, the Vantage has a perfectly wonderful 380-hp, 4.3-liter V-8. But Aston has a way with V-12s -- just hearing the old V-12 Vanquish accelerate down the road was enough to send spines tingling.

Chevy Volt sparks interest on 3rd Street

The atmosphere was electric when the Chevrolet Volt came to Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Well, maybe not electric, but many interested parties were charging up to the people who brought the car along, asking a battery of questions, like: "Is this on sale now?" "Where can I buy one?" and "How much does it cost?"

Sadly, the answers were: "No," "You can't get one right now" and "Prices haven't been set yet." But judging by the level of interest from various cities around the nation, this plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle has the potential to be a big success.

Aston Martin DBS wins the part in next Bond

Aston Martin has announced that Daniel Craig will drive its new DBS in the next James Bond film, scheduled for release next November (working title: "Bond 22"). The Aston DBS is the car that debuted in "Casino Royale" last year with Craig at the wheel; in one memorable stunt scene, the car rolls seven times, making a Guinness world record.

The car companies and the product placement firms that represent them line up every time a Bond film is in play. The franchise is a big fish in the world of product placement. It draws both money and unseen prototypes out of the design studios, cars that otherwise are not on the table for other films, no matter how big. Such is the Bond mystique vis-a-vis cars.

ZEUS Nanocar -- small isn't always beautiful

The polar caps are melting. Low-lying islands like the unspeakably pretty Maldives, glistening in the Indian Ocean, could soon be underwater. Inner-city pollution causes asthma in children. We need fixes, and we need them fast. This is Canada’s contribution to the looming environmental catastrophe -- the ZEUS Nanocar. Never has anything with "nano" in its name seemed so uncool.

NASCAR's Earnhardt Jr. gets a real job

Helping a fledgling company get along always brings a nice, warm feeling. Voodoo Ride was set up this year, and one of its participants is Dale Earnhardt Jr. He’s a NASCAR driver, so this attempt at getting a "proper" job should be congratulated.

Dale and his chums have launched a product called Hypd (apparently, NASCAR guys aren't known for their spelling) as part of a range of car care products. Hypd puts a long-lasting, high-gloss finish on tires. After a visit to the carwash, most tire shine products last only a few days, but Hypd's makers claim that their product lasts for weeks. This is done by using a three-part silicone system plus two sophisticated additives that bond to tires, forming a protective barrier that prevents cracking, fading and premature aging. And nobody likes to crack, fade or age prematurely.

2008 Corvette -- notably improved

With the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 noted for being one of the great performance bargains and the 600-horsepower supercharged ZR1 on the horizon, the "basic" version of America's prized automotive icon is in danger of being overlooked. Which would be a shame, because the 2008 model has a few welcome improvements.

The small-block V-8 engine has been bored out -- to 6.2 liters from 6.0 -- resulting in a horsepower bump to the tune of 30 hp, with total output now rated at 430 hp and 424 pound-feet of torque (that's an extra 24 lb-ft too). Vital statistics read 4.5 seconds in the sprint from standstill to 60 mph and a top speed of 190 mph.

Holiday gifts for a Hollywood executive: Part 1

OK, my buddy Colin has listed the best holiday gifts for gearheads, and it's really a great selection. But what do you get that studio executive, power agent or manager that's not only touching but also gives the recipient a competitive edge in Hollywood?

Why not Kaneko Sangyo’s portable toilet for use inside the car? (Really!) I’ll bet Ari Emanuel already has at least one. The man seems to be on top of every major deal in Hollywood, so who knows? Maybe this thing is his secret time saver.

Hyundai's new beginning

Hyundai is moving upmarket. This is the Genesis, a rear-drive sedan with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus buyers as its target market. Only there’s one big difference: the cheapest, V6-powered model should cost around $30,000. Even the specced-to-the-nines V8 version shouldn’t be more than $40,000.

Dodge's challenging proposition

It used to be a concept and now it’s a production vehicle. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Coupe is available now (with deliveries being made by March 2008) at a price of $37,995.

This whole idea of doing a retro-styled muscle car is great. Perhaps Ford should do the same with the Mustang. Oh, hang on, it already has. And the most expensive Mustang hardtop is the Shelby GT 500 Coupe with a 500-hp, 5.4-liter V8, costing $41,930. Whereas the Challenger has a 6.1-liter V8, which should probably churn out something in the region of 425hp. Hmmm.

-- Colin Ryan

Hi, Voltage (Chevrolet Volt on display in L.A.)

Anyone interested in seeing the possible future of motoring should get along to one of the five locations listed below, because the Chevrolet Volt concept car is coming to town. Yep, GM has resurrected the electric car.

The Volt is a plug-in electric vehicle that can drive up to 40 miles without using any gasoline. According to government data, this would be enough to handle 78% of American commutes.

Holiday gifts for gearheads, Part 4

Holiday gifts for gearheads, Part 4

It's tinsel time in Tinseltown and welcome to the fourth list of car-related presents. I hope they’ve been of some help.

Mequiar’s Ultimate Car Care Kit
While we would all love the gift of a new car, that’s not an option for most people. But how about a new-looking car? Well, clean, at least. Mequiar’s Ultimate Car Care Kit has a scratch remover, polymer car wax, cleaners for the wheels and tires, and even an interior detailer spray that works on leather and sat-nav screens alike. Included in the carrying case is a microfiber cloth.
$29.99
www.meguiars.com

Holiday gifts for gearheads, Part 3

Welcome to the high-end installment of the gift list. This is for those with deeper pockets (in one case, almost bottomless) and the luxury of a little more spare time.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 12-cylinder engine
Well, not quite. It's about the size of a couple of shoe boxes placed end to end. This scaled-down replica is battery powered and operates by a press of the "Engine Start" button. Move the gear lever through the authentic little gate and a surprisingly full-throated engine noise is heard. $499.95; www.gmpdiecast.com

Vintage racing on the Net

"It's a Wonderful Life." "Miracle on 34th Street." Tired of the usual holiday season reruns? From now until New Year's Eve, www.auto-history.tv is running a wealth of vintage auto racing footage, featuring legends like Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss and Craig Breedlove. For free, with no subscription.

The inaugural Watkins Glen Grand Prix from 1948, the Pikes Peak hill climb of 1934, the Indy 500 from 1966 -- these are just some of the many items from a century of motor-sport films. Also included is the 1904 Vanderbilt Cup event, which could well be the first film of an international road race.

At the very least, it sure makes for a nice change from watching someone burn himself by taking an ax to a can of WD-40 on YouTube.

-- Colin Ryan

Maserati’s sportier sports sedan

Maserati’s Quattroporte has always been seen as more of a sports car for four than a sedan with a Ferrari V-8 under the hood. Now there’s a version with a bit more of that attitude -- the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

This is apparent by looks alone. The car has a black chrome mesh grille, complemented by dark chrome seven-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels. The side window trim and double exhaust pipes are in black, with body-colored door handles providing an extra air of stealth. The cabin is still a wonderful place to be, but now there’s some carbon fiber trim -- threaded through with aluminum -- and more supportive front seats.

1968 Product placement in 2008?

What -- yet another Mustang story? Believe it or not, this one takes its cue from 40 years ago, and the question: Can you really sell a car based on a movie from 1968? Ford Motor Co. thinks so.

Of course, Ford’s present Mustang body is a modern take on the iconic ’67–’68 model. People ask me whether the folks in Dearborn, Mich., can keep squeezing blood from a stone, offering still more variants of the Mustang. Well, in this case, I think the answer is yes. Because, unlike almost all of the other versions, this one is about understatement, not overstatement -- that is a whole different buyer. It's image, it's the cool factor, and it's McQueen.