Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V has already proven that its impressive power stats translate nicely to the track with sub-8 minute 'Ring times and a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds. The General is also positioning its new 556-hp halo sedan as a performance bargain, having announced today that it will go on sale around November 1 with a starting price of just $59,995. That's more than $40,000 cheaper than the less powerful XLR-V, and we'd argue the CTS-V is more attractive with its v2.0 Art and Science styling and works much better as a daily driver with its back seat and usable trunk. The CTS-V also makes the larger $80,900 STS-V sedan completely irrelevant considering its 86-hp power advantage, improved aesthetics and quicker moves. Even the vaunted BMW M5 with its higher starting price of $83,900 and less powerful 500-hp 5.0L V10 engine can't touch the CTS-V in price or performance.

Australia’s Eflin debuts Type 5 Clubman

Fans of the original Lotus 7 will undoubtedly be familiar with Elfin. Others who, like Lotus itself, have come to realize that automotive development has advanced in the past few decades, may be less so. The Australian sportscar-maker is right up there with the likes of Caterham and Westfield, only from the land of reverse-flushing toilettes and leaf-eating marsupials. The company is under the care of Tom Walkinshaw, a legend in the motorsports and tuning communities who has leveraged his close ties with GM's Holden subsidiary for the vehicle you see here, called the Type 5 Clubman. Replacing the discontinued Type 3, the new Type 5 joins the line-up alongside the MS8 Streamliner and was recently unveiled at the ongoing Sydney Motor Show.

The new roadster features the same 260-hp turbo four from the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline, only in a much lighter frame of just 750kg (about 1,650 lbs). The combination of generous power and low weight means the Type 5 is pegged to hit 100 km/h (62mph) in a rapid 3.7 seconds while commanding a sticker price comparable Down Under to a Nissan 350Z or Mazda RX-8, only without frivolities like a roof or doors.

Porsche Carrera GT

You never what you're going to spot when you go for a little joy ride across America. Just moments ago as we crossed from Missouri into Arkansas on Interstate 55, a low slung black car with a big wing rolled by. After a quick double take I grabbed my camera and snapped off a few pics of the first Porsche Carrera GT I've ever seen on the street. If I was going to see one of these I certainly wouldn't have expected it in eastern Arkansas.

Maserati MC12 beats world’s best in super comparo

Despite the fact there is no real "Official 'Ring Record" for production cars, manufacturers never miss the chance to time their fastest cars as they lap the famous German race track. After all, there's a great bit of marketing to be had by claiming that your car is faster than everything else. Maserati realizes this just as much as the next company, and the Italian automaker's MC12 is still 'super' even though it's now three years old. Perhaps even more so, as it recently managed to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 7:24.29. Not only is this an extremely fast time, it betters the marks set by such enviable performers as the Ferrari Enzo, Koenigsegg CCX, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and Porsche Carrera GT. All of these cars are owned by one (very lucky) man and were tested with the same driver (American Le Mans Series racer Marc Basseng) at the same time and under the same conditions, while lap timing duties went to Europe's evo magazine. All of this lends a dose of credibility to the Trident's accomplishment that's lacking from the incredible 'Ring times that automakers have been claiming lately. So, while not all 'Ring times are created equal, some bragging rights now belong to Maserati.*

Paris 2008: Toyota’s new Avensis arrives

The Euro-only Toyota Avensis is reminiscent of the Lexus IS350 in the same way that you'd tell someone, "You kind of look like someone I know, but not really." It's the rising linear sideline, somewhat high and compact profile, and squared-off rear that do it. But that's from a full-on side profile and around the back. Move around the front and it really just looks like a Toyota. The raked grille and molded lips in the front bumper are unexpected, as is the subtle sexiness of the wagon. Designed in France, the new Avensis grows a little over its predecessor by 5 cm in length and width. Under the hood, possibilities include three new Valvematic gasoline engines, and two diesels, while cogs can be swapped with a 6-speed manual or the dual-mode, Multidrive S automatic.

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Toyota’s Vegas-bound Venzas

When you think about the Toyota Venza, we doubt the first thing that comes to mind is customization. But that hasn't stopped Toyota from tapping Street Image, Inc. and long-time partner Five Axis to create a duo of Venza project cars for November's SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The two low-slung crossovers (don't call them wagons) attempt to highlight and accentuate the active lifestyles of the Venza's core demographic, beginning with the Street Image variant (above) that boasts an upgraded engine and brakes, massive rollers, a lowered ride height, body kit, a black/burgundy interior and a sat-nav-equipped entertainment system. Toyota says the Street Image SportLux version attempts "to give the occupants the feel of a refined sports car while retaining the Venza's utility and functionality." We say, good luck.

Five Axis makes a slightly more compelling case for customizing the Venza with a stow-away rack system created by Magna Car Top Systems that can transport everything from bicycles to skies. New front and rear bumpers, wider fenders and pot-hole averse 20x10.5-inch wheels round out the exterior mods on the Venza AS V.

We'll be checking out both models in Vegas in a few weeks, but check the gallery below now for a preview.

Paris Preview: Fiat Fiorino Qub

Click above for high-res gallery of the Fiat Qubo MPV

The new Fiat Fiorino Qubo is a new multi-purpose vehicle that looks a bit like Kermit the Frog with a massive under-bite. Judging from the photos supplied by Fiat, it's a great vehicle for surfer dudes with hot girlfriends and families with dogs. Considering its got dual sliding doors and airy cockpit, we can imagine that the young guys and gals towards which it's marketed can find plenty to do with the MPV. Think of it as a very Italian Honda Element. Anyway, there are some nice details here, including an interior with six possible seating configurations -- all for a 13,000 euro starting price, which translates to about $18,500 in the States. Two engines are available, a 73-horse 1.4-liter gas-powered four and a 1.3-liter oil-burner with 75 horsepower along with a five-speed stick or six-speed "robotized" automatic. We expect to see the Qubo in person at the Paris Motor Show, soon after which folks in Europe will actually to get to buy one. Read the whole press release after the break and check out the gallery below to view more beautiful people having fun with the Qubo.

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