The Toyota FJ Cruiser is the newest offering in the ultra-popular "retro" vehicle segment, & it's the first SUV to get the what's-old-is-new-again treatment. TheAutoChannel.com has a great ride & drive review posted; click the link below to check it out.

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According to Automedia, Honda is set to release the 2007 Civic 3-door hatchback, a car to hold close to the Type-R Civic hatchback previewed back in February. Some prototypes that mimic the Type-R have been spotted near the Nürburgring in Germany. The base model to be produced for the masses is set to make its debut in July, however, it's not known for certain if it will be offered in the United States.

After September, Honda will no longer produce the Insight, per Honda Executive Vice President Richard Colliver yesterday. While there is a hybrid remaining in the lineup, the Civic, there are plans to construct a new hybrid that will be smaller than the Civic. The prospective new model won't be available until 2009, so the weight is all on the Civic to hold strong in the green race. Click here to read more about the Insight's demise and Honda's future plans.

It has been made quite clear that Toyota is ready to play--whether the NASCAR fraternity is ready for them is another question. As it may or may not be known, Toyota is set to continue its venture in the NASCAR circuit next year and hopes to achieve the same success on the track as it currently does in the showroom. As with any sanctioned and sponsored sport, money is a huge factor. Other teams are definitely concerned with the fact that Toyota's entry into the circuit may lead to sponsorship support reduction. In other words, if Toyota subsidizes the Nextel Cup teams as it does the teams in the Craftsman Truck series, a major sponsor may only have to fork out half of this year's amount (around $16 million) to play the game. This concept, coupled with the fact that an Asian import will continue to be in the series, is a potentially cataclysmic event that may shake up the status quo in the sport.

At the end of this model year (2006), Acura will be nixing the RSX coupe. A senior VP of operations, John Mendel, said Acura is seeking other options to replace the RSX, with hints at the TSX (coupe version) being offered. The M.O. behind this axing is Acura is seeking to continue its upscale momentum and separate itself from its sibling auto make, Honda.

At the recent New York Auto Show, Lexus unmasked its fastest and most powerful hybrid yet, the LS600h L. The new hybrid sedan is outfitted with a brand new 5.0 liter V8 engine, along with high output electric motors and an extra-capacity battery setup. The novel Lexus sedan transfers power to the ground via a new dual-stage, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. While torque figures are not yet available, the power rating for this Herculean hybrid is about 430hp; not bad for a gas or diesel engine, let alone a hybrid. A recent press release from Lexus claimed the new LS600h L was to provide the power of "modern 12-cylinder engines while still delivering best-in-V8-class fuel efficiency."

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While Acura claims the vehicle shown (above) is merely a concept, it bears a strong resemblance to the second-generation MDX SUV which is claimed to hit dealerships sometime in the Fall. The concept is a complimentary design of Honda's California studio and also seems to be shaped with the mindset of sharp, yet sleek.

Completing the vision of the of earlier debuted G concept, Infiniti recently rolled out the redesigned 2007 G35 Sedan at the New York Auto Show. The sedan and the coupe (to come in Spring 2007) both share traits with the coupe concept released back in January. The new G35 Sedan will maintain the DOHC 3.5 liter V6 as its powerplant, however, it now bolsters over 300 hp (a welcomed increase). Transmission options are a close-ratio 6-speed and an exciting paddle-shifted five-speed automatic. Rear wheel drive comes standard, but if a need for more footing exists, the option for all-wheel drive exists.

Road warriors will have a new hunter to watch for on the roadways in France. The next pursuit car is going be a blue French police Subaru Impreza WRX. Peugeot's 306 S16 and Renault's Megan Coupe are going to be replaced by the faster, equally cost-effective Japanese alternative. Subaru has overcome the desire to remain domestic with its decent value and performance, routing French contenders in the contract with the Gendarmerie Nationale.