The 2009 Mazda6 - Contributed

No plans to release Mazda6 hybrid

Mazda has decided to keep the new Mazda6 hybrid-free for the time being. The automaker is content that the new 6 can hold its own against the competition, despite the high cost of fuel. Mazda says the vehicle's world mpg numbers are strong and good. The 2009 Mazda6, equipped with the base 2.5-litre four, and a manual transmission, is rated at 20/29 mpg on the EPA's city/highway estimates, while the 3.7-litre, V6-equipped model, comes in at 17/25 mpg.

Ford could sell Mazda to raise capital

Ford Motor Company has a 33.9% share in Mazda. With that percentage share, it has given Ford control of Mazda. Ford is in a dire financial position and is planning on selling Mazda but such a move would likely cause major headaches at both automakers, as the two jointly develop many of their products and combine research and development costs between themselves. The cash infusion of Mazda's sale would only net Ford around $2.5 billion, barely more than what the automaker received for its stake in Jaguar and Land Rover. It would hardly be worth the trouble, so maybe such a sale is hardly likely.

2009 RAV4 gets bigger engine

Toyota has revealed the 2009 RAV4, new wheels, mirrors and fender flares. The top-level 4WD V6 RAV4 gets a unique rear door with no spare tire and a set of run-flat tires. Toyota has increased the size and power of the RAV4's base four-cylinder engine. The fuel economy is estimated at 22 city and 28 highway, The enlarged 2.5-litre, VVT-i four-cylinder engine produces 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, an improvement of 13 horses and 7 lb-ft over the previous 2.4-litre. Toyota placed a brand new automatic tranny in the '09 RAV4 with only four ratios from which to choose. The optional 3.5 VVT-I litre V6 has a class-leading 269 hp, at 6200 rpm and 246 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm remains the same for 2009. Fuel economy is 19 city/27 highway The V6 is mated to a 6sp standard transmission and the five-speed auto remains unchanged. The V6 RAV 4 will do 0-60mph in seven seconds, all RAV4 models meet the ULEV II ultra low emission vehicle certification.

No Infiniti four-door GT-R

Rumors have been circulating on the Internet that there might be a four door version of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, but it would wear the luxury badge of the Infinity. Nissan chief Carlos Ghosen has dismissed the notion of the Infiniti sedan-based GT-R. If Nissan was to build the car, it would go up against the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera, and the eventual production version of the BMW Concept CS but, with its power, it can surely keep up.

World's first 63-inch tyre

The Titan tyre company has made a 63-inch rubber tyre for use on trucks in Canada's oil sands. The 59/80R63 is the biggest production tire in the world, standing over 14 feet tall and weighing 12,500 pounds.

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX gets 265hp (US)

The US spec version of the 2009 Subaru Impreza will get a 41hp increase over the 2008 model from its 2.5 litre, flat four-cylinder engine, it will have 265 hp at 6000 rpm and 244lb-ft at 4000 rpm. The 2009 is only available as a five-speed manual. Those who want an automatic tranny will have to get the GT model with a 224 hp 2.5-litre turbo. Also standard are 17 x 7-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R17 summer performance tires.