The Cube will share the same powertrain as its platform sibling the Nissan Versa, with the MR18DE 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder churning out 122 bhp and 127 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Buyers can opt for either a six-speed manual or Nissan's Xtronic CVT on both the Cube 1.8 or Cube 1.8S models. The suspension is comprised of MacPherson struts up front with a torsion beam in the rear. Fifteen-inch wheels are fitted all around, while front discs and rear drum brakes are the only option.
Three models will be available in 20 different colors when sales begin this summer, including the Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8S, and Cube 1.8SL. Options range from illuminated kick plates, aero packages, wheels, a Rockford Fosgate stereo, iPod integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and backup sensors. Pricing hasn't been announced, but expect the '09 Cube to start well below $20,000.
Rumors &Lies
* The '09 model Nissan GT-R is on its way and with it comes good news, bad news ... and worse news. First the good stuff. Godzilla gets even scarier with a bump in output from 480-485 bhp. The fuel tank gains a few liters, "Nissan" lettering replaces "Brembo" on the brake calipers, the front license plate mounting moves down, and the paint code for Storm White changes from QX1 to QAB.
* Now the bad news. The price in Japan will swell by 5 percent so expect another increase over the original 5 percent bump to work its way across the Pacific. Next up, launch control. After several warranty claims from the GT-R's $20,000 dual-clutch transmission unceremoniously grenading itself after the repeated use (abuse?) of launch control, Nissan is considering dropping the system altogether. Nissan hasn't made an official announcement yet, but expect word to come soon.
* Finally, rumors swirling around the Japanese press say that Nissan has stopped production of the GT-R at the Tochigi factory for unknown reasons. It could be a glitch in the system, a quality control issue, or just the recent price hike in aluminum and other materials, but expect the shutdown to effect availability and the launch of the Spec-V model.
* Toyota's iQ city car could come to the United States wearing a Scion badge as early as 2010. Aimed at competing with the Smart Fortwo, the iQ could be packing the Yaris' 1.5L, four-cylinder mated to a manual or CVT gearbox and priced under $15,000.
* Volkswagen's Euro-only Scirocco had us contemplating a move abroad until word came that VW was seriously considering bringing the sporty hatch to the States. While the standard model packs the same 2.0L turbo as the GTI, a new, range-topping model is under development that will utilize the same TFSI 2.0 liter as the new Audi TT-S. The Scirocco R20T would put out 265 bhp and 258 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels, delivering a 0-to-60 time of less than 6 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
* An R32 variant is officially off the table due to the VR6's lackluster fuel economy and emissions, and if VW execs decide to bring the R20T to the United States, it would be perfectly placed in the V-Dub line up above the GTI, while commanding a price tag north of $30,000.
* Toyota and Subaru's collaborative efforts on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe continues, and after reports surfaced that Toyota wouldn't offer the sports car in the States, rumors began to circulate that Scion would be the beneficiary of the new model. If and when that happens, expect the tC to shuffle off this mortal coil in late 2010 or early 2011.
'10 Mazda3
Viva la Evolution!
Don't let the '10 Mazda3's new fascia and redesigned rump fool you. Mazda knows better than to mess with a good thing, so the second-generation 3 is simply an evolution of its predecessor that irons out the kinks and continues to deliver the budget buzz we've come to know and love.