Well, its no secret that the current clad Corolla is well over-due for its model year makeover. Toyota has now hung onto the current design, extending the conforming, utilitarian, and conservative (read: boring) outlook for 2 extra years. In some circles I have heard this to be a really interesting strategy:

1. Civic/Mazda3/Lancer are all enjoying a facelift late 2005 Impreza hits the scene in new-dapper present, mid-2006.

2. Celica is retired, RSX is hung, Civic SIR/TypeR is introduced in respective domestic markets, WRX/STI/MazdaSpeed3 readily available

3. Yaris making a nill impact with the dealership offered ‘aero package’ For those that absolutly unaware of Toyota’s new “flagship” sports compact, let me paint you a picture:

Yes, get a good look at that rear. This thing doesn’t have enough horses for you to see it again once you’ve passed it.

WTF is up with Toyota? are they too busy ENJOYING WORLD DOMINATION WITHOUT A SPORTS CAR? WTF???????
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Quattro. The name evokes thoughts of white, yellow and black Group B rally cars cresting wet yumps at the 1000 Lakes Rally, or drifting past stone houses in the hills above Monaco. With the evolution of the Quattro, that beast has become known as the über Quattro. Every AWD Audi since has been a Quattro, but never as outrageous as that early Eighties monster. Until now.

Audi has combined modern German technology with German/Italian motivation to create the ultimate road going Audi. Audi’s Quattro system, aluminum construction and a high revving V8 shared by Lamborghini, this really may be the new über Q. Time will tell if this model will back up the motorsports dominance that the original Quattro displayed. What is certain, is that Audi has built a hyper performing, road holding new über Quattro that could be an equally important part of the Quattro legend.

Visit our gallery of shots from the Canadian International Auto Show, taken by Jaimie from Random

Audi press release after the break
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Maybe I’m longing to get back into my old Nissan dealership, or maybe Nissan just has some really cool things coming down the pipe, but it seems like there is lots of Nissan news in The Garage lately. The latest is from Nissan in the UK and comes in the form of a hopped up Murano.

WorldCarFans.com are reporting a 340 hp turbo version of the 3.5 liter V6 that will propel the Stylish SUV from 0-60 in about 7 seconds. Speaking of stylish, this version has received all sorts of aero add ons, along with big brakes, upgraded interior and more. The cold air intake on the hood looks like it may scoop up small children and wayward pets.

There is no mention of North America in the article, so who knows if we’ll see this on our streets. To get all the details (and there are lots) be sure to visit Worldcarfans.com