Only 300 units of the special 20th Anniversary Subaru Impreza WRX STI will be built, and it will only be for the Japanese domestic market to celebrate the STI's 20th anniversary. STI 20th Anniversary is differentiated from other STI by that black rear spoiler, flat black front lip spoiler, decals and 18-inch alloy wheels which are standard.

Other detailing includes that red 'engine start/stop' button and STI's 20th Anniversary badging on certain surfaces of the car. The car will cost US$42,000. Wonder if Richie Rerrie will be one of the 300 lucky customers.

Ford announced a new technology called MyKey that will be standard on the 2010 Focus Coupe. MyKey will do three basic things: allow parents to limit a vehicle's top speed to 80 mph, adjust the stereo's volume up to 44 per cent of its max, and set a sustaining chime if the seat belts aren't being used. The MyKey system is meant to keep teens safe, despite their protestation that a system like this curtails their kiddy freedom.

The MyKey system uses technology from within Ford, particularly the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, to identify which keys are in the ignition and therefore which driving mode to enable. Other things the MyKey system can do is permanently enable the traction control system and set chimes for when the car reaches 45, 55 or 65 mph. But, will all of this technology increase the sales of Ford and its Focus?

In 2010, Nissan will introduce a new rear-wheel drive sports car. Nissan is trying to make it to the market first before Toyota who, by the way, is coming out with a similar car as well. The Nissan is likely to be powered by a HR16DET inline four-cylinder turbo motor with Variable Compression Ratio Piston Crank System which will make 220-250hp and 216lb-ft of torque, power will come through a 6sp manual gearbox, and the estimated weight of 1250kg should make it fun to drive. The final body styling has not been decided yet, but it should be similar to the V36 Skyline Coupe.

BMW is coming out with a new vehicle called the X4, which will be revealed this year. BMW call this mid-size SAV - sport activity vehicle, and future SAVs will be derivatives form the three and five series platforms. The X4 is based off the three-series, its styling theme will be similar to the X6 (which, by the way is currently in Jamaica), meaning it will be a tall five-door fast back. The only drive train will be an all-wheel drive and will be built in South Carolina in the United States.

The United States luxury arm of Honda, Acura, is currently working on a challenger to the BMW X6 and the Infiniti FX. This so-called CUV has no name as yet, but there is speculation that it might be powered by a 3.7-litre V6 turning out 300hp. Traction will come from the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.

Hyundai has developed a new diesel engine that will go head-to-head with engines produced by the Germans and French car manufactures. The engine is Euro-V comp-liant, and will be on 2.0 and 2.2 litres. The 2.0 litre R will produce 181hp and 289 lb-ft, the Audi 2.0 TDI has 170hp and 258 lb-ft, (four rings watch out). The 2.2 oil burner pushes out 197hp and 321 lb-ft of torque. The first Hyundai to get the R-Engine will be the SUV and the large sedans sold in Europe. Now, I wonder if these engines can work with the local diesel fuel that our local refinery produces. At 5,000 sulphur parts per million that's way too high for these new high-tech oil burners. So, when will Petrojam start producing low-sulphur diesel?

Honda United States has announced that it will be cutting back production of the Odyssey minivan and the Pilot SUV, and it will increase production of the Accord. The SUV production will cut by 10,000 units in 2008. Honda will step up the 4-cylinder production Accord. Honda will import fewer Accords from Japan.

BMW, the owners of the Mini-brand, has finally unleashed some information on the MINI E. The car has 204 hp and 162lb-ft electric motor, the front wheels receives the torque through a single speed gearbox. Those numbers are rather unusual for an electric-drive system which usually has much more torque. The MINI E can do 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds, and can drive 150miles on a full charge from its lithium ion battery pack.

The entire back seat of the electric version has been completely consumed by the battery pack. Charging time depends on the current and voltage of the outlet the car is plugged into. MINI will be supplying a high current charging station with the cars that can be installed in the driver's garage to facilitate quicker charges, providing a full charge in 2.5 hours. BMW will be leasing the 500 cars to commercial and private customers in California, New York and New Jersey starting early next year. I wonder if Stewart's would consider this.

Italian racing icons Colnago and Ferrari have teamed up yet again for another limited-edition road bike, the CF7. The CF7 is essentially a specially finished and outfitted version of Colnago's existing EPS frame with the same high modulus and ultra-high modulus carbon fiber content, subtle tube shaping, and tube-and-lug construction.

Colnago and Ferrari will offer just 99 copies of the CF7 to the tune of US$17,500 each. In addition to the custom finish, each will also be equipped with a top-end build kit that includes a complete Campagnolo Super Record group, Fulcrum Racing Speed deep-section carbon tubular wheels, and an integrated carbon fibre bar and stem. Prospective buyers are naturally advised to act quickly.