Infiniti G37 Convertible

With all of the new-car announcements coming out of Pebble Beach, you'd think they were planning some kind of auto show this weekend. Seriously, isn't the concours supposed to be about rare cars of the past? Attempting to fit in, Infiniti is showing yet another variation on an old theme at the golf course by the sea.

The G37 convertible is the umpteenth example of Nissan and Infiniti's ability to make anything from their FM platform - from coupes to sedans and SUVs. It's not even the first droptop to use the platform, the Nissan 350Z won that prize long ago, nor is it Infiniti's first convertible offering. (Remember the M30 from the early 90s?) A three-piece retractable hardtop takes the place of the G37's fixed roof, and we're told the new lid helps maintain a coupe-like profile. New sheetmetal from the A-pillar back integrates the coupe nose with the new tail.

Subaru Impreza and Forester Boxer Diesels

Nearly a half-year after launching the oil-burning versions of the Legacy and Outback at the 2008 Geneva motor show, Subaru's announced it will introduce diesel-powered Impreza and Forester 2.0D models at the 2008 Paris motor show.

Like the Legacy and Outback diesels, the new Impreza and Forester models make use of the same 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder turbodiesel. Subaru claims the Forester 2.0D produces 147 hp, while the Impreza 2.0D sees a subtle boost to 150 hp. Both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a new diesel particulate filter system.

Although the Impreza and Forester 2.0D models go on sale in Europe this fall, we're not expecting them to cross the pond anytime soon - 2010, at the earliest.

Lincoln C Concept

Lincoln surprised the media at the 2009 Detroit auto show with a concept car, the C, an ultramodern, small four-door that's based on the platform of the next-generation Ford Focus.

The C is an unabashed attempt by Lincoln to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional, aging buyer demographic. "It's inevitable that a younger generation of buyers will want something different from a luxury brand," says Ford's global design chief, J Mays, in regards to the C. "A small Lincoln like this will appeal to 30-something urban dwellers, people who live in lofts in city centers like Chicago and New York. Yet the C is consistent with what we've been doing since 2005 with the Lincoln brand. Just look at our design DNA, and look at our consistency. You can put the C alongside our current cars, and it fits in with them, without them being just different lengths of the same sausage."

Aston Martin One-77

Although it may seem ludicrous to launch a $1.9 million supercar in today's economic climate, the 2009 Aston Martin One-77 serves as a halo car for the iconic British brand.

"Quite simply it had to be the ultimate expression of Aston Martin," said CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez. "As you can now see, we have achieved that goal in magnificent style."

We'd have to agree. Though the sharp edges, quirky headlamps, and ribbed side panels may spur debate among Aston enthusiasts, the One-77 is refreshingly unique. Certain cues - notably the fluted grille and wrap-around taillights - are still present, but the car can't be mistaken for a "pedestrian" Vantage, DB9, or DBS.