Given the fact that the current generation of Civic has been on sale since the 2006 model year – a lifetime in car years – Honda has decided to put its F-chassis compact under the knife for a few mild cosmetic enhancements. Seen above is the 2009 model year Civic, which honestly doesn’t look too much different from the current car. Sure, Honda nerd Nads can tell you that the bumper, grille and lights are different, but most people (read: people with lives) won’t really be able to notice the difference.
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We all knew that Infiniti was going to be debuting its all-new convertible G coupe at the Los Angeles Auto Show. We didn’t know that Nissan’s luxury arm would release press photos of the car so soon.

It’s very unusual for a manufacturer to release a full photo of a not-yet-released vehicle prior to its major auto show debut. Sure, we may get a teaser photo of a badge or a close up of a headlight or something, but never the entire car. Look above… there it is. Neat, huh? Your hairdresser will be thrilled when it goes on sale the first quarter of 2009.

There’s some other news in the land of Infiniti G. An all-wheel drive G37x coupe is coming, as is an available seven-speed automatic transmission. In case you forgot, the 3.7-liter V6 will finally make its way to the sedan, effectively changing the name of that car to the G37 sedan.

In news that appeals to no one but me, Cadillac has released photos of its first-ever wagon – and it’s a sport wagon, no less.

Cadillac’s successful CTS sports sedan will get a wagon variant – called the CTS Sport Wagon – that will hit showrooms next year as a 2010 model. So far the only powertrain announced for this estate is a 3.6-liter V6, with a smaller turbo diesel in the works for European and Asian markets. The only thing we want to know is when the CTS-V Sport Wagon will be released.

Ford just launched a brand-new website that is counting down to the reveal of the 2010 Mustang. There’s a pretty cool movie that kicks off the whole site, but after that… it’s just a countdown clock.

As of this writing, there are 95 days and 5 hours until the car is revealed. We actually really like the current ‘Stang, and we can’t wait to see what the new one will be like.

Join in on the countdown, and sign up for first looks and exclusive updates, by clicking on the website by going to:

www.the2010mustang.com

Did you miss the Gumball rally due to being out of town or (much more likely) too poor to enter the event? Are you sad that you missed the chance to hobnob with celebrities and check out high-dollar exotics? Well, our favorite shoe company named after a jungle cat/Gumball sponsor Puma has a website chronicling the whole rally – and the afterparties – up for your viewing and reading pleasure.

Check it out at: www.pumagumball.com

When you’re done there, start saving up the £60,000 ($111,965 USD) needed to enter next year’s race so that you can join the party yourself!

This next bit of news doesn’t do us much good, but Vauxhall just announced it will debut a third variant of its Insignia at the Paris Motor Show. And that variant? A totally sweet turbocharged wagon.

There are rumors that the US will get a Saturn-badged version of the Insignia in the near future, but the chances of us getting a wagon version are slim. That’s too bad, as this is a great-looking wagon. Full press release after the jump.
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Sorry ladies, ProMotion’s Mike Morita went and got himself a wife over the weekend, and we weren’t invited. We guess he’s still mad at the fact that we wouldn’t join jazz band with him in high school… Hey, we’re all about getting school credit for playing Benny Goodman standards, but we’re not getting up extra early and taking a zero period class to do so…We don’t know how the nuptials went down, but we like to imagine that Mike resurrected his trumpet skills to play some smooth jazz for his lucky lady before reciting the vows. Congratulations on the marriage, Mike! Invite us to the reception, why don’t ya!

Too lazy to run down to your local auto parts store to buy the latest and greatest car care goods? We know we are – that’s why we wax our cars once every seven years. But now that Meguiar’s just announced its new e-commerce store – www.MeguiarsDIRECT.com – there’s no excuse to have the latest and greatest car cleaning goods in your home.

You know you want to know all the details – such as how to get a sweet 10-percent discount off your order – so follow the jump for the official press release on www.MeguiarsDIRECT.com.
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Chris Rado is proving that he can do more than just drive really fast in a straight line, as he took home his fourth consecutive first place finish (and was crowned the second overall fastest car) at a time attack held by some magazine we used to work for at the world-famous Road Atlanta race track. The full press release can be found after the jump, so click on over and start reading already!
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The RiceBoyTV booth at Nisei Week Showoff the weekend that is. The Naughty Nurse reunites with the RiceBoys on Saturday August 16, 2008. Not only should you just go to the show because it’s that badass and Ken Miyoshi is the OG when it comes to throwing carshows, but we have a booth and Amanda Gift will be there handing out swag, taking pics, and signing autographs. We’ll be there covering the event and I’ll be judging as well. Action packed Saturday. Way better than sitting home watching reruns of Dawson’s Creek. Here’s a link for more details of the event.

http://www.showoffcafe.com/niseiweb/eventdetails.html

DATE: Saturday, August 16, 2008
TIME: 11am - 6pm
ADMISSION: $12 at the door (kids under 10 free)
ADDRESS: 100 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA. 90012
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

The nation’s premiere import car show hits Southern California on the 9th Annual Nisei Week Car Show, where the import car show meets cultural experience in Downtown Los Angeles. Mainstream Productions presents the Nisei Week Showoff Car Show to be held at Little Tokyo on Saturday, August 16, 2008.

This is the place where the top-notch show cars come out to compete and show.

This year the all day event features:

SHOWOFF CAR SHOW - West coast’s top show cars compete for cash prizes and trophies. This is the place where function, quality, and form counts. Overall Winner wins $1000.00 and 6ft trophy with all bragging rights. Custom Showoff (runner up) receives $500 and 5 ft trophy. We have over 350 of the finest show cars so don’t miss out!

The TOP honors in the NOVICE CLASS are:
SHOWOFF AUTO - $1,000 | CUSTOM SHOWOFF AUTO - $500

Team SHOWOFF and Team REPRESENT awards:
Team SHOWOFF - $2000 in BOMEX aero parts
Team Represent - $1000 in BOMEX aero parts

BEST OF CATEGORIES
JDM SHOWOFF, EF CIVIC SHOWOFF, EG CIVIC SHOWOFF, EK CIVIC SHOWOFF, EP CIVIC SHOWOFF, S2000 SHOWOFF, DA INTEGRA SHOWOFF, DC / DB / RSX SHOWOFF, TOYOTA SHOWOFF, NISSAN SHOWOFF, MITSUBISHI SHOWOFF, SUBARU SHOWOFF, Xb SHOWOFF, EXC JDM SHOWOFF, EXC DTM SHOWOFF, OLD SCHOOL SHOWOFF, SPORTCAR SHOWOFF, DOMESTIC SHOWOFF
(Need at least 6 vehicles for each class or class will be cancelled)

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT - An all day array of stage acts including Hip Hop, R&B and bands. PLUS! To tease the eye some of the hottest industry models with their hot autographed posters and much more.

NISEI WEEK FESTIVAL - Come get a taste of Japan happening at various spots throughout Little Tokyo, Carnival, food, shopping and more!