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Is your DVR set? Are you inviting people over? What plans do you have to watch the premier of Top Gear USA tomorrow (10PM EST/9C on the HISTORY Channel)? While you’re thinking about it, why don’t you spread the word about our last Top Gear prize pack to give away and enter yourself. The winner will receive a prize pack worth $200 that includes a Top Gear-branded remote-controlled car, Top Gear-branded Auto Roadside Kit and History Channel fleece.

In order to enter, simply “Like” the Autoblog Facebook page (if you already have, thanks), then check the FB page in a few minutes for this post to appear on our Wall (it’s live now!). Once it’s live, leave a comment on that Facebook post (here’s the link again) to enter the giveaway. Feel free to “Like” the post itself so your Facebook friends can see the giveaway, and remember to allow direct messages in your Facebook privacy settings. So no one gets confused, we’ve turned off commenting on this post since only a comment on the Facebook post will earn you an entry.

To enter giveaway #3:

• “Like” the Autoblog Facebook page. Leave a comment on the Facebook entry titled “Leave a Facebook comment, win a Top Gear prize pack: Last Chance!“
• You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. only.
• Limit 1 entry per person.
• The entry period ends at 2:30PM ET on Sunday, November 21.
• At that time, we’ll select 1 winner from the eligible commenters to receive a Top Gear USA prize pack valued at $200 that includes a Top Gear-branded remote-controlled car, Top Gear-branded Auto Roadside Kit and History Channel fleece.
• Make sure your Facebook privacy settings allow for direct messages to receive notification in the event you win.
• Standard giveaway rules apply for everything else.

Leave a Facebook comment, win a Top Gear prize pack: Last Chance!

There are plenty of important rules when it comes to attending a track day, but one of the most easily overlooked and simultaneously important is, “Thou shalt not speed to or from the facility.” Aside from all of that moralistic stuff about putting the public in danger, exceeding the posted limit also does a number on the reputation of whatever track you’re headed to. After all, it’s a rare community that actually the embraces the sound of engines revving and tires squealing at 7:00 a.m. on the weekend; most tracks don’t need any “help” in the bad PR department.

Apparently the members of ExoticsRally.com missed the memo. A slew of drivers from that site recently participated in a charity event where they could pay $100 for a lead-follow lap at the famous (and exclusive) Monticello Motor Club. An extra Benji would allow for a quicker lap, and those who’d been on track before could buy additional track time.

Unfortunately, around 100 of the participants were busted doing well over 100 mph on their way to the track. Local law enforcement was not amused, handing out tickets by the fistful for everything from speeding to improper equipment in a bid to get drivers piloting everything from Dodge Vipers and Chevrolet Corvettes to Nissan GT-Rs to cool their heels.

Do us all a favor. If you like your local track, keep it legal on the surrounding streets, or the place might not be open for business next year. Thanks for the tip, Monroe!

[Source: The Times-Herald Record]

Report: Cops pull over 100 cars en route to Monticello

The autonomous Audi TTS built by Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Lab, Stanford University and Audi has taken an important first step toward its ultimate goal: participating in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The self-driving TTS officially completed a test run – all the way to the 14,110 foot summit – earlier this year, clocking a time of 27 minutes, which is pretty good considering that race officials typically expect a human driver to do it in around 17 minutes.

Audi says that the car used a combination of brand-new software, algorithms and hardware to tackle one of the world’s most challenging hill climbs. The 12.42 mile course is a gauntlet of tarmac and loose gravel that snakes upward with a number of instant switchbacks. According to Audi, the autonomous TTS managed to hit a top speed of 47 mph during one stretch. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Audi]

Autonomous Audi TTS successfully ascends Pikes Peak

First Drive: 2011 Bentley Continental GT

Upon querying current and past Continental GT buyers about what they’d like to see in the new model, a surprisingly unified voice came back loud and clear: “Don’t screw up my car, but fix the sat-nav.” Let’s see how it went, shall we?

Leave a Facebook comment, win a Top Gear prize pack: Day 2

It’s time to give away another prize pack! Follow these instructions to enter the drawing.

2011 Chrysler 300 photos hit the web

Here we have a slew of high-res detail shots of the 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan. Expect a full reveal at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Also of interest:

• Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off
• 2012 Mustang Boss 302 priced at $40,995
• Ford makes version of Transit Connect for the people
• Ford Police Interceptor quickest in LA Sheriff’s Department testing
• Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 11.19.10

The focus at the LA Auto Show is on new production vehicles as well as concepts that hint at an automaker’s direction for the very near future. One aspect of the show however, looks further into the distance and pushes designers to create their vision of a supplied theme. The LA Auto Show Design Challenge has entered it’s seventh year, and for 2010 the designers had to create a 1,000-pound car that was stylish and performance oriented yet also capable of carrying four passengers. The GM Advanced Design team stepped up to the plate and, with their Cadillac Aera Concept, took the top spot.

This marks the third time that the group from General Motors has won this challenge, giving them the most wins out of all automakers that enter. The Cadillac Aera Concept hit on all areas that the judges were looking for and, despite the futuristic styling, still carries some recognizable lines from Cadillacs of today.

You can read more about the Cadillac Aera Concept by reading our preview of the design challenge, and you can see it for yourself in the gallery below.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Cadillac Aera Concept wins LA Auto Show Design Challenge

Cadillac Aera Concept wins LA Auto Show Design Challenge

By now, cars that drive themselves have become old news. Every time we turn around there’s another organization out to wander half the globe with a driverless van or tackle one of the world’s most demanding hill climb events with an automated Audi TT. It just never ends. But the guys and gals at Georgia Tech Research Institute have taken things one step further with its Collaborative Unmanned Systems Technology Demonstrator. During a demonstration for the US Army, the school effectively demonstrated how vastly different robotic vehicles could work together. You know, to get us coffee, take over the world or whatever.

As a part of the 2010 Robotic Rodeo, GTRI used two unmanned aerial vehicles to work in coordination with a roboticized Porsche Cayenne. Once airborne, the two RC planes take over everything from navigation and target location.

So what can all this tech do? GTRI says that in one instance, one of the UAVs can locate a target and radio the location back to the UGV, or unmanned ground vehicle, which then navigates around buildings and obstacles to the location. Meanwhile, the second UAV can continue to use its sensors to evaluate the surroundings. Welcome to the new world.

Head over to the GTRI site to learn more about the program.

[Source: GTRI]

Georgia Tech pairs autonomous Porsche Cayenne with two R/C airplanes

Former White House Auto Industry Task Force member Steven Rattner is being sued by New York State Attorney General and Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo for allegedly paying kickbacks to win investments in the state’s pension fund.

Cuomo is seeking $26 million from Rattner, and to bar him from trading securities in New York for life, an agreement that might hamstring Rattner if he can’t do securities work in New York any longer.

Rattner, who recently penned a book about his time on The Obama task force (“Overhaul,” [Houghton-Mifflin-Harcourt, 2010]) that guided General Motors and Chrysler through bankruptcy, already settled a related case against him brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which brought a civil lawsuit against the private equity executive and former New York Times reporter.

Rattner’s former investment firm, Quadrangle, settled with New York State and the SEC last April, which was accompanied by a statement by Quadrangle saying Rattner’s conduct was “inappropriate, wrong and unethical.” Quadrangle agreed to pay $7 million to Cuomo and $5 million to the SEC without admitting or denying wrongdoing.

Continue reading…

Continue reading Former Car Czar Rattner settles with SEC, sued by Cuomo

Former Car Czar Rattner settles with SEC, sued by Cuomo

Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about BMW’s plans to expand its model line with more niche models like the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. We’ve heard talks of a new X4 crossover, a 3 Series GT and even a hatchback M3. It’s all a bit maddening, yes, but never fear – BMW has not forgotten about its core models, especially the all-important 3 Series sedan. After all, the four-door 3er is quite possibly the most important benchmark vehicle in the automotive marketplace. We do talk about it quite a bit.

Our sneaky spy photographers have just snapped this 3 Series prototype out testing on public roads, and while the exterior hasn’t been altered too much from other development cars we’ve seen, our photogs managed to snap the 3er’s reworked interior for the first time. Breathe easy, folks – it isn’t too far removed from what we’ve come to know in the current E90 car. The dash has more sculpted lines, the steering wheel is beefier and has some more functional buttons and the center console features BMW’s new remote-sized shifter.

We’re still unsure as to what BMW has lurking under the hood, but we can expect the usual host of six-cylinder powertrains, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated. Of course, there’s always the possibility of a four-cylinder option, too. Until we get the official word, we’ll hug our current E90s and wait patiently. See the latest set of spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time

It’s time to give away another prize pack as we tick off the days on our calendar to the premier of Top Gear USA (10PM EST/9C this Sunday on the HISTORY Channel). Thanks to all who entered yesterday’s giveaway and became new fans of the Autoblog Facebook page. Let’s add some more Likes today by giving away another prize pack that’s worth $200 and includes a Top Gear-branded remote-controlled car, Top Gear-branded Auto Roadside Kit and History Channel fleece.

In order to enter, simply “Like” the Autoblog Facebook page (if you already have, thanks), then check the FB page in a few minutes for this post to appear on our Wall (It’s live now!). Once it’s live, leave a comment on that Facebook post (here’s the link again) to enter the giveaway. Feel free to “Like” the post itself so your Facebook friends can see the giveaway, and remember to allow direct messages in your Facebook privacy settings. And again, so no one gets confused, we’ve turned off commenting on this post since only a comment on the Facebook post will earn you an entry.

To enter giveaway #2:

• “Like” the Autoblog Facebook page. Leave a comment on the Facebook entry titled “Leave a Facebook comment, win a Top Gear prize pack: Day 2“.
• You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. only.
• Limit 1 entry per person.
• The entry period ends at 2:30PM ET on Saturday, November 20.
• At that time, we’ll select 1 winner from the eligible commenters to receive a Top Gear USA prize pack valued at $200 that includes a Top Gear-branded remote-controlled car, Top Gear-branded Auto Roadside Kit and History Channel fleece.
• Make sure your Facebook privacy settings allow for direct messages to receive notification in the event you win.
• Standard giveaway rules apply.

Continue reading Leave a Facebook comment, win a Top Gear prize pack: Day 2

Leave a Facebook comment, win a Top Gear prize pack: Day 2

The Chevrolet Volt is only a short time away from having a home at dealerships across the country, but like many media outlets, Motor Trend has been thoroughly testing GM’s halo car for some time. In fact, MT has been so impressed with the Volt that it just recently name the extended range EV its Car of the Year. That’s a big deal for General Motors and its newest darling, but not everyone is happy with the magazine’s choice. In fact, outspoken radio show host Rush Limbaugh recently weighed in with not only a bit of criticism for this decision.

This isn’t the first time Limbaugh has been less than favorable in his opinion of the Volt. As you may recall, he first lashed out on the electrified sedan back in July. This time, however, Limbaugh questioned Motor Trend’s credibility, and in order to make sure both sides of the argument are well-represented, MT’s Todd Lassa has issued a rebuttal. Here, Lassa’s main point was to reinforce why the Volt won this award, though a few shots are Limbaugh were made, as well. Lassa called the Volt “the biggest automotive technological breakthrough since… I don’t know, maybe the self-starter,” and then went on to hammer Limbaugh and fellow political pundit George Will for not understanding what makes the Volt so significant. The sleeves are rolled and the claws are out, folks. Head over to MT to read the response for yourself.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Motor Trend defends its selection of Chevy Volt as COTY

Our friends at Kicking Tires stumbled upon a series of teaser images from Chrysler showing off the revised-for-2011 Chrysler 300 sedan. Yes, our intrepid spy shooters have already offered up some pretty darn good photos of the car as it was being shot for marketing purposes, but it’s always good to focus in on details like the new corporate-style grille, headlamps, taillamps and the sleek new winged Chrysler logo.

From what we can see, the next Chrysler 300 will continue the brand’s march to the top of the upscale American sedan ladder that it first ascended way back in 2004 as a 2005 model. Yes, it’s been that long since the boxy, gangsta-style machine hit the market – “due for an update” would be a serious understatement.

Expect the 2011 300 to come equipped with both the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and be available with either standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. We’re counting on a full debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January, but in the meantime, feel free to peruse the image gallery below.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

2011 Chrysler 300 photos hit the web

Lexus is continuing its “Darker Side of Green” advertising campaign for the new CT200h with a new video series. Comedian Whitney Cummings will interview a host of unique personalities as they drive the new hybrid hatch through their home cities. Each episode will focus on a different locality, with hotspots like San Francisco, Miami and New Orleans taking center stage.

Don’t expect the interviewees to be hardcore driving aficionados, either. Instead, Lexus has handpicked a few movers and shakers from each community to spend a little time behind the wheel of the company’s newest hybrid.

The automaker is calling the video series “Darkcasting,” and the interviews will be shot in a total of six cities across the United States. Eventually, the series will be found at the campaign web site, but the impatient among you can check out the quick trailer after the jump. The full press blast is there, too.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus to ‘Darkcast’ mobile talk show in CT 200h [w/video]

Lexus to ‘Darkcast’ mobile talk show in CT 200h [w/video]

NADAguides has officially picked its Car of the Year for 2011, and the choice may surprise you. While the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Ford Fiesta have been big media mongers this year, NADAguides shunned those stars in favor of the 2011 Buick Regal. According to GM, the newest Tri-Shield beat out 10 other would-be winners on the basis of fuel economy, price and performance, among other attributes. This isn’t the first time that the 2011 Regal has gotten a nod from NADAguides, though. The sedan also won a Car of the Month award from the organization back in September.

General Motors has been raking in the trophies this year, with the Chevrolet Volt picking up Car of the Year wins from both Automobile Magazine and Motor Trend, as well as being named Green Car of the Year today at the 2010 LA Auto Show. The good press is likely music to the company’s ears as its stock is now being publicly traded. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Photos by John Neff / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Buick Regal named NADAguides Car of the Year

Buick Regal named NADAguides Car of the Year

The battle for law enforcement domination rages on. A gaggle of would-be police cruisers showed up at the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for public testing recently, and of all the competitors, the Taurus-based Ford Police Interceptor with its twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine managed to turn the quickest lap time of the bunch by beating out the V8-powered forces from Dodge and Chevrolet. It also ran from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds. Ford isn’t saying exactly which other cars were on hand for abuse, but we can probably guess they were the Caprice and Charger.

The new 3.7-liter V6-powered Police Interceptor Utility, which is based on upcoming 2011 Ford Explorer, also managed to turn a lap time that was a full two seconds quicker than the new law enforcement Chevrolet Tahoe. Both vehicles were laden with a 400-pound cargo box at the time.

Ford’s standard 3.5-liter V6 held its own during the competition, too – beating out the rest of the V6-equipped enforcers in handling, braking, acceleration and lap time tests. Ford says that in addition to performance and durability, the Interceptor also brings impressive fuel economy to the table – offering up to 20-percent better economy than the outgoing Crown Victoria.

How’s that for a change from the last time these bruisers locked horns? Hit the jump for the full press release.

Live photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptor quickest in LA Sheriff’s Department testing

Ford Police Interceptor quickest in LA Sheriff’s Department testing

The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to loosen the purse strings and buy gifts for friends and relatives. And if your spouse insists on getting your nephew a new outfit, you can still maintain your status as the cool aunt or uncle by throwing a few Hot Wheels in the box with that crap-tastic gift of school clothes. But as gift recipients get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to spruce up the gift bag for a few bucks. That is, of course, unless that someone special is into vintage racing cars.

If that’s the case, Hemmings has the scoop on some nifty new Hot Wheels with a decidedly retro flair. The 2011 Hot Wheels Vintage Racing Line includes Pro Stock, Trans AM and NASCAR vehicles of yesteryear. According to Hemmings, the Pro Stock miniatures will include “the Hemi Darts of Dick Landy and Shirley Shahan, Dick Landy’s ‘70 Challenger, Dave Strickler’s ‘70 Camaro RS, a ‘73 Sox & Martin Duster, and more; the Trans-Am brigade will include Dan Gurney’s ‘68 Cougar, AJ Foyt’s ‘65 Mustang, George Follmer’s #16 ‘70 Boss 302 and an AAR Cuda.”

Sounds like the perfect gift for the man with an office but not enough clutter on his desk. Now if we can only persuade Hot Wheels to make more stock sports cars and exotics without the annoying stickers, ridiculous wheels or garish wings we might be truly excited.

[Source: Hemmings Blog]

Hot Wheels Vintage Racing Line not for the kids

Infiniti’s been really upping its game in the all-wheel drive segments, and you know what that means: more of the deluxe Datsuns in the parking lot at the local ski slopes. But while the Japanese luxury cars can get you there, what oh what will you ever use to get back down?

Infinti and upscale winter equipment brand Volant have the answer. The two have teamed up for a limited-edition ski pack, complete with personalized skis and the rack you’ll need to affix them to the roof of your car.

This isn’t the first time that Volant’s parent company Amer Sports Group has delved into autodom, its Salomon brand having made skis for Saab, while rivals Dynastar have done the same for Ferrari, K2 for Volkswagen and Zai for Bentley. Soon enough, every car company worth its winter tires will be on board, too. Until then you can check out the images in the gallery below (nice backdrop!) and the press release after the jump.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading It’s all Downhill from Here: Infiniti hits the slopes with Volant ski package

It’s all Downhill from Here: Infiniti hits the slopes with Volant ski package

It’s been a relatively slow second day here at the 2010 LA Auto Show, but that’s given us time to roam around the convention center and snap a few more photos of all the new production and concept cars.

We know how you, our readers, love high-res images, so we’ve picked out our favorite images of the new debuts and put them all in one gallery to adorn your desktop. As a special bonus, we’ve uploaded the images in 1920 x 1275 pixels to fit on even the largest of computer screens. You’ll have the Fiat 500, Camaro Convertible, Porsche Cayman R, 2012 Nissan GT-R and more to choose from. Enjoy!

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

LA 2010: Top 25 desktop wallpapers

In-flight wireless Internet access and e-mail is both a boon and a curse to Chrysler chief marketing officer Olivier Francois, who says he already works 20 hours a day running marketing for both Chrysler, as well as five of Fiat’s brands. His frequent flight time was his last refuge to write and think through other work on the nine brands he manages without endless meetings or putting out fires.

And his email can be intriguing. On Nov. 11, he was flying Delta from Detroit to San Francisco. In flight, he received an email from Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win advising him that Burmese pro-Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon be released from prison in part, read the email, because of the public pressure Fiat had generated through an ad in Europe last year that went viral spotlighting her imprisonment.

Good news, to be sure. But the email meant that Olivier spent the rest of the flight dictating edits by email from 35,000 feet on another ad he ad he commissioned for the cause, shot in Hiroshima, Japan at the 11th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates only days before with the Dalai Lama climbing out of a Chrysler 300 (the 300 is not in evidence, but he shot it in case he wants to run the ad in the U.S.) The new ad, featuring Lancia vehicles, which broke this week on European TV and the Internet, had to be changed to celebrate the political dissident’s release (watch it after the jump).

Francois, a self-assured French-born executive whose job is running Fiat’s marketing, Chrysler’s marketing, as well as serving as CEO of all aspects of the Chrysler and Lancia business as CEO of those brands, appears supremely confident in every thing he touches. And that encompasses a lot: from selecting ad agencies – six in the last year – to actually writing ad copy, composing music for ads and chasing down celebrities he wants photographed next to his cars.

But there is one brand task that Olivier admits is starting to get the better of him: fixing the Chrysler brand messaging. “It is a wonderful brand with great American roots, but finding the idea to reintroduce it…very difficult,” says Olivier.

Continue reading…

Continue reading Chrysler’s Francois has a lot of answers for brands, but not yet for Chrysler

Chrysler’s Francois has a lot of answers for brands, but not yet for Chrysler

The people behind Lotus never cease to amaze. Case in point: Roger Becker. The former vehicle engineer ended his 44-year run with the automaker this past February after being instrumental in some of Lotus’ most influential cars. After proving to be a superior engineer and driver, Lotus founder Colin Chapman plucked Becker from the Elan assembly line in the late 1960s and he went on to help create everything from the Esprit to the Elise. His most recent and final masterpiece was the 2+2(ish) Evora, which Becker described as his “finest hour at Lotus.”

To commemorate Becker’s tenure, the automaker is releasing the 2011 Lotus Exige SC RGB Edition adorned with the engineer’s signature, the required plaque and packing the 257-horsepower supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine from the SC260 – the last time the Toyota-sourced 2ZZ will be used in the Elise and Exige. The RGB will be available in either Elise or Exige guise, with the convertible coming in under $58,000 and the Exige commanding $70,750.

Oh, and if you need another reason to be impressed with Becker: When they were filming the chase scenes in The Spy Who Loved Me, Becker was behind the wheel – he was apparently better at manhandling the Esprit than Bond’s stunt man.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

LA 2010: 2011 Lotus Exige SC RGB Edition

Mitsubishi has been working on electric vehicles for a long time. So much so that the car the company is now calling the “100% battery-powered Mitsubishi i for the U.S. market” was emblazoned with the words “40 years of EV development” on its back bumper when it as unveiled at the LA Auto Show today. As the sketches we saw of the widebody i hinted at, the new vehicle is indeed longer and wider than the original i-MiEV in order to meet U.S. safety regulations. Oh, and the inside is “a little bit larger for larger frame people,” said Maurice Durand, manager of product communications for Mitsubishi Motors North America. Yes, America, Mitsubishi has heard your pleas for more butt space.

The electric i will go on sale in the U.S. next fall and be priced “around $30,000.” The company expects to sell just 20,000 units by fiscal 2015 – a modest goal, indeed. This is due, in part, to Mitsubishi positioning the i as an electric vehicle best suited for commuting, not one intended to replace the SUV or car you take on long road trips. “Frankly, the main purpose of this car for us is to get us in as a stakeholder in the electric vehicle game and to help pave the way for our future products,” Durand told AutoblogGreen. What future Mitsubishi vehicle might that be? The PX-MiEV. Details are yet to come.

As this vehicle shows, the MiEV name survives as something to brand Mitsubishi’s eco drivetrains that are based on the battery system used in the i and the i-MiEV. The hardware in the American, European and Japanese vehicles are the same, but the software that runs it is going to be upgraded for the U.S so that the car hits a range target of 85 miles on the LA4 test cycle and performs as American drivers expect.

Once available, buyers will be able to buy a preferred 220V charging station, designed and manufactured by Eaton that can fully charge an empty battery in eight hours, at Best Buy. Mitsubishi had a partnership with Best Buy in the past and had some Geek Squad groups use Japanese-spec i-MiEVs for service calls. Having Best Buy get familiar with the vehicle – learn how it charges and how it reacts in a real world environment – helped convince the retail giant to sell the charger, Durand said. Check out the full press release after the break.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading LA 2010: All-electric Mitsubishi i (don’t call it i-MiEV) debuts for U.S.

LA 2010: All-electric Mitsubishi i (don’t call it i-MiEV) debuts for U.S.