Subaru BRZ Concept STI teases production BRZ at L.A.

Subaru BRZ Concept STI at the Los Angeles Auto Show The Subaru BRZ (and for that matter its sibling, the Toyota FT-86) has been floating around in one form or another as a concept for years. And at Los Angeles we get treated to yet another ‘Concept’ version – the Subaru BRZ Concept STI. Which does seem a bit odd; after all, the production version of the BRZ is scheduled to arrive later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show, and we know from the teaser shots Subaru sent us of the production BRZ that there are changes from this Concept.

Audi settles 'Imported From Detroit' ad dispute with Eminem

Detroit charities have emerged as the victor in a dispute between Audi AG and Eight Mile Style LLC, the company that licenses Detroit rapper Eminem's songs, after Audi released a commercial in May that appeared to rip off of Eminem's "Imported from Detroit" Chrysler spot. "Audi has tremendous respect for Eminem and his works, and likewise for the 'Imported From Detroit' campaign which was created by Chrysler, and certainly Audi would never wish to insult or harm those parties or their fans and customers," the German automaker said Friday in a statement. Terms of the settlement weren't released, but as part of the agreement--which both parties said was reached "amicably"--Audi said it would "support the revitalization of Detroit by contributing to selected social projects." Audi didn't specify which organizations would benefit, but Joel Martin, of Eight Mile Style told the Detroit Free Press that a project "will be announced soon." "Just like 'Imported from Detroit' helped benefit charities like the Marshall Mathers Foundation, we as Eminem's publisher can give back to Detroit," Martin said, according to the newspaper.

Japan quake threatens to delay U.S. output of Nissan Leaf EV

The March 11 earthquake in Japan could force Nissan to delay the start of U.S. production of its Leaf electric vehicle, now scheduled for late 2012. “The earthquake is putting us in a very difficult situation,” said Hideaki Watanabe, head of Nissan's Global Zero Emission Vehicle Business Unit.