Newport Convertibles rolls out Subaru Impreza WRX STI drop-top

Just in time for summer, Newport Specialty Cars rolls out its latest dropped top, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. You are guaranteed to be the hit of the local scene from Tacoma to Tallahassee when you roll up in one of these. With room for five, your popularity could potentially quadruple.

Toyota to unveil 2013 Avalon in New York

Toyota is set to debut an all-new US-designed sedan at the 2012 New York International Auto Show next month The teaser sketch, which only shows the new car's rear, suggests a departure from the rather bland, conservative design of the current model. The outgoing Avalon very much a traditional three-box design, whereas the teaser image suggests the new model may feature a fastback roofline in the mold of the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS. A 'four-door coupe' if oxymorons are your thing.

Ah, to be in Paris . . .

Well, I'm bummed. The Paris motor show press days are next week, and I'm not going. That's right; while my colleagues are cavorting in one of the world's great cities, I'll be here in the Paris of the Midwest, holding down the proverbial fort.