Maserati's L.A. and Detroit auto show stands featured, for the first time in the U.S., the new GranSport Spyder. Not surprisingly, the sporty two-seater is nothing more than a convertible version of the GranSport Coupe. The GranSport designation indicates the fitment of pronounced aerodynamic add-ons, chrome mesh front and rear grille inserts, sexy tailpipes, and multi-spoke nineteen-inch wheels. A 0.4-inch ride height reduction combines with standard Skyhook active suspension to further sharpen the handling of the Spyder. The glorious, Ferrari-sourced 400-hp V-8 is unchanged for GranSport duty, but the Cambiocorsa sequential manual--the only transmission available--has been reprogrammed for 35% faster gear changes.

Its name may sound like some sort of African veldt-dwelling wild animal ("Watch as the Antara mauls its prey! Don't get too close, kids-it just might bite yer 'ead off!"), but the Opel Antara is nevertheless a significant vehicle. Opel's latest small sport-utility (remember, Opel is owned by GM) shares the platform of the next Saturn Vue. And while the Vue hasn't ever been anything we've lusted over, if past Opel-GM product sharing is any indication, the next Vue, the Antara-based Vue, ought to be pretty good to drive.

Photo Gallery: 2008 Saturn Vue - New and Future Cars, Trucks, and SUVs - Automobile Magazine

In an attempt to move away from its also-ran role in the Asian car industry, Suzuki has been pushing hard over the past year with ew models, including the Grand Vitara mid-size SUV, the bigger XL7, and the SX4 shown above. The SX4 offers the type of boxy, spacious design that is becoming de rigueur for the small-car segment, but adds all-wheel drive, filling a void left by the many smaller 4X4s that have bulked up. The SX4 is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC in-line four mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. We haven't driven the SX4 yet, but check back closer to the on-sale date this fall to see if the small Suzuki has what it takes to beat the big guys.