A story or so below this one we posted the latest news about some really hot new bikes, much of the state-of-the-art of our era's current choices (from BMW, MV Agusta, Yamaha and Honda). With that "ganging up" of vehicles by category seeming to strike a chord with you visitors, we're doing the same with three all-new small cars. Some are available in the US now; some will be coming to the marketplace in 2009 or a bit later.
The three cars found below (well, four if you're really counting close), are all, in their way, excellent choices for the young-at-
heart and, in some cases, for the heavy-of-wallet, ranging from the ridiculous (Toyota's iQ) to the sublime (entry-level Lotus 2-eleven) and everything, well, sort of, in-between ... meaning a combination purchase: A 2008 McLaren SLR by Brabus, combined with a smart ForTwo by Brabus, and they're calling this the "dynamic duo" (apologies to Batman ... and the Batmobile). Why we picked these photos to lead the post, we're not sure, but we thought it'd be nice for visitors who have not visited Japan to see a slice or two of "real life". Above is a police scooter, electrically-powered, and a "koban," or police box, both of which are in the same traffic circle in front of the very busy Narita, Japan JR station, about 50 miles north of Tokyo. In fact, this police box is a re-creation of the original Narita station, which had been destroyed.
As always, we'll let some of the PR fluff from the manufacturers do the talking, except when we feel the need to add some humor, realism and downright sarcasm as we see fit. We hope you agree.
2008 Lotus 2-Eleven - New Entry-Level Version 
The latest Lotus 2-Eleven, bristling with Lotus Sport options and wearing a dramatic carbon fibre body was exhibited with its premier last week at the 78th annual Geneva International Motor show. This car has been specified with, amongst other options, the 255 PS (252 bhp) power upgrade, carbon fibre tonneau cover, four piston front brakes, "Aero Pack" and "Sport Pack" as an example of how the new range of Lotus Sport options can be configured.
The 2-Eleven made its global debut at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor show in 2007 available in launch specification with the supercharged 255 PS (252 bhp) engine, in either UK Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Track Only guise for the introductory price of £39,995/ € 49,573/ USD$76,155. After suggestions from Lotus racers and owners, the 2-Eleven will now be available as an entry level car with a number of option packs to tailor to owners' individual requirements. 
As well as a number of performance option packs such as the Track Day pack and UK road SVA pack, there are a range of stand alone options that now include two different Limited Slip Differentials, an FIA approved 70 litre bag fuel tank (almost 19 gallons) and a removable competition steering wheel.
2009 Toyota iQ - Production Starting Late 2008
Toyota is world-premiering the production design of the new iQ at the Geneva Motor Show. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the iQ will go into production during late 2008. It's quite possible that iQ will go on-sale in the US sometime late in 2009 as a 2010 model. And by the way ... These 'photos' are either really well-done PhotoShop-type renderings, or extremely clean pictures shot in some NASA clean room.
The new iQ, says Toyota, is a sophisticated car, representing the ultimate refined urban mode of transportation. Thanks to its ingenious and revolutionary packaging it measures less than three metres in length, yet has a flexible interior space that allows up to three adults, plus a child or luggage to travel comfortably. The name iQ is the best representation of what the car embodies. "i" stands for individuality, whilst at the same time also expressing "innovation" and "intelligence". "Q" stands for "quality" and also suggesting that its "cubic" stature gives a "cue" to new value and lifestyle. (When it takes more than two complete sentences to define a car's name, when it's made-up of only two letters, things could get a bit muddled).
The marvel of the iQ's ingenuity, according to Toyota, is in its revolutionary packaging, which is the result
of six space-saving but inter-linked engineering innovations that represent a break-through in Toyota's automotive vehicle development. The iQ will have the choice of one of two petrol or one diesel engine. These engines - along with the compact design, low weight, and aerodynamic shape of the iQ - will contribute to outstanding fuel economy and exceptionally low CO2 emissions.
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and Smart ForTwo by Brabus - Ultimate Duo
First, just a quick word with our visitors: These Brabus folks do get more than a bit carried-away with themselves, so don't forget to factor-in your "hype" and "BS" meters; both should be set at "Full Euro-trash" incoming. OK, here we go ...
An idea from yacht design finds its way into the automotive world: The SLR McLaren roadster Brabus and its "Tender for the City," the ultimate city sports car Brabus Ultimate 112, both with absolutely identical paint and equipment. Brabus offers both exclusive speedsters with special snow-white paint for a package price of 699,000 Euros, or approximately USD$1,073,818, depending on whatever George Bush said this morning to further ruin our currency in the world's marketplace. Either way, it's a lot of dough.
Now, honestly, we were stumped at first when we saw that line, "Tender for the City". But after thinking about it for about 15 seconds, and remembering the "yacht design" reference, it hit us: It's not "tender" as in soft, pleasant, or that type of feeling; it means "tender" as in a small boat which may be fitted to a much larger yacht, the "tender" one would use to get to and from your yacht anchored just off Monaco to the F1 circuit itself. And of course, one never goes to Monaco for the modern F1 event; no, one goes the week before the modern event, in order to witness and take part in the "vintage" F1 race. Now, are we smart, or what? After learning this week that a "Wally" is a Monaco-based yacht-builder, and now becoming familiar with "tender", we're learning new things every day!
The sportiest drop-top Mercedes of all time, the SLR McLaren Roadster, is fitted by Brabus with more than
just a top-quality white carbon-fiber skin. The exterior is treated to an aerodynamics update, engine tuning and custom-tailored 20-inch wheels further optimize handling and performance, and the interior adds even more touches of exclusivity.
Thus equipped the drop-top SLR is fit for Brabus engine tuning. The tuning kit for the 5.5-liter supercharged engine consists of special camshafts and a fuel-cooling system. Power output increases by 24 hp to 650 hp (641 hp SAE net total). And it is just us, or is that a hell of a lot of money for 24 extra horsepower?
Brabus also offers a special clutch-type limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the SLR. It optimizes traction and thus acceleration performance further: The tuned SLR Roadster rockets from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 337 km/h (211 mph).
Now for the fun stuff: The "tender to the SLR" in the white Brabus fleet is the Brabus Ultimate 112. It represents the ideal complement for city driving. The drop-top two-seater is built based on the latest smart ForTwo Cabrio.
In addition to its special paint, identical to the SLR, the ultimate city sports car features a muscular body kit with front spoiler, rocker panels and Brabus Widestar fender flares front and back. 
The Ultimate 112 offers the perfect platform for the powerful Brabus three-cylinder turbo engine. It produces a maximum power output of 112 hp (110 hp SAE net). Even more important for everyday driving is the peak torque of 150 Nm (about 111 pounds feet of torque), available on a plateau from 3,330 to 3,900 rpm, an exceptional figure for a car in its class.
Shifting in the Brabus Ultimate 112 is done either automatically or the sporty F1 way with shift paddles on the ergonomically shaped Brabus sport steering wheel.
With sprint times from 0 – 60 km/h (38 mph) of 3.9 seconds, 9.5 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) and an electronically limited top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph) the snow-white roadster is the ultimate city sports car and thus the optimal "tender to the SLR."
Somehow, what comes to mind when thinking about this dynamic duo is some sleazy super-rich Euro-trash sort, kind of along the lines of Bernie Ecclestone, but much taller and heavier, similar to Aristotle Onassis (look him up if you're under 40), being chauffered in the SLR, he'd never drive himself ... He never learned! And his gifting of the ForTwo to his "niece", so she has something to run around town in to do her shopping, most likely at the local GAP. Real classy. Yeah, his "niece". Right. He's taking her to Vegas next week!
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