If a Toyota Prius were mated with a Volkswagen Bug (New Beetle)...

Its offspring would likely look pretty much like this (pictured is the Mitsubishi eMiEV electric car).

Next: Our first lodging review.

The Cube that's as cool as ice

The automobile pictured above, the Nissan Cube, created a bit of a stir at the L.A. Auto Show... Road and Track magazine called it a "funky yet functional box-on-wheels" while another source said it looks like it was designed for the next Roger Rabbit movie! I think it looks like the result of a cross-mating between a Scion xB, a Chevy HHR (Heritage High Roof wagon) and a VW New Beetle.

Despite what you might think, Nissan did not steal the shape from the Scion as the Cube has been on sale in Japan for the past ten years. The Cube will finally be sold in this country come spring. Yes, it is another retro-futuristic design - looking both backward and forward - and a pretty good one in my humble view. In Super Black (one of the scheduled paint colors), the car might look like it's wearing a Darth Vader mask, just the thing for Oakland Raider fans.

Munchy the cat thinks the Cube looks so neat that he'd almost be willing to volunteer to go to the vet in this lean, clean, retro-machine. Almost...

Yes, Virginia, there will be a "new" New Beetle...

It appears that our beige Bug will have a nephew (or two) arriving as early as 2010. The new Bug that's likely to appear then is pictured in the top two photos above and will be known as the MkII (Mark Two) New Beetle. This new model may be a bit smaller and/or lighter than the current Bug - beige or not - as highly fuel efficient cars are more in demand in the U.S. at this time. Although we think this may just be icing on the chocolate cake... A recent drive of several hundred miles in the current Bug resulted in 26.2 real world MPG. Twenty six point two is marathon mileage!

The MkII New Beetle may also be joined by a mini-Bug based on the VW Up! Prototype, a Smart car competitor, pictured above in the bottom photo. Whether its one new New Beetle or two, it looks like good times are ahead for us Bug lovers.

Even a Bug can dream...

Mrs. Bear and I own the beige Volkswagen New Beetle seen in the top photograph above. It's a great driver, especially with the leather interior and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which is worth every penny as an upgrade. However, our Bug sometimes dreams of joining a gym, slimming down and sleeking up... In which case, it would probably look a lot like the blue Porsche Cayman in the lower photo. Or what's a Heaven for?