#Phoenix

Google is putting its self-driving cars on the roads of Phoenix, Arizona.

Though Youngman’s attempts to save Saab proved futile, it appears that the Chinese automaker isn’t giving up on Saab-related assets. Youngman announced that they’ve acquired the rights to Saab’s Phoenix vehicle architecture and also announced that they have intentions of setting up a firm in Sweden to develop a new car based on the Phoenix platform.

Saab could have taken the easy way out and upgraded the vehicle architecture of the current 9-3. But instead, they have started work on an entirely new and versatile platform to underpin their 9-3, 9-5 and even larger future models, a move that is far more costly and time-consuming.

They still build the 9-3? You betcha, bucko, and they still like the 9-3 enough to give it a few more last hurrahs. But as fans of the original 900 know, all good things must come to an end – and when the replacement for the 9-3 is launched, it will draw much of its development from Saab’s PhoeniX concept.

While it didn’t quite make it on to the radar of mainstream movie-goers, Sofia Coppola’s new film Somewhere featured a Ferrari 360 Modena as one of the film’s main props. The lack of dialogue and music coupled with the very long shots and dearth of quick cuts meant that the 360 is seen in frequent takes, cruising around Los Angeles, blasting up Mulholland drive and Route 101 with its engine sounds faithfully captured with the kind of fidelty unseen in most Hollywood productions.

A lot of people who can afford a new Corvette, have not been in and around a purpose built performance machine like this before, which even in base trim produces a mighty 430-hp. So to better equip these new customers with skills to handle such a high performance car, Chevrolet is now offering free driver training to all new Corvette buyers.

While news and photos of the Nissan Leaf have been around for several months now, the electric car will get its official debut at the Tokyo Auto Show on October 21st. Nissan describes its functional five-door, five-seater compact hatchback as having a “high-performance, zero-emission” powertrain.

Somebody call Burt Reynolds… the Trans Am is back! Sort of…

With the Pontiac brand officially scheduled for deletion by the accountants at General Motors, the Trans Am Depot has decided to partner with Kevin Morgan Designs to create a Trans Am conversion kit for the new 2010 Camaro.

Set to be unveiled at this year’s Trans Am Nationals, the kit is inspired by the ’78-’79 Trans Am and will be sold as a complete package. Current the the Trans Am Depot is building a prototype model and intends to offer full packages for both coupes and for the upcoming Camaro convertible.

A special Phoenix Edition will also be offered with a lowered suspension, upgraded sway bars, 20-inch wheels and a full decal package.

Full details after the jump:

The fully-electric Nissan LEAF, which is set to go on sale in the U.S. next year, will be priced from $25,000 to $33,000. Word comes from Nissan North America product VP Larry Dominique.

Before sales of Nissan’s new electric car go full-tilt in the U.S., the Japanese automaker will start with 5,000 units in five different markets. The targeted areas include the Phoenix-Tucson region of Arizona, Oregon, San Diego, Seattle and Tennessee.