マイブログ リスト

2010年11月11日

Mitsuoka redesignes flaghip model Galue

Mitsuoka has redesigned its flagship model, called Galue (ガリュー), and I have to admit that I like it. For sure, Mitsuoka's designs are not everyone's cup of tea... but they are definitely very special. Oh, and if the rear lights look familiar to you, that's because they come from Fiat's 500 model!

The basis is Nissan's Teana (日産ティアナ) model and the car comes with two petrol engines. A 2.5L R4 engine and a 3.5L V6 engine. Both engines come coupled to a CVT gearbox, although a six-speed manual gearbox is available with the 3.5L engine. A 4WD version is also available with the 2.5L engine.

Sales start on 12th November and prices start from 3,680,000 ¥.

Toyota going electric with RAV4 and compact EVs

Toyota will show the RAV4 EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show which will be "powered by Tesla". Toyota will pay Tesla around $60 million to develop the parts for the new RAV4 EV. Toyota owns a $50 million stake in Tesla with a goal of collaborating in batter-powered vehicle production. It's still unknown whether an EV version of Vanguard (ヴァンガード) will be offered in Japan.

However, this is just the beginning as Toyota will introduce a compact EV in Japan in 2012. This model will compete with Nissan's LEAF and Chevy's Volt.