Be aware Germans, mighty Lexus GS-F on its way!

An "F" version of Lexus' GS model is on the works and according to R&T, the GS-F will come with a 5.0L V8 engine (a V10 engine has been speculated in the past) producing 465 hp! It is estimated that it will hit 100 km/h in less than 4.5 sec. The mighty Lexus should therefore be able to challenge the Germans, BMW's M5 and MB E63 AMG.

But performance doesn't come only from a powerful engine, low weight is also crucial. Thus, Lexus aims to achieve a weight of around 1700 kg by incorporating aluminium and carbon fibre parts. The GS-F won't hit the markets any time soon, but it could make its appearance as early as 2012.

[Source: Road&Track]

New 2011 Toyota Vitz / Yaris to get Japan's best fuel efficiency

Toyota announced today that the JDM version of the redesigned Vitz (aka Yaris), which will be equipped with a 1.3L petrol engine and a Stop & Start system, will achieve Japan's best fuel efficiency.

The new Vitz, scheduled for launch in Japan at the end of this year, will have a fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L under the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), thus exceeding by more than 25% the mandatory level required under the 2010 national standards.  Also, under MLIT's newer JC08 test cycle, the vehicle will have a fuel efficiency of 21.8 km/L.