Rendering of next-gen USDM Honda Civic Coupe

Honda has already released an official teaser sketch of the concept (earlier post) to be displayed at Detroit in January, and now, TOV (Temple of VTEC) member blackstripe77 has come up with this great rendering. Well, not far off from the teaser actually, but as I have stated in the past, I am not very optimistic about the styling of the production version. I wish I am wrong...

Brazil may get upcoming Honda Brio

According to a report by SankeiBiz, Honda's president, Takanobu Ito, has stated that Honda is studying the introduction of the upcoming Brio (earlier post) in Brazil.

The new small car is going to be launched in India and Thailand next year, but since the market in Brazil is rapidly expanding and Honda's share has remained to around 4%, Honda wants to penetrate better to the market. New vehicle sales in 2009 increased by 11.9% reaching 3.2 million cars.

Auto Express renders Subaru's FT-86 version (216A)

British Auto Express has published an article about the upcoming 216A. Well, I think I have managed to cover everything in my detailed post, but in any case, this is the summary of what Auto Express claims to be the case:

• Modified Legacy's platform to be used 
• 2.0 L boxer engine delivering 200 hp
• Fuel economy of 40 mph by using Toyota's expertise
• Rear wheel drive only
• More powerful turbo version with 300 hp very likely
• Six speed manual gearbox for both versions 
• Price tag of ￡25,000 for base version

The particular rendering doesn't seem to me very realistic and in terms of styling, I prefer BC's rendering way better... 

[Sources: Auto Express, ft86club]

Video: Honda CR-Z becomes KR-Z!!!

Lexus at Harrods

First it was Aston with the Cygnet debut at Harrods in Knightsbridge and now, it is Lexus' turn to showcase its models. From now until 15 January, the four-window Lexus display will give the chance to shoppers not only to enjoy a close-up view of the new CT 200h and RX 450h, but also to experience the latest Mark Levinson audio technology, as featured in a number of Lexus models.

Anyone wanting to arrange a test drive, or to place an order will be able to do so inside the store, with a Lexus team on hand to provide further information and immediately forward customer details to the appropriate Lexus centre via iPads.

Lexus IS-F and Toyota Crown Athlete scale models by Kyosho

Following my last pre-orders (earlier post), I came across with some images of the Lexus IS-F 2008 (Black) and Toyota Crown Athlete 2008 (White) scale models by Kyosho. Of course, those are moke-ups, but you can get a feel...

Nissan - Mitsubishi alliance tightens

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced that the two companies agreed to expand their current scope of cooperation (earlier post) towards new projects that will further strengthen mutual competitiveness, especially in the Japanese mini car and global commercial vehicle businesses.

Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors currently have several OEM agreements for vehicles in the Japanese market, including for mini cars and commercial vehicles. In addition to expanding the scope of the current OEM partnership, the two companies agreed to study new opportunities which would generate additional synergies. The cooperation agreement between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors will be complementary to any agreements the two parties have already established with other partners.

Honda CR-Z becomes KR-Z!!!

Honda CR-Z may get a proper petrol engine in the future (earlier post), but until then, it seems that someone decided to fit a K20A engine from an Integra Type R! So, now this KR-Z... eeer, I mean CR-Z, not only has the looks, but also the engine it deserves!!!

[Source: CarKingdom.jp]