No plans for hybrid version of new Toyota Vitz / Yaris

During the press conference yesterday, Chief Engineer Yamamoto Hirobumi was asked whether Toyota plans to bring out a hybrid version of the new Vitz, which would compete with Honda's Fit Hybrid. Although Toyota plans to introduce 11 new hybrid models by the end of 2012 (earlier post), the answer was no. The weight reduction that has been achieved (30 kg compared to the previous model), the use of eco-tyres and the adoption of a Stop / Start system have enabled Toyota to achieve the best fuel efficiency in its class.

Production Lexus LFA delivered to Japanese dealership

Lexus has just started production of the LFA at the special Motomachi factory and this is one of the first LFAs delivered to a dealership in Japan.

Toyota FT-86 at your fingertips!!!

Video of new Toyota Vitz - Jewela and RS versions (Japanese language)

Video showing new Toyota Vitz's Stop/Start system in action (Japanese language)

Nissan delivers first 10 LEAFs in Japan

Nissan today announced it has delivered the first 10 units of its 100% electric and zero-emission Nissan LEAF in Japan to the Kanagawa Prefectural Government. Six of these vehicles will be designated for official prefecture use and four will serve as rental cars to be used in the prefecture's "EV Sharing Model Business".

Kanagawa Prefecture has announced comprehensive and proactive support measures to quickly achieve the adoption of 3,000 units of EV within the prefecture.

Nissan at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Nissan will showcase in total nine models at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon. Photo of the Leaf concept has already been posted (earlier post) and those are some new photos of all the models to be displayed.

• Leaf Aero Style Concept 
• JUKE Sporty Package (with dealer installed exterior accessories designed for the European and North American markets)
• Elgrand Rider Premium Concept (specifically tuned up for a higher level of driving performance)
• Serena Rider
• March Bolero
• Nissan NISMO GT-R RC (specially developed for circuit driving)
• NISMO Version FAIRLADY Z (engine output is increased to 261kW (355PS), a higher level of sporty handling is realized through special body and suspension tuning and modification of the power steering characteristics. For the exterior, excellent aerodynamic performance is achieved through use of special body components providing greater downforce and reduced air resistance)
• Elgrand S-tune 
• MOTUL AUTECH GT-R

Even more photos of Toyota's new Vitz RS

[Source: carview]

... and some more photos of new Toyota Vitz (RS + MODELLISTA)

New Toyota Vitz / Yaris officially launched

Following a series of leaked and teaser images, the new Toyota Vitz / Yaris has been officially launched today. The Vitz is a core model for Toyota and since the launch of the first-gen model back in 1999, more than 3.5 million units have been sold worldwide (more than 1.4 million have been sold in Japan alone).

The third-gen Vitz has a different design approach compared to the past two generations with a sharper styling. Special attention has been paid in aerodynamics and thus, the new Vitz has a coefficient drag value of 0.285 resulting in high fuel efficiency and stable high-speed cruising.

Overall length is 3,885 mm, enabling a turning radius of 4.5 m, and of course Toyota claims that has improved comfort and space inside, with the interior length extended by 35 mm to 1,915 mm.

As reported before, the new model achieves a fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L, equipped with the 1.3 L engine and Toyota's Stop & Start idling-stop system, in the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The specific engine coupled to the Super CVT-i gearbox achieves a fuel efficiency of 24.0 km/L.

The new Vitz will be available in four grades (F, U, Jewela and RS), 17 body colors and 4 interior colors available. The monthly sales target for Japan is 10,000 units.

In terms of engine specs, the 1.0 L engine with three cylinders (1KR-FE) produces 69 PS and 92 Nm of torque at 3,600 r.p.m, while the 1.3 L engine (1NR-FE) has a maximum power of 95 PS and a torque of 121 Nm at 4,000 r.p.m. The 1.5 L engine (1NZ-FE), available in grades U and RS, has a power output of 109 PS and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 r.p.m.

Prices start from 1,060,000 ¥ for the F grade with the 1.0 L engine, and the top RS version coming with the 1.5 L engine costs 1,720,000 ¥ (1,790,000 ¥ with the Super CVT-i gearbox).