Latest impression of new FT-86 by Mag-X!

The latest Mag-X issue has a rendering of the highly anticipated FT-86 on the front cover and it is the latest impression coming from Japan. Stay tuned for more photos and info!

More details about Honda CR-Z Mugen

As already reported almost one month ago, not only Honda is working on a spicy CR-Z, but apparently Mugen is doing the same. The Mugen version is being developed purely as a one-off prototype and it will deliver around 197bhp and 181lb ft of torque!!! Mugen is actually using a supercharger to deliver the extra power, and the internals of the 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine have been upgraded.

‘The idea was to use the significant advantage of the early torque provided by the Honda IMA electric motor, then increase the torque available from the petrol engine gradually, to first maintain and then increase this,’ says Mugen Euro’s project manager Colin Whittamore. ‘A supercharger and complementary electronics allow us to very neatly map the IMA to the extra power and torque of the engine in a unique package, giving a smooth, integrated and powerful driving experience.’

The impressive bit is the fact that Mugen may actually be able to improve on the standard CR-Z’s 56.5mpg and 117g/km CO2. Of course, and top of the list are front and rear five-stage adjustable dampers. There’s an increase in track width too, lightweight 17in forged Mugen GP alloys to reduce unsprung mass, and bigger brakes with four-pot monobloc calipers. There’s also a full visual upgrade, including Mugen-spec front and rear bumpers, a particularly large rear wing and some side skirts. And finally, Mugen is promising a ‘large reduction in overall weight’ so reckon on the removal of the back seats and a carbonfibre bonnet to cover that supercharged engine.

[Source: CAR magazine]

First official images of Scion FR-S (FT-86) Concept!!!

Those are the first official images of the Scion FR-S Concept, making its debut at the New York Auto Show, confirming that the new FT-86 will be sold as a Scion in the States. Also, it seems that it will carry the FR-S badge. If you take a close look, you will notice some minor changes compared to the FT-86 II Concept (earlier post), such as the lack of the front side LEDs, slightly different front and rear bumper design etc.

All-new Subaru Impreza officially revealed!

Finally, the all-new Subaru Impreza has been revealed, and although the sedan version is a disappointment compared to the striking concept, the 5-door one isn't that bad IMO. In any case, it's a huge improvement compared to the previous-gen model.

It's lighter, faster, more frugal, stiffer, nicer inside, has a better suspension and more interior room, all the while being the same size as the previous generation. Said Subaru Production Line Manager James Todd, "it's all upside."

European versions of the Impreza will be powered by an all new 4-cylinder 1.6L Boxer petrol engine and will be available with either a new five-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT.

All-new Tiida not going to the US…. Chinese Sunny does!

Yesterday, the all-new Tiida was presented in China, but today the USDM version was also revealed. In the past, the Tiida and the USDM Versa was essentially the same car, but this will change. The new Tiida won't be sold in the States, but the Chinese Sunny (earlier post) will be. It seems that in the States, the Versa will play the role of the bargain car, while Europe will get the proper Tiida in order to face the strong competition in its class.

… Another rendering of new Lexus GS coming from Japan

Following the unveiling of the LF-Gh concept (earlier post), I reckon that this rendering shouldn't be far from the real thing, although I would expect the grille looking a bit different.

All-new Nissan Tiida (Versa) officially revealed

We have already seen it (earlier post), but this time it's official. The all new Tiida (aka Versa) was officially presented at the Shanghai Auto Show and the USDM version will be presented at the New York Auto Show. Power comes from a 1.6L engine (although the USDM version is likely to get a different engine) and a CVT gearbox will be also available. I reckon that it looks miles better than the current model, although the interior design lacks inspiration.

More photos after the jump!

Infiniti teases new JX premium crossover!

Infiniti is planning to introduce an all-new luxury crossover badged as JX. A concept will be presented in August and the production version will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Sales will start in spring 2012. According to Infiniti, “The all-new Infiniti JX is the 7-passenger antidote to the ho-hum luxury crossovers that are out there right now”.

Subaru presents XV Concept at Shanghai

Subaru presented the XV Concept at the Shanghai Auto Show, which looks very similar to the rendering posted a few days ago (earlier post). Subaru hasn't revealed if it will head to production, but expect to see it in the showrooms in late 2012 or early 2013, although many nice features will not make into production. I have to admit that I have been so disappointed from the new Impreza (earlier post) and therefore, I don't pay much attention to the actual concepts presented by Subaru...

Merc's upcoming compact models

This post may seem a bit bizarre to many of you, but the compact car segment is a vital one for all manufacturers and especially for luxury brands, since they need strong sales in order to develop their bigger models. So, since I got a copy of the latest Auto Motor und Sport issue yesterday, which has some interesting renderings of Mercedes' new models, I thought it would be nice to share some photos with you.

Lexus has already introduced the CT (earlier post) and I spotted one today. I have to admit that I wasn't really impressed. There is nothing exciting about it at all...

Infiniti on the other hand is more promising with the ETHEREA concept (earlier post) and I believe their new compact model will stand out from the crown, although it won't be easy "stealing" customers from the top three German makes. 

Although the other two German luxury brands are preparing also their rivals, I consider the new Mercs being of a greater interest, since there is a completely new approach and 5 models (A-Class, B-Class, GLC, CLC and CLC Shooting Brake) will be introduced in total. I have to admit that Mercedes had a disappointing lineup for around 10 years, but this has started to change and I am really impressed with the new CLS, E-Class Coupe and SLK.

BMW will introduce the new 1-Series later this year and it will be slightly bigger than the current generation and in terms of design, expect to see an evolution of the current one. Although the new "1er" will certainly be a very nice car to drive, it will look similar to the previous one, plus BMW's interiors have ended up being boring since the same theme is applied over and over again...

In terms of the new Audi A3... don't expect anything great in terms of exterior design. I am big Audi fan, but all the latest models look the same.... A4, A5, A8 (A4 on steroids) etc. Even the new Q3 looks almost identical to the Q5. Nice LEDs though...

Nissan to unveil LEAF NISMO RC

Nissan will unveil the LEAF NISMO RC at the New York Auto Show, which doesn't have much in common with the production model. It uses a Li-Ion battery pack and it uses a carbon fibre monocoque platform, making it 40% lighter than the production model. The concept will be used for demonstration purposes only.

How the next-gen Toyota Corolla should not look like...

Back in February BC published a very nice rendering of the next-gen Corolla (earlier post) and I was really happy seeing Toyota coming back from the dead.... but this latest rendering worries me a lot!!! It looks like eeeer.... a typical Toyota and this is very wrong. I guess we will have to wait until January 2012 to find out.

Scion FT-86 concept to be unveiled at New York

So, now it's official. The FT-86 will be sold as a Scion in the States.

All-new Nissan Murano coming in 2013

The next-gen Nissan Murano is scheduled for 2013 and this is an impression of how it may look like. Mitsubishi is also working on the Pajero (aka Shogun) replacement, which is though not a direct competitor.

Latest info about new Toyota Prius C

Back in January, both BC and Mag-X provided some early info about the upcoming Toyota Prius C (earlier post) and now it's time for another rendering, which is the latest impression by Best Car. According to the article, its price is expected to be around ¥ 1,500,000 and it will achieve a fuel efficiency of 44.0 km/L (10.15 mode - 40.0 km/L under the JC08 cycle). The Prius C is expected to be launched in 2012.

Lexus LF-Gh reveiled!

This is Lexus' latest concept and it is a preview of the next-gen GS. The concept provides also a glimpse of the future design direction, which is an evolution of L-finesses philosophy. According to Lexus, the front end design incorporates a spindle-shaped grille contributing to efficient aerodynamics and radiator and brake duct operation. It is a key feature that will be inherited by future Lexus models.

All-new Subaru Impreza fully uncovered.... sadly!

So, this is the all-new Subaru Impreza. Similarities with the concept??? None. New design language? Eeer, I don't think so.

First official photo of all-new Subaru Impreza

The all-new Impreza will be reveled at the New York Auto Show this month and this is the first official photo. Hmm, after an impressive concept car... this is what we will get. I will wait for more photos before making any more comments...