Acura's styling not American's cup of tea...

It seems that Acura's controversial design language hasn't brought the desired results. 2010 has been a relatively good year for Acura as sales have increased by 24% compared to 2009, but bare in mind that 2009 was a bad year anyway. J.D. Power reports that Acura's exterior styling is the number one reason new car shoppers are rejecting the marque, followed closely by the interior styling.

[Source: Autoblog]

Engine idling system dates back to Starlet era

Here is another interesting piece of information. During the presentation of the new Vitz  yesterday, Chief Engineer Yamamoto Hirobumi (山本博文) mentioned that the idea of an engine idling system dates back to the Starlet (スターレット) era. Yes, you read it right. The idling technology had been tested at the time, but the time required to start the engine was about 0.7 seconds, therefore there was not much difference in time compared to just turning the ignition key. Just for the records, the new Stop / Start system (earlier post) requires just 0.35 seconds and the cost of it, in the case of the new Vitz, is 60,000 ¥.

[Source: Response]

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.