Revised Toyota Alphard coming in August

Toyota is planning to launch the revised Alphard, a model competing with Nissan's Elgrand, later this year in order to refresh it and improve its fuel efficiency. The hybrid version will be powered by a 2.4L petrol engine (2AZ-FXE) delivering 150 PS plus an electric motor. The total power output will be 190 PS and maximum torque 19.4 kgm. The fuel efficiency will be improved, and it is estimated to be, under the 10.15 mode, 21.0 km/L. The next-gen Alphard is expected to be launched in 2013.

Video: Lexus LFA launch control (0-260 km/h)

Nissan launches new Moco in Japan

Nissan has launched today in Japan the new Moco (モコ). If it looks familiar to you, then it's because this is a rebadged Suzuki MR Wagon (earlier post).

Toyota FT-86 II Concept breaks cover (Part 3)

Following the post published yesterday containing some magazine scans and info regarding the FT-86 II Concept from the latest BC issue (3.10), those are some additional shots from my BC copy which arrived today.

More photos after the jump!

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept previews new compact model

We knew that Infiniti will reveal a concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show previewing its new compact model (earlier post) and rumours suggested also that it will be powered by a Mercedes engine (earlier post). Well, now Infiniti released the first images showing the actual concept car, named ETHEREA, and I have to admit that it looks awesome!!! If you take a close look at the images, you will notice also that it carries the "hybrid" badge.

The really nice thing about ETHEREA is the fact that it's a total fresh approach. Designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, ETHEREA blends elements of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form.

At 4.4m it is highly compact but at the same time it is space efficient and practical thanks to a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements. Among its surprises are high-tech new interpretations of traditional Japanese materials and finishes, and several design cues set to make their mark on future production models – including the highly distinctive crescent-shaped C-pillar first seen on the Essence concept.

Now, did I mention that I am really excited about ETHEREA?!

Minor facelift for Toyota Geo Mark X

Toyota announced today some minor changes for the JDM Geo Mark X, including a new front grill design, new aluminium wheels and new trim and upholstery options for the interior. The Aerial grade provides improved sporty feel and there is a choice between six exterior colours. The monthly sales target is 1,000 units. For more info about prices and the new grades available, please check out the official press release.

More photos after the jump!

Aston Cygnet launch events in London, Paris & Milan

Those are some photos from Aston Martin's launch events that took place in London, Paris and Milan. 

More photos after the jump!

Toyota FT-86 II Concept breaks cover (Part 2) plus more info

The latest BC magazine (3.10 issue) has the photo of the FT-86 II Concept on the front cover  (earlier post) and as you can imagine, I was really anxious to read what's inside! OK, I am not really convinced that the image is how exactly the real concept will look like when it will be shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, but as the time approaches for the launch of the production version, more accurate info will start to be revealed.

So, BC claims that the FT-86 II Concept is a clear indication of the direction of the final design (hmm, no surprises there) and the final product won't have so many fancy bits as the concepts did. The production version, as mentioned several times in the past, will be presented at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Sales will start in May 2012 and power will come from Subaru's new FB20 engine. The target in terms of fuel efficiency is 14.8 km/L and the power output is estimated to be 200 PS at 7,200 rpm. Maximum torque claimed by BC is 21.0 kgm at 4,600 rpm. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual gearbox and the FT-86 will be able to reach 100 km/h, from a standstill, in 7.7 seconds.

In terms of dimensions, length is expected to be 4,160 mm (with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm), width 1,760 mm and height 1,260 mm. The weight will not exceed 1,300 kg (did it get a bit of weight compared to what was speculated in the past?)

Prices will be around ¥ 2,300,000 for the basic trim level and ¥ 2,500,000 for the higher-spec model. G's version is very likely to be introduced at a later date. 

[Source of mag scans: ft86club - Chokonen888]