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”.