Toyota's WRC comeback in 2012!!!

According to a Japanese publication, Toyota's long rumoured WRC comeback will happen in 2012. The car to compete in WRC will be the new Vitz (aka Yaris) powered by a 1.6 L turbocharged engine. Hmm, any help from Subaru there? In any case, welcome back Toyota... it was about time!

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

Latest rumour suggests a Prius pick-up...

I guess people have started to get overexcited with the Prius family… but in any case, the latest rumour is that a pick-up might joint the Prius family in the future.

Bob Carter's answer to this was “possibly, if it meets the criteria. It’s not off the table, but nothing is decided at this point.”

Even more live photos of Civic sedan concept...

[Source: Autoblog]

Even more live photos of Civic coupe concept...

[Source: Autoblog]

Toyota Prius Plug-in to go just 13 miles on battery power alone...

I was watching the press conference (via live streaming) and what really caught my intention was that the new Prius Plug-in, which will use a Li-Ion battery, will get only 13 miles in EV mode at speeds up to 60 mph! Hmm, does it really worth paying more for the plug-in version for just 13 miles???

Anyway, it will go on sale during the first half of 2012 in 14 East/West coast states (national rollout within a year after the initial launch).

More photos of new Civic concepts presented at Detroit!

As usual, besides the live ones, here we are with the official photos.

Honda, pleeeeease bring the coupe in Europe...!!!

More photos after the jump!

New Toyota Prius C Concept

OK, following the first live photos (earlier post), here we go with the official ones.

Toyota promises that it will be the most fuel-efficient hybrid without a plug and will be the most "value-oriented hybrid" in the US.

More photos after the jump!

Official images of new Toyota Prius V

The new Prius V will feature the new Entune multimedia system and as I mentioned in my earlier post, it will be available with a lightweight resin moon roof with retractable sunshades, boasting a 40% reduction in weight compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size.

More photos after the jump!

Honda Civic coupe and sedan concepts finally presented at Detroit!!!

Finally the waiting is over. Those are the new USDM Civics! Honda just presented two concepts, a coupe and a sedan!!!  They are expected to go on sale in the US in April and those concepts presented at the Detroit Auto Show are pretty much what will go into production... ok, minus the fancy bits and pieces.

Three powertrains will be available, as with the current-gen model: gas, natural gas, and hybrid.

The design of both cars is just an evolution, but the Civic coupe looks really good, better than the current one IMO!!!

[Source: Twitter]

Prius C Concept reveiled at Detroit

... now Toyota gets more exciting. This a concept of the upcoming new member of the Prius family, which will go into production in the first half of 2012. 

[Source: Twitter (highmileage)]

First live photo from Prius V's unveiling at Detroit!

So, this is the first live photo from the unveiling of the new Prius V at Detroit! Oh, and V stands for Versatility...

Not really surprised in terms of styling. Same bits with the "normal" Prius and almost the same footprint. Interesting facts: seating for five; 40 mpg combined fuel consumption; it will come with a standard lightweight resin sunroof.

[Source: Twitter (highmileage)]

Mitsubishi's Solio variant to be called Delica D:2

As already reported, the new Suzuki Solio will be also available by Mitsubishi, with Suzuki supplying Mitsubishi with around 800 units per month. The Mitsubishi variant will be called Delica D:2 (デリカ Ｄ：2) and it is expected to be launched in spring 2011.

[Source: わたくしごと]

A sexy NSX...!!!

I have came across with a lot of tuned NSXs, but I have to admit that this particular one, from Japan, really looks the part!

[Source: Farm of Minds]

Fuel efficiency of new Honda Fit Shuttle

Those shots of the upcoming Fit Shuttle (earlier post) are from BC's latest issue and according the article, the fuel efficiency of the hybrid version will be 30.0 km/L, while the 1.5 L petrol version will achieve 20.0 km/L.

[Source: Bebop Beat]

Leaked brochure images show new Honda Fit Shuttle

Those leaked brochure images show the new Honda Fit wagon (earlier post), which will be called Fit Shuttle (フィットシャトル). As reported in the past, a hybrid version (1.3 L + IMA) will be also available.