New Mitsuoka Viewt coming in summer 2011

Mag-X has came up with this rendering of the next-gen Mitsuoka Viewt, which will be introduced in summer 2011. For those who are not aware of the Viewt, the current model is the second generation one and it's a model based on Nissan's March (aka Micra). All generations of Viewt are inspired by Jaguar's Mark 2 design.

[Source: Mag-X via Makoto Garage Illustration]

Plug-in tech: Honda vs Toyota

Following the announcement of the second testing program in Japan (earlier post), Honda has disclosed details of the EV and PHV that will be tested.

The PHV is based on the JDM Inspire and it is equipped with a 2.0 L engine using the Atkinson cycle. The powertrain consists also of two motors and a Li-Ion battery. One of the motors has a maximum output of 120 kW and is used to drive the vehicle and regenerate energy. The other is used as a generator that can generate about 100 kW of electricity.

This system is different from Toyota PHV due to the use of two motors, and it can independently operate the engine and the motors. As a result, it becomes possible to drive the vehicle (1) as an EV only by electricity, (2) as a hybrid vehicle by using the engine and the motors and (3) as a gasoline vehicle by using only the engine.

Subaru to showcase three STi concepts at Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru will showcase at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon not only the Impreza WRX STi tS (earlier post), but also three STi concepts: a Trezia STi concept, an Exiga 2.0GT tS concept, as well as a Legacy 2.5i tS concept.

[Source: Corism]