Subaru to launch Trezia in Japan

Subaru is about to launch the Trezia, a compact MPV, in Japan which will compete with Toyota's new Ractis (Verso-S in Europe).

I think there are a lot to expect from Subaru during the next couple of years, such as a better Impreza and the FT-86 (earlier post)...

First drive of Ken Okuyama's K.O 7!

You may be aware of Ken Okuyama, a Japanese designer worked as Pininfarina's design director responsible for the Ferrari Enzo, Maserati Quattroporte, and Maserati Birdcage concept, but it is likely that you have not heard of the K.O 7.

The K.O 7 is basically a roadster designed by Ken Okuyama himself, inspired by TAG Heuer watches, and it uses a Lotus Elise R platform and a Toyota engine. The 2ZZ-GE engine used has a 2.0L capacity and produces 210 hp, enabling the K.O7 to reach 60 mph in 5 seconds. The main materials used for the exterior are polished aluminium and carbon fibre. According to Okuyama, "we might be using a Lotus monocoque chassis, but we have pretty much redesigned the whole car". 

So, Motor Trend got the chance to interview Ken Okuyama and took also a K.O 7 out for a spin! The article doesn't say much, except from the fact that "the roadster turns in superbly with perfectly weighted steering, while the larger 17-inch Dunlop rubber delivers loads of grip under acceleration".

For the future, a Cosworth engine is planned and even a Honda S2000 powertrain may be used. Also, a coupe version, the K.O 8 (see photos below) will be built. As for the price, it costs around 20,000,000 ¥.

According to the article, Ken Okuyama is working also on a secret motorcycle project.

GT-R spotted... I just love it!

OK, it's not the first time I see a GT-R on the streets and I have been even overtaken by one, but every time I see one, I just admire it. I want one truly, madly, deeply...

Anyway, as I was going out yesterday night, I saw one parked and I immediately pulled over and took those shots. Just a standard GT-R, but that will do for me... Sorry for the bad photos, they were again taken with my mobile phone.

Next-gen Honda Accord/Inspire to get PHV version

According to Honda's president, Takanobu Ito, a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) system for medium sized vehicles has been developed and it will be sold in the States in 2012.

The next-gen Accord (Inspire in Japan) will be the first model to get a PHV version, which will use the engine in order to power the batteries. The system will be similar to the one of the Toyota Prius PHV and GM's Volt. It is likely that a 1.5L petrol engine will be used.

The next-gen Accord will also be available with a number of petrol engines (e.g. 2.4L R4 and 3.5L V6) and a "normal" hybrid version will also be introduced.

Nissan GT-R (11MY) live photos from Japan...!!!

Those are some very cool live photos from Japan showing the EGOIST, Club Track, Black and Spec V editions of the 11MY GT-R (earlier post). Enjoy!

[Source: carview.co.jp]

Hello Prius V!

We have already seen a rendering of the upcoming Prius V, as well as a puzzle that revealed the 3rd generation Prius with the Prius V behind it (earlier post), and now it's time for the real thing. So, this is it...

The Prius V is expected to make its debut in Detroit.

The new Nissan Tiida (Versa)... ?!

The new Nissan Tiida (Versa) was caught during testing in China last week (earlier post) and now those images come again from China. Is this the new Tiida, or Sunny or whatever is going to be called?! If it is, I was hoping for something better...

Prius gets naughty!

Toyota marks 10 years of Prius in the UK with this special edition model called Generation "X".

• Special features include body kit, 17-inch multi-spoke alloys, rear privacy glass and embossed black leather upholstery
• Production limited to 1,000 examples
• White Pearl or Astral Black exterior paint finishes available
• Available to order now, price £26,150