Toyota demonstrates iQ EV prototype

Toyota prototyped an electric vehicle (EV) based on the iQ and demonstrated it yesterday in Shenzhen, China. The demonstration took place along with the 25th World Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS25), an international symposium on electric vehicles.

Though the company announced the iQ-based EV at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, this is the first time that the vehicle has driven in a public place. Its release date has not been determined yet.

Japanese automakers are really keen when it comes to hybrids and EVs and Nissan has already revealed that in the next four years, three new EV models will be introduced (including an electric Infiniti car, a small commercial van and a small urban car).

[Source: Tech-On!]

More leaked images of new Nissan Tiida

We have already seen how the new Tiida (Versa), codenamed L02B, will look like (earlier post) and now it's time for some additional leaked images showing also the interior.

New Daihatsu Move on its way

Daihatsu is going to present the new Move soon, but unfortunately is going to be sold in Japan only. 

[Source: 頑張れ！三菱自動車 応援ブログと株日記]

LFAs spotted at Fuji Speedway

Two shiny LFAs were spotted at FSW by 7tune. What exactly was going on is a mystery and the only thing said by Toyota was... that it's a "test". The cars did occasional flying laps and for sure Toyota's engineers are fine tuning the car before the production starts in December. There are also rumours that a number of different grades will be available.

Anyway, no matter what exactly Toyota was testing, both cars look amazing...

Nissan's "New Mobility" concept for the future

Nissan presented today the "New Mobility" concept, a two-seater 100% electric vehicle. Tiny cars will become essential in the future since cities are getting more crowded.

A wicked Skyline HR31 from Australia!!!

I am not really into tuning - you know... "the fast and the furious" type of guy - but as I was passing by a kiosk, I saw the  latest issue of Banzai magazine with a really nice 240Z on the front cover. Anyway, I bought it and the article I liked the most was about a Nissan Skyline R31 (HR31 to be precise) from Australia.

The Skyline R31 generation is among my favourites and this particular car used to be a GTS-X. Now, after Nick Green took great care of it, it is powered by a tuned RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC 24V R6 turbo engine from Skyline GT-R R32 and produces... 528 bhp! Great work mate!!!

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.