Toyota's "eco" future lineup

Toyota plans to introduce eleven (11) new hybrid models (one is the next-gen Camry - earlier post) by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.

By early 2012, Toyota plans to begin sales of a "Prius"-based PHV (mainly in Japan, USA & Europe.) Sales targeted at more than 50,000 per annum.

In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe (earlier post).

Toyota, please don't mesh up with the FT-86....

[Source: Scott Brownlee - Head of PR and social media for Toyota and Lexus in the UK]

Toyota RAV4 EV... powered by Tesla

The RAV4 EV shown today is considered a mid-cycle "major-minor" product change: major powertrain option w/ minor feature & cosmetic changes. It has a target range of 100-miles in actual road driving conditions.

According to Toyota, a large part of the team’s focus on the customer experience targeted driveability. In this case, the end goal is a vehicle with driveability characteristics as close to the conventional RAV4 as possible. The demo vehicle weights 220 pounds more than the current RAV4 V6 yet it will accelerate from zero to sixty nearly as quickly.

The demo vehicle is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery with usable output rated in the mid-30 kwh range. However, many decisions regarding both the product, as well as the business model, have not been finalized. Battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle have not been decided.

Now, who is responsible for what? Tesla is responsible for building and supplying the battery, as well as other components that meet Toyota's engineering specs for performance, quality and durability. On the other hand, Toyota is responsible for the development and manufacturing, leadership and integration of the powertrain.

Expect to see it on the streets in 2012.

The new Nissan Quest

OK, the facts are simple. Three rows, two sunroofs, an entertainment system, seven exterior colours and two interior ones. Power comes from a 3.5L V6 engine producing 253 hp, which is mated to a Xtronic CVT gearbox.

Sales start in early 2011.

Honda gets exciting with EV concept...

Honda had announced that a new EV concept would be introduced in LA, along with a new plug-in hybrid platform showcasing its next-gen hybrid technology. That's the good news.

Bad news? The EV concept is... a Fit/Jazz! It has a 100-mile range and a top speed of 90 mph. I was hoping to see something more exciting than this. Oh wait, the driver can remotely monitor the charge state… how exciting!!! The production version will be introduced to the US and Japan in 2012.

So, now about the next-gen hybrid technology. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

The vehicle can also run in a gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the platform features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor.

For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.

11MY Nissan GT-R in LA!

OK, we know everything about the 11MY GT-R, but personally I cannot get enough... Those are some nice live shots from Nissan's stand in LA!

[Source: Autoblog]

A first look at new Nissan Quest

Nissan has a lot of new models to show in LA and now, it's time for the new Quest. As I have previously written, it shares its platform with the new E52 Elgrand (エルグランド). Stay tuned for more info!

Subaru's next-gen Impreza concept

We've seen the rendering (earlier post) and now it's time for the real thing... please Subaru, don't screw it up, put in production!

Info and some more photos of Nissan's Ellure Concept

Following the official press release, I have summarised below the most interesting bits:

While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan's intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come," explains Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

"Aerodynamics has become a critical element of design for all vehicles today, not just hybrids or EVs. We've used Ellure to explore subtle ways to reduce or eliminate body openings that can cause drag, such as the solid yet transparent coverings on the wheels and grilles, without impacting the beauty of the vehicle," said Nakamura.

The Ellure grille, with its large polished Nissan badge, was inspired by "Kamishino" Samurai formal coat. A nod to traditional Japanese design can also be seen in the Ellure's rear end, which is inspired by a "Torii" Shinto shrine gate.

The Ellure drivetrain is conceived as a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control (one motor/two clutch design with lithium-ion battery) and 25 kW electric motor, matched with an Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive. It would also include an independent suspension, regenerative braking, and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering to make sure the driving experience is as dynamic and rewarding as Ellure's physical properties.

[Source: Autoblog]