Hino about to start testing of new hybrid system for pickups

Hino Motors has already introduced hybrid systems for trucks and buses and it is even testing a fuel cell hybrid system. Today, Hino announced that it has also developed a new hybrid system suitable for pichups and it will conduct field tests. Hino aims to put the system in production in 2011.

The new hybrid system has a clutch between the engine and the motor and it can drive a truck with the use of only one motor. Due to the fact that it doesn't run the engine, more regenerative electric power can be collected when a truck is slowing down.

In addition, Hino has improved the control system and the efficiency of the inverter. In a test conducted by the company, the hybrid system enhanced the fuel efficiency of a diesel truck by about 50%.

New Toyota Vitz's CM!!!

Toyota Celica XX MA63 2000 G-turbo scale model ordered!

Yet another order for a Toyota Celica XX MA63 2000 G-turbo scale model by Dism (ディズム). The model should arrive hopefully this month, along with the other models ordered (earlier post + the additional order for the Mazda RX-7 Type R Bathurst X (FD3S) model).

Lighter & cheaper small car coming from Daihatsu in 2011

Daihatsu's president Koichi Ina told reporters, during the release of the new Move in Tokyo (earlier post), that Daihatsu will bring a new small car to the market by the end of next year with a fuel economy of 30 km/L and a tag price below 1,000,000 ¥. The new car will be based on the concept e:S exhibited at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Response]

BC's rendering of Honda NSX replacement!

Everyone thought that the NSX replacement was dead, but during the last few weeks, there are rumours that a replacement is underway (earlier post), although with a different philosophy. Now, it's Best Car magazine's turn to have a go with a rendering of the new model and I have to admit that I consider BC as a very valuable and trusted source...

Daihatsu reveals new Move & Move Custom in Japan

Daihatsu has revealed today the 5th generation of Move (earlier post) in Japan, available as Move and Move Custom. The Move used to be available in Europe as well, but unfortunately, due to low sales it's not anymore...

Since fuel efficiency is very crucial for every new model, the new Move comes with an "eco IDLE" system, thus achieving a fuel economy of 27.0 km/L. The 4WD version achieves 22.5 km/L. Of course, compared to the previous generation, there is improved comfort with an interior length of 2075 mm, a new dashboard and better soundproofing. Safety has also been enhanced with the use of side airbags, an SRS curtain system, VSC, a lane departure warning system and a radar cruise control system.

Mazda MX-5, RX-8 and 787B scale models

Three new Mazda models were added yesterday to my diecast collection. The Mazda 787B is the only Japanese car that has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race ever!

• Mazda MX-5 tuned by MAZDASPEED (Red Metallic) by AUTOart
• Mazda RX-8 tuned by MAZDASPEED (Red Metallic) by AUTOart
• Mazda 787B (Dark Silver) by HPI

Some more renderings of next-gen Honda Civic (2HC)

We have seen some very clear spy shots (earlier post), so there are no surprises... unfortunately. Those renderings seem very realistic, but I wish the real thing would be different. I still think that the current model (FD) looks much better.