Nissan unveils new global sedan in China called Sunny

Nissan has finally revealed its new global sedan at the 8th Guangzhou Motor Show, which is going to be sold as Sunny (サニー) in China. Sales start in January 2011 and then progressively across 170 countries worldwide under different vehicle brand names.

The Sunny will be powered by a 1.5 L (HR15DE) engine with dual injectors and a new-generation Xtronic CVT with an auxiliary transmission. The new Sunny will be produced in Dongfeng Nissan’s Huadu Plant in Guangzhou and will be priced from RMB 82.8K to 112.8K (1,040,000 - 1,400,000 ¥).

So, we know that we will get this, but is it going to be the proper Tiida (aka Versa) replacement? A hatchback version has been caught during testing (earlier post) and it has a different interior looking more of a likely Golf/Focus competitor than the new Sunny.

Lexus LFA test on Goodwood (... ignore the guy and just listen to this engine!!!)

FD2 Civic Type R at Aoyama dealership (... my favourite Civic Type R!!!)

Nissan Teana heading to UAE?

Nissan's Teana (ティアナ) is a large sedan available in Japan  (basis of Mitsuoka's Galue) and some South Asian markets, e.g. Thailand and Malaysia, and a number of them have been spotted in UAE (photo at the top) being transported to Nissan's Jebel Ali HQ.

The specific cars are powered by a 2.0 L engine, producing 136 hp and coupled to a CVT gearbox. Now, it remains unknown whether Nissan plans to sell Teana in UAE or they are just conducting hot weather testing.

[Source: Car Middle East]

Toyota at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon is going to take place in January, opening on January 14, and we have the first info on what Toyota will display.

Toyota will display the Auris GT Concept (an Auris with TRD parts), as well as MODELLISTA options for the FJ Cruiser and the Ractis (aka Verso-S). Subaru will also exhibit an STi version of its own version of the latter one, the Trezia.

Additionally, the Toyota Sports EV-Twin will be there, an FR sports concept developed in-house voluntary by TES (Toyota Engineering Society).

The Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA that won its class in the 2010 Nurburgring 24 hours race will be displayed, as well as TOM'S version of LS460.

[Source: Response]

Nissan Leaf's EV-IT demo (Japanese)

Honda considers F1 come back!

OK, now that's a paradox. Honda quit F1 at the end of 2008 season having already developed a car capable of winning the title in 2009. The financial meltdown was blamed and Honda wanted to focus on green cars instead. Oh, the NSX development under way at those days was also canceled, but we got the Insight instead... a very promising model that proved to be simply disappointing.

Now though, the F1 rules will change in 2013 and it seems that 1.6 L turbocharged engines will be used. Renault's managing director Jean-François Caubet said that companies will have to start from scratch with the upcoming new rules and he stated that a third manufacturer will join F1 in 2013. He said that a likely return of BMW is too premature and VW still hesitates. Caubet said that the third company will be a Japanese one and Honda is seriously considering a come back...

Last orders: Honda Civic Type R (FN2)

A very nicely written article. Check it out!

Last orders: Honda Civic Type R « PetrolBlog