Even more photos of Toyota's new Vitz RS

[Source: carview]

... and some more photos of new Toyota Vitz (RS + MODELLISTA)

New Toyota Vitz / Yaris officially launched

Following a series of leaked and teaser images, the new Toyota Vitz / Yaris has been officially launched today. The Vitz is a core model for Toyota and since the launch of the first-gen model back in 1999, more than 3.5 million units have been sold worldwide (more than 1.4 million have been sold in Japan alone).

The third-gen Vitz has a different design approach compared to the past two generations with a sharper styling. Special attention has been paid in aerodynamics and thus, the new Vitz has a coefficient drag value of 0.285 resulting in high fuel efficiency and stable high-speed cruising.

Overall length is 3,885 mm, enabling a turning radius of 4.5 m, and of course Toyota claims that has improved comfort and space inside, with the interior length extended by 35 mm to 1,915 mm.

As reported before, the new model achieves a fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L, equipped with the 1.3 L engine and Toyota's Stop & Start idling-stop system, in the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The specific engine coupled to the Super CVT-i gearbox achieves a fuel efficiency of 24.0 km/L.

The new Vitz will be available in four grades (F, U, Jewela and RS), 17 body colors and 4 interior colors available. The monthly sales target for Japan is 10,000 units.

In terms of engine specs, the 1.0 L engine with three cylinders (1KR-FE) produces 69 PS and 92 Nm of torque at 3,600 r.p.m, while the 1.3 L engine (1NR-FE) has a maximum power of 95 PS and a torque of 121 Nm at 4,000 r.p.m. The 1.5 L engine (1NZ-FE), available in grades U and RS, has a power output of 109 PS and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 r.p.m.

Prices start from 1,060,000 ¥ for the F grade with the 1.0 L engine, and the top RS version coming with the 1.5 L engine costs 1,720,000 ¥ (1,790,000 ¥ with the Super CVT-i gearbox).

New Vitz (Yaris) coming tomorrow...just a reminder!

All-new Toyota Vitz (aka Yaris) will be launched tomorrow December 22. Stay tuned for all the latest info and photos!!!

Subaru Impreza WRX STi tS with carbon roof launched!

Subaru has launched today the Impreza WRX STi tS and WRX STi A-Line tS (earlier post), which go on sale from January 25 and only 400 of them will be made. Of course, they are going to be available only in Japan. The 'tS' models will be based on the four-door model and changes over the regular model include an aluminium engine hood and a carbon fibre roof (earlier post).

A number of mechanical changes have been made in order to lower the centre of gravity and achieve a firmer ride. New STi dampers and coil springs have been used, along with a different anti-roll bar. Also, some suspension parts have been replaced with new ones and flexible rear support has been adopted.

Other changes include different STi 18" wheels, RECARO seats with special red stitching, STi shift knob and a number of tS and STi logos.

If you really fancy one, and you live in Japan, you can place your order until March 14. The WRX STi tS (2.0 L engine) will cost you 4,725,000 ¥, while the WRX STi A-Line tS (coming with the 2.5 L engine couipled to a 5AT gearbox) 4,221,000 ¥.

Subaru introduces Impreza WRX STi spec C

Subaru further enhances the WRX STi line-up by introducing in Japan this STi spec C model, in addition to the regular WRX STi model and STi A-Line model, the AT version.

The WRX STi spec C model features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body on the premise of driving in motor sports. The twin scroll turbocharger newly adopted ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) program was also exclusively tuned. Thus the engine of the spec C model increases the maximum torque, and provides quicker response and improved accelerating performance. The adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window glasses and a downsized battery resulted in a lighter body, which further refines the model’s driving performance. 

Nissan Leaf b Concept at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

As I have already written, the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon is going to take place in January, opening on January 14, and here is the first info about Nissan's booth.  Nissan will exhibit 9 cars in total, and among them will be this Leaf b concept, which looks really cool and I guess it's an attempt to prove to the world that EVs can not only be fun to drive, but also cool to look at them. Don't expect anything new apart from the aero bits and pieces.

Honda builds safety with triangles

We all know that car manufacturers equip their vehicles with increasingly high-tech safety features, but sometimes there are simple solutions that no one has though of. One example is Honda's way of reducing the risk of accidents. What is it? Well, just small triangular markings on the sides of the windshield.

Two triangles, fixed slightly above the driver's line of sight, are arranged so they point toward each other from opposite sides of the windshield. According to Honda, their presence makes it easier for drivers to avoid accidental contact in tight situations, such as when passing another car or turning into a narrow alley.

Experiments conducted by Honda with several different models found that the triangles, which measure 4 to 5 millimetres, encouraged drivers subconsciously to stabilize their line of sight when making a left turn.