日本自動車デザインコーナー「Japanese Car Design Corner」

2011年1月12日

Lexus launches CT 200h in Japan

Lexus announced today the launch of the CT 200h in Japan, with a sales target of 1,500 units per month. Three versions will be available, the version L costing 4,300,000 ¥, the F Sport costing 4,050,000 ¥ and version C costing 3,750,000 ¥. The CT 200h is manufactured at the Miyata plant.

2011年1月11日

Toyota's WRC comeback in 2012!!!

According to a Japanese publication, Toyota's long rumoured WRC comeback will happen in 2012. The car to compete in WRC will be the new Vitz (aka Yaris) powered by a 1.6 L turbocharged engine. Hmm, any help from Subaru there? In any case, welcome back Toyota... it was about time!

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

Latest rumour suggests a Prius pick-up...

I guess people have started to get overexcited with the Prius family… but in any case, the latest rumour is that a pick-up might joint the Prius family in the future.

Bob Carter's answer to this was “possibly, if it meets the criteria. It’s not off the table, but nothing is decided at this point.”

2011年1月10日

Even more live photos of Civic sedan concept...

[Source: Autoblog]

Even more live photos of Civic coupe concept...

[Source: Autoblog]

Toyota Prius Plug-in to go just 13 miles on battery power alone...

I was watching the press conference (via live streaming) and what really caught my intention was that the new Prius Plug-in, which will use a Li-Ion battery, will get only 13 miles in EV mode at speeds up to 60 mph! Hmm, does it really worth paying more for the plug-in version for just 13 miles???

Anyway, it will go on sale during the first half of 2012 in 14 East/West coast states (national rollout within a year after the initial launch).