Toyota develops new SUV smaller than RAV4!!!

Toyota is about to make a comeback in the compact SUV segment, as the RAV4 has grown up a lot since the first-gen model. Toyota has been left with a gap at the moment, and the same applies for Suzuki with the Escudo (aka Vitara). It's only Nissan that has an SUV for every need and Toyota wants to catch up with that.

The new compact SUV will be powered by a 2.0 L engine, and it will be also available as a hybrid with the powertrain being based on the 2AR type. Since it's not going to be a hybrid only, I suspect that it will not carry the Prius badge.

The images published by Mag-X are coming from Toyota (!) and they were shown during a design review. The specific design proposal has a panoramic sunroof and overall, it looks very aggressive with all those edges and slim headlights. To be honest, the side view reminds me Audi's Q5.

Of course, pricing will be crucial for the success of the model and the entry level version, powered by the 2.0 L petrol engine, could cost as little as ¥ 1,600,000. The hybrid version will cost more, probably around ¥ 2,400,000. Of course, don't get ready to place an order yet, since it will take a while until it goes into production, which will happen in the summer 2012. The design is still under development and the final decision is expected to be taken later this year. Toyota may show a concept version at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this year.

New Subaru Legacy coming in 2014

Hmm, it seems that 2014 will be a busy year for the Japanese car manufacturers... According to Mag-X, Subaru is planning to introduce the all-new Legacy in May 2014. Unfortunately, I cannot make much sense out of the text, except from the dimensions, which are (length x width x height) 4,770 x 1,785 x 1,535 (mm).

Lexus SC to be back

The production of the Lexus SC 430 has stopped and Lexus has been left without a sports coupe model in its lineup. Since Lexus faces tough competition in the States, from MB, BMW and Audi, such a model is a vital one.

So, most likely we will see it in 2014, according to Best Car magazine, and as per Lexus' practice, two versions will be available, badged as SC 450h and SC 460. I hope that Lexus will use a different benchmark this time, as BMW did with the new 6 series.

New Supra may not be dead... yet

As with the NSX successor, there have been a lot of rumours during the last few years about a new Supra. Well, there are still rumours coming from Japan that the FT-HS concept, which was a study showing how the new car could look like, may not be the end to this story. After all, Toyota wants to go after Nissan and the new Z, which is coming in 2013 (earlier post), may face some strong competition from Japan...!

RX-8 successor likely to hit the markets in 2014

Latest rumours coming from Japan suggest that the RX-8 successor, which is very likely to be called RX-9, is going into production in 2014. As already posted, the 16X Wankel engine under development is 30% more fuel efficient that the RX-8's engine and expect it to produce around 300 ps.

More info about Toyota Prius C

Yesterday, I posted some info about the upcoming production version of the Prius C Concept (earlier post), which was shown at the Detroit Motor Show, and now I've some more info from the latest BC issue.  BC claims also that the Prius C will achieve a fuel efficiency of 44.0 km/L and the dimensions mentioned are exactly the same as the ones published by Mag-X.

From what I could make out of the text, Toyota will use a modified version of the current hybrid system, in order to reduce the cost and maintain the proven reliability. The car will be able to accommodate four adults and as you can imagine, don't expect any thrills with just 76 ps and 11.7 kgm of torque. It is expected to cost around ¥ 1,590,000.

Dream garage...!!!

Now, this is perhaps every man's dream!!! One day, I would like my garage to look like this... with different cars though!!! 

More photos after the jump!

Aston reveals first launch editions of iQ-based Cygnet

Well, it's not only Gazoo and MN having a play with Toyota's iQ, but also Aston Martin with its version called Cygnet (シグネット). To celebrate the commencement of production in April 2011, the new Aston Martin Cygnet will be available in two special launch edition models, White and Black. Both will be available with either the standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time. Prices are starting at £30,995!

According to the press release, "Cygnet Launch Edition White brings together a serene exterior; finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. On the exterior, Aston Martin’s attention to detail is exemplified with the iconic wings badge appearing in matching white.

In contrast, Cygnet Launch Edition Black features Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Dark chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the wings badges are rendered in black throughout.

Both Cygnet Launch Editions also come with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, especially designed for and tailored to Cygnet. Available in a contemporary combination of black leather with technical fabric, the set comprises glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag."

More photos after the jump!