Rendering of Daihatsu e:S

This is Mag-X's impression of the upcoming Daihatsu e:S (earlier post). No surprises really since the actual production model is expected to look very close to the prototype.

[Source: Makoto Garage Illustration]

Lexus LFA with blue interior!

This photo is showing a different colour scheme, which I find very nice, and apparently there is no navi and  remote touch controller.

[Source: Lexus via The Lexus Enthusiast]

Honda readies 2.0L NA CR-Z and Beat successor!

The latest issue of BC has some interesting news regarding the upcoming Honda models, and it seems that a 2.0L NA CR-Z is coming soon, as well as a Beat successor!!!

Soon I will be able to provide you with more info... so stay tuned!

All-new Honda Insight coming in 2013

As you will have already figured out, one of the most disappointing cars, in my opinion, is the Honda Insight. I was really excited when it was under development and I was convinced that it would be my next car. Unfortunately, the final result was rather bad and far away from what Honda was promising back then.

In any case, the current model will get a nip/tuck this year (earlier post), in July, and a full model change is due in February 2013. The new model will come with a bigger petrol engine, having a displacement of 1.5L, featuring Honda's variable valve timing system, VTEC, plus VTC. The new engine will be called 1.5L e-VTEC. The new Insight will be the first Honda model to use the new Fit platform (earlier post) and the main aerodynamic characteristics of the current model will remain.

In terms of overall dimensions, the new model will be slightly longer (4425 instead of 4400 mm) and taller (1435 instead of 1430 mm).

[Source: Mag-X via CarSensor]

Revised Honda Accord to debut at Geneva

• Revised exterior styling
• Detail changes to interior finishes (new seat materials and door linings)
• Improvements to emissions and economy on all engines
• 138 g/km 2.2 i-DTEC introduced
• Ride and handling improvements for all model
• Auto High-Beam Support System and Active Cornering Lights debut on Accord *
• 180 PS Type S model now available across Europe with bespoke interior and exterior  styling
• On sale across Europe from April this year.

* High Beam Support system is fitted on vehicles with the bi-xenon headlights. This system is controlled by a CMOS camera fitted to the windscreen in the area of the driver rear view mirror. The camera detects oncoming headlights or the taillights of a vehicle in front and automatically dips the headlights onto their normal setting if they are on high-beam.

Avensis BTCC racer undergoes wind tunnel trials

Toyota's next-gen BTCC racer, based on the Avensis, is undergoing extensive wind tunnel testing at the UK’s leading aerodynamic analysis facility, MIRA.

Built by GPR Motorsport, the Avensis racer will make its competition bow in the opening rounds of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch on 3 April.

The NGTC Avensis was joined in the MIRA wind tunnel by a road-going model, on which TOCA technical staff had installed a rear wing to help establish a baseline for the car’s aerodynamics. “We needed to fix a position for the rear wing, based on the aerodynamics of the road car, which gave the levels of downforce we were looking for,” said the championship’s technical director, Peter Riches.

“I am pleased to say that this was quickly achieved, and it means that we now have a base line for all cars built to the NGTC regulations and have saved a lot of development time and potential expense for the teams.”

Toyota FT-86 II Concept to be unveiled at Geneva!!!

Subaru has already announced that it will show a concept of its FT-86 version at the Geneva Motor Show (earlier post), but apparently Toyota plans to do the same!!! Toyota Motor Europe has released a teaser photo showing the FT86 II Concept! As you can see, the new "concept" has larger headlamps and it looks a bit more aggressive IMO.

Scoop on new Daihatsu Copen!

The new issue of Mag-X magazine is coming out and this is a scoop on the new Daihatsu Copen! It is reported that a new 2-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection will be fitted. It's a shame that we will never have the change getting it in Europe...