Toyota FT-86 II Concept breaks cover (Part 2) plus more info

The latest BC magazine (3.10 issue) has the photo of the FT-86 II Concept on the front cover  (earlier post) and as you can imagine, I was really anxious to read what's inside! OK, I am not really convinced that the image is how exactly the real concept will look like when it will be shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, but as the time approaches for the launch of the production version, more accurate info will start to be revealed.

So, BC claims that the FT-86 II Concept is a clear indication of the direction of the final design (hmm, no surprises there) and the final product won't have so many fancy bits as the concepts did. The production version, as mentioned several times in the past, will be presented at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Sales will start in May 2012 and power will come from Subaru's new FB20 engine. The target in terms of fuel efficiency is 14.8 km/L and the power output is estimated to be 200 PS at 7,200 rpm. Maximum torque claimed by BC is 21.0 kgm at 4,600 rpm. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheel via a 6-speed manual gearbox and the FT-86 will be able to reach 100 km/h, from a standstill, in 7.7 seconds.

In terms of dimensions, length is expected to be 4,160 mm (with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm), width 1,760 mm and height 1,260 mm. The weight will not exceed 1,300 kg (did it get a bit of weight compared to what was speculated in the past?)

Prices will be around ¥ 2,300,000 for the basic trim level and ¥ 2,500,000 for the higher-spec model. G's version is very likely to be introduced at a later date. 

[Source of mag scans: ft86club - Chokonen888]

Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY. Android is ready to play!

First photos of Mugen Fit Shuttle

The Fit Shuttle will be launched next month and already the first photos showing the Mugen bits and pieces have leaked. The Mugen Fit Shuttle is expected to be officially revealed one month later.

[Source: 頑張れ！ 三菱自動車 応援ブログと株日記]

More speculation about MX-5 successor

Mazda is a company that I admire and I really look forward for the new MX-5 to come. The MX-5 successor (earlier post), according to the latest report coming from Japan, will be powered by a 1.5L SKYACTIV G engine with a power output of 150 PS and maximum torque of 16.0 kgm. An estimated fuel efficiency of 20.0 km/L (!) is claimed. In terms of how big is going to be, total length is expected to be 3,990 mm, width 1,695 mm and height 1,245 mm. The wheelbase should be 2,330 mm. The new MX-5 is expected to be launched in August 2012.

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

Nissan GT-R EGOIST photography

The Nissan GT-R is an amazing car and following the recent nip/tuck, a more luxurious version called EGOIST (earlier post) has been prepared. EGOIST is the first and only Nissan GT-R in the world exclusively created by Takumi, or "master with greatest skills." Each customer can choose a combination of interior colors among 20 choices. In addition, the Bose sound system is exclusively tuned according to the driving position of each driver to meet every customer's needs.

Nissan has released some nice photos of the GT-R EGOIST and you can view more after the jump!

Nissan to supply engines to LMS racing team

Nissan announced today an exclusive two-year official partnership with Signature Racing. The agreement brings together Nissan and Signature on the race track in the new Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC), with Nissan providing the team its NISMO tuned VK45V8 engines for the LMP2 class.

New FB20 engine fitted in 2011 Subaru Forester

Subaru has launched its third-gen boxer design, which is fitted in the 2011 EUDM Forester. The new boxer engine is badged as FB20, replacing the EJ20 one, and according to Subaru, it's around 10% more fuel efficient. The specific version of the engine doesn't come with direct injection, but Subaru has improved a lot of other areas.

The combustion chambers have been redesigned and they are now more compact, there are chain-driven cams and intriguingly "bent" connecting rods (they allow installation and maintenance work without separating the block). The piston stroke has been increased and the valvetrain has been modified. The block and head have been also redesigned and the oversquare layout of the EJ engine (92 x 75 mm) has changed now to an undersquare layout of 84 x 90 mm. Those changes have resulted to improved low and mid-range power delivery and the FB20 engine fitted in the new Forester delivers 148 hp.

I really look forward what else Toyota and Subaru will change in the FB20 version which will be fitted in the FT-86.

More photos after the jump!

World debut for LFA Nürburgring package at Geneva Motor Show

The most exclusive Lexus yet built, the LFA supercar gains an even more track-focused profile with the addition of the bespoke Nürburgring Package, to be shown in public for the first time at the Geneva motor show in March.

Aimed at customers looking for even greater levels of performance from the V10 supercar, the Nürburgring Package is available on a maximum of 50 of the 500 cars that are being built. It provides additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions to improve handling and downforce, increases engine output by 10bhp to 562bhp and speeds up gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission.