Delivery of the world's first Nissan Leaf

Five Axis Lexus IS-F on track

Honda to display Civic concept at Detroit

Honda has released this sketch claiming that the concept, which will be revealed in a few weeks time at the Detroit, will preview the actual next-gen Civic. The new USDM Civic will be available in spring.

Although the sketch looks really cool, I am not so optimistic having seen the upcoming JDM model (earlier post).

Hino about to start testing of new hybrid system for pickups

Hino Motors has already introduced hybrid systems for trucks and buses and it is even testing a fuel cell hybrid system. Today, Hino announced that it has also developed a new hybrid system suitable for pichups and it will conduct field tests. Hino aims to put the system in production in 2011.

The new hybrid system has a clutch between the engine and the motor and it can drive a truck with the use of only one motor. Due to the fact that it doesn't run the engine, more regenerative electric power can be collected when a truck is slowing down.

In addition, Hino has improved the control system and the efficiency of the inverter. In a test conducted by the company, the hybrid system enhanced the fuel efficiency of a diesel truck by about 50%.

New Toyota Vitz's CM!!!

Toyota Celica XX MA63 2000 G-turbo scale model ordered!

Yet another order for a Toyota Celica XX MA63 2000 G-turbo scale model by Dism (ディズム). The model should arrive hopefully this month, along with the other models ordered (earlier post + the additional order for the Mazda RX-7 Type R Bathurst X (FD3S) model).

Lighter & cheaper small car coming from Daihatsu in 2011

Daihatsu's president Koichi Ina told reporters, during the release of the new Move in Tokyo (earlier post), that Daihatsu will bring a new small car to the market by the end of next year with a fuel economy of 30 km/L and a tag price below 1,000,000 ¥. The new car will be based on the concept e:S exhibited at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Response]

BC's rendering of Honda NSX replacement!

Everyone thought that the NSX replacement was dead, but during the last few weeks, there are rumours that a replacement is underway (earlier post), although with a different philosophy. Now, it's Best Car magazine's turn to have a go with a rendering of the new model and I have to admit that I consider BC as a very valuable and trusted source...