New Impreza WRX to be powered by 1.6 turbo engine

Since the new-gen Subaru Impreza has been launched, Subaru is now working on the new WRX version. According to the latest rumours, the new WRX will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which will be capable of delivering 270 PS. The STi version will get an even more powerful version of the new engine delivering 300 PS.

The use of a 1.6-liter engine makes it also possible for Subaru to return to WRC and already, Ikuo Mori has said during the shareholders meeting on June 24 that a new sports car will be launched in 2014. 

Rendering of new Nissan Silvia surfaces from Japan

We already know that Nissan is working on a Fairlady Z successor, which is expected to hit the markets in 2013 (earlier post), but it appears also that a new Silvia is on the cards. Is this Nissan's answer to the highly anticipated Toyota/Subaru FT-86...? I really hope that Japanese manufacturers come back from the dead and start producing models like that again.

Interior of FT-86 reveiled?!

This photo was published in a Japanese blog and sent to me by a reader. From what it is claimed, this is a shot from the interior of the FT-86.

Latest rendering of upcoming Honda Beat

Honda readies a Beat successor (earlier post) and on the front cover of the latest Best Car issue there is a rendering of it. I think it was about time for Japanese manufacturers to start again producing those lovely Kei cars. I hope this time they will bring them also in Europe...

The new 2012 Toyota Camry

This appears to be the new 2012 Toyota Camry, which according to the latest report, it will be launched in October. 

[Source: Woody's Car Site]

Is this the new Toyota Camry?

All-new Nissan Skyline coming in 2013 - AMG engine likely to be fitted!

The all new Nissan Skyline (earlier post), aka Infiniti G, which is known internally as the V37, will hit the markets in 2013 and according to Japanese Best Car magazine, a V8 may be fitted (113M55), which will be a tuned down version of Merc's engine fitted in a number of AMG models. The power output is expected to be around 360 ps.

A hybrid model will be also introduced, which is going to be coupled to the VQ35HR V6 engine. The fuel efficiency of the hybrid model should be around 20.0 km/L.

All-new EUDM Toyota Yaris reveiled

The new Yaris (aka Vitz) was introduced in Japan back in December 2010, and shots of the EUDM RS version has also leaked (earlier post).  So, there are no surprises in terms of its design and so far, Toyota hasn't officially announced the available engines.

One more FT-86 rendering coming from Japan!

This is one more FT-86 rendering (earlier post) published by a Japanese magazine this month.

Video: Honda CR-Z Mugen in action

Latest rumours about new Lexus LS - it comes in 2014

Initial reports suggested that the all-new Lexus LS (earlier post) will be introduced in 2013, but BC claims now that the new model will be introduced in 2014 instead. BC published also this rendering, which looks completely different compared to the previous ones.

The LS 600h will use a 5.0L V6 engine plus the latest-gen hybrid system, which will enable it to achieve a fuel efficiency of 15.0 km/L. Well, it's not bad at all considering that it's a really big car and it has 400 ps + 55.0 kgm of torque! An 8 gear automatic transmission will be fitted.

The article mentions that an LS F Sport will be also introduced, powered by a 3.5L V6 engine. In terms of performance, 320 ps and 38.5 kgm of torque are the estimated numbers.

Latest info about all-new Toyota Crown

The all-new Toyota Crown will be introduced in 2012 (earlier post) and those are the latest renderings published by BC. 

The article mentions that the hybrid version will use a 2.5L straight four engine (2AR-FXE), as claimed before, with a power output of 170 ps and 23.0 kgm of torque. Those figures don't include the power output of the electric motor. The HV model should be able to manage a fuel efficiency of 22.0 - 23.0 km/L under the 10.15 mode.

A petrol version will be also available, using a 3.5L V6 engine (2GR-FSZ) producing 315 ps and 38.5 kgm of torque. The fuel efficiency is estimated to be 12.0 km/L.

In terms of dimensions, the new model is expected to measure 4,840 x 1,795 x 1,460 mm (length x width x height). Prices should range between ¥ 5,000,000 and ¥ 6,000,000.

Get ready for Lexus LFA II!

Lexus' plan was to produce 500 LFAs, 450 standard ones plus 50 with the Nürburgring Package, but latest rumors coming from Japan suggest that 100 more LFAs will be produced.

To be more precise, Best Car claims that the extra 100 LFAs, mentioned as LFA II, will use the 570 ps version of the V10 engine.

Video of FT-86 prototype during testing

Toyota FT-86: Spied with new rear wing

So, it will have a big wing... bringing back memories of the Supra!

Toyota FT-86 (2012) spied with new rear wing | Car Magazine Online

All-new Honda CR-V (2012) spied on the street!

The all-new Honda CR-V (earlier post) was caught for the first time on the street. The rear end has been heavily "influenced" by Volvo's design language... 

Video: LFA vs GT-R, ZR1, 911 GT2 RS and F430 GT3 (Best Motoring)

First photos of Honda CR-Z Mugen concept

Honda CR-Z Mugen concept (2011): first photos | Car Magazine Online

Video: Lexus LFA - UK exclusive

Video: Lexus LFA vs Lexus IS-F - flat out!

Toyota FT-86: The latest spy photos

Toyota FT-86 (2012): the latest spy photos | Car Magazine Online

Video: Nissan LEAF NISMO RC shakedown

Patent images reveal all-new Merc A-Class

Almost one month ago, I published a post regarding Merc's upcoming compact models, and now the all-new A-Class has been revealed through some patent images. Not so flashy as the concept, but still nice enough I would say... although the front end has some Volvo elements and the rear one some influence from Citroen.

Video: LFA lap at Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

Latest FT-86 rendering... is this the real deal?!

A few days ago I posted a photo from the latest Mag-X issue, which arrived today. As usual, I always try to provide you with the latest renderings coming straight from Japan. Anyway, as the time passes by and we are getting closer to December, I expect more accurate renderings of the production version to be published.

According to the article, the FB20 will deliver 200 ps and 205 Nm of torque, while it will come with the D-4S injection system. The bore and stroke will be 86 x 86 mm! In terms of transmissions, a 6AT will be also available with paddle shifts on the steering wheel. As already known, power will go to the rear wheels and an LSD will ensure the best power distribution.

The FT-86 will be on sale in April 2012.

New Lexus LFA promo video!!!

Tony B Drifts the Lexus LFA in Sonoma

Latest impression of new FT-86 by Mag-X!

The latest Mag-X issue has a rendering of the highly anticipated FT-86 on the front cover and it is the latest impression coming from Japan. Stay tuned for more photos and info!

More details about Honda CR-Z Mugen

As already reported almost one month ago, not only Honda is working on a spicy CR-Z, but apparently Mugen is doing the same. The Mugen version is being developed purely as a one-off prototype and it will deliver around 197bhp and 181lb ft of torque!!! Mugen is actually using a supercharger to deliver the extra power, and the internals of the 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine have been upgraded.

‘The idea was to use the significant advantage of the early torque provided by the Honda IMA electric motor, then increase the torque available from the petrol engine gradually, to first maintain and then increase this,’ says Mugen Euro’s project manager Colin Whittamore. ‘A supercharger and complementary electronics allow us to very neatly map the IMA to the extra power and torque of the engine in a unique package, giving a smooth, integrated and powerful driving experience.’

The impressive bit is the fact that Mugen may actually be able to improve on the standard CR-Z’s 56.5mpg and 117g/km CO2. Of course, and top of the list are front and rear five-stage adjustable dampers. There’s an increase in track width too, lightweight 17in forged Mugen GP alloys to reduce unsprung mass, and bigger brakes with four-pot monobloc calipers. There’s also a full visual upgrade, including Mugen-spec front and rear bumpers, a particularly large rear wing and some side skirts. And finally, Mugen is promising a ‘large reduction in overall weight’ so reckon on the removal of the back seats and a carbonfibre bonnet to cover that supercharged engine.

[Source: CAR magazine]

First official images of Scion FR-S (FT-86) Concept!!!

Those are the first official images of the Scion FR-S Concept, making its debut at the New York Auto Show, confirming that the new FT-86 will be sold as a Scion in the States. Also, it seems that it will carry the FR-S badge. If you take a close look, you will notice some minor changes compared to the FT-86 II Concept (earlier post), such as the lack of the front side LEDs, slightly different front and rear bumper design etc.