Nissan Leaf's aerodynamic design

Following the post about the Nissan Leaf's rear aerodynamic design, here is an interesting photo showing the underfloor design at the front.

Exterior of new Suzuki MR Wagon revealed

The exterior design of the new Suzuki MR Wagon (earlier post) has been revealed ahead of its debut, which will take place on January 20. The new MR Wagon will have a fuel efficiency of 25.5 km/L and not 26.5 as previously reported.

A glimpse of the new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

The latest issue of Best Car magazine has a very interesting cover showing all the important new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

So, here is what's coming (... I am missing a couple of Nissan sedan models):

• Daihatsu's small car based on the concept e:S (earlier post)

• Honda Fit - aka Jazz - wagon (earlier post)

• Honda Freed Hybrid 

• Honda Insight (facelift with design cues from  FCX Clarity)

• Lexus CT (looks like a spicy version... a CT-F perhaps?) 

• Lexus GS-F (earlier post)

• Mazda CX-5 (Mazda's variant of the Ford Kuga)

• Nissan Tiida - aka Versa - (earlier post)

• Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A (related posts)
  

• Toyota Prius V (related posts)

New Mitsuoka Viewt coming in summer 2011

Mag-X has came up with this rendering of the next-gen Mitsuoka Viewt, which will be introduced in summer 2011. For those who are not aware of the Viewt, the current model is the second generation one and it's a model based on Nissan's March (aka Micra). All generations of Viewt are inspired by Jaguar's Mark 2 design.

[Source: Mag-X via Makoto Garage Illustration]

Plug-in tech: Honda vs Toyota

Following the announcement of the second testing program in Japan (earlier post), Honda has disclosed details of the EV and PHV that will be tested.

The PHV is based on the JDM Inspire and it is equipped with a 2.0 L engine using the Atkinson cycle. The powertrain consists also of two motors and a Li-Ion battery. One of the motors has a maximum output of 120 kW and is used to drive the vehicle and regenerate energy. The other is used as a generator that can generate about 100 kW of electricity.

This system is different from Toyota PHV due to the use of two motors, and it can independently operate the engine and the motors. As a result, it becomes possible to drive the vehicle (1) as an EV only by electricity, (2) as a hybrid vehicle by using the engine and the motors and (3) as a gasoline vehicle by using only the engine.

Subaru to showcase three STi concepts at Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru will showcase at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon not only the Impreza WRX STi tS (earlier post), but also three STi concepts: a Trezia STi concept, an Exiga 2.0GT tS concept, as well as a Legacy 2.5i tS concept.

[Source: Corism]

New Suzuki Landy introduced in Japan

This is basically Suzuki's version of the new Nissan Serena (related posts), called Landy, coming almost one month after the launch of the latter.

グレード	2.0S	2.0G
駆動方式	FF	4WD
トランスミッション	CVT
全長×全幅×全高(mm)	4685×1695×1865	4685×1695×1875
ホイールベース(mm)	2860
車両重量(kg)	1600	1720
乗車定員(人)	8
エンジン種類	直4DOHC
総排気量(cc)	1997
最高出力[ｋＷ(ps)rpm]	108（147）/5600	106（144）/5600
最大トルク[N・m(kg-m)/rpm]	210（21.4）/4400	207（21.1）/4400
10･15モード燃費(km/L)	14.4
ガソリン種類／容量(L)	レギュラー／60
車両本体価格(万円)	222.075	291.9

Toyota takes Hilux across Antarctica!

Toyota took four Hilux vehicles, between November 10 and December 5, across Antarctica proving that its pickup is all but unstoppable. In total, the vehicles covered over 4,600 km with temperatures down to minus 56°C and an altitude of 3,400 m.

The pickups were prepared by Artic Trucks, but the 3.0 L D-4D diesel engines remained entirely unchanged for the expedition. The Hilux proved to have lower fuel consumption and higher average speed than any equivalent Antarctic vehicle. The term low is relatively speaking, since we are talking about a fuel consumption of 50 L/100 km, but this figure is 5 to 8 times lower than that achieved by tracked vehicles. That's important when one barrel of oil in Antarctica can cost up to $10,000…!

Toyota FT-86 boxer-engine logo...

I am not convinced that this is something that could be considered as trusted info or whatever, but in any case I decided to post it. This is a logo for Toyota's version of FT-86 uncovered by Car and Driver.

What that really means? The only conclusion that can be made is the fact that Toyota will use the number 86 somehow (it's shown in the centre where the crankshaft would live).

Kizashi vs Volvo S40 and a bubble wrap suit

Kizashi vs Audi A4 and a motorized sofa

Kizashi vs MB C300 and a stretch limo

Suzuki pits Kizashi against some surprising competitors in its new ads... Well, I don't know if that will work in the States, but in Europe it will definitely not...

Suzuki launches new Solio - available also by Mitsubishi

Suzuki has launched the new Solio in Japan today and there are no surprises, since a lot of brochure images have leaked in the past, which of course I have posted. I have to admit that I really like its design and it's a shame that we won't get it in Europe. Perhaps Suzuki should consider bring it over here, since the small MPV-ish segment becomes increasingly popular (e.g. Toyota Verso-S, upcoming Subaru Justy etc.) 

Suzuki claims that the new Solio is fun to drive, easy to use and with a better fuel economy. The 1.2 L engine, producing 91 hp, comes from the new Swift and it is coupled to a CVT gearbox achieving a fuel efficiency of 22.5 km/L.

Sales target is around 12,000 units per year and following an agreement between Suzuki and Mitsubishi, Suzuki will supply Mitsubishi with around 800 units per month. Mitsubishi will start selling its variant of Solio in spring 2011.

Prices start from 1,382,850 ¥ for G grade (2WD) and the next grade, called X, costs 1,509,900 ¥ (1,632,750 ¥ for the 4WD version). Top grade S costs 1,624,350 ¥ (1,747,200 ¥ for the 4WD version).

Portugal first European country to get LEAF - Prime Minister first head of state to use EV for official matters

The first 10 LEAFs have been delivered in Europe and to be more precise in Portugal, as a recognition of the country's pioneering work in the electric mobility field with the MOBI.E Program. Portugal has a a dedicated nation-wide smart grid for electric vehicles.

The Prime Minister of Portugal, Jose Socrates, has become the first head of state in the world to adopt an EV, which will be used for his official travels around Lisbon.

The MOBI.E network currently spreads over 25 municipalities throughout the country with over 50 charging points already installed. The plan is to install more than 1300 normal charging points and 50 quick charging stations by mid-2011.

[Source: Carscoop]

Honda NSX-R technology (Japanese language)

Toyota to reveal Prius V and concept previewing Prius C at Detroit

Toyota will reveal its family of Prius hybrid vehicles at Detroit next month. In total, four models will be shown: the standard Prius, the plug-in hybrid Prius, the new Prius V (earlier post), and a new Prius concept car. The concept car will preview the upcoming Prius C (earlier post) and it is expected to be smaller than the standard model.

Just some thoughts about the new Vitz, Toyota and Honda...

Honda is my favourite Japanese manufacturer, while Toyota has been so far a big let down in my eyes, but things seem to change fast. The financial meltdown has forced manufacturers to change their strategies and now Toyota looks much more promising, with Honda having lost its edge.

In my point of view, everything started with pulling out from F1 and canceling the NSX project. Those decisions left Honda with its "green machines", but in the case of the Insight (earlier post), it didn't work out that well. Then, Honda decided to bring out the Fit Hybrid (earlier post). Well, this could be a move in order to utilize the electrical and oily bits of the Insight, since it didn't prove to be successful and somehow, the development cost had to be covered. But, I am not sure if there is much point in that.

I don't know whether the new Civic will be any good or not, but by judging from the spy shots, I don't reckon that it will have the same impact as the current generation had when it was launched. Then again, it's the Type R... is there going to be a new one? And if there is, will it come with a 1.6 L turbocharged engine (earlier post)? If Honda goes ahead with an engine like that, I will be seriously disappointed. Honda is about high revving engines... let the Europeans play with their fancy turbos. And I won't mention the S2000... I have read so many rumours about its successor and I just hope that Honda will not mess with it and put electrical bits in it.

On the other hand, Toyota that has failed miserably over the last few years in bringing out anything exciting, somehow looks so promising (OK, there is Lexus' LFA which is amazing, a car to cry about, but it's a little bit above my bugdget...). There is the new FT-86 (related posts) which will bring an inexpensive sports car to the masses with all the right "ingredients". Low weight, rear wheel drive, 2.0 L naturally aspired engine producing around 200 hp, sharp styling and the important fun to drive factor!!!

In the meantime, we will get the new Vitz / Yaris. Ah, a car I never liked looks now spot on! It looks much sharper, without any drama in its design, but with a clean and aerodynamic design. What really caught my attention though was the interior design. It looks elegant, yet simple. No drama, no complicated stuff in order to impress the ladies. So far, the only interior I liked in this segment was the one of Mazda's 2, but now it's Toyota taking the lead IMO. Oh, and no hybrid version!!! A wise move from Toyota, since good fuel efficiency can be achieved in other ways as well. What's the point of making a small car heavy and complex in order to achieve great mileage? Low weight is the key factor and in the case of such a small car, a hybrid system is out of place. 

If Toyota comes up with a decent Corolla (... come on, make it "spicy"!) and perhaps a hot version of the new Vitz with Gazoo Racing being involved, then Toyota will definitely be back from the dead.

I have already a brand new Honda keyring from Japan, but I will keep it sealed since it may take a few years until I use it... as I guess my next car will be a Toyota!

Acura's styling not American's cup of tea...

It seems that Acura's controversial design language hasn't brought the desired results. 2010 has been a relatively good year for Acura as sales have increased by 24% compared to 2009, but bare in mind that 2009 was a bad year anyway. J.D. Power reports that Acura's exterior styling is the number one reason new car shoppers are rejecting the marque, followed closely by the interior styling.

[Source: Autoblog]

Engine idling system dates back to Starlet era

Here is another interesting piece of information. During the presentation of the new Vitz  yesterday, Chief Engineer Yamamoto Hirobumi (山本博文) mentioned that the idea of an engine idling system dates back to the Starlet (スターレット) era. Yes, you read it right. The idling technology had been tested at the time, but the time required to start the engine was about 0.7 seconds, therefore there was not much difference in time compared to just turning the ignition key. Just for the records, the new Stop / Start system (earlier post) requires just 0.35 seconds and the cost of it, in the case of the new Vitz, is 60,000 ¥.

[Source: Response]

No plans for hybrid version of new Toyota Vitz / Yaris

During the press conference yesterday, Chief Engineer Yamamoto Hirobumi was asked whether Toyota plans to bring out a hybrid version of the new Vitz, which would compete with Honda's Fit Hybrid. Although Toyota plans to introduce 11 new hybrid models by the end of 2012 (earlier post), the answer was no. The weight reduction that has been achieved (30 kg compared to the previous model), the use of eco-tyres and the adoption of a Stop / Start system have enabled Toyota to achieve the best fuel efficiency in its class.

Production Lexus LFA delivered to Japanese dealership

Lexus has just started production of the LFA at the special Motomachi factory and this is one of the first LFAs delivered to a dealership in Japan.

Toyota FT-86 at your fingertips!!!

Video of new Toyota Vitz - Jewela and RS versions (Japanese language)

Video showing new Toyota Vitz's Stop/Start system in action (Japanese language)

Nissan delivers first 10 LEAFs in Japan

Nissan today announced it has delivered the first 10 units of its 100% electric and zero-emission Nissan LEAF in Japan to the Kanagawa Prefectural Government. Six of these vehicles will be designated for official prefecture use and four will serve as rental cars to be used in the prefecture's "EV Sharing Model Business".

Kanagawa Prefecture has announced comprehensive and proactive support measures to quickly achieve the adoption of 3,000 units of EV within the prefecture.

Nissan at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Nissan will showcase in total nine models at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon. Photo of the Leaf concept has already been posted (earlier post) and those are some new photos of all the models to be displayed.

• Leaf Aero Style Concept 
• JUKE Sporty Package (with dealer installed exterior accessories designed for the European and North American markets)
• Elgrand Rider Premium Concept (specifically tuned up for a higher level of driving performance)
• Serena Rider
• March Bolero
• Nissan NISMO GT-R RC (specially developed for circuit driving)
• NISMO Version FAIRLADY Z (engine output is increased to 261kW (355PS), a higher level of sporty handling is realized through special body and suspension tuning and modification of the power steering characteristics. For the exterior, excellent aerodynamic performance is achieved through use of special body components providing greater downforce and reduced air resistance)
• Elgrand S-tune 
• MOTUL AUTECH GT-R

Even more photos of Toyota's new Vitz RS

[Source: carview]