First live photos of Nissan ESFLOW

Nissan will unveil the ESFLOW Concept (earlier post) at the Geneva Motor Show and those are the first live photos of it.

Another impression of next-gen Lexus GS...

OK, we have seen Mag-X's and BC's impressions and now it's time for Japanese Motor Magazine! Hmm, this impression looks much better to me...

... and BC's impression of next-gen Lexus GS-F!

Last report regarding the hot GS-F suggested that power will come from a 3.5L V6 engine coupled to an electric motor (earlier post) and it should hit the market in August this year. This is earlier than expected, but considering than a new GS is underway, it makes sense. To be honest though, I am not convinced about the electric motor bit at all...

Anyway, following BC's impression of the next-gen GS (earlier post), here is an impression of the next-gen GS-F!

BC's impression of next-gen Lexus GS

It wasn't a long time since the last report regarding the next-gen Lexus GS (earlier post), and now there is another one in the latest BC issue. This time, the scanner didn't do a good job and thus the OCR didn't work, but from what I could make out of the text, BC claims that power will come from a 2.5L V6 petrol engine (4GR-FSE) and the model will be badged as GS 250. This engine will deliver 215 PS and 26.5 kgm of torque, while the fuel efficiency should be 12.5 km/L. A hybrid version will also be available, probably badged as GS 450h.

Well, although there is nothing new compared to the previous report, what really surprised me is BC's impression in terms of styling, since the rendering looks like a grown up CT (something like Audi's practice...). Also, BC seems to believe that Lexus will abandon the four-lamp design.

Revised Toyota Alphard coming in August

Toyota is planning to launch the revised Alphard, a model competing with Nissan's Elgrand, later this year in order to refresh it and improve its fuel efficiency. The hybrid version will be powered by a 2.4L petrol engine (2AZ-FXE) delivering 150 PS plus an electric motor. The total power output will be 190 PS and maximum torque 19.4 kgm. The fuel efficiency will be improved, and it is estimated to be, under the 10.15 mode, 21.0 km/L. The next-gen Alphard is expected to be launched in 2013.

Video: Lexus LFA launch control (0-260 km/h)

Nissan launches new Moco in Japan

Nissan has launched today in Japan the new Moco (モコ). If it looks familiar to you, then it's because this is a rebadged Suzuki MR Wagon (earlier post).

Toyota FT-86 II Concept breaks cover (Part 3)

Following the post published yesterday containing some magazine scans and info regarding the FT-86 II Concept from the latest BC issue (3.10), those are some additional shots from my BC copy which arrived today.

More photos after the jump!

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept previews new compact model

We knew that Infiniti will reveal a concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show previewing its new compact model (earlier post) and rumours suggested also that it will be powered by a Mercedes engine (earlier post). Well, now Infiniti released the first images showing the actual concept car, named ETHEREA, and I have to admit that it looks awesome!!! If you take a close look at the images, you will notice also that it carries the "hybrid" badge.

The really nice thing about ETHEREA is the fact that it's a total fresh approach. Designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, ETHEREA blends elements of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form.

At 4.4m it is highly compact but at the same time it is space efficient and practical thanks to a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements. Among its surprises are high-tech new interpretations of traditional Japanese materials and finishes, and several design cues set to make their mark on future production models – including the highly distinctive crescent-shaped C-pillar first seen on the Essence concept.

Now, did I mention that I am really excited about ETHEREA?!

Minor facelift for Toyota Geo Mark X

Toyota announced today some minor changes for the JDM Geo Mark X, including a new front grill design, new aluminium wheels and new trim and upholstery options for the interior. The Aerial grade provides improved sporty feel and there is a choice between six exterior colours. The monthly sales target is 1,000 units. For more info about prices and the new grades available, please check out the official press release.

More photos after the jump!

Aston Cygnet launch events in London, Paris & Milan

Those are some photos from Aston Martin's launch events that took place in London, Paris and Milan. 

More photos after the jump!

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.

Live photos of Five Axis Project CT

The Five Axis Project CT was presented at the Chicago Auto Show and I have to admit that it looks really impressive. Modifications by Five Axis include the following:

• Five Axis custom widebody conversion 
• JDSU “Dark Passage” paint and custom black accents
• TEIN Flex coilover suspension system
• Custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged wheels
• Custom Ultrasuede® EcoDesign interior
• Custom touch screen interface center console 
• Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front

More photos after the jump!

New Supra may not be dead... yet - Part 2

A few weeks ago, it was reported (earlier post) that a Supra successor may still be on the cards, with a likely launch date in 2013. Well, now there is another Japanese publication claiming the same thing, mentioning that it will be powered by a 3.5L V6 engine + an electric motor, with a total power output of 400 PS and a fuel efficiency of 15.0 km/L.

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

Suzuki to unveil Swift S-Concept at Geneva

Suzuki will unveil the Swift S-Concept at the Geneva Motor Show and as you can guess, it will be a preview of the upcoming Swift Sport (earlier post).

Nissan to unveil ESFLOW EV cocncept at Geneva

Nissan will unveil a 100% electric sports concept at the Geneva Motor Show, called ESFLOW. Below are its main characteristics.

• Rear-wheel drive two-seater 
• Two electric motors, each driving a rear wheel 
• Laminated lithium-ion batteries mounted low for best weight distribution 
• Dramatic styling with wraparound windscreen for unobstructed visibility
• 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds  
• Over 240 km on one charge 

Some cool shots of Avensis BTCC development car during testing!!!

Those are some really nice photos taken today during testing of the Avensis BTCC development car (earlier post) at Brands Hatch.

[Source: Toyota UK via Twitter]