2009 Tokyo Motor Show
Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid Concept makes its appearance in Tokyo
Suzuki is currently presenting the Swift Plug-in Hybrid Concept at 41st Tokyo Motor Show. The concept is designed primarily to be driven only on electric power on short day-to-day drives. It is powered by a 55kW electric motor with plug-in charging capability and has a tiny 0.66 liter combustion engine that acts as a generator. The vehicle can run solely on the electric motor for 20 kilometers and beyond that the engine will kick in. Look for more images after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Mitsubishi PX-MiEV revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show
Mitsubishi has taken the opportunity to unveil the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The plug-in hybrid concept features a 116hp 1.6 liter DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine (with 125Nm of torque) that is paired with two electric motors. The motors are positioned on both the axles.
Both these motors can output 82hp and 200Nm of torque. The concept has a Wireless Charging Program that allows the owner to start charging the battery or start the air conditioner at a preset time even when away from the vehicle.
It also comes with features like an electronically-controlled air suspension, Driving Monitor System, an S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) which is configured around an E-4WD (Electronically-powered four-wheel drive) system as well as an E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control) which controls left/right torque split at the rear wheels and the degree of deceleration energy recovery. It can also run solely on EV mode. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Lightweight Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon shown in Tokyo
A new variant of the Subaru WRX STI was launched at the Tokyo Motor Show. The word Carbon is added to the designation as it signifies the carbon fibre roof featured on the car. According to the automaker, a lower center of gravity is achieved hence handling should be improved. This new variant is based on the STI A-Line that has a 300 PS 2.5 liter boxer engine. Other upgrades include a 5-speed manual transmission as well as a full-suede interior. More images are available after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Subaru Exiga 2.0GT tuned by STI: Starts from 3,591,000 yen
Subaru has unveiled the STI-prepped Exiga 2.0GT wagon at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Exiga STI is powered by a force inducted 2.0 liter powerplant that can output 221hp. Exterior wise, the sporty wagon is treated to 17-inch alloy wheels, a sports exhaust as well as a front lip spoiler and side skirts. Inside, there are sport seats which are finished with leather and alcantara and outlined with red stitching.
Carbon fiber trim, aluminium pedals, STI gauges in the instrument panel and STI badging on the steering wheel, gear knob, seats covers and on the engine start-stop button make up the rest the updates. The tuner also improved the handling with work done to the suspension and steering systems. Only 300 units are planned and all will be available only in Japan. Each costs 3,591,000 yen (about S$55,000). Look for more images after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Production Honda CR-Z hybrid to be launched in February 2010
Honda has confirmed that the production version of the CR-Z hybrid will be launched in February 2010. The hybrid will be first unveiled in Japan while North America and Europe will receive it at a later date. Honda also revealed that it will present the production version at the Detroit Motor Show next year.
The production version will be based on CR-Z Concept 2009 that is being shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. Since the CR-Z Concept 2009 is almost production ready, expect minor changes for the actual production model. The CR-Z Concept 2009 is motivated by Honda’s IMA hybrid system that also includes a 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine that is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Look for an image gallery after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Carlos Ghosn confirms all-electric vehicle for Infiniti
Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn has confirmed that Infiniti will have its very own all-electric zero emissions vehicle. The announcement was made at the Tokyo Motor Show and it was also revealed that Infiniti is developing a luxury 4-seater high performance concept that is “stylish and compact”.
Ghosn remained tight-lipped regarding further information but there is a possibility that this new electric vehicle is in fact a rebadged and more luxurious version of the Nissan LEAF. The auto maker also plans roll out an electric version of the NV200 commercial van.
Revised Nissan GT-R for the 2011 model year
The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again following the first update in 2008 after being introduced into the market back in 2007. However improvements are few and nothing has been done to its powerplant, meaning it still produces 485 PS.
Updates include a new HDD CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment features and USB port with iPod connectivity, increased accuracy for the front shock absorbers and springs, stiffened rear suspension and the addition of a rear diffuser integrated with cooling ducts.
Previously the diffuser was only available with the GT-R SpecV. Furthermore there is also a new hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that can reduce ventilation or airflow resistance resulting in improved engine response at low and mid-range. Nissan also slightly updated the SpecV. It now comes with revised rear shock absorber settings and Dunlop tires. Bridgestone tires that were previously offered as standard is still optionally available. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
552 HP Lexus LFA supercar unveiled: Only 500 units planned
Lexus has officially unveiled the LFA super car that will make its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this week. The LFA has its rear wheels driven by a mid-front mounted 1LR-GSE 4.8 liter DOHC V10 that produces 552 HP at 8,700 revs and 480Nm of pulling power that is achieved at 6,800 revs and 90% of it is available from 3,700 revs. The engine that features Dual VVT-i technology, equal length exhaust manifolds and high-volume, a total of 40 valves, 12-hole fuel injectors and a 12:1 compression ratio is paired with a rear-mounted 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox that is operated by steering-mounted paddle shifters.
The LFA also has four driving modes including Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet. 0 – 100 km/h takes only 3.7 seconds and top speed is rated at 325 km/h. The Japanese supercar which has a limited slip differential features a track-tuned suspension made up by a bespoke front wishbone and rear multilink design configuration that is mostly made of aluminium alloy.
It also has aluminium monotube dampers that were also featured in the LFA race car that took part in the Nurburgring 24-hour event. The rack and pinion setup in the LFA features an Electric Power Steering System. Braking wise, it has 390 mm and 306 mm discs for the front and rear. All discs feature a carbon ceramic construction. The front discs feature 6-piston aluminium calipers while the rear features 4 pistons.
The LFA weighs 1,480kg and sits on the ground with 20-inch aluminium BBS wheels fitted with 265/35ZR20 tires for the front and 305/20ZR20 tires for the rear supplied by Bridgestone. The Lexus made vehicle also features a carbon fiber rear diffuser, a flat underbody as well as an active rear wing. Inside the LFA is treated to seats that are finished in fine leather and Alcantara, trim details in brushed metal while the floor-hinged brake and throttle pedals are made of forged aluminium. There is also a hooded instrument panel that combines an LCD display panel with a colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT).
Only 500 examples will be made and each will set you back by about £336,000. The supercar will be hand-assembled at the Motomachi factory in Toyota City while each V10 powerplant will be assembled by one engineer. Look for more images after the jump. There is also a promo video of LFA. Read the rest of this entry.
