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  • 2009 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage

    2009 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage October 21st, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 21st, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    2009 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage

    The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show has released its secrets, and the Motor Authority crew has covered all the latest from the Japanese capital.

    Sadly, the once popular event hasn’t been able escape the effects of the industry doom and gloom, with most major foreign automakers shunning the show this year. But despite the downsizing, there was still plenty of excitement thanks to some high-profile world debuts from the major Japanese brands.

    As always, the Tokyo Motor Show played its role as an open invitation for the world's automakers to study each other's latest moves. Particularly for green-car enthusiasts, this year's Tokyo event is a fertile...

    The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show has released its secrets, and the Motor Authority crew has covered all the latest from the Japanese capital. Sadly, the once popular event hasn’t been able escape the effects of the industry doom and gloom, with most major foreign automakers shunning the show this year. But despite the downsizing, there was still plenty of excitement thanks to some high-profile world debuts from the major Japanese brands. As always, the Tokyo Motor Show played its role as an open invitation for the world's automakers to study each other's latest moves. Particularly for green-car enthusiasts, this year's Tokyo event is a fertile ground for hybrid and electric-car concepts. It's not all over yet, though, so stay tuned for any new cars, concepts or details that may break from the show floor. 2009 Tokyo Motor Show: New Cars Honda CR-Z Hybrid: For the uninitiated, the CR-Z Concept was first revealed back at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and previewed a new hybrid sports car that Honda plans to launch in the first half of next year. Unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo event, the CR-Z Concept is now a near production-ready version of the compact sports car and we can’t wait for the production car's debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Lexus LF-A: The supercar that almost wasn’t, the 2011 Lexus LF-A, has finally been officially revealed. At $375,000, 552 horsepower and 202 mph, it's a true supercar, and Lexus's first. Only 500 of the hand-built cars will be produced, starting from next December. Toyota Sai Hybrid: The Japanese-market version of the Lexus HS 250h launched at the Tokyo show this year. There aren't any plans for the car to head to the United States, though, as it's intended to sit just above the Toyota Prius in Japan--a slot already occupied by the decidedly entry-level-luxury HS here in America. Mazda SKY Family Of Next-Generation Engines: Mazda showcases its next-generation of powertrain technologies, which include two new engines, one gasoline and one diesel, and an advanced automatic transmission. Grouped under the ‘SKY’ family of technologies, the new powertrains and gearbox are part of Mazda’s greater goal of improving its average fuel economy of vehicles 30% by 2015 compared to 2008 levels. 2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Concepts Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept: Combining environmentally friendly technology and safety, the Subaru’s new concept maintains the automaker’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and horizontally opposed boxer engine but picks up a sporty design not seen previously on any of its vehicles. Under the sheet metal sits a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with direct injection and turbocharging technologies, as well as a CVT and two electric motors--one on each axle. Toyota FT-86 Concept: After more than a year of rumors, theories and questions, the lovechild of the Toyota-Subaru joint venture has been unveiled. This successor to the rear-wheel drive, drift-legend Corolla AE-86 takes shape with a modified Subaru Impreza chassis and Toyota badges as the FT-86 concept. Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Plug-in Hybrid: Powered by a new proprietary plug-in hybrid system, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in all-electric mode, the 2009 Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV promises a fuel economy in excess of 117.6 mpg in a mid-size crossover body. The new plug-in hybrid system also combines differential electric motors with Mitsubishi’s trademark Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system and electronically controlled active yaw control. Mazda Kiyora Concept: The ultra-stylish compact is an eco-friendly hatch-type car that Mazda imagines as a fun-to-drive yet responsible runabout for the future. Powered by automaker’s new SKY-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine that’s also set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Kiyora has an estimated fuel economy of 75 mpg and could go into production very soon. 2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Green Cars Nissan Leaf: There's the Tesla Roadster and several three-wheeled electric vehicles for sale, but so far getting a purely electric-powered car to production with a standard car's features at a price the general public can afford has eluded the industry. Until the Nissan LEAF, that is. Due for launch in the U.S., Japan and Europe by late 2010, the LEAF guarantees a range of over 100-miles on a single charge in a practical mid-size hatchback bodystyle. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: The plans for this first factory-built plug-in Prius are very modest. Only about 500 vehicles will be built, so Toyota can gather real-world data on how drivers actually use plug-in hybrids. The first users will be selected commercial fleets; 150 will go to Europe, and the same number to the U.S. market, with first deliveries starting by the end of this year. Toyota hasn't committed to a date when retail customers will be able to get their hands on a factory plug-in Prius, although 2012 would fit the rough timeline it has discussed in the past. 2009 Tokyo Motor Show: More Headlines Infiniti Confirms Electric Luxury Vehicle Plans Double Video: Live Unveiling Of The 2011 Lexus LF-A Plus Promo Video 2011 Nissan GT-R Preview Mitsuoka Reveals Retro-Styled Viewt Supasse V Sports Coupe Headed To 2009 Tokyo Motor Show Video Leak: Toyota FT-86, Honda CR-Z And More From 2009 Tokyo Motor Show  Report: Toyota working on iQ roadster for Toyko Motor Show Subaru Unveils Impreza WRX Carbon 2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Stay Updated Bookmarks: Follow our Tokyo Motor Show tag and this 2009 Tokyo Motor Show page for updates Subscribe to our High Gear Media RSS feed on your browser or by email--or, get RSS feeds for TheCarConnection, MotorAuthority and GreenCarReports separately Facebook: High Gear Media, TheCarConnection YouTube: HighGearMediaVideos Twitter: @CarConnection, @TheRealMA, @GreenCarReports, @HighGearMedia -------------------------------- Write your own car blog at High Gear Media! Sign up to write and tell car enthusiasts and shoppers what you think about your vehicle or today's car news and get published to High Gear Media sites like AllSmallCars, LexusReports, FamilyCarGuide and more! Read More

  • 2011 Honda CR-Z Preview

    2011 Honda CR-Z Preview October 20th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 20th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 8 Comments

    2011 Honda CR-Z Preview

    As the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show approaches, the first trickle of concept cars and show highlights are starting to be revealed, the latest being from Honda. Today, the automaker debuted the much-anticipated CR-Z Concept 2009, the second concept version of the upcoming stylish and sporty hybrid coupe.

    If you don’t recall, the CR-Z Concept was first revealed back at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and previewed a new hybrid sports car that Honda plans to launch next year. The latest version of the concept picks up the 2009 tag and is almost certainly closer in look and feel to the production version due next year.

    While the vehicle displayed at...

    As the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show approaches, the first trickle of concept cars and show highlights are starting to be revealed, the latest being from Honda. Today, the automaker debuted the much-anticipated CR-Z Concept 2009, the second concept version of the upcoming stylish and sporty hybrid coupe. If you don’t recall, the CR-Z Concept was first revealed back at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and previewed a new hybrid sports car that Honda plans to launch next year. The latest version of the concept picks up the 2009 tag and is almost certainly closer in look and feel to the production version due next year. While the vehicle displayed at this year's Tokyo event is still a concept, the production version that will be introduced to North America for sale in the second half of 2010 will be packaged as a sporty two-seater hybrid (the concept features a rear seat). If you're wondering, Honda has confirmed that the production CR-Z will make its world debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next January. Designed as a spiritual successor to the original Honda CRX, the production version of the CR-Z is expected to be powered by a compact four-cylinder engine displacing less than 2.0-liters and matched to an electric motor. The combined output for the car should be close to 140-horsepower, with drive sent to the front wheels via a CVT. Read More

  • 2011 Nissan GT-R Preview

    2011 Nissan GT-R Preview October 20th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 20th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    2011 Nissan GT-R Preview

    Since Nissan launched the original R35 GT-R supercar back in late 2007, the car has been subjected to a program of continuous improvement that culminated with the launch of the ‘Series II’ model earlier this year.

    Nissan shows no sign of slowing down, however, with the company announcing today the release of the latest version of its GT-R, which goes on sale on December 7 in Japan and is scheduled to go on sale in other global markets beginning next spring.

    The updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow exhaust system. The latest...

    Since Nissan launched the original R35 GT-R supercar back in late 2007, the car has been subjected to a program of continuous improvement that culminated with the launch of the ‘Series II’ model earlier this year. Nissan shows no sign of slowing down, however, with the company announcing today the release of the latest version of its GT-R, which goes on sale on December 7 in Japan and is scheduled to go on sale in other global markets beginning next spring. The updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow exhaust system. The latest revisions also include a new HDD-based navigation system with enhanced entertainment functions, plus a USB port with iPod connectivity. In addition, the GT-R’s suspension has been retuned to offer enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while still providing the driver with a feeling of direct contact with the road surface. The accuracy of the front shock absorbers and springs has been increased and the stiffness of rear suspension radius rod bushings has been strengthened. Rear diffusers with cooling ducts, previously available only on the SpecV, have been expanded to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor area. The exclusive SpecV model, meanwhile, receives revised rear shock absorber settings, as well as Dunlop tires. The previously standard Bridgestone tires are available as a factory-installed option. Finally, both the standard GT-R and SpecV achieve improved low- and mid-range engine response, thanks to newly adopted hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that reduce airflow resistance in the exhaust system. Read More

  • 2011 Lexus LFA Preview

    2011 Lexus LFA Preview October 20th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 20th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 9 Comments

    2011 Lexus LFA Preview

    We've been spying the 2011 Lexus LFA, off and on, for over a year. We've seen it testing all over Europe. It's even contested the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in race car form--twice. But today the car was revealed during a brief test drive in Miami just before its official unveiling, which takes place this week at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

    The car has been in development for the past nine years, during which time a total of three different concepts have been revealed. Output will come from a 4.8-liter 72-degree V-10 engine and peaks at 552-horsepower at a lofty 8,700 rpm and 354-pound-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. Best of all, the car’s...

    We've been spying the 2011 Lexus LFA, off and on, for over a year. We've seen it testing all over Europe. It's even contested the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in race car form--twice. But today the car was revealed during a brief test drive in Miami just before its official unveiling, which takes place this week at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The car has been in development for the past nine years, during which time a total of three different concepts have been revealed. Output will come from a 4.8-liter 72-degree V-10 engine and peaks at 552-horsepower at a lofty 8,700 rpm and 354-pound-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. Best of all, the car’s sonorous V-10 will happily spin all the way to a 9,000 rpm redline. To achieve this level of performance, engineers have beefed up the engine with titanium valves and connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, a dry sump lubrication system and a titanium exhaust manifold. Each car is to be hand-built at a dedicated "LF-A Works" facility in Japan. Intensive weight-saving techniques have also been employed, including the use of lightweight carbon-fiber for 65% of the car’s body. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox and a Torsen limited slip differential. Performance should be scintillating, expect 0 to 60 mph times of around 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 201.94 mph. The end result is an almost perfect 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution and a final kerb weight of 3,263 pounds, equivalent to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.8 pounds/horsepower. Other details include six-piston brake calipers with carbon-ceramic discs, titanium mufflers, and 20-inch BBS wheels shod with ZR20 Bridgestone tires--all fitted as standard. Limited production is the name of the game, with only 500 units planned unless demand proves high enough to support more, though it carries a manufacturer's recommended price of about $375,000. Worse still, only 350 of them will be made in left-hand-drive for worldwide consumption. Though this may seem low, remember that a roadster and hybrid variant are also in the works. Production will start in December of 2010, with delivery taking place over the next two years. Read More

  • First Look At Toyota Sai Hybrid

    First Look At Toyota Sai Hybrid October 20th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 20th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    First Look At Toyota Sai Hybrid

    As the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show encroaches, we’re starting to see more and more new model and concept debuts like the 2010 Toyota Sai hybrid sedan. Set to go on sale in Japan by the middle of next year, the new mid-size sedan shares its platform with the recently launched 2010 Lexus HS 250h and is expected to be priced slightly higher than the similarly sized 2010 Toyota Prius.

    The biggest difference between it and the Lexus HS 250h on which it’s based is the styling, which is a little blander on the Toyota Sai. More differences are found in the cockpit, with the Sai receiving a completely redesigned center console and instrument...

    As the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show encroaches, we’re starting to see more and more new model and concept debuts like the 2010 Toyota Sai hybrid sedan. Set to go on sale in Japan by the middle of next year, the new mid-size sedan shares its platform with the recently launched 2010 Lexus HS 250h and is expected to be priced slightly higher than the similarly sized 2010 Toyota Prius. The biggest difference between it and the Lexus HS 250h on which it’s based is the styling, which is a little blander on the Toyota Sai. More differences are found in the cockpit, with the Sai receiving a completely redesigned center console and instrument panel. No prizes for guessing what powertrain resides beneath the car’s sheet metal. Toyota has left the Lexus HS 250h’s powertrain completely unchanged, which means a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine generating 187-horsepower when combined with the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. According to reports coming out of Japan, Toyota plans to sell up to 3,000 Sais per month and is also planning to launch a new dedicated accessories range for the car. Stay tuned for more details following the launch of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show on the 24th of this month. [Autoblog.it] Read More

  • Lotus Exige Scura: Matte Black Special Coming To Tokyo

    Lotus Exige Scura: Matte Black Special Coming To Tokyo October 19th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 19th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Lotus Exige Scura: Matte Black Special Coming To Tokyo

    In a way, all Lotus cars are limited-editions, in that they don't produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles per year. On the other hand, there are the truly special models, like the Scura, or "Stealth," unveiled today ahead of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

    Just 35 examples of the Scura will be built globally, making this Exige exclusive in the extreme. It's purely an appearance package, however, with the  internals more than up to the job of special-edition duty.

    “The Exige Scura is a stunning vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner!  Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling...

    In a way, all Lotus cars are limited-editions, in that they don't produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles per year. On the other hand, there are the truly special models, like the Scura, or "Stealth," unveiled today ahead of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Just 35 examples of the Scura will be built globally, making this Exige exclusive in the extreme. It's purely an appearance package, however, with the  internals more than up to the job of special-edition duty. “The Exige Scura is a stunning vehicle which offers an adrenaline fuelled experience and is a real head-turner!  Our Exige customers choose Lotus because we deliver thrilling performance and dynamic design and this special edition fits the bill on both counts,” said Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars. It's official unveiling is set for October 21, but today's press release reveals the car in all its matte-black glory. High-gloss Phantom Black stripes offer some muted contrast, while a carbon fiber front splitter, oil cooler inlet vanes and rear spoiler give a high-tech accent. Inside, the Scura gets more carbon fiber trim and a corresponding weight reduction, cutting the dash to 62 mph to just 4.1 seconds. An anthracite anodized aluminum gearknob and handbrake lever help carry the dark theme forward, though the interior carbon fiber elements are finished in a gloss lacquer rather than matte. A number of standard features make the Exige Scura more capable and more rewarding to drive than a base-level car, including standard launch and Lotus adjustable traction control, Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers, and a track pack aerodynamics kit that yields about 90 pounds of downforce at 100 mph. Pricing starts at £45,000 in the UK and about €60,000 in the EU, so if the car makes its way Stateside, expect to hand over about $75,000-$80,000 for the chance to own one. Read More

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