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  • Report: Toyota planning production of two new hybrids in Europe

    Report: Toyota planning production of two new hybrids in Europe July 28th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 28th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Report: Toyota planning production of two new hybrids in Europe Toyota has some bold plans for its hybrid lineup in Europe. The auto giant will reportedly launch a new entry-level, dedicated hybrid Lexus hatchback in Europe next year and now it’s claimed Toyota will also start production of another hybrid model in France.

    While the Lexus version will be aimed at upmarket consumers and designed to rival cars like the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, the European-produced hybrid will be much more affordable and could be based on the compact Yaris.

    The information comes from Japan’s Asahi newspaper, which also reports that Toyota will launch this compact hybrid in Japan in late 2011 with a price tag... Toyota has some bold plans for its hybrid lineup in Europe. The auto giant will reportedly launch a new entry-level, dedicated hybrid Lexus hatchback in Europe next year and now it’s claimed Toyota will also start production of another hybrid model in France. While the Lexus version will be aimed at upmarket consumers and designed to rival cars like the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, the European-produced hybrid will be much more affordable and could be based on the compact Yaris. The information comes from Japan’s Asahi newspaper, which also reports that Toyota will launch this compact hybrid in Japan in late 2011 with a price tag of roughly ¥1.5 million ($15,760). The European version will likely start production that same year. The new dedicated hybrid will use the platform and engine of the Yaris compact, which will be fully remodeled ahead of the car’s launch. The new hybrid also will feature a more cost-competitive and fuel-efficient hybrid system than that of the Prius, the reports claim. This won’t be the first hybrid Toyota builds in Europe, however. The automaker plans to build a gasoline-electric version of its Auris hatchback (sold as a Corolla in other markets) at its factory near Derby in the UK by the middle of next year. Read More

  • Right-hand-drive Tesla Roadster coming next year

    Right-hand-drive Tesla Roadster coming next year July 8th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, July 8th, 2009 James Martinez 1 Comment

    Right-hand-drive Tesla Roadster coming next year Just a few weeks ago Tesla got a new lease on life with a $465 million U.S. Department of Energy loan to build the infrastructure it needs for the mass-production of the Model S luxury-electric sedan. Soon after that the company announced plans to grow its brand overseas while also opening its first European flagship store in London.

    Next year, the company plans to launch its first right-hand-drive (RHD) models, starting with the UK and then eventually Australia, Japan and India. The information was revealed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who explained that the costs involved in re-engineering the Tesla Roadster for RHD markets were "not... Just a few weeks ago Tesla got a new lease on life with a $465 million U.S. Department of Energy loan to build the infrastructure it needs for the mass-production of the Model S luxury-electric sedan. Soon after that the company announced plans to grow its brand overseas while also opening its first European flagship store in London. Next year, the company plans to launch its first right-hand-drive (RHD) models, starting with the UK and then eventually Australia, Japan and India. The information was revealed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who explained that the costs involved in re-engineering the Tesla Roadster for RHD markets were "not prohibitive". Musk also confirmed that the more powerful Tesla Roadster Sport, rated at 248hp (185kW), would join the lineup later this year. Tesla says it has already taken 1,300 orders across Europe. “Thanks to an abundance of discriminating drivers and progressive public policy, Tesla is already well known in Europe,” Musk boasted. “We expect the London store to dramatically increase our brand identity throughout the continent, and with right hand drive models now due at the beginning of next year, the UK market will provide a solid foundation on which to build this.”Tesla Roadster2009 Tesla Roadster Sport Read More

  • New images of Jaguar’s lime green XKR ‘Goodwood Special’

    New images of Jaguar’s lime green XKR ‘Goodwood Special’ July 6th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 6th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 2 Comments

    New images of Jaguar’s lime green XKR ‘Goodwood Special’ The UK's historic Goodwood Festival of Speed has just completed another running of its famous show and hillclimb events, and today Jaguar has released new images of its unique XKR 'Goodwood Special' that made a showing at the event. The car, finished in a custom lime green paint scheme, is described as a one-off to explore the harder side of the XKR's character and allow engineers to explore some performance boundaries. Whether this is an indication of development of the long-rumored ‘XKR-R’ remains to be seen but we can always dream.

    Although no details have been released, the Goodwood Special XKR is pegged to have an... The UK's historic Goodwood Festival of Speed has just completed another running of its famous show and hillclimb events, and today Jaguar has released new images of its unique XKR 'Goodwood Special' that made a showing at the event. The car, finished in a custom lime green paint scheme, is described as a one-off to explore the harder side of the XKR's character and allow engineers to explore some performance boundaries. Whether this is an indication of development of the long-rumored ‘XKR-R’ remains to be seen but we can always dream. Although no details have been released, the Goodwood Special XKR is pegged to have an 'unspecified' power upgrade on top of the standard 2010 XKR's 5.0L supercharged V8. That means more than 503hp (375kW) on tap, likely as much as 550hp (410kW) or more. Some things that we do know is that it features a louder exhaust, 21in wheels and a lowered ride height. One lucky attendee got a chance to take a ride up the Goodwood hillclimb with Mike Cross, Jaguar's chief engineer, behind the wheel. Also on show for the past weekend event Goodwood event was the fastest Jaguar ever – the recently unveiled XFR Prototype that made its record-breaking run at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah last November, reaching a stunning top speed of 225.675mph. In keeping with this year's endurance theme, Jaguar's illustrious heritage was also represented in the form of the 1950’s era Le Mans winners – the D-type and the C-type. Jaguar also fielded the unique XJ13 designed for endurance racing in the 1960s but which never competed – yet is still considered by many to be one of the most beautiful racing cars of all time.2010 Jaguar XF-R Official photo leak2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed Jaguar XKR Coupe Read More

  • Report: Toyota plans to mass produce plug-in hybrids by 2012

    Report: Toyota plans to mass produce plug-in hybrids by 2012 July 6th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, July 6th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 11 Comments

    Report: Toyota plans to mass produce plug-in hybrids by 2012 Toyota has already confirmed it will release a plug-in hybrid vehicle powered by next-generation lithium-ion batteries in Japan, the U.S. and Europe sometime next year but production of these will be limited and only commercial and government fleets are expected to receive the cars. Mass production of Toyota’s plug-in hybrid isn’t expected to kick in until 2012, according to latest reports.

    Japan’s Nikkei business daily is reporting that Toyota will build roughly 20,000 to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012, almost two years after closest rival General Motors starts producing its Chevrolet Volt.

    A version of Toyota’s... Toyota has already confirmed it will release a plug-in hybrid vehicle powered by next-generation lithium-ion batteries in Japan, the U.S. and Europe sometime next year but production of these will be limited and only commercial and government fleets are expected to receive the cars. Mass production of Toyota’s plug-in hybrid isn’t expected to kick in until 2012, according to latest reports. Japan’s Nikkei business daily is reporting that Toyota will build roughly 20,000 to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012, almost two years after closest rival General Motors starts producing its Chevrolet Volt. A version of Toyota’s plug-in hybrid based on the conventional Prius hybrid will go on sale in Japan this month to fleet customers, and according to the same reports it will be priced at ¥4.59 million (approximately $47,800). It will run on lithium-ion batteries supplied by Panasonic EV Energy and will reportedly be able to travel up to 18.6 miles on electric power alone. Toyota wasn’t willing to confirm any of the latest detail but the automaker has previously confirmed that trials of 500 Prius plug-in hybrids will start at the end of the year. The cars will be leased to government and commercial fleets, with 200 set to stay in Japan, a further 150 headed to Europe and the final 150 reserved for the U.S. market. The Prius plug-in hybrids are already averaging 65mpg in the combined cycle during initial testing - that's a 30% improvement over the standard 2010 Prius, recently certified as the most efficient hybrid in America.Toyota plug-in hybrid Prius in UK Read More

  • Zolfe adds new Orange Classic GTC4 club racer to lineup

    Zolfe adds new Orange Classic GTC4 club racer to lineup June 29th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, June 29th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 2 Comments

    Zolfe adds new Orange Classic GTC4 club racer to lineup The Zolfe Orange is a compact British sports car designed and built for racing enthusiasts looking for a fun and relatively low-cost entry into the world of weekend motorsports. The car was spawned from a collaboration between Midlands business entrepreneur Nic Strong and former Caterham Technical Director Jez Coates.

    The vehicle first entered production back in January and now a new special edition titled the Zolfe Classic GTC4 has been launched.

    Like the original Orange on which it’s based, the new Classic GTC4 features a spaceframe chassis and composite body, and tips the scales at just over 700kg. Power of 185hp (138kW) comes... The Zolfe Orange is a compact British sports car designed and built for racing enthusiasts looking for a fun and relatively low-cost entry into the world of weekend motorsports. The car was spawned from a collaboration between Midlands business entrepreneur Nic Strong and former Caterham Technical Director Jez Coates. The vehicle first entered production back in January and now a new special edition titled the Zolfe Classic GTC4 has been launched. Like the original Orange on which it’s based, the new Classic GTC4 features a spaceframe chassis and composite body, and tips the scales at just over 700kg. Power of 185hp (138kW) comes from a 2.3L Ford Duratec engine and is sent to the rear wheels via a Mazda-sourced five-speed gearbox and an optional limited slip differential. More engines and a six-speed manual are expected to be added to the options list later in the year. Stopping gear is from AP Racing and includes disc-brakes at all four wheels. The tires come from Avon. Despite its racing intent, the car is also available with a number of comfort features such as air-conditioning and electric windows. Pricing starts at £27,500 (approximately $42,142) for the basic ‘trackday’ trim and most of the cars are destined for the United States. Production is limited to just 30 cars per year and there are plans to add an open-top roadster in the near future.Zolfe Orange sports car Read More

  • Tesla opens European flagship store in London

    Tesla opens European flagship store in London June 26th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 26th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Tesla opens European flagship store in London Just a few days ago Tesla got a new lease on life with a $465 million U.S. government loan to build the infrastructure it needs for the mass-production of the Model S luxury-electric sedan. Today, however, the company is focusing on growing its brand overseas with the grand opening of its first European flagship store in London.

    Located in the heart of the Knightsbridge district and close the Heathrow Airport, the new Tesla dealership will be the central hub for its nascent European network. Regional sales and service centers in Monaco, Munich and Zurich will pick up demand on the Continent, with all retail outlets providing test-drives to... Just a few days ago Tesla got a new lease on life with a $465 million U.S. government loan to build the infrastructure it needs for the mass-production of the Model S luxury-electric sedan. Today, however, the company is focusing on growing its brand overseas with the grand opening of its first European flagship store in London. Located in the heart of the Knightsbridge district and close the Heathrow Airport, the new Tesla dealership will be the central hub for its nascent European network. Regional sales and service centers in Monaco, Munich and Zurich will pick up demand on the Continent, with all retail outlets providing test-drives to prospective customers. The main draw of the Tesla Roadster in Europe is not just the performance it offers, but the fact that that performance comes with a huge savings in congestion charging and emissions taxes. Londoners can expect to save up to £2,000 ($3,200) annually with a Tesla compared to a typical sports car or SUV. So far, however, no right-hand drive vehicles are available for retail. In fact, buyers will have to wait until the first quarter of 2010 to see on of the first RHD models. Those units will be a limited run of 250 cars bearing a Signature Edition Roadster nameplate and priced from £94,000 ($155,000). Tesla says it has already taken 1,300 orders across Europe. “Thanks to an abundance of discriminating drivers and progressive public policy, Tesla is already well known in Europe,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. “We expect the London store to dramatically increase our brand identity throughout the continent, and with right hand drive models now due at the beginning of next year, the UK market will provide a solid foundation on which to build this.”2009 Tesla Roadster SportTesla Model S PrototypeTesla opens new London flagship store Read More

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