| Nissan Fuga revealed in Tokyo, hybrid version coming in 2010
October 22, 2009 at 1:43 pm
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Nissan has unveiled the new Fuga sedan at the motor event in Tokyo. The Fuga will be available in Japan with two engine options including a VQ25HR 2.5 liter V6 and the VQ37VHR 3.7 liter V6 that can crank out 325hp. The Fuga that is also sold in the US as the Infiniti M comes with features like Double Piston Shock Absorbers, a Lane Departure Prevention system, Intelligent Cruise Control, Cornering Stability Assist and more. It also features a four-wheel steering mechanism. The Fuga also has an Intelligent Transport System that is integrated into the navigation system. The system supports safe driving by providing information to alert the driver at blind intersections for example, based on information on nearby vehicles and traffic environment which is transmitted to the Fuga from optical beacons installed all across the country. 
Along with an eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel, there is also something called an ECO-pedal. Basically, each time the driver steps on the accelerator (when the system is activated), a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects overly zealous throttle work, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. The new Fuga will hit showrooms in Japan later this year. The automaker also announced the hybrid variant of the Fuga will hit the Japanese market by autumn 2010. It will feature a 3.5-liter V6, high-power Li-ion batteries and a highly efficient one-motor-two-clutch parallel hybrid. Look for more images of the Fuga after the jump.
       
© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 23 Oct 09 05:16:06 +0800.  |
| Toyota FT-86: live from the Tokyo Motor Show
October 22, 2009 at 12:52 pm
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Perhaps considered as one of the most anticipated reveals at Tokyo 2009, the FT-86 Concept (”86″ pronounced “hachi roku”) is one vehicle many of us are eager to see on our roads. The good news is that the production version is already being developed as it was recently seen lapping around the Nurburgring circuit. The rear wheel drive FT-86 Concept is powered by a 2.0 liter D-4S boxer engine that is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately the automaker has yet to release official output figures so your guess is as good as mine. Speculators are looking at a horsepower figure between 160hp and 200hp. The concept that measures 4,160mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,260mm high with a wheelbase of 2,570mm also features ADVICS brakes. Inside, the 2+2 concept features an instrument panel with a gray and white base, gauges with red neon lights and digital displays as well as a navigation system. Subaru will also produce its own version of the FT-86 and there is also word that an STI version may join the line up as well. The STI variant could produce about 250hp. Continue reading to more live images.
    
© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 23 Oct 09 05:16:06 +0800.  |
| Lotus Exige Stealth makes debut at Tokyo 2009
October 22, 2009 at 12:04 pm
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The only recently unveiled Lotus Exige Scura was at the Tokyo Motorshow 2009 with the name Exige Stealth, which will be its name for the Japanese market. The Lotus stand was one of the very very few non-Japanese stands at this year’s Tokyo Motorshow and they displayed the Exige Scura/Stealth and the new Lotus Evora. 
The Lotus Exige Stealth looked pretty good in real life. The matte black paint made it look like a military stealth vehicle of sorts. Lotus managed to execute the whole mini Reventon look kind of thing well. Look after the jump for the rest of the photos.
              
© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 23 Oct 09 00:06:56 +0800.  |
| Honda Skydeck: live from Tokyo Motorshow 2009
October 22, 2009 at 11:41 am
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With the Honda FR-V (also called the Edix) now gone, many are calling this new Skydeck concept a preview of what could end up being the next generation 6-seater Honda. But in reality while it seats 6, the seating positions are quite different from the Edix. The Edix was Honda’s take on the Fiat Multipla’s seating configuration – it sat three people each in two rows. 
This new Honda Skydeck Concept sits 6, but in three rows of 2 individual seats each. This makes it look more like a Japanese Mercedes-Benz R-Class instead. The seats are quite interesting – it uses a mesh construction for the backrest, much like the ergonomic office chairs that you see on sale very often these days. 
The Skydeck’s interior is actually quite bare and devoid of any details, with the dashboard instead just being paneled mostly with a light wood grain. The rest of the cabin also carries a minimalist theme. 
I managed to snap up-close shots of the interior. The above knob shows that Honda might be up to a new iDrive-like interface for its cars. What we can see here is a knob flanked by three buttons saying Back, Audio/Navi and Menu. It might just be a funky position for a main audio system control knob though. Look after the jump for the gallery of Skydeck photos I snapped.
GALLERY: Honda Skydeck Live Photos                
GALLERY: Honda Skydeck Official Product Photos         
© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 23 Oct 09 00:06:56 +0800.  |
| VIDEO: MINI Driver vs non-MINI Driver
October 22, 2009 at 10:40 am
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The MINI brand’s advertising quite often never features an actual MINI at all, as with this latest promotional clip featuring the difference of what MINI claims as ‘MINI drivers’ and ‘non-MINI drivers’. “MINI drivers can be recognized by the mixture of lust for life, individuality and spontaneity. No matter what, they do not take themselves and their life too serious. We simply call it the MINI attitude” – the exact words BMW used to describe MINI drivers. Do you agree with that? Whether you do or not, enjoy the clip after the jump.
© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 23 Oct 09 00:06:56 +0800.  |
| F10 BMW 5-Series spyshot snapped conveniently next to a 5-Series GT for comparison
October 22, 2009 at 8:53 am
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Click for enlarged high resolution image
The latest installment in the 5-Series sedan range must be very very near to launch as the test units that have been going around European roads are slowly losing their camo, perhaps in a way to tease the public about its impending launch. The new 5-Series Gran Turismo that had already been launched can probably give us a preview of the design language that the new 5 will carry, but we can see here that there are some obvious differences between the GT model and the regular sedan. 
Click for enlarged high resolution image
The bumper looks completely different with the air intake area that’s designed to look more level in terms of height as it spans from the left to right of the bumper. The kidney grilles also have a slightly different shape, and so do the headlamps which are wider and do not point upwards at the edges like the 5-Series GT’s headlamps, helping the car look wider. 
Click for enlarged high resolution image
There is more camoflage on the rear though, but we can sort of judge that the rear looks like an evolution of the outgoing E60 model, with new tail lamp designs with the cool organic lightbars that the F01/F02 7-Series have. Look after the jump for a gallery of 5 spyshots snapped on European roads.
     
© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 23 Oct 09 00:06:56 +0800.  |
| Euro Honda Civic Type R MUGEN confirmed for the UK: only 20 units to be produced!
October 22, 2009 at 8:07 am
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MUGEN Euro has confirmed that it will roll out 20 Honda Civic Type Rs prepped by the tuner. Each will be powered by a 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine capable or producing 240 PS (Civic Type R sedan sold in Malaysia is capable of 225 PS). Major Improvements made to the powerplant include new camshafts, a modified intake system, a custom stainless steel exhaust system as well as a bespoke Mugen map for the ECU. MUGEN also worked its magic on the handling by improving the suspension set-up with custom-made springs and dampers. The Type R Mugen also comes with a limited slip differential. Stopping power has been improved with bespoke four-piston mono-block racing brake calipers. There are also high-density, lightweight forged alloy wheels. 
Exterior wise the Civic Type R MUGEN is treated to a large rear wing, new front and rear skirts, a new grille wearing the MUGEN emblem and a Championship White body finish. The colour is Honda’s the traditional racing colour that was first seen on the brand’s 1964 Formula 1 car. Buyers can also opt for a Track Pack that is made up by Recaro front seats, water and oil temperature/pressure gauges, data recording equipment and track-ready road-legal tires. However the package will take away the rear seat bench to help reduce weight. The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN will cost £38,599 and each of the Type Rs will be built to the buyer's exact specification. In fact, the ECU mapping can be adjusted to suit specific customer tastes or driving style. © 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Fri, 23 Oct 09 00:06:56 +0800.  |
| Subaru's Hybrid Tourer concept spreads its wings in Tokyo: Live pictures
October 22, 2009 at 1:21 am
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The Hybrid Tourer concept vehicle from Subaru with its twin gullwing doors is currently being presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. The new concept that is rumored to spawn a successor to the SVX mid-sized coupe is powered by a hybrid drivetrain that is made up by a 2.0 liter turbocharged boxer engine and two electric motors (one for each axle). The rear motor can be used at start-up or at extremely low speeds. It will also kick in during acceleration. The front motor normally acts a power generator and it will also assist the entire drivetrain during uphill acceleration. The all wheel drive concept also features Subarus’s Lineartronic automatic transmission. Continue reading for more images.
              
© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Thu, 22 Oct 09 13:57:50 +0800.  |
| Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon showcased in Tokyo
October 22, 2009 at 12:42 am
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Apart from showcasing vehicles like the Hybrid Tourer Concept and the STI-prepped Exiga 2.0GT, Subaru also revealed a new version of the Impreza WRX STI. Called the Impreza WRX STI Carbon, the new variant is based on the A-Line model and is treated to a carbon fibre roof. Subaru claims that the weight has been significantly reduced and a lower center of gravity is achieved. With that, power to weight ratio and handling should improve. The WRX STI Carbon comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission as well as a full-suede interior. The above mentioned A-Line comes with a 300 PS 2.5 liter boxer powerplant. Fitted with a single scroll turbocharger, the engine is also able to crank out 350Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. This limited edition model will only be available for the Japanese market. Look for more images after the jump.
     
© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Thu, 22 Oct 09 13:57:50 +0800.  |
| Performance Package Plus for the Mercedes C 63 AMG
October 21, 2009 at 11:27 pm
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Mercedes-Benz has announced a new performance package for the high-performance C 63 AMG. Called the Performance Package Plus, it is available for both the sedan and wagon variants. The most crucial update thanks to the package is the bump in horsepower. The standard C 63 AMG outputs 457hp from its 6.3 liter V8 however with the package power is increased to 487hp. The reason behind the 30hp jump is the use of forged pistons from the new SLS AMG’s powerplant. Mercedes also fitted new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft. These help reduce weight by about three kilograms. There is also a new engine management system. The package also includes a new AMG high-performance braking system. The brake discs feature a composite design and are connected to an aluminium bowl to avoid temperature peaks. The connection between the disc and bowl is new. Instead of the usual screw connection, the aluminium bowl is now connected to the brake disc via cast-in arms. The auto maker claims that this can help provide a more homogenous temperature distribution on the brake disc. 
An AMG carbon fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid (for the sedan) and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with its grip area trimmed in Alcantara make up the rest of the upgrades. Thanks to the revisions made to the engine, the C 63 can sprint from naught to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds (4.5 seconds for the estate) which means the acceleration time is reduced by 1.2 seconds. It will continue till the speedometer tops out at 250 km/h (electronically governed). The Performance Package Plus costs €7080.50 for the sedan or €6426 for the estate. The package will be launched in December 2009. An additional €2856 will get you a new black designo leather that covers the upper section of the dashboard, the upper door trim and the armrest on the centre console. © 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved. This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Thu, 22 Oct 09 13:57:50 +0800.  | | | 
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