Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Next Subaru WRX previewed by Advanced Tourer concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-advanced-tourer-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-advanced-tourer-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-advanced-tourer-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept - live from 2011 Toyko Motor Show

There was nary a peep of discontent about the looks of the Subaru Advanced Tourer concept revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. But when everyone was clamoring for Scooby to transfer the Advanced Tourer's looks to a production vehicle, never once did people ask for that transfer to be foisted on the WRX. A report in Motor Trend, though, says that's what's happening: the concept "was actually an early look at the next-generation Subaru WRX."

MT's sources said the front end Advanced Tourer's front end will go onto the WRX, with other aspects of the concept made more aggressive to suit the personality of Subaru's rally-ready racer. And if the concept also presages the next WRX's dimensions, then you can expect the next-generation sedan and hatchback to be larger (though in truth we don't anticipate a big gain in footprint).

Notice the name "Impreza" hasn't appeared anywhere in our discussion yet. Subaru is reportedly dropping the name in an attempt to get more 'Likes' for the WRX by making it more approachable, so the next model will relinquish its association with the Impreza line and be more performanced focused even as it is receives a better interior and is morphed into a "more-mature sporty grand tourer." Engine choices are still being debated for the car due in 2015; the rumored options include 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders and a hybrid version of the 1.6-liter.

Next Subaru WRX previewed by Advanced Tourer concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 subaru wrxadvanced tourer conceptimprezaimpreza wrxsubarusubaru advanced toursubaru wrxtokyo 2011tokyo motor showwrxwrx stiFri, 18 May 2012 16:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240705/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/next-subaru-wrx-previewed-by-advanced-tourer-concept/20240705/article-detail.xml 20240705 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/subaruadvwrx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/subaruadvwrx.jpg <![CDATA[VW Cross Coupé concept presages 2014 Evoque rival [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/vw-cross-coupe-concept-presages-2014-evoque-rival/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/vw-cross-coupe-concept-presages-2014-evoque-rival/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/vw-cross-coupe-concept-presages-2014-evoque-rival/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Turns out the Volkswagen Cross Coupé concept shown off at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show may be a smoke signal for an impending new product. And apparently the reaction was positive enough to the integrated grille and sloping hindquarters that the picaresque four-door crossover could inspire a production version within three years.

VW execs believe CUVs will continue to grow in popularity, and that as they do, customers will want perhaps more car-ish variety in their styling, with more muscle and sportiness. According to Autocar, this vehicle wouldn't come alone, either, with "several variants" being pledged if this one does see the light.

The concept itself was done with that in mind, seeing as it sits on the transverse matrix architecture that will support the next Golf and Audi A3. When we saw the concept in person, we couldn't help but notice the production touches like partsbin window switches and seat rails, so we had a strong feeling that we were looking at a thinly disguised new model (though the hybrid powertrain will likely be a thing of the distant future).

Check out a video of the Cross Coupé on the stage in Tokyo after the break.

Continue reading VW Cross Coupé concept presages 2014 Evoque rival [w/video]

VW Cross Coupé concept presages 2014 Evoque rival [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross coupécross coupecross coupe concepttokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showvolkswagen cross coupevw cross coupeTue, 13 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20125544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/vw-cross-coupe-concept-presages-2014-evoque-rival/20125544/article-detail.xml 20125544 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/vwcrosscoupeproduction_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/vwcrosscoupeproduction.jpg <![CDATA[We try Honda's cutting-edge electric SH-AWD system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/we-try-hondas-cutting-edge-electric-sh-awd-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/we-try-hondas-cutting-edge-electric-sh-awd-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/we-try-hondas-cutting-edge-electric-sh-awd-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

How Honda Is Working To Get Its Groove Back



For decades, Honda successfully cultivated a hard-earned reputation for technological innovation and thoughtful engineering, but the Japanese automaker has seemingly grown content to let other automakers lead the way with new technologies in recent years. To this point, Honda has stubbornly resisted the engine-downsizing movement, direct injection, as well as more sophisticated gearboxes and hybrids, instead focusing on refining existing technologies and relying on its lighter weight vehicles to keep their models' performance metrics in the hunt.

Honda is hard at work on a hybrid evolution of the company's already trick Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

No more, says CEO Takanobu Ito. Honda has embarked on a multi-tier technology binge that Ito says will have Honda at the forefront of fuel economy metrics worldwide within three years. On the table? More advanced everything, from the aforementioned powertrain technologies including a new small-displacement diesel and a new CVT, to direct injection and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Of course, we've seen similar products brought to market from other automakers already, so excellence in execution will need to be Honda's differentiator. But we tend to expect more innovative thinking from an automaker with such a rich history of elegant engineering, so we were pleased to learn that Soichiro's crew is hard at work on a hybrid evolution of the company's already trick Super Handling All-Wheel Drive serving in vehicles like the Acura TL, RDX and MDX.

In addition to the torque-vectoring rear axle already in production, Honda is incubating a new three-motor hybrid AWD architecture that it says will offer V8 power and a more nimble driving experience than typical all-wheel-drive systems, all while delivering four-cylinder fuel economy.

Just ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda bussed us to its Twin-Ring Motegi racetrack to sample its radical new SH-AWD system in an Accord mule.

Continue reading We try Honda's cutting-edge electric SH-AWD system

We try Honda's cutting-edge electric SH-AWD system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 honda accordaccordacurafeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivehybridquick spinquickspinsh-awdsuper handling all wheel drivetokyo motor showtwin-ring motegiWed, 07 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118281/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/07/we-try-hondas-cutting-edge-electric-sh-awd-system/20118281/article-detail.xml 20118281 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-honda-sh-awd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-honda-sh-awd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #259]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/autoblog-podcast-259/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/autoblog-podcast-259/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/autoblog-podcast-259/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Tokyo highlights, 100-million small blocks, Hyundai MPG flap, Honda Crosstour sales

autoblog podcast

Episode #259 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Chris Paukert and Zach this week. Topics include highlights form the Tokyo Motor Show, the dust-up about fuel economy between a consumer group and the Hyundai Elantra, Honda's position on the Crosstour and Civic in the face of disappointment, and General Motors reaching the 100-million mark with small block V8s. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #259:
In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 SEL
2012 Mazda CX-9
2012 Fiat 500C
2012 Toyota Prius V

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:18:21
Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #259

Autoblog Podcast #259 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500cautoblog podcastcrosstourcx-9elantrafeaturedpassatprius vtokyo motor showTue, 06 Dec 2011 17:32:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #259Autoblog01:18:21 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20121762/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/autoblog-podcast-259/20121762/article-detail.xml 20121762 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #259 LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-259-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-259-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-259-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Autoblog Podcast

We record Episode #259 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #259
[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream - 10PM Eastern on Monday, December 5, 2011
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #259 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accord crosstourautoblog podcast topicscrosstourgm small blockhyundaihyundai fuel efficiencypodcastsmall blocktokyo motor showMon, 05 Dec 2011 16:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20121069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/05/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-259-live/20121069/article-detail.xml 20121069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota considering Supra successor and sub-86 sports car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/toyota-considering-supra-successor-and-sub-86-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/toyota-considering-supra-successor-and-sub-86-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/toyota-considering-supra-successor-and-sub-86-sports-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota GT86

Toyota is flush with buzz surrounding the company's new 86 sports car, and that could translate into additional performance models if the vehicle's chief engineer has anything to say about it. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Tetsuya Tada, the mind that brought the Toyota 86 to life, believes there's room in the stable for two additional sports cars. Tada is quoted as saying that while the 86 is a mid-sized sports car, he'd like to see one vehicle positioned below the boxer-powered coupe as well as an additional model slotted higher in the lineup.

The latter machine could potentially be a successor to the Supra, complete with a high-horsepower engine and rear wheel drive. Like the 86, that vehicle would be another collaborative project between Toyota and Subaru. Unfortunately, Tada is quick to say that nothing has been decided as of yet. Keep your fingers crossed.

Toyota considering Supra successor and sub-86 sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brzgt86subarusubaru brzsuprasupra successortokyo motor showtoyotatoyota gt86toyota supraSun, 04 Dec 2011 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20120314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/04/toyota-considering-supra-successor-and-sub-86-sports-car/20120314/article-detail.xml 20120314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-gt86-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-gt86-628.jpg <![CDATA[In the Metal: Toyota GT 86 vs. Subaru BRZ [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/in-the-metal-toyota-gt-86-vs-subaru-brz-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/in-the-metal-toyota-gt-86-vs-subaru-brz-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/02/in-the-metal-toyota-gt-86-vs-subaru-brz-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Badge engineering is the ironic label for when a company replaces the badge or branding of a product with that of another and considers it something new. Domestic automakers like Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have been vilified for their overuse of this practice. Then again, they weren't often badge engineering rear-wheel-drive sports cars (though they've done that, too).

This week, Toyota and Subaru both revealed their own versions of a RWD sports car jointly developed between the two companies: the GT 86 and BRZ. You'd be hard-pressed to tell them apart from a distance of 30 yards, but we got up close and personal with each at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this week and discovered that there are, in fact, subtle differences.

Since we'll be getting the also-slightly different Scion FR-S in the U.S., this exercise is really aimed at our European readers who will be offered the GT 86, but everyone's free to participate.

We've got videos of each model in the metal after the jump, and after you watch, let us know which one you prefer in the poll below.

View Poll

Continue reading In the Metal: Toyota GT 86 vs. Subaru BRZ [w/poll]

In the Metal: Toyota GT 86 vs. Subaru BRZ [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brz2013 toyota gt 86brzfr-sgt 86in the metalscionsubarutokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showtoyotaFri, 02 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20119743/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/02/in-the-metal-toyota-gt-86-vs-subaru-brz-w-poll/20119743/article-detail.xml 20119743 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/subaur-brz-toyota-gt-86_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/subaur-brz-toyota-gt-86.jpg <![CDATA[We obsessively covered the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/we-obsessively-covered-the-2011-tokyo-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/we-obsessively-covered-the-2011-tokyo-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/we-obsessively-covered-the-2011-tokyo-motor-show/#commentsFiled under:


While rumors of Tokyo Motor Show's demise continue to persist, there was enough new metal at this biennial auto show to justify our attendance. The Toyota GT 86 and Subaru BRZ alone were enough to suffer through the jet lag for you. We hope the 2013 show will be even stronger yet, if it even happens. That's two years away, though, so for now let's look back on what this year's Tokyo Motor Show had to offer.

Honda AC-X Concept Toyota GT 86
Nissan Pivo 3 2012 Subaru BRZ
Mazda Takeri Concept VW Passat Alltrack
Honda EV-STER Nissan Leaf Nismo
Subaru WRX STI S206 Subaru BRZ GT300
Honda N Concept 4 Toyota FCV-R Concept 2012 Mitsubishi Mirage
Honda RC-E Honda E-Canopy Trike Yamaha Y125 Moegi
Suzuki Regina Concept Suzuki Swift EV Hybrid Suzuki Q Concept
Mitsubishi PX-MiEV II Toyota GRMN Hybrid Daihatsu D-X
Toyota Aqua

We obsessively covered the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>tokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showThu, 01 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/we-obsessively-covered-the-2011-tokyo-motor-show/20118009/article-detail.xml 20118009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/tokyo-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/tokyo-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Aqua concepts hint at Prius C possibilities]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/toyota-aqua-concepts-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/toyota-aqua-concepts-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/toyota-aqua-concepts-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Toyota unveiled a handful of production and concept Aqua models at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. As you may recall, the Aqua will serve as the Prius C here in the United States when it lands at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2012. The Yaris-sized hatchback will come equipped with a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, though Toyota hasn't said what we can expect in terms of total output. We do know that the vehicle's svelte curb weight and smaller engine will likely translate into Prius-besting fuel economy numbers, so buyers can look forward to over 50 mpg in the city.

The brightly-colored Aqua Kiriri Version and Aqua Piriri Version joined the production Aqua under the lights in Tokyo, giving the world a better idea of what the model could offer in terms of dealer modification. The little hatch looks sharp, and the fuel economy figures are enough to make anyone grin.

Toyota Aqua concepts hint at Prius C possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquaconceptprius ctokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showtoyotatoyota aquatoyota aqua concepttoyota prius cThu, 01 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20117204/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/toyota-aqua-concepts-tokyo-2011/20117204/article-detail.xml 20117204 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-toyota-aqua-concepts-tokyo-2011628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-toyota-aqua-concepts-tokyo-2011628.jpg <![CDATA[Gas-sipping Suzuki Regina Concept begs for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-regina-concept-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-regina-concept-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-regina-concept-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Suzuki Regina Concept

There's something about the Suzuki Regina Concept that we like. A lot. For starters, it has a white roof. What's cool about that, you ask? Well, after Ford stole the idea from Mini for the Flex, nothing. But darn it if it doesn't look good here. With those rear fender skirts, we're actually seeing a good bit of Citroën DS in Suzuki's stylish little econobox, and as we all know, the DS is the most beautiful car of all time.

The Regina Concept, on the other hand, is just an idea for a 1,600-pound sedan that gets 75 miles per gallon. Suzuki didn't share details about the powertrain, but Autocar is reporting that the Regina Concept is powered by a turbocharged, 800-cc gasoline engine, and uses both start-stop and regenerative braking tech to achieve such lofty fuel economy.

A car that light could be powered by a leaf blower and still be fun to drive, so we're giving this one a thumbs up. Go ahead and build it, Suzuki, because you know someone will figure out a way to put a small-block Chevy in it. Hit the jump for Suzuki's short press release.

Continue reading Gas-sipping Suzuki Regina Concept begs for production

Gas-sipping Suzuki Regina Concept begs for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroen dsreginaregina conceptsuzukisuzuki regina concepttokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showThu, 01 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118730/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/suzuki-regina-concept-tokyo-2011/20118730/article-detail.xml 20118730 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-suzuki-regina-concept-tokyo-2011628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-suzuki-regina-concept-tokyo-2011628.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki debuts range-extended Swift EV Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-swift-ev-hybrid-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-swift-ev-hybrid-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-swift-ev-hybrid-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Suzuki hit the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with a small flotilla of green-minded vehicles, including the Swift EV Hybrid. According to the company, most Swift buyers travel between 12 and 18 miles per day, so engineers designed this range-extended EV to cover that distance on pure electric power. A small-displacement internal combustion engine remains on hand to take over charging duties should the driver deplete the vehicle's batteries, just like in the Chevrolet Volt. Suzuki says that the design has several advantages over a traditional electric vehicle.

For starters, the system uses a significantly smaller battery than a full EV, which means the Swift EV Hybrid uses fewer resources and costs less. It also takes less time to charge than a full EV as well. While we don't expect to see this doorless wonder on the streets any time soon, Suzuki may apply the range-extender technology to production models in the future.

Suzuki debuts range-extended Swift EV Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>suzukisuzuki swift ev hybridswiftswift ev hybridswift ev hybrid concepttokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showThu, 01 Dec 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118750/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/suzuki-swift-ev-hybrid-tokyo-2011/20118750/article-detail.xml 20118750 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-suzuki-swift-ev-hybrid-tokyo-2011628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-suzuki-swift-ev-hybrid-tokyo-2011628.jpg <![CDATA[Daihatsu FC Case Concept is autonomous, high-tech transportation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/daihatsu-fc-case-concept-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/daihatsu-fc-case-concept-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/daihatsu-fc-case-concept-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Daihatsu FC Case Concept

The one thing that's been missing from this year's Tokyo Motor Show are the inevitable rolling living room concepts of years past. But Daihatsu has come to the rescue with its FC Case concept.

The rolling bread box might not look like much from the outside, but inside it's packed with folding seats and a host of infotainment gadgets. Just as important is the FC's method of propulsion, a variant of hydrogen called hydrazine hydrate or N2H4 H2O (yes, we had to look it up) that's synthesized from nitrogen and hydrogen. Daihatsu says the fuel has a higher energy density and lower flammability, but more intriguing is the delivery. Hydrazine hydrate can supposedly be transported and inserted into the vehicle much like gasoline, which takes care of that pesky infrastructure situation. Couple that with some kind of autonomous driving system and it's not hard to imagine a fleet of FCs running down the highway at speed, bumper-to-bumper, cleanly and quickly delivering employees to work in 2035... or something.

Daihatsu FC Case Concept is autonomous, high-tech transportation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daihatsuDaihatsu FC Case Conceptfc case concepttokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showThu, 01 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118249/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/daihatsu-fc-case-concept-tokyo-2011/20118249/article-detail.xml 20118249 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-dai-fc-case-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-dai-fc-case-live-628.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-q-concept-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-q-concept-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/suzuki-q-concept-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If this year's Tokyo Motor Show is going to live up to its reputation for wacky, it's because of the Suzuki Q Concept. Looking like an oversized portable CD player rolling around on two sets of Apple earbuds, the electric Q is nothing if not cute.

It's also different, with seating that's configurable for two adults in tandem fashion, or an adult up front with two kids in the back. Or you can ditch the backseat altogether and use the space for cargo. Suzuki says the Q is part car and part motorcycle, but we think a more apt description of the 98-inch-long oddity would be part moped, part Segway.

With a range of just over six miles, the Q isn't much of a car, but it could make a nice runabout for city-dwellers. Or a stylish way to get down your driveway to get the mail when it's raining for the average American. Read the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Suzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on range

Suzuki Q Concept is long on cute, short on range originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptq conceptsuzukisuzuki q concepttokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showThu, 01 Dec 2011 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118721/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/suzuki-q-concept-tokyo-2011/20118721/article-detail.xml 20118721 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-suzuki-q-concept-tokyo-2011628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-suzuki-q-concept-tokyo-2011628.jpg <![CDATA[Yamaha Y125 Moegi is an elegant cruiser [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Call us jaded, but these days, there are few vehicles at the average auto show that can stop us in our tracks. Yamaha has proven there's still something to get excited about on the show floor with its Y125 Moegi. The design study has all of the grace and elegance of a bicycle with the all important element of internal combustion lifted from a small-displacement motorcycle. The 125cc fuel-injected single cylinder engine likely has just enough power to whirr you around town.

Yamaha didn't release any actual figures for horsepower or torque, but we do know the bike weighs a scant 176 pounds soaking wet. It wouldn't take much to propel the machine through the city streets. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Yamaha has any plans to bring the sexy contraption to market. That's a shame, but it's at least good to know that the company's designers are throwing an eye towards elegance. Hit the jump to check out a video of the Y125 doing what it does best.

Continue reading Yamaha Y125 Moegi is an elegant cruiser [w/video]

Yamaha Y125 Moegi is an elegant cruiser [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moegitokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showy125y125 moegiyamahayamaha y125 moegiThu, 01 Dec 2011 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118711/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011/20118711/article-detail.xml 20118711 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-yamaha-y125-moegi-tokyo-2011628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda RC-E electric superbike looks like fun [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/honda-rc-e-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/honda-rc-e-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/honda-rc-e-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Honda RC-E Concept

Honda is putting the motor in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with the company's RC-E electric sportsbike concept. Details are scarce on the vehicle at the moment, but its clear the designers at Honda envisioned the machine as a dual-purpose track heathen and commuter. Tiny LED headlights are tucked into the front fairing, and the rear of the bike is decorated with similarly demure tail lights and turning indicators. We don't know what kind of power the RC-E develops or how it stores its power, but Honda did say that the concept rides on a 250cc chassis. We're guessing the bike's bare bones look more than a little similar to the company's recently unveiled CBR250R.

Judging from the fact that the front fascia boasts an air inlet, we're guessing there's some sort of battery-cooling system on board. While the bike is purely a concept at this juncture, there's a skinny chance the RC-E may hint to what Honda has planned for the future of the company's motorcycle design. Hit the jump to check out a video of the RC-E.

Continue reading Honda RC-E electric superbike looks like fun [w/video]

Honda RC-E electric superbike looks like fun [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptelectric superbikehondahonda rc-e conceptrc-erc-e concepttokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showThu, 01 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/honda-rc-e-tokyo-2011/20118667/article-detail.xml 20118667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/rc-e-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/rc-e-628.jpg <![CDATA[MR2 lives on with Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/mr2-lives-on-with-toyota-grmn-sports-hybrid-concept-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/mr2-lives-on-with-toyota-grmn-sports-hybrid-concept-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/mr2-lives-on-with-toyota-grmn-sports-hybrid-concept-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



With everyone predictably swarming over the Toyobaru Twins here at the Tokyo Motor Show, one bit of performance geekery has been largely overlooked.

Toyota brought out the second iteration of its MR-S/MR2-based GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept, with an all-new look, more carbon fiber and a reworked hybrid powertrain. The standard 2ZZ four-cylinder (or lesser 1ZZ in the States) has been swapped out for a 3.5-liter V6 mounted amidships and outputting 247 horsepower. While that's not much juice from a big V6, the addition of an electric motor powering the front wheels brings overall output up to just under 300 hp, allowing the 3,300-pound roadster to run to 60 mph in the mid-five-second range.

If you're wondering about the name, it's an acronym for "Gazoo Racing tuned by Meister of the Nürburgring," referring to Toyota's ace test driver, the late Hiromu Naruse. Along with the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition, this was the final vehicle Naruse-san worked on before his untimely demise, and it's one of maybe three vehicles at the show that we'd drive home tomorrow given the chance.

MR2 lives on with Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grmn sports hybrid conceptmr2tokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showtoyotaToyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept IItoyota mr-stoyota mr2Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/mr2-lives-on-with-toyota-grmn-sports-hybrid-concept-ii/20118270/article-detail.xml 20118270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-toyotagrmnsportshybrid-concept-ii-628-1322719740_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-toyotagrmnsportshybrid-concept-ii-628-1322719740.jpg <![CDATA[Honda N Box is done with mirrors [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/honda-n-box-is-done-with-mirrors-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/honda-n-box-is-done-with-mirrors-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/honda-n-box-is-done-with-mirrors-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Honda is redoubling its Kei-class effort here at the Tokyo Motor Show, and the opening salvo of its new N Series is this square-rigged model, the appropriately named N Box. The N Box is actually launching in two versions, the standard model and the Custom, which includes showier head- and taillamp modules and a unique grille.

Honda N Box blind spot mirror systemThe N Box rides atop a new minicar architecture that employs a new 660cc engine and a center-mounted tank not unlike that of the larger Fit. As is typical for this class of car, there's a surprising amount of space inside the N Box thanks to its rectilinear proportions and dining chair-like seating. In fact, there's plenty of room for six-foot adults, save a slightly pinched footwell and limited elbow room because of the car's narrow dimensions. The rear seat is even more generous, with limo-like legroom and a flip/fold feature that allows for the storage of bulky objects in the passenger compartment. Unfortunately, the rear chairs don't actually side forward to accommodate more space in the cargo hold, though the seatbacks will fold forward for larger objects.

One of the N Box's most unique features is its blind spot mirror array, which functions as sort of a poor man's version of a side view camera system. Basically, a pair of convex mirrors mounted to the inside of the A-Pillar reflect onto a convex mirror mounted on the front of the door-mounted side mirror, allowing the driver to parallel park with ease. There's also a large convex mirror mounted inside of the rear cargo hatch on the same assembly with the center high-mount stop lamp that doubles as sort of an inexpensive backup camera. Check out our Short Cut video after the jump for a closer look.

Continue reading Honda N Box is done with mirrors [w/video]

Honda N Box is done with mirrors [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondakeimini carminicarn boxn box customtokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showThu, 01 Dec 2011 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118213/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/honda-n-box-is-done-with-mirrors-w-video/20118213/article-detail.xml 20118213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-n-box-custom-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/honda-n-box-custom-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II is the 2013 Outlander in mild disguise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-ii-is-the-2013-outlander-in-mild-disg/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-ii-is-the-2013-outlander-in-mild-disg/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/mitsubishi-concept-px-miev-ii-is-the-2013-outlander-in-mild-disg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II

If Mitsubishi is serious about its electrification efforts, it has to offer more than the pint-sized all-electric i in the States. That's where the Concept PX-MiEV II comes in.

What you're looking at is the plug-in hybrid version of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, something Mitsubishi confirms is set to go on sale sometime in 2012.

A traditional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is mounted up front, but each rear axle has an electric motor that's fed power by a lithium-ion battery pack spanning the floor. Mitsubishi claims the MX-MiEV II can run up to 31 miles on electric power alone, and if you mash the gas the system switches to parallel hybrid mode by engaging the engine. All told, you should be able to make it up to 500 miles on a single tank, but if you're commute is less than 15 miles, you could go gas-free for months.

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II is the 2013 Outlander in mild disguise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've always had a soft spot for the Daihatsu Copen. Granted, it always struck us as an overly effeminate Audi TT, but that's not a particularly bad thing. But after nearly a decade of production, Daihatsu has to move on, so across the way from the "Ultimate Edition" Copen at the Tokyo Motor Show is this, the Daihatsu DX concept.

An odd amalgamation of Kei car size and SUV styling, the D-X features a retractable hard top and composite body panels that Daihatsu claims can be swapped out at will. Keeping within the Kei car limits in Japan, the D-X is powered by a turbocharged two-cylinder engine outputting around 60 horsepower and spinning the front wheels. We couldn't get a straight answer from the Daihatsu reps on the floor, but based on the model years we through out in broken Japanese, we should be seeing the D-X in production form late next year.

Daihatsu D-X portends a less endearing Copen successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copend-xdaihatsuDaihatsu copenDaihatsu D-Xdxtokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showWed, 30 Nov 2011 22:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118199/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/30/daihatsu-d-x-portends-a-less-endearing-copen-successor/20118199/article-detail.xml 20118199 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-daihatsu-d-x-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-daihatsu-d-x-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda N Concept 4 is production-ready cuteness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-n-concept-4-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-n-concept-4-tokyo-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/honda-n-concept-4-tokyo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Remember Honda's nifty EV-N concept from the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show? Honda has updated it for 2011 in the form of this, the N Concept 4. Like the EV-N, this showcar harkens back to Honda's original N series of minicars from the 1960s, typified by the N360.

The N Concept 4 was a surprise presentation from the automaker, and while Honda is not yet issuing further details about it, officials tell Autoblog that this car will go into production next year as the next model in its growing N series of Kei cars. The production version will undoubtedly be powered by a 660cc gasoline engine, though whether it will receive some sort of forced induction is an open question.

We love the car's mix of rounded features as they disguise the overall form's boxy proportions and we hope Honda can find a way of preserving the N4's bright-eyed, friendly face when they make the inevitable switch to production lighting. Check out all the cuteness in our high-res gallery.

Honda N Concept 4 is production-ready cuteness originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda nn 4 conceptn concept 4n360n4tokyotokyo 2011tokyo motor showWed, 30 Nov 2011 21:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118202/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/30/honda-n-concept-4-tokyo-2011/20118202/article-detail.xml 20118202 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/honda-n-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/honda-n-concept.jpg -1 2