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Tokyo 2009: The motorsports cars and bikes

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Tokyo Motor Show

Motorsports at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tokyo Motor Show doesn't have as much going on in the way of cars as we'd like, but there are still a few gems among the pack - especially in the area of motorsports. The Japanese are as keen about their sports as they are their motors, and when the two are combined, you get some pretty tasty kit. Examples? Check out the Nissan GT-R Super GT, a rallying Japan Subaru WRX STi, several Moto GP offerings, and a Toyota F1 car. And unlike in the passenger car realm, the Europeans haven't been left out, with the Alpina B6 GT3 and a McLaren Formula One racer making a show of things. Check them all out in our gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: The Race Cars

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: The Race Bikes

Tokyo 2009: The motorsports cars and bikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Chris Paukert — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

2010 Toyota Mark X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back when Toyota actually offered rear-wheel drive cars? Sure, a production version of the FT-86 concept is on the way, and yes, you can get a Toyota-branded truck or plump for a Lexus that routes its power out back - but when was the last time Americans could get a proper rear-driver from the Japanese automaker? It had to be back in 2005 when the third-generation MR2 petered out. And for something with four doors? Let's just say it's been a lot longer.

For Japan's Toyota faithful, however, the rear-drive picture has stayed altogether brighter. Since 2004, the brand has offered the Mark X, a sedan that has shared much of its architecture with the Lexus GS and IS - including its rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. For 2010, the Mark X has come in for a freshening, and the conservatively handsome model has us wishing that Toyota would reconsider offering the model Stateside more than ever.

Sadly, we can't get too excited just yet, because Toyota isn't exactly coughing up all of the key dynamic details. Oh, we know that the second-generation Mark X will be available with either a 2.5-liter or a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. But Toyota isn't talking much in the way of power or performance metrics, although it does admit that the smaller-engined model will still hit 62 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Further changes beneath the reworked skin include a tweaked suspension with lower-friction parts and beefed-up locating arms. An optional "sports type model" also adds a computer-controlled suspension, different power delivery settings (Sport, Snow, and Eco modes), paddle shifters, as well as variable-ratio electric power steering - a feature we don't normally associate with this class of vehicle. Did we mention the tinted head- and tail-lamps for added sports aggression?

Of course, it wouldn't be a JDM press introduction without some suitably improbable press release verbiage, and the Mark X doesn't disappoint. Toyota's design theme for the new model is "glam tech" which duals "the visual glamour conveyed by the vehicle with the 'high-tech' expression of its modern and precise feel." Not ambitious enough? The lux-oriented "Premium type" model features "refined velour-moquette seat covers... treated with mite-suppressing agent that also prevents static electricity."

"Mite-suppressing agent?" Toyota, even after all these years, you still know the way to our hearts...

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Mark X

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Honda SkyDeck, is this the future of the Odyssey?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda

Honda SkyDeck Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Unlike the CR-Z which is nothing more than a thinly veiled preview of an upcoming production model, the Honda Skydeck remains a pure design study at this point. While most automakers would provide a full list of specifications for a concept that is nothing more than a fiberglass buck, Honda isn't bothering with even that. The only thing the automaker says about this Tokyo Motor Show star is that it's a theoretical hybrid.

The SkyDeck is a six-seat MPV with some oddball portals and interesting interior fitments. The front doors swing up Lambo style, while the rear sliders actually pop out like normal doors and drop down as they slide back, ideal for jamming against the curb.

Once inside, the first two rows of seats are cantilever mounted off of the center tunnel and the second row can slide forward and down to stow underneath the fronts. All the seats consist of a mesh material stretched between a wooden frame.

One interesting styling note is the shovel scoop grille similar to the CR-Z coupe. Is this the look of Honda models to come? We'll be asking when we visit the design center on Friday.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda Skydeck concept

[Source: Honda]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Honda SkyDeck, is this the future of the Odyssey? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Honda EV-N concept combines future drive with retro style

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda, Electric

Honda EV-N concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's new CEO Takanobu Ito started off his tenure at the head of the company today by unveiling a new plug-in battery electric concept. The EV-N showcar hides its futuristic electron pumping powertrain in a decidedly retro bodystyle thanks to a design reminiscent of the subcompact 600N of the Sixties.

Honda has yet to reveal much in the way of technical details about the diminutive hatch, but we do know it uses lithium-ion batteries and the electric motor drives the front wheels. The car can be started with a fob called the Loop that incorporates a display showing the driver know the battery pack's state of charge.

Not enough pint-size fun for you? Each of the EV-N's doors features a pocket that holds one of Honda's gyro controlled, omnidirectional U3-X unicycles.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda EV-N concept

Tokyo 2009: Honda EV-N concept combines future drive with retro style originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:44:00 EST

Filed under: Tokyo Motor Show, Infiniti, Nissan, Electric

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're here at the Tokyo Motor Show, where CEO Carlos Ghosn has just confirmed that Nissan, Renault's Japanese alliance partner, will boast a lineup of at least three electric vehicles in the next few years - and a fourth vehicle is also possible. We already know about the Leaf hatchback (above) that was unveiled back in August. In addition, Nissan will build an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. For the first time, Ghosn also confirmed that Infiniti will get a compact four-passenger sedan powered only by batteries.

No other information was available on this car, but Ghosn did say that it would be unveiled in the near future. In all likelihood, the Infiniti will be based on the Leaf platform that is designed for purely electric drive. The fourth model that is being considered for production is the Land Glider concept that was shown publicly for the first time here this morning.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti

Tokyo 2009: Nissan confirms three EVs for production, including Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One more massive Lexus LF-A leak, with specs

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:48:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LF-A - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tokyo Motor Show countdown continues with yet another round of Lexus LF-A leakage courtesy of OmniAuto. Check out the gallery below to get up close and personal with the official shots of the LF-A before we bring you live impressions from the floor. But before you do, get a load of the preliminary specs:

4.8-liter 72-degree V10 putting out 560 hp at 8,700 RPM (that's 116.5 hp/liter) and 354 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,800 RPM
Redline: 9,000 RPM
Titanium valves, connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, dry sump lubrication and a titanium exhaust manifold
Six-speed sequential gearbox
Torsen limited slip differential
3,263 pounds with a 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution
Power-to-weight ratio of 5.8 pounds/hp
65 percent of the body is carbon fiber
20-inch BBS wheels wrapped in 265/35 ZR20 Bridgestone tires in front and 305/30 ZR20 in the rear.
0-62 MPH (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds
Top speed of 201.94 MPH
Production limited to 500 units

More to follow. Stay tuned.

Gallery: Lexus LFA

[Source: OmniAuto]

One more massive Lexus LF-A leak, with specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Mazdaspeed3-powered Supasse V supercar

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus, Mazda

UPDATE: Higher res images added to the gallery and press release added after the jump

2010 Suzusho Supasse V - Click above for image gallery

Picture if you will, an exotic car that takes a few stylistic cues from the Pagani Zonda and Ferrari Enzo, then distills them into a package the size of a Lotus Exige. Now imagine if it was powered by a tuned 2.3-liter DOHC turbo engine from the Mazdaspeed3 channeled through that car's six-speed gearbox. And further ponder that the vehicle in question weighs 1,300 pounds less its powertrain donor. That's right, a 270 hp exotic that weighs just 1,874 lbs. Sound like it's something you'd like to take a closer look at?

The Surpasse V, an all-new vehicle by Japanese kit car specialist Suzusho, will make its debut at this month's Tokyo Motor Show, featuring an "aluminum twin-tube monocoque spaceframe" and fiberglass body. Although evocative of many other cars, the design is purposeful and penned by F1 designer Kenji Mimura, and on paper, it sounds like a direct challenger to the 2009 Lotus Exige S260.

Although It would be easy to dismiss the Surpasse V as just another kit car with big power and no handling, Suzusho has plenty of experience building lightweight cars that handle extremely well. The bulk of their business is in Lotus 7 replicas, and while we're not sure it will truly compete head-to-head with the Hethel hauler, it looks promising.

Pricing is expected to be in the Exige-like $50,000-$80,000 range too when the Suzusho Supasse V goes on sale in the middle of 2010.

Gallery: 2010 Suzusho Supasse V

[Source: Suzusho via WorldCarFans]

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Mazdaspeed3-powered Supasse V supercar

Tokyo Preview: Mazdaspeed3-powered Supasse V supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru releases more pics of Hybrid Tourer Concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Subaru

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru has just released a bunch of new images of its Hybrid Tourer concept that is slated to debut next week at the Tokyo Motor Show. The gullwing wagon/hatch/thingy is Subaru's first major cut at a hybrid and the first from anyone using a boxer four-cylinder engine. A pair of electric motors provide regenerative braking, pure electric drive and blended electric boost, with a lithium ion battery pack as the energy storage medium.

Subaru has been working with their partners at Toyota to produce this new hybrid architecture, and it will likely appear in production vehicles in the next few years. Besides the hybrid system, the concept also includes a new direct injected version of its 2.0-liter turbo boxer engine that will also probably appear in production vehicles before long.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

[Source: Subaru]

Subaru releases more pics of Hybrid Tourer Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Honda EV-N concept is retro-adorable, has unicycle storage

Alex Nunez — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:18:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Electric

Honda EV-N Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the curtain rises on the Tokyo Motor Show next month, Honda's green-themed display will include what it calls the HELLO! Zone, a showcase for electric vehicles. Why "HELLO! Zone"? Well, we have no idea, other than it reminds us of a certain feline and that the Japanese clearly have a thing for all-caps names and exclamation points. In the HELLO! Zone, showgoers can say, uh, "hello" to the excruciatingly neat, relentlessly cute EV-N concept. It's a retro-styled battery-powered car with a face of a pug puppy crossed with a Trabant and nifty concept-y features like swappable seat fabrics, a solar roof, and a "communications system" embedded in the black front fascia. Most importantly, however, the EV-N's passenger door contains one of those bizarrely kickass UX-3 super gyroscopic robot unicycles, which pretty much makes the EV-N the coolest electric car of all time. We think. Anyhow, when Honda unveils an ASIMO that can both drive the EV-N and then self-deploy on the UX-3, it's time to go hide under your beds, because that'll be the signal that their robot army is ready for world domination. But we digress. Check out the high-res pics of the EV-N in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Honda EV-N Concept

[Source: Honda]

Tokyo Preview: Honda EV-N concept is retro-adorable, has unicycle storage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Honda has confirmed what's been suspected for some time: the Honda CR-Z is coming next year and the Fit Hybrid will be released in late 2010.

The brief press release (below the fold) touts the two hybrids as the latest expansion of the automaker's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, along with its focus on highly efficient, lightweight and compact conveyances.

The CR-Z, a sporty hybrid inspired by the CRX and unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007, will go on sale in Japan this February, with the Fit Hybrid hitting shores across the Pacific later next year. Honda hasn't explicitly announced whether the two models will be available in the States, but we'd expect a formal announcement when the production CR-Z and Fit Hybrid debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

Continue reading BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010

BREAKING: Honda confirms production of CR-Z, Fit Hybrid in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 concept headed to Tokyo Motor Show?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda, Rumormill

Ever since Mazda revived its Wankel rotary program in 2004 with the RX-8, the internet rumormill has constantly been abuzz with reports of a proper two-door RX-7 variant. The latest such rumor comes by way of Japanese magazine Best Car (via JDM-centric website 7Tune.com), which indicates the new sportscar has a 55% chance of making an appearance at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in October.

We understand that Mazda's continual development of its rotary engine technology is likely to bring a displacement boost from 1.3- to 1.6-liters for the next RX model - whatever and whenever that may be - along with the seemingly contradictory qualities of more power, cleaner emissions and lower fuel consumption.

Naturally, Best Car provides a rendering of the supposed RX-7 to go along with the speculation of an October debut. Drawing inspiration from the expressive styling language from Mazda's recent concept cars along with a hearty dose of the happy-go-lucky expression of the current Mazda3. We'll see if there's any truth to this report in, oh, about three months.

[Source: 7Tune.com | Image: Best Car]

Rumormill: Mazda RX-7 concept headed to Tokyo Motor Show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Under the skin of the 2010 Acura NSX

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Acura, Honda

We don't know what the next Acura (Honda) NSX will ultimately look like, but we do know that it will have a 5.5-liter V10 throwing down 560 hp through a torque-vectoring SW-AWD setup. The folks over at Auto Express have a cutaway view of the NSX's gizzards, and what lurks beneath the creased and chevroned skin of the next do-it-all-faster supercar could be good for a few extra heartbeats. We do hope, however, that these exterior renderings are quite a ways off. Otherwise, it might not be so bad if Acura offers a cutaway version of the actual car so that you don't have to see its body, because even under the camo, the new NSX is shaping up to be um, homely.

[Source: Auto Express]

Under the skin of the 2010 Acura NSX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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