Missed: Highlights of 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

We're back! However, we've missed out quite a lot. So we're starting off quick! Here goes:

Although the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show reveals have ended for some time now, we can still cover it up. Well the Japanese doors have closed, and we could happily say that this was one of the best shows to come out of Tokyo in the last several years. Previously, the show was mainly about futuristic concepts that actually have no future as retail cars. This year, there's still a handful of concepts, but with big promises to come to productions, as well as some really cool sportscars.

* 2010 Alpina BMW B7 BiTurbo: Alpina is best known for spicing-up BMWs. Well now, they got they're hands on a 2010 BMW 750iL, and look what they've done to it! Extended body-kit, 21-inch bespoke Alpina wheels, a sporty lip-spoiler, and oh; a tuned-up twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8, that now makes 507 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Alpina say that this big Bimmer can hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds!

* 2010 Caterham CSR 175: Although Caterham lightweight sportscars may seem very basic and traditional, they're actually somewhat expensive. To put it bluntly, a top-range CSR 260 costs well over $50,000; and that is just way too expensive for a roadster that only offers very little in terms of daily-drivability. Well, the folks at Caterham have decided to add a buttom rug, that to make owning a Caterham more affordable. So, here it is; the CSR 175. As the name suggests, this little superlight roadster develops 175 hp from a Ford-sourced 2.3L Duratec 4-cylinder engine. For a car that weighs less than 1,000 kilograms, this thing can still accelerate like a proper supercar! With that little weight and a stiff chassis like all Chaterhams, it also handles like a LeMans' racecar as well.

* 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept: Honda say that this concept could be the next-generation Honda Odyssey. Of course though, the scissor doors, the futuristic thin seats, and the screens all around the dashboard won't come in the next Odyssey. Nonetheless, Honda claims that the Odyssey will share inspiration with the Skydeck Concept in terms of styling, and the hybrid drivetrain.

* 2009 Honda CR-Z Concept: Although it shares its name with the 2007 CR-Z Concept, this CR-Z is actually a pre-production vehicle that will hit showrooms next year, and the successor to the old ricer-legend CR-X. The new CR-Z mimics some styling cues of the CR-X, but in a up-scale look. As for power, Honda said that the CR-Z will be more powerful than the CR-X, and therefore, faster. However, the new CR-Z will be more -wait for it- economical! How? The new CR-Z will be powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, mated to a battery-powered electric hybrid powertrain. What's very clever here, that it features a world first. The new CR-Z will be the world's first hybrid to have a shift-yourself 6-speed manual transmission! Unfortunately, we probably won't hear any official numbers on the drivetrain's output or its mileage until closer to lunch in 2010.

* 2010 Lexus LFA: It's been 3 years of non-stop teasing and fully-camouflaged spy shots, but nothing prepare us for this - the 2010 Lexus LFA. It's finally here, and here very strong. So why create a $375,000 supercar in this time of year? Well, Toyota say that this is to upscale the image of Lexus even more. It's also one really fast supercar! Weighing in at 3,263 pounds, the front-mounted 4.8L V10, which produces 560 hp at a screaming 9000 rpms and 354 lb-ft of torque, can sprint to 60 mph in a 'wow' 3.7 seconds, and will continue up to 202 mph. Controlling that power, is a 6-speed sequential transmission, which sends power to the rear-wheels only. Moreover, driving the LFA will excite even more with a one-off bespoke Lexus interior with screen gauges, and a two-tone leather interior with shades of carbon-fiber. So then, if you got $375,000 in your wallet, better behave fast, since Lexus will only produce 500 units. And that, makes the Lexus LFA, the only real supercar to come from Japan!

* 2009 Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV: In its main-steam products, the Outlander is probably Mitsubishi's most successful crossover. So, it makes sense in Tokyo show, that Mitsubishi hints on the next-generation Outlander, with this Concept PX-MiEV. Mitsubishi say that the PX-MiEV scores a new design direction for them, which is 'refinement'. So all shapes inside and out look somewhat edgy, and elegant at the same time. Nonetheless, Mitsubishi's real score is in the drive-train, as this PX-MiEV has a 1.6L petrol engine connected to a battery-powered electric engine, making this Mitsubishi's first hybrid crossover. If you really like what you see here, then you should get excited for the next-gen Outlander.

* 2010 Nissan GT-R: It just looks exactly identical to the 2008 GT-R; so what's the change? For 2010, Nissan has fettled the suspension setup (front shocks and springs have been tweaked for increased "accuracy", and the rear-suspension has been stiffened), fitted higher-flow cats to the exhaust system for improved low- and mid-range response, and they've also added a next-generation hard-drive based navigation system that includes iPod connectivity. What's move, the twin-turbocharged 3.8L V6 gets a 5 hp increase, making the total of 485 hp. However, the most significant difference in the revised GT-R, is the price tag; now starting at around $80,000. So it isn't the cheap supercar anymore!

* 2009 Nissan Land Glider Concept: Nissan CEO - Carlos Ghosn - surprised all Tokyo Motor Show audience with this - 2009 Land Glider Concept. Why this big fuss? Well first off, it looks kind of weird - the motorcycle-like horizontal two-seater setup in a car is still unfamiliar. Also like a motorcycle, the Land Glider leans up to 17 degrees to handle a corner. Powering the Land Glider is a clever electric engine, which features a non-contact charging system, meaning that drivers won't have to fiddle with any plugs, they can just pull into designated charging spaces. Moreover, because the Land Glider is lightweight, and the electric engine is torquey, Nissan say that this concept will be pretty quick for an electric vehicle. However, the biggest surprise of all, that Ghosn said this is not some 20-year lifetime concept, and that the Land Glider will come into production some time next year!

* 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Carbon: When this new-gen Impreza WRX STi came in the new hatchback styling, many criticized it that it just became a softy. So, Subaru went back to the drawing board, and came up with this new special version - the WRX STi Carbon edition. Carbon edition brings down the center of gravity, with a carbon fiber-made roof. What's more, to make it compete with its Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, the WRX STi Carbon has a 5-speed automatic with paddle-shifters. Subaru say that the 305 hp 2.5L turbocharged flat-4 will still crack 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds.

* 2009 Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept: Subaru isn't really known for producing any kind of minivans. So what are they saying about this Hybrid Tourer Concept? It's Subaru's first attempt to design a sporty-look-like minivan. The Hybrid Tourer Concept also spots gullwing doors, and a hybrid drivetrain with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineatronic CVT transmission.

* 2009 Suzusho Supasse-V: Never heard of Suzusho? Well we didn't hear of them either! However, Japan is full of local automakers that don't seem to oversea their vehicles. Well this Supasse-V is a Japanese race-car for the road! Looking like a race-car, it also has some race-car potentials. Powered by a Mazda-sourced 2.3L turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder, and a 6-speed manual, the Supasse-V weighs only 850 kilograms. That hints the reason why it can sprint to 60 mph in an astonishing 4 seconds.

* 2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept: The good-old days of drifting an '86 Corolla are back! With this - FT-86 Concept. They say it's a concept, but this is a pre-production mule, which will come to showrooms sometime in 2011. It's a combination of a sexy Toyota 2-door body that channels back some '80s throwbacks, and a 2.0L flat-4 engine from Subaru. Get this though; the FT-86 sends power to the rear-wheels only, through a 6-speed manual! Toyota also say that the chassis is equipped with a limited-slip differential, and designed with drifting in-mind. So Toyota, welcome back to the glory days of fun!

* 2010 Toyota Mark X: There are some Japanese cars that we really want to see them overseas, because we think they could be successful. Here's an example - the Toyota Mark X. What makes the Mark X so special that it's about the best Toyota sedan we encountered with. While it looks like a Camry or an Avalon outside and inside, it's actually a Lexus GS underneath! Yes, this Mark X is rear-wheel-drive Toyota sports-sedan! Powered by either a 203 hp 2.5L V6, or a 315 hp 3.5L V6, the 6-speed automatic transmission in both engines comes with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. So please Toyota, throw-out the cheesy Avalon, and bring us the 'real' sporty Mark X with the healthy 315hp V6.

Here's our cover of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

2009 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview

Tomorrow, will be the start of the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and actually, the start to auto-show season. What does Frankfurt store for us? Well, here's some most interesting cars to be seen tomorrow. As a reminder, as usual, we'll be covering the whole show, so keep tuned to see what's latest in the automotive world.

1) 2010 Audi A5 & S5 Sportback: It's a new flavor to the Audi A5 and S5. This Sportback unlike the Coupe and Cabriolet, has 4-doors, but still in a coupish style. The new Sportback adds practicality, into the mix of the A5's and S5's sporty package. While it's still powered by powerful engines, like the 333 hp supercharged 3.0L V6, it still has a luggage and capacity space of a normal mid-size sedan. Sales start in spring 2009.

2) 2011 Audi R8 Spyder: This is the long awaited convertible version of the dream daily-driver supercar - the Audi R8. This new R8 Spyder is fitted with a tractable cloth-top, as well as Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Unlike the coupe, which is offered with either a V8 or a V10, the R8 Spyder is only available with the 5.2L FSI V10, that packs 525 hp, and will top 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and achieve 195 mph top speed. Sales starts first-quarter of 2010, with a price tag of 156,400 euros.

3) 2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept: This is a concept that BMW will probably never make, but it's a showcase of BMW's future. While it's made out of glass and other thin materials, the EfficientDynamics is set to be an extremely sporty enviromently-friendly automobile. BMW have fitted the EfficientDynamics with a plug-in hybrid system technology; so, it runs entirely electrical for a certain distance, and then the combustion engine comes in as a range-extender. The electric motor comes in the form of two battery-powered electric motors, which one is fitted to the front-axle, and the other goes to the rear-axle. The combustion-engine on the other hand, is a 1.5L turbo-diesel 3-cylinder. Total output is 356 hp and 590 lb-ft. With 0-60 mph comes in 4.8 seconds, and 155 mph top speed, the EfficientDynamics is as fast as a BMW M3, while it still offers 31 miles in electric-drive, and 63 mpg when the hybrid system continues. We won't ever see a production EfficientDynamics, but BMW say that the technology could pass onto realistic Bimmers.

4) 2009 Bugatti Galibier Concept: This will be the surprise of the Frankfurt Motor Show. We saw the teasers, heard the rumors, and even got some speculation renders; but non prepare this: the highly-anticipated 4-door Bugatti Galibier Concept. Though it says that it's a concept, the production version is come very soon, with the same platform, and same engine. Key features to the design, are the chrome door and front-fender panels, and 8 exhaust pipes out back. Inside, it offers 4 seats, with total luxury, wood-inserted dashboard and center console, and a LCD navigation system. The platform features all-wheel-drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size. The engine originally comes from the legendary Veryon, so an 8.0L W16 engine; but, instead of turbocharging, the Galibier Concept gets a two stage supercharger. No officials numbers yet, but Bugatti said that this will be the fastest 4-door sedan in the automotive world, with a top sped of 217 mph.

5) 2011 Citroen DS3: Joining the retro compact superminis from the Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500, is this DS3. It channels some of the iconic cues of the '60s DS, and also offers a wide range of paint colors. DS3 is offered with diesel and petrol engines, but top-spec DS3 comes with a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder, with 150 hp. The new DS3 will go on sale in most European markets by early 2010.

6) 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia: This will be the replacement to the beloved F430. It's got an all-new design, a new platform, a new engine, and a new transmission. Powered by a new direct-injection 4.5L V8, which produces 570 hp and 398 lb-ft, the 458 Italia will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and will go towards 202 mph. The new 458 is also supported with a new 7-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission. Ferrari F1 also got a new setup for the E-Diff, F1-Trac and ABS systems.

7) 2009 Fiat 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari: This Fiat 500 may seem like a compact city car, but it's in fact a super hatchback. This Ferrari-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth gets Ferrari kit inside and out, like 4 exhaust pipes with Ferrari Scuderia strips, and a Ferrari F1-style racing seats with a paddle-shift transmission. Even power is uprated from the 500 Abarth; so now, the turbocharged 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder makes 180 hp. 60 mph should come in less than 7 seconds. For anyone who wants a cheap feel of a Ferrari, this 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari will come to showrooms after reveal.

8) 2011 Ford C-MAX: While this may look like somewhat near to the Ford iosis MAX Concept car unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it is in-fact, the production version and new Ford C-Max. This 7-seater minivan is actually based on a stretched wheel-base of the new Ford Focus. Although this C-Max offers hallmarks of comfort, space, and practicality, it still looks very sporty. In fact, the sporty-looks are supported with an all-new 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. With turbocharging and direct-injection, Ford claim that this 1.6 will offer V6 power, with 4-cylinder economy. The Ford C-MAX will be launched in the second half of 2010, and will be the first C-Max to be sold worldwide.

9) 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour: This variant of the Honda Accord is sort of a crossover version, that gets a rear-hatch. Although it underpins the Accord sedan, the body-panels are entirely unique to the Crosstour. The suspension is raised, and Honda's Super-Handling all-wheel-drive system is standard. Honda claim that this Accord Crosstour has the commanding view of the road like an SUV, but the drive like a sports sedan. No information about engines or performance, not even prices; but all that we'll see tomorrow.

10) 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster: It's a convertible Lamborghini Reventon. The Reventon coupe is considered as one of the most expensive and exclusive supercars. Well, the Reventon Roadster is even more expensive, and more exclusive. The Reventon Roadster keeps the same looks as the coupe variant, and which also keeps the same structural rigidity and all-wheel-drive system. Reventon Roadster is actually powered by a 670 hp 6.5L V12 out of the 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. 60 mph comes up after 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 205 mph. Each Lamborghini Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes), which less than 20 units will be made, and sold for "Lamborghini friends and collectors." Deliveries will begin October 2009.

11) 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept: Lexus is trying to aim their new products to younger-aged buyers, to improve badge-image. So while this may be a concept for now, it will come to production plant in a few years. This Lexus LF-Ch Concept hatchback is a showcase, to what Lexus is planning to make a rival to the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3. The Lexus LF-Ch Concept features a full-on hybrid system, so that it can run on fully EV mode for some time. Despite being a hybrid, Lexus claim that the LF-Ch Concept has a sporty driving characteristics.

12) 2011 Maserati GranCabrio: The GranCabrio is the convertible GranTurismo. So it means that it shares the same looks as the GranTurismo, and also the same drive-train. The tractable roof is cloth, and will operate within few seconds. GranCabrio is a little heavier than GranTurismo, because Maserati had to had strengthen beams. However, GranCabrio is only offered with a 440 hp 4.7L V8, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. GranCabrio will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and crack 184 mph. All that, plus, the beautiful Italian V8 exhaust note is directly channeled through the cabin. Maserati also claims that this is the largest 4-seater production convertible.

13) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept: This is a concept study, that Mazda say will consider in the future if fans and customers are interested. This MX-5 Superlight Concept is a speedster MX-5 Miata. So no roof, no windshield, no driver aids; plus, a total curb weight of only 940 kilograms. The MX-5 Superlight Concept tries to import those old days of the '40s - '50s Formula-One cars, but with hints of newly modern MX-5 cues. Power comes from a 1.8L in-line 4-cylinder, with 126 hp. While that might not sound as much, this is just a pure racing automobile. So it may not be super fast, but it's certainly a fun job.

14) 2011 McLaren MP4-12C: This is a moment we have all been waiting for; an all-new McLaren. However, even McLaren say, that this MP4-12C won't be as legandary as their 240 mph F1, and won't be even a successor. The MP4-12C is in fact, a daily-driver McLaren supercar. So McLaren are getting in the mix, with a modest-looking british supercar. The interior too, is very tpical with quite supercar material, like carbon-fiber on the door insturments, center console, and dashboard, with a navigation system. Power comes with a McLaren-built twin-turbocharged 3.8L V8, packing 600 hp and driven through the rear-wheels via a McLaren 7-speed Seamless Shift dual clutch transmission (SSG). The brakes and chassis on the MP4-12C have been designed with the McLaren Formula-One team, and even shares some parts with the Formula-One car. Nonetheless, to make this McLaren a drivable supercar, the new engine is consided the most fuel-effiecint engine ever. As it produces 600 hp, and actaully has the lowest CO2 emission among competitors. Competition comes from Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4. No word on prices and showroom debut, but Frankfurt Motor Show is here to reveal those information.

15) 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: This is the latest supercar creation from Mercedes-Benz. However, unlike their last SLR, which was engineered by McLaren, this new SLS AMG is purly designed and engineered by Mercedes' in-house tuning company - AMG. The looks is somewhat retro to the 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL; specially the Gullwing doors, and the sharp roof. It also catches some design cues of the 2010 Mercedes SL. Inside, the SLS AMG gets a besboquie interior. Weighing in at around 1600 kilograms, the new SLS AMG is powered by a natrually-aspirated 6.3L AMG V8, which now produces 571 hp, which goes to the rear-wheels through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed automatic transmission. 60 mph happens in 3.7 seconds, and electronically-limited top speed is 200 mph. However, because the 6.3L is actaully very refind, the SLS AMG achieves 21 mpg fuel-economy on combined roads. Handling claims is supported by a 50/50 weight disturbotion, and a 3-stage ESP program. Sales will start in spring 2010, with prices in Germany start at 177,000 euros.

16) 2009 Mini Coupe Concept: While Mini say that this a concept, this Mini Coupe Concept is actually a production-capable car, and will see production next year. The Mini Coupe Concept is loosly based on a Mini Cooper hatchback, but in a new roof style, and the emilation of the rear-seats, to make this Coupe Concept a 2-seater. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 211 hp, through a 6-speed manual and a front-wheel-drive chassis. The Mini Coupe is set to be a rival to the base Audi TT.

17) 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic: This is yet another speical edition Porsche 911. However, Porshce is adament that this is the best special edition yet - a Classic. The 911 Sport Classic pays a tribute to the beloved 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 with unique double-bubble roof, special Fuchs-style 19-inch wheels designed that echo the last 911SC, and a classic “ducktail” style spoiler. The 911 Sport Classic also spots more power out the exhaust system, so now this 911's 3.8L flat-6 packs 408 hp. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and also features Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, PASM sports suspension. Only 250 units will be made, with a price tag of 169,300 euros.

18) 2010 Porshce 911 Turbo: Although very little differences has been made to the exterior and interior, but this 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo is a nearly a new car beneath compared to last year. A new engine, and a new transmission. The 911 Turbo finally gets a direct-injection 3.8L flat-6 engine; with added two varuable turbocharges, it devilers 500 hp. So 60 mph is finished in 3.4 seconds, and top speed is over 200 mph. The new transmission is Porsche's latest twin-clutch PDK 7-speed transmission. Porsche also tweaked the all-wheel-drive system for a new setup, and improved fuel-economy by 18%, to make it 25 mpg combined. Prices start $132,800 and $143,800 respectively, with an on-sale date of November 2009 in Germany and January 2010 world-wide.

19) 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost: The production version of the Rolls-Royce 200EX, here it is, in a new Ghost name. This "baby-Rolls" is set to be more afforable than a Phantom, but yet offer pure Rolls-Royce elegance. While it's still looks like a Rolls, the Ghost is in fact, based on the new BMW 7-Series. So the Ghost might be even sporty! Nevertheless, it's powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.6L V12, developing 563 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.7 seconds with a top-speed electronically governed at 155 mph. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. For those of you wondering, the Rolls-Royce Ghost manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg. Orders have already been taken, with prices range between 200,000 and 300,000 euros. Buyers will have a choice of 12 exterior colors, each of which can be contrasted by an available Silver Satin hood.

20) 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan: While this is an all-new Saab, it's in fact, the last Saab that will ever to come-out of General Motors, as Koenigsegg now has full control and ownership of Saab. The 9-5's exterior styling has been inspired by the Aero X concept car while the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model. Inside, Saab owners will feel right at home with the traditional, driver-focused cockpit that features an aircraft-inspired head-up information display. Beneath that body, lives GM's Epsilon II platform, that is shared with the Opel Insignia, and Buick LaCrosse, though the 9-5 actually has a longer wheel-base. Engines vary from diesel and petrol, though the 2010 9-5 is best with the new twin-turbocharged 2.8L V6 making 300 hp, mated to a 6-speed automatic and Haldex all-wheel drive system.

So check out tomorrow, for more Frankfurt releases.

SPY SHOTS : 2010 Honda Accord CrossTour CUV

This camouflaged prototype at the picture above is none other than Honda's forthcoming crossover-liftback wagon, newly called "CrossTour". The car was spotted by forum member GoVdubSPEEDGo aka "M. Balinsky" who came upon two prototype models while vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Not to be mistaken for Acura's upcoming ZDX model that follows in the lines of BMW's X6 sports SUV, the so-called CrossTour seems to be a fast-back wagon version of the Honda Accord, with higher springs than the sedan.
So while the upcoming ZDX is a direct rival to the X6, the Accord CrossTour CUV appears to be surprisingly close in philosophy to the new BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo.

Source : [VWVortex via Temple of VTEC]

GRID renders Honda S2000 Coupe Independent Concept Study and Subaru Impreza WRX STI Hatch Independent Concept Study

An artist that goes by the alias 'GRID' has done to of his design concept studies and indents to sell them to the big auto makers.

First up, the so called 'Honda S2000 Coupe Independent Concept Study'. With over 10 years in the same design shell, the Honda S2000 needs a redesign refresher. Actually, rumors that Honda will actually come up with a new S2000 next year. Well GRID's design surely has a lot of S2000 DNA, but yet it's totally a new design that actually looks decent for a new sports car. We've also noted the front fascia has Nissan GT-R inspiration as well. Personally, GRID's design of the future generation S2000 is great, if not even perfect for the S2000. Because while it still hints on the original S2000, it's still a new creative design that could last for another 10 years.'Subaru Impreza WRX STI Hatch Concept Study'. As the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI became a hatchback, many critisited the new STI that it just lost its edge as a rally car, and became another soft road car. Well, GRID's concept design study of the Impreza WRX STI, proofs that hatchbacks can be hard and edgy race cars. This realistic computer generated proposal for a more distinct and sporty-looking Impreza WRX STI with a wedgy-shaped three-door hatchback body. Nevertheless, if this by any chance to transfer to a production model, it surely will be soften down a bit.

It would be interesting to see GRID working on designing production cars someday.

Source : [GRID Designs]

RumorMill : Honda four-door-coupe to debut in 2010

According to Auto Motor und Sport, Honda is working on a 4-door-coupe that will fit in the European and Asian market as a top level Honda Accord - otherwise known to us as the Acura TSX on the stateside. Sources say that the car will most likely be a front-wheel-drive vehicle that carries over the 200 hp 4-cylinder 2.4L i-VTEC. A top-level Type-S versions is also being considered and will use a turbocharged version of that 2.4L making 260-hp with a tiwn-clutch transmission and Honda’s SH-AWD system.

Separately, Japan’s Holiday Auto magazine reports that the 4-door Honda coupe is not to far off from production and to look out for the car during 2010. On the stateside, the car will sit between the Acura TL and TSX in terms of size.

Styling wise, the Honda 4-door-coupe will be influenced by the new Acura ZDX crossover.

Source: [Temple of VTEC]

Report : Honda names Takanobu Ito president and CEO

With the financial changes that are happening to the world, automaker leaders are changing. Honda Motor Corparation today announced that there'll be a change in leading. Takanobu Ito, currently head of global automotive operations, will replace Takeo Fukui as CEO starting in June as the company faces tough economic times, declining sales and a strong Yen currency.

Fukui, who is now 64-years old, has been CEO of Honda since 2003. Ito, 55, joined the Japanese automaker in 1978 working for its research and development department. He later worked on projects such as developing an all-aluminum unibody NSX supercar.

Fukui will remain on the board and will play advisor to Ito. However, with Ito on-board, will he change the dissions that Fukui made? In other words, will Ito bring back the 2010 NSX project, and will he actually interdouce a V8 engine to Honda sedans?

Source: [Honda via MSNBC]

Complete Reveal List Of The 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Because there were many reveals at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, our readers want a list out of every single reveal of the show, in one post. So here we go:

Audi:
1) 2009 Audi A7 Sportback Concept
2) 2010 Audi R8 V10

BMW:
1) 2010 BMW Z4

Buick:
1) 2010 Buick LaCrosse

Cadillac:
1) 2009 Cadillac Converj Concept
2) 2010 Cadillac SRX

Chevrolet:
1) 2009 Chevrolet Spark Concept
2) 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Chrysler:
1) 2009 Chrysler 200C Concept

Dodge:
1) 2010 Dodge Circuit EV

Fisker:
1) 2009 Fisker Karma S Concept
2) 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid Sedan

Ford:
1) 2010 Ford-Shelby GT500
2) 2010 Ford EcoBoost Flex
3) 2010 Ford Taurus

Honda:
1) 2010 Honda Insight

Jaguar:
1) 2009 Jaguar XFR prototype (Bonneville run)
2) 2010 Jaguar XK
3) 2010 Jaguar XFR

Kia:
1) 2009 Kia Soul’ster Concept

Lexus:
1) 2010 Lexus HS 250h

Lincoln:
1) 2009 Lincoln C Concept
2) 2010 Lincoln MKT

Mercedes-Benz:
1) 2009 Mercedes-Benz Concept Blue-ZERO
2) 2010 Mercedes-McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
2) 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mini:
1) 2010 Mini Cooper Cabrio

Subaru:
1) 2009 Subaru Legacy Concept

Tesla:
1) 2010 Tesla Roadster S

Toyota:
1) 2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept
2) 2010 Toyota Camry
3) 2010 Toyta Prius

Volkswagen:
1) 2009 Volkswagen Bluesport Concept

Volvo:
1) 2009 Volvo S60 Concept

And here's the awards given at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show:
2009 North American Car of the Year
2009 North American Truck of the Year

New Reveal At Detroit: 2010 Honda Insight

When the Honda Insight was leaked just before the Detroit Auto Show, there was still some information missing. Now though, Honda just made the Insight's world debut in Detroit, so we got all the information we want.
While it's not a far cry from the Insight Concept shown at the Paris Motor Show, there are still a few noticeable changes. The front end design has lost the show car's LED lighting in favor of conventional halogen/hid units. The lower fascia has grown a pair of oddly placed fog lamps. Fortunately the happy grin of the concept remains as it should. The profile view remains similar in design, but loses the tiny mirrors and over-sized wheels of the show car. The biggest difference happens at the rear, where the tough look of the show car has been set aside for a more "productionized" look with proper bumpers and a larger rear glass opening.
Getting inside, the Insight shares lots of bits from the Civic. So the two-tier digital instrument panels are there, along with a new "fuel efficiency" gauge. Standard features on all 2010 Honda Insight Hybrids include 60/40 split and fold-down rear seatbacks; automatic climate control; power windows, mirrors and door locks; a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 audio playback, an auxiliary audio input jack and Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC). Navigation screen is the only option here.
The 2010 Honda Insight is powered by a 1.3L SOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a CVT transmission. That engine works together with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology that allows for an EPA rated fuel-economy of 40/43 (city/highway) mpg. Infact, according to our trusted sources, the Insight could manage over 60 mpg! Besides that outstanding fuel-economy, the 13hp electric motor IMA hybrid system, along with a 10.6 gallon fuel-tank, allows for driving range of more than 400 miles.
At an expected price tag of 19,000$, this five-passenger, five-door Insight is expected to be the most affordable hybrid car available when it goes on sale in the spring of 2009. That should kick-off the new, ugly and expensive Toyota Prius. Honda expects to sell 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 in North America - and will utilize a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™).

Source: [Honda]

LEAKED : 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid

Images of the 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid leaked onto the web today, and so we can sit down and talk about what the little production hybrid looks like.
While it's not a far cry from the Insight Concept shown at the Paris Motor Show, there are still a few noticeable changes. The front end design has lost the show car's LED lighting in favor of conventional halogen/hid units. The lower fascia has grown a pair of oddly placed fog lamps. Fortunately the happy grin of the concept remains as it should. The profile view remains similar in design, but loses the tiny mirrors and over-sized wheels of the show car. The biggest difference happens at the rear, where the tough look of the show car has been set aside for a more "productionized" look with proper bumpers and a larger rear glass opening.
At an expected price tag of 19,000$, this five-passenger, five-door Insight is expected to be the most affordable hybrid car available when it goes on sale in the spring of 2009. That should kick-off the new, ugly and expensive Toyota Prius.

Honda is set to officially reveal the production 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11th. From then, Honda expects to sell 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 in North America - and will utilize a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™).