• Report: Toyota FT-86 delayed until 2013, hybrid under consideration -

    Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

    Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image galllery

    If a report from Japan's Best Car is to be believed, Toyota will delay the release of the FT-86 from 2011 to 2013.

    The reasons behind the delay are varied, and include a different design direction, the economic slowdown and possibly a revised powertrain strategy that could include some kind of hybrid motivation.

    As reported previously, the original FT-86 concept was just that - a design study - and Toyota is apparently second-guessing the styling of the coupe before it reaches production. Additionally, ToMoCo is reportedly gauging the success of the Honda CR-Z, which could influence the final drivetrain specs of the FT-86. If that means a hybrid powerplant is in the cards, we're not totally heartbroken, but if Toyota decides to remake the coupe as a front-driver, consider our dreams officially dashed. Regardless, the next iteration of the FT-86 is slated to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of 2011.


    Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio


    [Source: Best Car via 7Tune]

    Report: Toyota FT-86 delayed until 2013, hybrid under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Report: Tokyo Motor Show downsizes again, moving back into city -

    Filed under: Tokyo Motor Show, Earnings/Financials



    According to The New York Times, the 42nd installment of the Tokyo Motor Show will continue to shrink next year. Organizers have decided to move the shindig to a new, smaller convention center that is closer to downtown Tokyo. The show hasn't actually been staged in downtown Tokyo in some 24 years. For 2011, the event will also run for just 10 days instead of the traditional 14, and the date has been moved from October to December. The changes have come after last year's event where multiple big-name automakers skipped Tokyo in favor of other higher profile auto shows.

    Not too long ago, the Tokyo Motor Show was the largest automotive event in Asia, but it has since been eclipsed by the likes of China's Beijing Motor Show and Shanghai Motor Show events which alternate years. With high-end marks like Ferrari and BMW rushing to the wealth of new money in the People's Republic, odds are the Tokyo show won't recover anytime soon.

    [Source: The New York Times | Image: Tokyo Motor Show]

    Report: Tokyo Motor Show downsizes again, moving back into city originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Lexus shows off new hybrid concept... bicycle? -

    Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus

    Lexus hybrid bicycle concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

    When we think of the term "hybrid," at least in its vehicular sense, we tend to conjure up images of cars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. These machines are so named due to their dual powertrains, most generally consisting of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor and battery.

    Really, though, a hybrid could be any vehicle that gets its motive force through multiple sources... no matter what those sources may be. Hence, Lexus' newest hybrid concept proudly carries its moniker despite the complete lack of an engine. It does, however, have a 240-Watt electric motor powered by a 25.9-volt lithium battery pack, along with... pedals?

    That's right. Though it managed to escape our attention up to this point, Lexus actually displayed a duo of hybrid electric bicycles at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, and the Japanese automaker is now touting the bike as part of its sponsorship of the Great British Bike Ride.

    According to Lexus, the frame is constructed of carbon fiber (the same composite that makes up Valentino Rossi's MotoGP bike, gushes Lexus) and uses an eight-speed internal gear system sourced from Shimano, in reference to the LS 600h's eight-speed automatic. There are no plans to put the bike into production. Want to know more? Check out the high-res image gallery below and see the press release after the jump.


    Gallery: Lexus hybrid bicycle concept


    [Source: Lexus]

    Continue reading Lexus shows off new hybrid concept... bicycle?

    Lexus shows off new hybrid concept... bicycle? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Geneva Preview: Honda 3R-C Concept is a funny little thing -

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

    Honda 3R-C Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Honda's bringing a concept car to the Geneva Motor Show that you would more expect to see in the design student gallery section - or Tron Legacy - than on a major automaker's platform. The 3R-C concept is a three-wheeled, battery-powered single-seater. We're going to assume the seating position in the rendering is a slight error of scale or that there's something more complex going on, otherwise, we don't know how the driver would see above the controls. At first we were confused about the driving position, but a belatedly complete set of press photos explains that the headrest-looking thing is actually a backrest...

    It will be joined by the EV-N concept that is debuting in Europe for the first time, but that cute little number was initially shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. Follow the jump to read about both electric offerings, and check them out in the galleries of high-res photos below.


    Gallery: Honda 3R-C Concept


    Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda EV-N concept


    [Source: Honda]

    Continue reading Geneva Preview: Honda 3R-C Concept is a funny little thing

    Geneva Preview: Honda 3R-C Concept is a funny little thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R in the works -

    Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, UK, Rumormill

    2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

    The rumormongers at AutoExpress are at it again, donning their speculative fedoras and suggesting that a 200-horsepower Honda CR-Z Type-R is on the way. But if you were hoping for a K20 swap to ditch the hybrid setup, you're in for a disappointment.

    In stock form, the production CR-Z unveiled in Detroit makes due with a 102 hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder mated to an electric motor good for an additional 20 ponies. If AE is to be believed, Honda and its internal tuning partner, Mugen, plans to up the output of the stock four-pot to approximately 150 hp. Since the CR-Z was designed from the onset to be a hybrid, apparently Honda just can't swap in the 2.0-liter engine from the Euro-Civic and call it a day. Instead, a beefed-up electric motor will be fitted - reportedly good for another 50 hp - and bringing total output up to 200 hp.

    Naturally, the transformation won't just be under the hood. A reworked suspension, upgraded brakes and a smattering of body mods will be included in the package, along with an additional driving mode (bringing the total to four), "Sport Plus" which will reportedly modify throttle response, steering, the start-stop system and the electric motor assist.

    If the Type-R comes to fruition, expect it to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, with the production version arriving sometime in 2012.


    Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z


    [Source: AutoExpress]

    Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Honda bringing Odyssey minivan concept to Chicago Auto Show -

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

    2009 Honda SkyDeck Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

    With apologies to Get Shorty and the 1995 Oldsmobile Sillhouette, the Honda Odyssey may well be the Cadillac of minivans. Honda's big, luxurious people hauler has been the hottest-selling minivan in the U.S. over the past two years, besting Chrysler and Toyota for the minivan sales title. With the success of the Odyssey over the past couple of years, it's almost hard to believe that Honda is already looking forward to a redesign, but the present model has been on the market since 2005 with only nominal tweaking, and there's a bold new Sienna to contend with from its crosstown rivals, too.

    To that end, Honda has announced that they will unveil a new concept version of the Honda Odyssey at next month's Chicago Auto Show, showing what the engineering-focused company's fourth-generation minivan will look like. Honda promises that the next Odyssey "will further enhance its hallmark qualities of innovation, quality, safety and fun-to-drive character, while increasing its overall efficiency."

    We may have already seen the first indication of what the next Odyssey will look like in the SkyDeck concept (above) from the Tokyo Motor Show last October. The six-seat MPV was all pimped out with a pie-in-the-sky interior, Lamborghini-style front doors and what is fast becoming standard-issue for concept vehicles, a hybrid drivetrain. Strip down the concept-ness and we're thinking the SkyDeck would make a very attractive Odyssey. However, we expect the Chicago showcar to significantly more toned-down than the JDM concept, and it will likely be a 'concept' in name only. Hit the jump to read Honda's very brief press release.


    Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda Skydeck concept


    [Source: Honda]

    Continue reading Honda bringing Odyssey minivan concept to Chicago Auto Show

    Honda bringing Odyssey minivan concept to Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • UPDATE: U.S. bound Mitsubishi Colt will be an all-new global small car -

    Filed under: Budget, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Mitsubishi



    Yesterday, we reported that Mitsubishi is bringing its small, B-segment Colt to our shores. And that's true, mostly. What we've learned between now and then is that Mitsu isn't bringing over the current Colt, but rather the replacement for the current Colt, i.e. the next Colt. In fact, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President Osamu Masuko said as much during last month's Tokyo Motor Show. Here's what he told Automotive News:
    "Mitsubishi will follow that with a global small car in 2012. That car will be smaller than the Colt, which is sold in Japan and Europe, and will have a 1.0- to 1.3-liter gasoline engine. A plug-in hybrid version and all-electric version of the global small car are scheduled for 2013. Mitsubishi is studying which of those would best suit the United States.
    The scoop, then, is that this new global small car will be called Colt. As opposed to say, Havasu.

    [Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

    UPDATE: U.S. bound Mitsubishi Colt will be an all-new global small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Rumormill: Subaru version of Toyota FT-86 to be bigger, get substantially more power, AWD -

    Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota

    Toyota FT-86 Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

    While most sports car fans everywhere are waiting with bated breath for the new Toyota FT-86 to arrive from the Land of the Rising Sun, some of us are a little bit more excited about the car's Subaru cousin. Why is that, especially considering that the FT-86 appears to be kinda just what the doctor ordered (rear-wheel drive, 200 horsepower, light, cheap)? Well, for one thing, Subarus are all-wheel drive. And while rear-wheel driven sports cars definitely have their charms (earlier rumors even suggested that Fuji Heavy (i.e. Subaru) was even caving and going rear-drive with its version of the Toyobaru), there's really little in life as fun as blasting down a gravel road at a seemingly unsafe clip while kicking up mountainous clouds of dust. Plus, you know, rain and all that.

    Then there's the engine. Our pals at Inside Line are reporting that the Subaru iteration of the FT-86 will have more power - 250 hp according to them. Using Jeremy Clarkson-style logic, 250 hp is better than 200 hp. Because it's more. IL claims that the Toyobaru will use a version of the just-developed-for-the-FT-86 flat-four 2.0-liter engine - supposedly naturally aspirated like in the FT-86.

    But here's the thing - the smallest engine Subaru offers American consumers these days is a 2.5-liter boxer. And that motor, turbo-tuned for WRX duty, makes 265 hp (though we've driven it and we'd wager it kicks out a bit more than that). Why would Subaru put a smaller, weaker engine into a $30,000 coupe ($30,000 according to the IL article) than the motor they stick in the $25,000 WRX? Exactly -we don't think they would.

    Inside Line also says the Subaru version will be larger than the Toyota car because of a "stretched platform." We're not sure if that means longer or wider - or both - but we'd err on the side of longer, as in more backseat room. What we're looking at then, is a big-ish, AWD coupe with a lot of power. Can you say 2011 SVX? We knew you could.


    Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept


    [Source: Inside Line]

    Rumormill: Subaru version of Toyota FT-86 to be bigger, get substantially more power, AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition -

    Filed under: Podcasts, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Buick, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon


    Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


    It's Episode #150 of the Autoblog Podcast, and we raided the crypt to give you your buck-and-a-half's worth. Former podcast staples John Neff and Chris Paukert have been unearthed and join Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth for this milestone occasion.

    A review of the Tokyo Motor Show starts things off, and then we drill down to talk more specifically about both ends of Toyota's sports spectrum: the Lexus LFA and the Toyota FT-86 concepts. Other Tokyo standouts like the Honda CR-Z and Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept weave into the conversation before we turn to the next-generation Honda Civic, rumored to be lighter and smaller. From there, things devolve entirely before this week's big crew wraps it up.

    We'll hit your questions again next time around, keep them rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. We appreciate you filling our survey with data, and remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening! You can also leave us a message at our new Google Voice number 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Who knows... we might even play it on the podcast!


    Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

    Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Toyota Celica or Scion tC? Toyota reportedly deliberating over production FT-86 nameplate -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Tokyo Motor Show, Scion, Toyota


    Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Although the Toyota FT-86, freshly unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, is billed strictly as a concept car, we're fully expecting the rear-wheel-drive coupe to foreshadow a new production car from Toyota. The question on everyone's lips, then, is what Toyota will call the final version when it hits the market.

    Some reports are indicating that Toyota will revive the Celica nameplate, a name which still carries a certain following among Japanese sportscar fans even though it hasn't been used in four years. Other reports are suggest that when the production FT-86 reaches American shores, it will act as a replacement for the current Scion tC. Both the models, in their last iterations, were front-drive models, but that may not be a factor in determining the vehicle's name.

    So which is true? Only time will tell, but both reports could ultimately prove accurate. Even if Toyota does decide to badge the FT-86 a Scion, the youth-oriented brand is only active in the North American market, meaning that the Japanese automaker will still need another name for use in its domestic market and others overseas. Which name would appeal to you more? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


    Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio


    [Sources: Autocar and The Detroit Bureau]

    Toyota Celica or Scion tC? Toyota reportedly deliberating over production FT-86 nameplate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Tokyo 2009: Should Honda bring the Freed MPV to America? -

    Filed under: Minivan/Van, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda

    2009 Honda Freed - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Here in Tokyo, we were hanging around with some American Honda Motor Co. officials when they got their first up-close look at the Freed. The Freed is a compact minivan/MPV based on Honda's Fit architecture. For reference, the six-seat, three-row Freed is about 15 inches shorter than a Mazda5 and about 4 inches longer than a U.S.-spec Fit.

    Freed's third row seats fold up against the sides of its body, leaving a completely flat load floor. At least two U.S. Honda PR people checking out the model loved the idea of offering it Stateside, although they'd be inclined to see two changes. Because of the micro-van's short length, they would drop the third row and move the second row back for more legroom. Additionally, the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (the same one used in the U.S. Fit) would also likely be replaced by something a bit larger for the our market - possibly a 1.8-liter or even a 2.0-liter.

    The Freed is a certainly an attractive package and could make a good competitor in the burgeoning small MPV segment against the likes of the Mazda5 and the forthcoming Chevrolet Orlando and Ford C-Max. What do you think? Have your say in the poll we're running after the jump. Honda's looking for feedback and would like to hear from you.


    Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda Freed


    Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

    [Source: Honda]

    Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Should Honda bring the Freed MPV to America?

    Tokyo 2009: Should Honda bring the Freed MPV to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping -

    Filed under: Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda, Diesel

    Mazda Sky D and Sky G engines -- Click above for high-res image gallery

    The Mazda Sky D diesel and Sky G gasoline engines are meant to bring "everlasting blue sky" to oversee "sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Both utilize low-friction engine blocks, direct injection and piezo-electric injectors. The Sky G is fitted with a "highly functional variable valve timing mechanism," and the Sky D gets a 2-stage turbocharger besides.

    Together with technologies such as the Sky Drive 6-speed transmission, i-stop, regenerative braking and lighter vehicles, these lumps will form the core of Mazda's goal of a 30% increase in fuel economy in the coming years. You can read more about them after the jump, and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below.


    Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mazda Sky D engine


    Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mazda Sky G engine


    Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

    Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping

    Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-EV II concept features funky looks, zero emissions -

    Filed under: Concept Cars, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

    Toyota FT-EV II concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Toyota has revealed its latest plug-in electric concept car here at the Tokyo Motor Show. The FT-EV II is a followup to the iQ-based FT-EV that we saw in Detroit earlier this year but appears to be a ground-up design that takes advantage of the electric drive architecture. The iQ is promoted as a 3+1 layout because the presence of the steering column and instrument cluster force the driver's seat to be further back - limiting the already small rear seat behind it.

    The new concept uses a complete drive-by-wire system with joystick-like controls that feature a steam-punk design motif. The result is wide open space in the front, which conspire with the very thin-shell seats to offer decent room inside. The car also has sliding doors on both sides. It's not known if this concept represents a design direction for an urban BEV that Toyota will likely build to meet ZEV mandates in the next five years, but it would seem to make sense for Toyota to do a custom design such as this.


    Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-EV II concept


    Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

    Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-EV II concept features funky looks, zero emissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Tokyo 2009: Where's the history? -

    Filed under: Classics, Tokyo Motor Show

    Historic cars of Tokyo -- Click above for high-res image gallery

    We were frankly astounded that the prospect of a gutted Tokyo Motor Show didn't get any maker, save one, to trot out some of their historical home runs. Even if they didn't want to go in for a nostalgia-fest, a few brands could have at least peppered the show with some of Japan's seminal machinery. After all, if you're not going to give us anything really new and exciting, you could at least let us have some fun with the past.

    But no. The only historic machine at an automaker's booth was a vintage Suzuki Alto near the new Alto Concept. Otherwise, nada. The other vintage machinery - a 1917 Mitsubishi A, a Toyota GT HYBD (a Sports 800 gas-turbine hybrid), and a Honda Accord CVCC - were in the "motor lounge" seating area. A big, fat raspberry is all we have to say to that. So for your viewing pleasure, feast your eyes on the historic cars of the Tokyo Motor Show in the high-res gallery below. All four of them.


    Gallery: Tokyo 2009: The Historics


    Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

    Tokyo 2009: Where's the history? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Tokyo 2009: Toyota Prius claims Japan Car of the Year title -

    Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota


    Thirty years of the Japan Car of the Year - Click above for high-res image gallery

    For the past 30 years, Japan has declared a car of the year, an award given to newly released or redesigned vehicles released from November 1st of the previous year to October 1st of the current year. More than 60 jurors composed of Japanese journalists receive an allocation of votes, and the car with the most votes comes away with the crown.

    This year the Toyota Prius narrowly edged out the Honda Insight, continuing the recent trend of environmentally-friendly winners. Other notable winners included the new Volkswagen Golf, which was named the Import Car of the Year, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which was declared to have the Most Advanced Technology. The Nissan Fairlady Z won the category of Most Fun, and finally the Subaru Legacy took top honors for Best Value.

    To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the award, the Tokyo Motor Show also organized a display of past winners, starting with the Mazda Familia 3-door Hatch Back in 1980-1981 and finishing with last year's winner, the Toyota IQ. We've included the winners from every year (some cars on display won alternate categories, like the Toyota Supra from 1993-1994) in the high-res gallery below.


    Gallery: Thirty Years of the Japan Car of the Year


    Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

    Tokyo 2009: Toyota Prius claims Japan Car of the Year title originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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