New Car Collection Blog's

The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show has another sports car reveal up its sleeve. We have just learned that the Supasse V sports car -- designed and built by a Japanese backyard builder Suzusho Ltd. -- will debut at Tokyo next week.

Tipping the scales at just 1874 lbs. thanks to its liberal use of aluminum and fiberglass components, the coupe sits on a unique race-car style "aluminum twin-tube monocoque spaceframe" with a copper tube frame addition at the rear end. The race-car-like styling is no accident, either. Veteran Japanese F1 car designer Kenji Mimura is responsible for the V's great-looking lines, which feature a butterfly door layout.

The Supasse V is powered by a midship-mounted, specially tuned version of the 2.3-liter turbo from the MazdaSpeed3 (up to roughly 270 horsepower), mated to the Speed3's six-speed gearbox.

Slated to go on sale in Japan in mid-2010, Nagoya-based car parts and used car dealer Suzusho says it will build 100 units over four years with a price tag somewhere in the $50,000-$80,000 range.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Here are the pictures that show Audi is on a real charge when it comes to electric sports cars.

This is the preview of the new R4 – a production version of the stunning electric e-tron concept car, revealed at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The R4 is also likely to spawn petrol-engined versions, giving the R8 a much anticipated smaller brother coupé that sits above the TT in the range.

Wowing crowds with its zero emissions electric powertrain, the e-tron was a big hit at Frankfurt. But only now has Audi of America’s president Johan de Nysschen confirmed the Tesla Roadster rival will reach showrooms.

The project is likely to be helped by Audi’s joint venture with fellow VW Group firm, Porsche, which will see the R4 share a new chassis with the next-generation Boxster and Cayman.

This new sports car range will feature an electric version at the very top of the line-up, with petrol versions underneath.

As you can see from our illustrations, it will look striking. It mixes the compact, squat proportions of the e-tron concept car with amazing design cues such as those LED C-shaped headlights, along with a trademark Audi grille and scalloped sides. Seen here in targa-topped roadster trim, it will also be available as a coupé and a drop-top.

The new flagship will be powered by a development of the e-tron’s electric powertrain. There’s a lithium-ion battery pack with four electric motors, two on each axle, giving it a fresh take on Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive theme.

These give an output of around 300bhp, as well as an incredible 4,500Nm of torque, delivering instant acceleration with 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is likely to jump from the concept’s 124mph to a more supercar-like 140mph – all with no tailpipe emissions.

As in the concept, the 470kg lithium-ion battery is placed in the middle of the car, where the engine would be. Once fully charged, it promises to deliver a range of about 155 miles.

Drive is biased towards the rear – just like the R8 – and the chassis is a new aluminium spaceframe set-up with plastic body panels to keep weight down to around 1,500kg.

De Nysschen said he expects to see prototypes on the road within two years, so showroom-ready versions could arrive in 2012. That gives Audi time to refine the electric powertrain and decide whether it wants to lease batteries to customers – as Renault is planning – or include them in the price of the car.

Further down the range, the R4 will feature several engines from the current TT line-up, including a 335bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo. It’s likely to arrive within the next two years. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Toyota revealed its brand new Celica inspired FT-86 Concept earlier this month, and here is proof the newcomer is closer than you might think. Making its world debut in Tokyo later this month, these pictures show the underpinnings of what will be Toyota’s future two plus two seater in the early stages of testing.

Depsite wearing this clever chassis disguise to mask its true identity, our spies managed to get close enough to the Toyota to uncover what lies beneath. Expected to use the Subaru Impreza’s 2.0-litre flat-four cylinder boxer engine mated to a chassis from the Legacy. The FT-86 will also be modified to be driven by the rear wheels and not all four.

All this means the newcomer will deliver an impressive 200bhp and have a 0-60mph time below seven seconds to go with its supreme handling.

Although details will not be confirmed until the car premieres in Tokyo, our sources believe the Toyota/Subaru venture will cost around £22,000 when it goes on sale here towards the end of next year. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

No, that's not a stripper Polo you're looking at. It's actually a new Volkswagen Up! mule disguised as a Polo and it's been caught roaming the streets of Germany as the tiny city car inches closer to production.

Though this is the first we're seeing of it on the road, Volkswagen is still set on a 2011 launch date for the first of its "New Small Family" group of cars. Set to go up against the Smart ForTwo, a three-door model is expected to debut first, followed by a longer five-door version down the road. At launch, engine choices are expected to include small gasoline and diesel engines, likely a 1.2L four-cylinder with 60 hp and 80 lb-ft for the gas-burner with the option of a more powerful turbocharged version and a 1.2L four-cylinder diesel with 75 hp and 135 lb-ft.

Also rumored to be in the cards is a production version of the E-Up! concept Volkswagen presented last month in Frankfurt. The battery-powered concept is likely the first fruit born from Volkswagen's partnership with Toshiba, and VW has hinted strongly that it could see production as soon as 2013 as the company races to be among the first to offer a mass-production electric vehicle.

Volkswagen hasn't announced pricing yet, but the Up! is expected to fall in the $8,000 to $12,000 range when it debuts in less than two years' time. VW hopes to sell half a million Up!s annually and expects the car to be popular in Europe and in developing nations. It is also considering bringing it to the U.S.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Some 14 years after its U.S. introduction, the Volkswagen New Beetle is getting an update. The redesigned 2012 Beetle will offer more backseat room and improved packaging, Automotive News reports, citing VW America CEO Stefan Jacoby.

Jacoby said the major complaints about the current model were its age and the cramped rear seat. But while the redesigned model will offer improved rear seating, Jacoby implied that the next model might not be bigger.

Jacoby also called the next Beetle "more of a halo car" and said the brand aims for more sales. The Beetle's U.S. sales peaked in 1999 -- one year after its introduction -- at 83,434 units. Last year, VW sold 24,477 units, according to Automotive News.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

These are the first spy shots of the new Mercedes B-class. The front-wheel drive hatchback was originally launched in 2005 and the new model is set to be launched in 2011.

New variants are expected to join the standard hatchback in the range, including a BMW 1-series-rivaling sports hatch and a four-door saloon with sportier coupe styling.

New diesel and petrol engines are expected to join the range, while the new model could also be used as a showcase for alternative fuel technology.

Mercedes has already launched limited b-class-based production versions of its all-electric E-cell and hydrogen-powered F-cell. Expect to see a hybrid version of the B-class make series production.

The BlueZero concept seen at the Detroit motor show in January strongly hints at the styling on the new B-class. The spy shots show a more squared off roofline, which leads to its new, larger C-pillars.

The car also appears to be longer than the current model, which should improve interior room for passengers.

Thanks to: Autocar

It might not be a rampant sales success, but Mercedes-Benz is updating the R-Class for 2011 nonetheless. The most obvious changes are visual, though we hear powertrain updates are in the works to meet new fuel efficiency standards. While the R-Class is already available with the automaker's 3.0-liter BlueTec diesel, the vehicle could also be a candidate for Benz's hybrid system in the coming S400 Hybrid.

Our spy photographers recently caught a mostly uncovered look at the facelift results in Europe. The 2011 R-Class dons a sharper, more angular front end, with a larger and more prominent grille. A new set of headlights look more ML-Class than the oblong ovals of the current R-Class. Also new are the hood, front bumper with LED running lights, and side mirrors. Out back, the changes are less radical, with a revised bumper, exhaust pipes, and new LED lights.

We expect the refreshed 2011 R-Class will debut at the Detroit auto show in January.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

General Motors has just confirmed that it has entered a "definitive agreement" with China's Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. to sell Hummer. While the details of the agreement are still officially under wraps, one source cited by Bloomberg said the deal carries a price tag of $150 million.

For a large automaker like GM, $150 million is anything but a Hummer-sized amount for the brand, but given the obstacles already faced in the negotiations process, the automaker probably wants out at any cost.

GM will continue to make H2s and H3s for Hummer until June 2011, at which point Tengzhong is on its own unless it takes the optional one-year production extension through June 2012. Continuing production of these vehicles, GM says, will save 3000 jobs. What happens after June 2011, though, is unclear.

Just last summer, GM CEO Fritz Henderson said selling Hummer should translate to about "$500 million or more."

In August, Hummer CEO Jim Taylor discussed the brand's long-term plans, depending on future funding. An updated full-size H2 could reach dealers in two years at the very soonest while a diesel H3 is in the cards but, at this point, not for the U.S. market. Then there's the possibility of a smaller H4 model or additional H3 variant. Right now, it's unclear whether such a model will ever see the light of a dealer showroom.

Tengzhong doesn't have much experience in the automotive industry, so we're really looking forward to seeing how it manages a high-profile brand like Hummer.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

One of Honda's most versatile and much loved vans has received a full refresh for the Japanese market and is on sale in the country starting today. If you don't recognize it, it's called the Honda Step WGN and with this latest iteration, Honda promises improved convenience, space, and fuel economy over the previous three generations.

It's tall, boxy, and boasts an extra large window for an enhanced spacious feel. A 2.0L i-VTEC four cylinder mated to the brand's CVT help the van achieve a claimed fuel rating of 33.4 mpg. To further enhance its fuel efficiency, designers implemented Honda's ECON mode and Eco Assist features. The former regulates the engine and transmission to conserve fuel, while the latter encourages eco-friendly driving. Customers can choose between all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive variants.

Inside, eight passengers are coddled available leather seats and can be entertained by video multimedia systems. A bevy of storage and cup holders are included in the mix for convenience. Extra cargo room can be made available thanks to the collapsible third row of seats that hide under the floorboards. To lend it a more living room-like feel, optional wood flooring can be specified.

The Step WGN also has high-tech features including active lighting, a UV cut windshield, extra-large rear view mirrors with blind spot support, and the world's biggest panoramic roof, so says Honda. There's also a special needs variant in the works, as well as an aero-kitted, sportier version called the Spada.

Prices in Japan begin at around $23,000 for a base model, while the fully equipped Spada Zi can be had in the $40,000 range.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Mitsubishi has given the Japanese market Evo X a mild mid-life tweak. The changes include chunkier side skirts and the use of lighter plastics for the front bumper, which weighs 1.5kg less than the item it replaces.

A new colour LCD screen sits between the speedo and the rev-counter. The interior trim has been improved and extra insulation has been fitted to increase refinement.

Mitsubishi has also announced that it is dropping the five speed manual from the flagship GSR Premium Edition, replacing it with the six-speed twin-clutch SST transmission.

Mitsubishi didn't confirm whether the changes would be applied to UK models.

Thanks to: Autocar

This is the Nissan Roox, a microcar the Japanese firm will officially unveil at the Tokyo motor show later this month.

The Roox is the most spacious four-seater in its class despites its small dimensions of 3395mm long, 1475mm wide and 1735mm high.

The rear seats can be folded flat to improve boot space, while sliding rear doors also boost access to the rear.

Other features include a chrome grille, a drinks cooler in the glove box and a remote control to open the sliding rear doors.

Nissan will confirm full details, including its powertrain, when it is officially unveiled at the Tokyo show.

Thanks to: Autocar

The Panamera platform is creating product opportunities for Porsche and parent company Volkswagen. Automotive News is reporting that one such variant of the performance sedan could be a two-door convertible.

Development head Wolfgang Duerheimer hinted to Automobilwoche the potential of the platform. "We have a broad range of 14 derivatives of the 911 that are very successful," he said. "So it stands to reason we should diversify the lineup for the Panamera as well."

Citing company insiders, Automotive News says the two-door convertible would command a $16,000 premium over the sedan.

But VW could be looking further. An unnamed source on the VW supervisory board said, "The new Porsche offers the potential for synergies." The potential to make its way to other brands? The VW Group includes Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Audi of America’s president Johan de Nysschen has confirmed its all-electric e-tron concept will make production.

The two-seater concept was first seen at the Frankfurt motor show last month, but no firm production plans were revealed by the German firm.

de Nysschen has been quoted by US media as saying: “I expect we will see running examples in the next 24 months.”

The Audi e-tron sits between the R8 and TT in size. Total available power is 313bhp and torque is 3319lb ft — around 10 times that produced by the V8-engined R8. Performance is brisk; 0-62mph takes 4.8sec, 37-75mph takes 4.1sec and the top speed is 124mph.

Thanks to: Autocar

IT'S over for MG Rover – again. Production lines at the MG Rover plant at Longbridge in the West Midlands have been stopped once more, this time because the famous British brand's Chinese owners can't guarantee stability.

Production last stopped back in 2005 when MG Rover went bankrupt. It was restarted last year with production of a new version of the MG TF, called the LE 500 and there were hopes that MG Motor UK Ltd. (owner Nanjing Automobile's new name for MG) would build more new models at the plant, ensuring jobs in the West Midlands.

However, continuing economic problems have forced Nanjing to re-evaluate the situation and it's now being reported that the company is looking at making several redundancies in addition to keeping Longbridge closed until March 2010.For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

The Fuga, like the M here in the States, has made its reputation as a vehicle with a solid blend of performance, luxury and handling since it appeared in Nissan's (and Infiniti's) lineup back in 2004. The new Fuga features a host of styling changes that will show up shortly on the refreshed M, including a more pronounced hood, shorter overhangs and flared fenders.

Powered by a choice of either Nissan's 3.7-liter or a 2.5 liter V-6 for the Japanese market, the Fuga employs newly developed 'Double Piston Shock Absorbers' (frequency responsive) that incorporate a double piston construction to improve handling and ride quality. When the car detects a corner approaching using sat-nav map information, a unique pedal system assists deceleration by reducing pressure on the accelerator pedal and activating the brakes in a system called a 'Navigation-Cooperative Intelligent Pedal.' In combination with a new ECO-pedal, fuel efficiency improves by between 5-10%, according to Nissan. As part of the VDC, the world-first 'Active Stability Assist' works in tandem with pedal control by helping to synchronize braking, steering and engine response. Inside, a climate control system called 'Forest Air-Con' manages air temperature and fan strength, as well as humidity and odor detection and suppression to create the cleanest interior environment ever. It almost sounds too good to be true. Nissan tell us that by using a special aroma-dispensing feature, a forest-like freshness fills the cabin. Why didn't they think of that before?

Thanks to: Motor Trend