Toyota iQ

Toyota iQ, 2009

The final production version of the revolutionary Toyota iQ made its debut at the 2008 Paris motor show. Last seen as a near-final design at the Geneva show earlier this year, iQ is a city car that is so innovative that - like the Toyota Prius - it stands as a major milestone for future vehicle development.

The radical thinking behind Toyota iQ turns conventional car design on its head. Toyota engineers went to extraordinary lengths to redesign, re-engineer or relocate components to achieve their goal of a car that is less than three metres long, yet has four seats inside with no compromise on space, comfort or driving fun.

Toyota iQ redefines what a car should be in today's era of congested cities and increased environmental awareness, not least by achieving carbon dioxide emissions levels that start at 99g/km. At the same time it is fun to drive with outstanding dynamics and advanced powertrain technology.

Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota iQ chief Engineer, explains: "For the development of iQ my research for a design concept befitting a stylish and small, sophisticated car began by envisioning the customer. My theory was that the group of people most suited to this car's style, small size and premium edge would be described as 'post-modern' - people who demonstrate independence in their choice of lifestyle and values."

Toyota iQ can be ordered from now, with delivery taking place in January 2009. Full-year sales volume for Europe is expected to be around 80,000 units.

DESIGN
Five years ago Toyota launched a programme to radically improve vehicle packaging, focusing on breakthrough solutions for miniaturising key vehicle features. The outcome of this project formed the basis for the development of Toyota iQ.

The objective was a new kind of city car, one that would accommodate four people within an overall length of less than three metres. The result was a landmark solution that will have a long term influence on Toyota's future vehicle development. Toyota iQ is the ultimate expression of refined, yet environmentally efficient urban mobility.

The extraordinary interior space in a car that measures just 2,985mm long, 1,500mm high and 1,680mm wide is a tribute to the determination and ingenuity of Toyota's design and engineering team.

The fact it can carry four people (three adults plus a child) in comfort and safety at motorway speeds, is just the beginning of the story. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Toyota has created an ingenious and distinctive new city car. And with its proportionally large, 2,000mm wheelbase, Toyota iQ has a compact yet muscular stance that is like no other car.

Toyota iQ's design represents the essence of Toyota's J-factor heritage, which embraces the finest elements of Japanese aesthetics, such as miniaturisation and modernism. Most importantly it brings contradictory elements into harmony, such as "small yet spacious" or "hi-tech yet human".

J-factor is the foundation of Toyota's Vibrant Clarity design philosophy, through which long-standing paradoxes are resolved, such as how to create vehicles that are energised and dynamic, but at the same time rational and ingenious.

One of the three key elements of Vibrant Clarity is Freeform Geometrics, which can be seen in Toyota iQ's techno-organic design, for example, in the "manta ray" styling of the centre console.
On the outside another element comes into play - "Perfect Imbalance of Proportions". Large wheels are placed at the extreme corners of the vehicle to give a robust stance that belies the car's compact size.

Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius 2010

The third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.
Toyota's full-hybrid system was developed in-house and has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology.
The company's exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Toyota Prius.
The new Toyota Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal.
The third-generation Toyota Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Toyota Prius, which was rated 41 EPA combined mpg, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 mpg, combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 miles per gallon for the new Toyota Prius.
A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will power the new Toyota Prius. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.
Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine's efficiency.
The 1.8-liter Toyota Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.
The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Toyota Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models.
The new Toyota Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve their best mileage.
The design of new Prius, aerodynamic performance was an important factor. The goal was to create a beautiful silhouette, while not compromising function. Designers preserved the dynamic triangle form of the current model - instantly recognizable as a Toyota Prius - but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The front pillar, extended forward, helps refine the performance-focusing, shaped form.
The overall height of the Toyota Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.

The design of the new Toyota Prius' front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.

Dimensionally, the new Toyota Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward.


Advanced Equipment For a New Era
An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist.
The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.
Reducing the vehicle's power consumption, available LED (light emitting diode) lamps are used for low beams and also in the tail and stop lamps. Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been re-engineered to increase efficiency and cool-down performance. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently.

Enhanced Vehicle Performance
The next-generation Toyota Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing.

Nissan GT-R SpecV

Nissan announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The Nissan GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.

Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original's "ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime" philosophy - taking it to an entirely new level of "oneness between man and machine." The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R's unmatched performance to even higher levels.

The Nissan GT-R SpecV's new exterior features include a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body color. Inside, the SpecV's unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats, while carbon fiber insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine's twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.

The Nissan GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminum wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tires, combine to deliver the SpecV's exceptional performance.

Mitsubishi i MiEV Concept

Mitsubishi i MiEV Concept 2007

Based on the i MiEV, the i MiEV SPORT enhances the "driving" image of Mitsubishi's electric vehicles. The car features Mitsubishi Motors' unique in-wheel motors in the front plus S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) — the company's vehicle dynamics control system — to achieve high maneuverability as well as high levels of both environmental and running performance.

The car brings a new closeness between people and cars; allowing them to become more a part of daily life.

Design
The "fastback" exterior design expresses the quickness of the car with an appearance that is pleasing and lively. An efficient, environmentally friendly electric vehicle thanks to its compact size, it also possesses exceptionally fluid styling. A simplified interior styling creates a pleasant space, allowing occupants to feel at home. Geometry, metallic materials and body epitomize the futuristic electric vehicle. Interior lighting, too, has been carefully thought out, with the use of many blue LEDs suggestive of nature, creating a sophisticated, cutting-edge atmosphere.

The light green exterior marks another association with nature. The pearlescent paint, which shines when hit with direct light, brings feelings of advanced, futuristic technology and environmental peace of mind. The interior is sporty and dynamic as a result of the substantial use of mesh materials, while the space, with various natural elements, fosters feelings of both security and comfort.

Packaging
ike the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout. Making use of the relatively long wheelbase of this platform, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor, and components including a motor and inverter are arranged beneath the luggage compartment. This layout provides optimal distribution of weight, front and rear, and a lower center of gravity for stability, sporty performance, and a spacious interior.
Body Structure
An aluminum space frame — a combination of aluminum extrusions and aluminum die casting — is light, rigid and strong; helping to improving performance by minimizing weight.

Powertrain / S-AWC
The system employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the "i MiEV" system. An E-4WD system electronically optimizes the output of all motors. In addition, a new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor. In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total maneuverability and maximum stability.

Energy Saving Technology/Environmental Technology
Energy-saving environmental considerations are seen throughout the i MiEV SPORT. Effective use of energy is achieved by installing an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down. Much of the lighting is by bright, power-saving LEDs, including in the rear combination lamps and vehicle interior, and the efficiency of the air conditioning is enhanced by the use of heat-absorbing window glass. In addition, Green Plastic - Mitsubishi Motors' unique plant-based resin technology - is used wherever possible for interior components in another nod to the environment.

Specifications
* Overall length: 3,450 [mm]
* Overall width: 1,600 [mm]
* Overall height: 1,400 [mm]
* Wheelbase: 2,550 [mm]
* Track (F/R): 1,405/1,405 [mm]
* Seating capacity: 2 + 2
* Motors: Permanent magnetic synchronous motors
* Front: In-wheel motors
* Rear: Single motor
* Max. output: Front: 20kW; Rear: 47kW
* Max. torque: Front: 250 Nm; Rear: 180 Nm
* Max. Speed: 180km/h
* Range (10-15 Mode) : 200km

Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 2009

The Mitsubishi Eclipse offers the sport coupe customer an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler. The GT also gets three significant upgrades for 2009: a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.

Three new colors are available: Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic and Solar, a vibrant new yellow. New interior cloth fabrics give all models a richer interior feel and appearance. The optional Sun & Sound package for GS model now includes aluminum pedals.

Mitsubishi Eclipse is offered as the 4-cylinder GS and the V-6 GT. The GS model's 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT's 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. In both engines, Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) helps to optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. Both automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

A rigid platform and 4-wheel independent suspension give the Mitsubishi Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant ride. All models are equipped with standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); the GT features larger, ventilated rear discs and standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse interior combines exotic-looking design with comfort and safety, including standard advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and front seat curtain side air bags. High-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. The 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks provide cargo versatility.

The available 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription. The system combines AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, PUNCH® control, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer and a 10-in. subwoofer.

Key Specifications
* Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
* Length: 180.4 in.
* Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
* Width: 72.2 in.
* Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,263 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,479 lbs.

Daihatsu ai Concept

Honda Accord Coupe Concept

The Sports for concept, which is nominally based on the Honda Accord platform, foretells a new four-wheel-drive sport sedan and also showcases a possible new direction for Honda styling, which the company calls "Keen Edge Dynamics."
The front end reminds us of the Acura RL, while the tall, sharply chiseled bodysides and the small greenhouse are similar to the new Lexus IS. At 180 inches (15 feet) in length, the show car is shorter than an Acura TL.

Honda has not specified a powertrain other than to say that it will likely be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
The Sports for uses the same super-handling all-wheel-drive system as the RL. Rear-seat passengers can monitor the system's torque split and other vehicle data via small digital readouts on the backs of the front-seat headrests.
Designed in Japan, the Sports for concept has a luxurious, four-seat cabin boasting a moonroof with four blinds that can be individually opened or closed.
Honda does say however the new Accord will be sporting a new and more powerful V6 offering lower emissions and higher fuel efficiency.
The new engine will be more powerful and contain Honda’s next generation Variable Cylinder
Management technology.
Honda does promise the Accord will set a new benchmark for refinement, safety, efficiency,
performance and style which will undoubtedly include interior appointments.
Expect Honda to keep this promise.

Honda claims the new Accord will set a benchmark for others to follow. It will be more powerful, efficient and safe.
Honda also says it will also set standards for refinement and style.
With the statement that the Accord Coupe Concept closely resembles the upcoming new eighth generation Accord, and Honda’s past fulfillment of promises.

Accord Coupe Concept Preview – 2007 Detroit Auto Show: The Accord Coupe Concept revealed at
the Detroit Auto Show represents the look and design of the new eight-generation Accord set to hit the streets
in the next few months. Since its introduction in 1976, some 9.5 million units of Honda’s flagship have been sold,
and it is frequently Honda’s best selling model year after year. With that kind of responsibility,
a redesign is a tricky thing. For 2008, Honda appears to be taking a step away from its typically conservative styling with the Accord Coupe Concept. With a lot of eye-catching competition such as the Saturn Aura,
it’s an important move for Honda to keep the Accord the most desired car in its class.

Honda’s trying to do three key things with the Accord Coupe Concept: Keep its flagship car in the spotlight,
keep current owners coming back and attract new buyers. It’s not as if the Accord is lacking,
as it continues to be at or near the top picks in whatever comparison it’s involved in,
Fixing what isn’t broken is always a daring move, but a necessary one to keep the car fresh and fitted with the latest, greatest technology.
As a top contender each year for the best-selling car, Honda needs to keep it fresh as well as
desirable to continue tradition.