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

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).

2011 Honda CR-Z Preview

As the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show approaches, the first trickle of concept cars and show highlights are starting to be revealed, the latest being from Honda. Today, the automaker debuted the much-anticipated CR-Z Concept 2009, the second concept version of the upcoming stylish and sporty hybrid coupe.

If you don’t recall, the CR-Z Concept was first revealed back at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and previewed a new hybrid sports car that Honda plans to launch next year. The latest version of the concept picks up the 2009 tag and is almost certainly closer in look and feel to the production version due next year.

While the vehicle displayed at this year's Tokyo event is still a concept, the production version that will be introduced to North America for sale in the second half of 2010 will be packaged as a sporty two-seater hybrid (the concept features a rear seat). If you're wondering, Honda has confirmed that the production CR-Z will make its world debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next January.
Designed as a spiritual successor to the original Honda CRX, the production version of the CR-Z is expected to be powered by a compact four-cylinder engine displacing less than 2.0-liters and matched to an electric motor. The combined output for the car should be close to 140-horsepower, with drive sent to the front wheels via a CVT.

Lotus Exige Scura: 35 unit limited edition with matte black paint goes 0-100km/h in 4.1s

A new limited edition Lotus Exige has just been announced – the new Lotus Exige Scura. Scura means ‘dark’ in Italian and the pillar of the whole ‘indulge your dark side’ theme used as the launch theme is a soft-feel matte black paint finish with contrasting high-gloss Phantom Black triple stripes that run the length of the car. A carbon fibre front splitter, oil cooler intakes, side airscoops and a rear spoiler complete the looks.




The ‘Scura’ theme continues on the inside, with vast use of carbon fiber to both complement the exterior theme as well as reduce weight. The seats and center console are also made from carbon fiber and finished in high-gloss clear lacquer. The handbrake and gearknob have a special anodized treatment which leaves the metal with an anthracite colour finish.





The engine makes 260 PS at 8,000rpm from its supercharged intercooled 1.8 liter Toyota VVTL-i engine and thanks to its light weight of 925kg it takes the car from 0 to 100km/h in a blazing 4.1 seconds. The engine is sourced from the Exige Cup 260 and makes use of the Cup’s lightweight flywheel and lightweight supercharger piping. The dampers are Ohlins 2-way dampers mated to Eibach variable height springs. The wheels are matte black lgihtweight forged wheels wrapped with Yokohama A048 LTS tyres. The car also has variable slip traction control.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Review

Power, Power and even more Power; incredible sound; owns the road; stands out like nothing else; it’s a Mustang!

Additionally, how many new Mustangs do you see on the road?

The original Shelby Mustang has long ago become an icon, based on the Ford Mustang, the Shelby variants went on sale from 1965 through 1970. Ford sponsored Carroll Hall Shelby’s company to build the Shelbys to compete with the Corvettes of the day. It’s been said that the original cars were sold at a loss simply for the sake of competition and branding. In 2007 Ford decided to revive the Shelby name badge for its fifth-generation Mustang.

For a car which is supposed to cost about the same as an XR8 Falcon, it makes perfect sense. It’s brilliant piece of machinery for the $50k mark, however when you realise you’re going to spend nearly three times that amount, you have to start adding the numbers up.

2009 Mini Cooper

2009 Mini Cooper

In Portugal and Greece, the Mini One was powered by a 1.4 litre I4 version of the Tritec engine but all other petrol powered Minis used the 1.6 litre I4 version. Since 2004, a soft-top convertible option has been available across the entire range. There are numerous styling and badging differences between the models, perhaps the most obvious being that the Cooper S has a distinctive scoop cut into the bonnet. The The Cooper S also has twin exhausts which exit under the centre of the rear valance. The (non-S) Cooper has more chrome parts than the Mini One and has a single exhaust. The Mini One D has no visible exhaust pipes at all.

The names Cooper and Cooper S echo the names used for the sportier version of the classic Mini which in turn come from the involvement of John Cooper and the Cooper Car Company. The Cooper heritage is further emphasised with the John Cooper Works (JCW) range of tuning options that are available with the Mini. John Cooper also created a one-off racing model of the Mini Cooper S named the Mini Cooper S Works. This car features many extras which help to improve performance, such as a racing exhaust and air filter as well as uprated suspension. The car also has one-of-a-kind 17-inch (430 mm) racing wheels.

2009 MAZDA MAZDA3 REVIEW

09 Mazda MAZDA3 Price: MSRP Price Range:

$14,690 - $20,895

2009 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2009 Mazda Mazda3 continues with secondary changes after receiving mid-year updates during 2008 that included accepted 17-inch impureness wheels and atmosphere lights for the i Touring Value; accepted noesis driver’s centre for the s Grand Touring; and quaternary newborn outdoor colors: Metropolitan Gray, Stormy Blue, Copper Red and Golden Sand. 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 i Sport receives accepted ABS, face lateral airbags and lateral nous mantle airbags.

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Overview:

The Mazda3’s accepted 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is relatively hurried and sparing with fuel; the 2.3-liter is brawny and refined. Handling is fine and sporty. Interior calibre is rattling good. The turbocharged Mazdaspeed edition is rattling quick.

2009 Mazda MAZDA3

2009 Mazda MAZDA3

The 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 is a payment auto car, elating to intend and countenance at, and armored with unheralded wealth features, every at a commonsensible price.

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Pros:

• Sporty performance
• Attractive exterior
• Fuel economy
• Interior quality

2009 Mazda MAZDA3 Cons

• No rear-seat prize holders
• Excessive agency noise
• Stiff ride

The 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 comes exclusive in the auto embody style, and this primary help includes whatever unequalled features, much as wider face fenders, assorted face and side fascias, and a mollycoddler bespoken to the hatch. Unlike whatever another works blistering rods, the 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 doesn’t shriek “I’m fast, provide me a ticket.” The countenance is cautiously aggressive. The 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 edition is clipped in leather, has face way that are more hard bolstered, and sports bits of metal detailing throughout to hands the car’s awesome performance.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Mazda 3 is practical, affordable, and substantially built, with a sporty, fun-to-drive character.

2009 Mazda MAZDA3

2009 Mazda MAZDA3

2009 Mazda MAZDA3

2009 Mazda MAZDA3

2010 Honda CR-V: U.S. Model Receives Mild Styling Tweaks and More Powerful Engine

Time's up for Honda to introduce the U.S. spec version of its gently refreshed 2010 CR-V that gains mild refinements and upgrades to the exterior and interior as well as a more powerful engine under the hood. On the outside, the CR-V features a mildly reworked fascia with a new grille and bumper design, a re-sculpted hood, and a restyled rear bumper shape plus new alloy wheel designs.

Upgrades to the interior focus on new features and added functionality with the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink now included on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System while auto on/off headlights are now standard on the EX-L grade and finally, the front seats have wider center armrests on all models.

Changes under the bonnet of the 2010 model year CR-V, however, are more important as upgrades to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that is linked to a an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission, result in an improved output of 180HP, up from 166 horsepower of the outgoing 2009MY CR-V.

Despite the power boost, Honda claims that city/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings have been improved to 21/28 mpg on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg on models equipped with 4WD, an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models.

The 2010 CR-V is on sale now at Honda's U.S. dealerships with prices ranging from $22,545 for the entry-level LX 2WD to $30,455 for the top-grade EX-L 4WD with Navi (see photo above for detailed pricing).

2010 Honda CR-V Facelift: First Official Photos, Unveiling on Sep. 17

Turns out that the scoop photo of the refreshed 2010 Honda CR-V that we showed you back in May was the real-deal as this official shot of the facelift model that was published on Honda's Japanese website confirms. According to Honda, the updated CR-V will be revealed on September 17, which also happens to be the first day of the Frankfurt Motor Show - though, we don't know if Honda will actually unveil the SUV in Germany.

It will take a trained eye to notice the extremely subtle cosmetic changes on the 2010 CR-V - at least in what concerns the front end as we don't have any other photos of the model. These include the larger upper grille that now features less chrome trim, the modified lower grille and the reshaped bumper with the new lower part and smaller fog light housings.

We're not aware of any other styling changes or mechanical upgrades, but we gather that Honda will release full details of the European and North American 2010 CR-V along with the JDM model.

Toyota ‘FORTUNER’ launched in India

Toyota ‘FORTUNER’ launched in India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) today announced the launch of the Toyota FORTUNER, in India.

The internationally acclaimed FORTUNER, which offers an unmatched combination of power and luxury supported by cutting-edge technology, was unveiled in New Delhi today by Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, TMC), Mr. Vikram Kirloskar (Vice-Chairman, TKM), Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (MD, TKM), Mr. Kaoru Hosokawa (Chief Engineer, TMC) and Mr. Sandeep Singh (DMD, Marketing, TKM).
Available with 5 speed manual transmission, the FORTUNER not only offers unshakeable sturdiness with high ground clearance, long wheelbase, full-time 4WD and excellent drivability on all terrains, but is also loaded with comfort features like Climate Control AC, Optitron meter, Multi-information display, steering control switches, Space-up type 3rd row seats and leather interiors.

The exquisite bodyline and sporty exteriors of FORTUNER are further accentuated by attractive roof rails, rear spoiler, side steps & bonnet scoop. The spacious and comfortable interiors give FORTUNER an unparalleled edge over other SUVs in its segment.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, TMC) said, “We are delighted to introduce Toyota FORTUNER in the Indian market. Globally, FORTUNER has already sold over 2,50,000 units in more than 60 countries since its launch in 2005. The launch of FORTUNER today is an expression of Toyota’s commitment to provide best in class quality and technology to our customers in India.”

Added Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM), “We’re very proud to finally bring FORTUNER to India. The sleek yet rugged FORTUNER delivers superior performance and excellent luxury for Indian customers. We would also like to thank our customers for the extremely encouraging response to the initial announcement of this launch.”

Mr. Kaoru Hosokawa (Chief Engineer, TMC) said, “Toyota’s FORTUNER is fully loaded with advanced features and has been extensively tested to suit Indian conditions. The powerful Common Rail type 3.0 L D-4D Diesel engine with Intercooler Turbocharger delivers superior power and performance.”

Mr. Sandeep Singh (DMD, Marketing, TKM) added “The SUV market in India has witnessed extensive growth due to launches in Mid/Premium SUV segment. We expect that the launch of the FORTUNER will expand the mid-SUV market in India. The FORTUNER will be very competitively priced at Rs 18.45 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi. We will also implement a focused marketing campaign (including TV, print, magazines, hoardings, direct marketing, internet marketing and SMS) targeted at enhancing the awareness of advanced technology features amongst our Indian customers.”