2011 Infiniti M / Nissan Fuga?

This may be the new Infiniti M...

The new Infiniti M, which is sold in Japan as Nissan Fuga (Premium Factory), is due in 2010. The new Fuga (JDM) will be introduced in fall 2009 and a hybrid version will be launched in autumn 2010. The new Infiniti M (EUDM) will be launched at the 2010 Geneva motor show.

Source: Vince Burlapp Car Page

Honda Insight off to a flying start in UK

Honda's all-new Insight hybrid is off to good start in Britain, but the fact that the Insight is a newer model than the Prius has to be considered. The third-gen Prius will be arriving on British shores in July 2009.

"With only a few days remaining in its first month of sales, the Honda Insight is outselling its competitors in the hybrid market.

Since the affordable hybrid car went on sale on 4 April, 229 Insights have been sold in the UK, ahead of its nearest rival the Toyota Prius (198 units). Together with Civic Hybrid (79 units), Honda (UK) has sold 308 hybrid family cars this month, despite April being known as one of the quietest months in the sales calendar.

“The Insight is proving a hit with cost-savvy consumers looking for a cleaner car that’s more affordable,” said John Kingston, Honda (UK)’s Environment and Government Affairs Manager. “More and more people want a car that makes sound financial sense, especially in the current economic climate and the Insight offers numerous running cost savings such as reduced road tax of £15 per year and great fuel economy.”

Insight customers will also benefit from high residual values of 44 per cent and exemption from the London Congestion Charge. Company car drivers and businesses can take advantage of the same benefits plus low benefit-in-kind tax, reduced national insurance payments and increased write down allowance.

Honda expects to sell around 7,000 Insights in the UK this year. The annual global sales target is approximately 200,000 units. The Insight 1.3-litre IMA SE costs £15,490 on-the-road."

Source: Honda UK media website

Honda, Toyota earning profits on hybrids

The Nikkei reports that Toyota and Honda are both making estimated profits of about ¥300,000 (about US$3,100) each on every hybrid they sell, similar to what they make on small, gasoline-engined vehicles.

If Honda sells 200,000 Insight hybrids worldwide in the first year of its release, the company would generate sales of more than 350 billion yen [US$3.6 billion]. Since it estimates a gross profit margin of more than 15% on the car—priced at under 2 million yen&mash;its gross profit on Insight sales is projected to hit around 60 billion yen [US$622 million] in the first year, or around 300,000 yen per unit.

The gross profit earned on the Insight is still low when factoring in the large R&D costs involved in its development. However, the profit margin on its hybrid operations has risen to the level where Honda can count on it to generate the fourth-largest revenue stream behind its luxury, midsize and small car operations.

The Nikkei report said that Toyota appears to have earned gross profits of around ¥100 billion yen (US$1 billion) on its sales of second-generation Prius hybrids last year. Toyota’s gross profit margin on the sales of the next-generation 2010 Prius are projected to be in the single digits in the first year.

Source: Green Car Congress

Top10 Green Cars for 2009 by KBB

The current sales slump is unfortunate for many reasons, one of which is that 2009 is shaping up to be a banner year for fuel efficiency. The year's arrivals include an all-new Toyota Prius that's even more fuel-efficient than its world-beating predecessor, a new Prius alternative in the Honda Insight and a range of new 50-state clean-diesel cars, among others.

In addition to these newcomers, this year's list highlights some familiar faces, and it was again compiled to include a variety of vehicle shapes and sizes because not everyone who wants to get greener can go smaller. Just as buyers would, KBB considered characteristics like comfort, performance, utility and technology - not just fuel economy and price - in picking the winners.

Here, presented in order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy, are Kelley Blue Book's Top 10 Green Cars for 2009:

1. 2010 Toyota Prius | 50 mpg (51 city, 48 highway)
2. 2010 Honda Insight | 41 mpg (40 city, 43 highway)
3. 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 39 mpg (41 city, 36 highway)
4. 2009 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI | 34 mpg (30 city, 41 hwy)
5. 2009 MINI Cooper | 32 mpg (28 city, 37 highway)
6. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid | 32 mpg (34 city, 31 highway)
7. 2009 Honda Fit | 31 mpg (28 city, 34 highway)
8. 2009 BMW 335d | 27 mpg (23 city/36 highway)
9. 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 26 mpg (27 city, 25 highway)
10. 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid | 21 mpg (21 city, 22 hwy)

Source: KBB Green

ライン 三菱益子社長「EV事業は13年ごろに収益体質に」

三菱自動車工業の益子修社長は26日の決算発表の席上、今年7月に発売する電気自動車（EV）『i MiEV』の採算性について年産「3万台規模がめどになる」との見方を示した。

そのうえで「2013年くらいには3万台レベルにもっていきたい」と語った。i MiEVは7月から国内の法人向けを主体に発売、今年度末までに一部海外も含み1400台の販売を計画している。

今秋からは香港、英国にも投入、2010年度には左ハンドル車も設定して欧州などでの販売を強化したい考えだ。ただ、生産立ち上がりから1年間の生産は2000台にとどまる。11年度には1万5000台レベルに引き上げ、黒字転換へ着実な販売拡大を目指していく。

ソース: Response

Honda chair presents his view on Japan's economic policy

Satoshi Aoki, chairman of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc (JAMA) and Honda Motor Co Ltd, made comments on the state of sales and production inside and outside Japan at a regular press conference April 24, 2009.

"I am expecting the subsidy system for purchasers of environmentally-friendly cars, which the Japanese government included in its additional economic policy, to make a great contribution to the realization of a low carbon society and the recovery of the sluggish automotive sales," he said.

Aoki considers that the subsidy system will lead to growth in orders because visitors have been increasing at car dealers after the government implemented reduction and exemption of automobile acquisition and weight taxes.

Asked whether he thinks the domestic automobile market had hit the bottom, Aoki said, "The domestic production continued to be seriously bleak in January to March. Though I think the production of cars for export is heading for recovery with inventory adjustments progressing, we have not yet determined that the market has hit bottom. We need to wait and see for a little longer."

JAMA estimates that the overall demand for four-wheel vehicles will be about 4.3 million units in fiscal 2009, factoring in the reduction and exemption of acquisition and weight taxes .

In addition, Japan's ruling parties have submitted a bill to offer a subsidy of ¥250,000 (approx US$2,589) to purchasers of cars that fulfill a certain mileage criteria after scrapping their cars that have been used for more than 13 years. JAMA believes demand will strengthen if this bill is passed.

The amount of the subsidiary will theoretically increase the auto sales by 690,000 units. JAMA is planning to analyze the effect and reflect it in its demand estimate as soon as the supplementary budget bill is passed, it said.

Regarding the US market's recovery, Aoki said, "Based on DSR (daily sales record), sales grew at an annual pitch of 9.5 million units in March, faster than the pitch of 9.2 million units in January to February. We have also determined the US market is recovering as financial institutes started to ease funding for sales finances."

"However, at Honda (where Aoki is the chairman), we have yet to see strong sales," he continued. "So, I am hoping that the incentives being discussed by the government will be realized and support automotive sales."

Referring to the report that Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp will possibly file for protection under the bankruptcy law, Aoki said, "If that happens, the US economy as well as component manufacturers will be hit severely. But the companies won't collapse just because they file for Chapter 11. I only hope that the US market becomes healthy soon."

Source: Tech-On!

Honda still strong on hydrogen fuel cells, but eyeing plug-in hybrids as well

As the once-favored hydrogen highway becomes a mere side road on the route to oil independence with the Obama administration's push for rechargeable hybrid powertrains as the new favored alternative to the conventional gasoline engine, hydrogen pioneer Honda Motor Co. says it, too, will begin to pursue the way of the plug.

In an interview with Bloomberg news last week, Honda Motor Co. President Takeo Fukui said his company still sees hydrogen as the best long-term replacement for gasoline in the effort to slash automotive emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases tied to global arming.

Fukui, who is stepping down in June as part of Honda's regular executive shuffle, has in the past has been outspoken in his disdain for plug-in technology, calling it an unnecessary intermediate step form gasoline to pure electric power.

Honda has developed a hydrogen fuel-cell sedan, the FCX Clarity, that it leases to select customers in a Los Angeles-area test program, and isn't planning to abandon the effort.

But, Fukui said in a Bloomberg news wire article published this morning, the automaker also will accommodate the perceived preference of the U.S. government for plug-in hybrid-electric cars and trucks.

Unlike a conventional gas-electric hybrid that charges its batteries from on-board power sources such as regenerative braking, a plug-in hybrid gets its initial charge from the commercial grid, by "plugging in" to a wall socket or a special rapid-charging station

Plug-ins use larger battery pack than a conventional hybrids. They store enough power to permit the vehicle to be driven for an extended amount of time on all-electric drive before the grid charge is depleted and the gas engine kicks in.

Although others, including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Volkswagen are developing fuel-cell vehicles, Honda has been the only major automaker championing hydrogen above other technologies and so far has stayed out of the rapidly developing race to bring plug-ins to market.

While federal support of hydrogen development has all-but evaporated in the U.S., the government is providing billions of dollars for battery development programs and for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for purchasers of plug-ins.

Nissan Motor Co., General Motors Corp, Toyota Motor Corp., Ford Motor Co., Subaru and Mitsubishi Motors, as well as independents Tesla Motors and Fisker Automotive, all are developing rechargeable cars - some using all-electric power, others using hybrid gas-electric drivetrains - for introduction in the U.S. and Japanese markets in the next few years.

Honda, which does build and sell conventional hybrids, hasn't made a formal commitment to produce a plug-in. But Fukui told Bloomberg, and said the same to other interviewers at the recent Society of Automotive Engineers conference in Detroit, that his company now is "thinking about plug-ins."

A recently announced joint venture of Honda and GS Yuasa Corp. in Japan to build lithium-ion battery packs for Honda's conventional hybrids could be extended to making batteries for plug-ins, Fukui said.

Meantime, Honda still sees fuel cell-electric vehicles, which produce electric power from an on-board thermo-chemical reaction combining hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst, as becoming an economically feasible technology by 2020.

Major drawbacks are clean, energy-efficient production of hydrogen - most of which now is "reformed" from natural gas in a process that uses a considerable amount of electrical power - and development of a fueling infrastructure to serve hydrogen powered vehicle.

Although there's no new federal funding on tap to continue funding U.S. hydrogen programs that were initiated during the Bush administration, Fukui said Honda isn't giving up on the technology.

On the contrary, he said in the Bloomberg interview, the auto industry must plan for eventual reductions in oil supplies and for growing political and social pressure to reduce greenhouse gases for carbon-based fuels.

"Oil prices are going to go up. When that time comes, fuel cells, solar panels, hydrogen, those will be the key words," Fukui said in the interview. "We will have packages that will be very competitive at that time."

Source: Green Car Advisor

Mazda builds first RX-8 Hydrogen RE for Norway (マツダ、ノルウェー仕様の水素自動車『マツダRX-8 ハイドロジェンRE』の第1号車を完成)

Mazda Motor Corporation announced that it has built the first Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle with Norwegian specifications, developed specifically for participation in HyNor, Norway’s national hydrogen project. The first unit will take part in ceremonies marking the official opening of HyNor’s hydrogen filling stations. The initial opening ceremony will be held in Oslo on May 11, 2009. The RX-8 Hydrogen RE will then undergo certification to meet local standards and will be used for maintenance staff training. Mazda plans to commence leasing of Norwegian specification RX-8 Hydrogen RE models in Norway in summer 2009.

Unlike the RX-8 Hydrogen RE currently being leased in Japan, the HyNor-specification Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE is based on the latest European-specification Mazda RX-8 with left-hand drive and a manual transmission.

The HyNor project aims to enable hydrogen vehicles to travel along a 580-kilometer stretch of highway by establishing a chain of hydrogen stations between Stavanger and Oslo in Norway. Mazda agreed to collaborate with HyNor on the project in November 2007 and began validation of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE’s driving performance on Norwegian public roads in October 2008.

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　マツダ株式会社（以下、マツダ）は、本日、ノルウェー仕様の水素自動車『マツダRX-8 ハイドロジェンRE』の第1号車を完成させました。同車両はノルウェーの国家プロジェクトHyNor向けに開発されたもので、5月11日にオスロで開かれ る水素ステーションの開所式に参加した後、現地での認証の取得やメンテナンス教育などに使用されます。マツダは今後、同仕様の車両を順次生産し、夏以降、 ノルウェーでリース販売を開始する計画です。

　今回のノルウェー仕様の『マツダRX-8 ハイドロジェンRE』は、現在日本国内でリース販売中の『マツダRX-8 ハイドロジェンRE』から、ベース車両を現行型「マツダ　RX-8」の欧州仕様車に変更し、左ハンドル、マニュアルトランスミッション車としています。

　 HyNorは、オスロ市～スタバンゲル市間を結ぶハイウエーの各拠点に水素ステーションを設置し、全長580kmを水素自動車で走行可能にすることを目指 したプロジェクトです。マツダは2007年11月に同プロジェクトへの協力に同意、2008年10月にはモニター車を用いてノルウェーでの公道走行を開始 しています。

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Source: Mazda Global Web Site

Toyota preparing "non-Lexus" version of upcoming HS250h for JDM

Toyota is preparing a "non-Lexus" version of the upcoming HS250h, which is based on the new 2010 Prius. The Toyota version will not have a hatch, just like the Lexus. But a new front end and revised interior.

So far it is only for the Japanese market.

Source: Vince Burlapp Car Page

Toyota readying sporty Prius GT? (ハイブリッド時代に突入すれば、実用的なクルマだけでなく、スポーツモデルが復活！)

According to the Japanese grapevine, Toyota is developing a sporty, or rather a sportier, version of the new 2010 Prius Hybrid that will initially be available in the Land of the Rising Sun beginning from next year. Provided that the information is true, it remains to be seen if the so-called Prius GT will feature any mechanical and electronic upgrades or if Toyota will be content with a bodykit and maybe a lowered sport suspension as seen in the computer generated image above that was created by the folks over at Japan's Best Car magazine.

The CGI depicts the Toyota Prius GT with a more aggressively designed front bumper that features larger air vents and a lip spoiler along with side skirts and a set of multispoke alloy wheels wrapped in chunkier, low profile tires.

Source: Carscoop

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Text in Japanese

　インサイトのコンポーネンツを使って発売されることが明らかにされているホンダCR-ZX、11年のデビューを目指して開発が進められているスープラ後 継モデルなど、ハイブリッドスポーツが今後登場する。さらにVQエンジンに組み合わせるFRハイブリッドを開発中の日産は、フェアレディZにもハイブリッ ドモデルの設定を検討しているというから楽しみ。そんななか、プリウスにもGTのようなスポーツモデルが存在するという情報を得た。タイヤのサイズアップ などにより燃費はノーマルに対し落ちるが、走りの楽しさ、気持ちよさを追求したモデルになるというから期待大。サスペンションも専用設計になる。そのほ か、ハイブリッドスポーツセダンのカテゴリーもこの先大きな動きがある。来年秋登場予定のフーガハイブリッドにはGTというグレードが存在するし、そのシ ステムはスカイラインセダンにも移植される。そして最強のスポーツセダン、GS-FはV8のハイブリッドで、LS600hのシステムが移植される可能性も 出てきている。ハイブリッド時代になるとクルマがつまらなくなる、と考えられがちだが、現在のラインアップ以上にスポーツモデルが増え、元気になるのはク ルマ好きにとってウレシイかぎり！

ソース: ベストカー公式ホームページ
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2010 Prius will have USB & iPod integration... In September

2010 Prius will have USB & iPod integration... In September

Toyota to build almost 500k 2010 Prius in FY09 (エコ追い風、プリウス５０万台生産へ 受注好調でトヨタ)

The Asahi reported Toyota's 2010 Prius production plan has been revised to build 495k 2010 Prius in FY09 (ends March 2010).

Toyota's original plan was 334k 2010 Prius in FY09, but the number of pre-orders became more than 40k units from Japanese customers.
(Please be aware that the official announce date is still May 18th in Japan.)

The 495k means...

• 65% up from FY08, 300k units

• 195k for Japanese market and 300k for overseas

• almost 20% of all Toyota's production number(275k) in Japan, which means 2010 Prius will be the most popular passenger cars among Toyota built cars.

• Honda Fit was sold 175k last year and was the best selling passenger cars in Japan, so the 195k Prius will be the best selling cars in Japan.

Source: PriusChat

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Text in Japanese

　トヨタ自動車は、５月中旬に発売するハイブリッド車、新型プリウスの今年度の国内生産台数を、約５０万台とする方針を固めた。トヨタは今年度、全車種合 計で２７５万台程度を国内生産する見通しだが、５台に１台近くがプリウスになる。環境意識が高まり、ハイブリッド車が自動車生産の主流車種になってきた。

　新型プリウスの受注は、すでに４万台を超え、一部の販売店では注文の８割を占める。発売時には６万台を超える勢い。２月に発売したホンダのハイブリッド車、インサイトは、発売後１カ月で１万８千台を受注したが、これを大きく上回る。

　現行プリウスの０８年の国内生産台数は約３０万台。トヨタは新型の好調な受注を受け、従来３３万４千台だった０９年度の生産計画を、４９万５千台に引き上げる。現在、部品メーカーに対応が可能か確認中。

　０８年の車種別の国内生産台数は、トヨタのカローラが５３万６千台、ホンダのフィットが約３０万台。両車種とも今年度は不況の影響で生産を減らす可能性が高く、プリウスが国内最多生産になる勢いだ。

　国内販売では、軽自動車を除く登録車で０８年に最も多く売れた車はフィット（約１７万５千台）。生産したプリウスのうち、１９万５千台は国内に回す予定 のため、夏にも１カ月の登録車販売で国内首位が見込まれる。軽の人気車種スズキ・ワゴンＲやダイハツ・ムーヴにも迫りそうだ。

　トヨタの「強気」を後押しするのは、ハイブリッド車の低価格競争と環境車に対する減税などの優遇政策だ。１８９万円のインサイトに対抗し、新型プ リウスの販売価格は２０５万円程度。自動車業界には、プリウスとインサイトの「ＰＩ戦争」が、低迷する自動車市場の起爆剤になると期待する向きもある。

　トヨタは０９年後半、新しいハイブリッド専用車「ＳＡＩ（サイ）」を投入する計画。ホンダもインサイトを月５千台売る目標を掲げており、今年は環境車の普及にとって潮目の年になっている。

　ただ、新型プリウスが他の車種の販売を奪う懸念もある。トヨタ幹部は「あくまでも単一車種に対する需要で、業績全体を底上げする効果は限定的」と、慎重な見方を変えていない。

ソース: Asahi
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Toyota announces prices for 2010 Prius

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2010 Prius midsize hybrid, scheduled to go on sale beginning in late May at Toyota dealers nationwide.

The third-generation Prius will be available in one grade with a starting MSRP of $21,000. The Prius will be offered with five levels of popular standard equipment combinations. “The 2010 Prius delivers outstanding mileage, performance and advanced technology at a great price,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division.

Carter sees the most popular model starting at an MSRP of $22,000, equipped with a high level of standard features, “This model provides more than $2,000 added value, including the features most buyers want, at the same price as the current base model” he said.

A new base model with a lower level of standard equipment is scheduled to be available later this year. It is designed to appeal to the most cost-conscious businesses and consumers.

Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than 1.2 million owners worldwide for over 10 years. When it goes on sale, the 2010 Toyota Prius will once again set new standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its level of convenience features and performance to new heights, including EPA fuel economy estimates of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined (EPA MPG estimates, actual mileage will vary).

The third-generation 2010 Prius will offer enhanced performance and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as four driving modes, steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel, a moonroof with solar panels, and Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).

The Prius is equipped with Toyota’s industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive and certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), emitting over 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle. A larger and more powerful yet more efficient 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine produces 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Together with its electric motor the hybrid system in the new Prius will generate a combined net horsepower of 134, an increase of 24 horsepower over the previous generation.

All Prius models offer Toyota’s Star Safety System™ as standard equipment, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) Systems, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Other standard features include electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes.

Starting fall 2009, select Prius models will include Toyota’s all-new telematics service, Safety Connect™, which will offer four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance. Safety Connect will be available by subscription, with an included one-year trial subscription.

Adding to the appeal of Prius is an additional array of standard convenience features on most models that include automatic air conditioning equipped with an electric air compressor; AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six-speakers and satellite radio capability; driver door Smart Key system with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry; a Multi-Informational Display with an energy monitor and fuel consumption history; six-way adjustable driver seat; power door locks; auto up/down on all windows with window jam protection; cruise control; tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio and HVAC controls; color-keyed foldable power heated side mirrors; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors; and tonneau cover.

Prius also brings many new firsts to the Toyota lineup. To help increase fuel efficiency, the 1.8-liter engine is beltless, uses an electric water pump, a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and an exhaust heat collection system.

Other Toyota firsts include a new Touch Tracer Display, which features touch sensors on the steering wheel switches that are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road; an available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels that power a new ventilation system; a remote air-conditioning system functions on battery-power alone, and allows remote operation so the driver can cool the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.

Also new to Toyota is an available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system that uses advanced millimeter wave radar. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.

Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

	Standard Equipment	MSRP
Prius I	To be released at a later date	$21,000
Prius II	1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine	$22,000
	P195/65 R15 all-season tires with alloy wheels & covers
	Smart Key (driver’s door) and Push Button start
	EV, Eco, and Power modes
	Multi-Informational Display with energy monitor and fuel consumption history
	AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six speakers and satellite radio capability and auxiliary audio jack
	Cruise control
	STAR Safety System and active front headrest
	Seven airbags including driver knee airbag
	Four-wheel disc brakes
	Tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and HVAC
	Controls with Touch Tracer Display
	Six-way adjustable driver seat
	Auto up/down on all windows
	Color-keyed foldable power heated side mirrors
Prius III	In addition to Prius II features:	$23,000
	JBL AM/FM/MP3 six-disc CD changer with eight speakers
	Integrated satellite radio capability
	Hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® wireless technology
Prius IV	In addition to Prius III features:	$25,800
	Three-door Smart Key system
	Leather-trimmed interior
	Heated front seats with driver lumbar support
	Driver and front passenger water repellant windows
	Plasmacluster™ ionizer
	Auto dimming mirror with HomeLink®
Prius V	In addition to Prius IV features:	$27,270
	17-inch alloy wheels and P215/45 R17 tires
	LED headlamps with auto leveling and washers
	Integrated foglamps

Optional Equipment	MSRP	Prius II	Prius III	Prius IV	Prius V
Navigation Package	$1,800	NA	Available	Available	Available
Voice-actived touch-screen DVD navigation system with JBL AM/FM/MP3 four-disc CD changer, eight speakers, integrated satellite radio capability, XM NavTraffic capability, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology and integrated backup camera
Solar Roof Package	$3,600	NA	Available	Available	NA
Includes Navigation Package equipment plus power tilt/slide moonroof with Solar Powered Ventilation System and Remote Air Conditioning System
Advanced Technology Package	$4,500	NA	NA	NA	Available
Includes Navigation Package equipment plus Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA)

Source: Toyota USA Newsroom

Lexus prices RX 450h hybrid

Lexus announced pricing for two of its spotlight vehicles for 2010, the RX 450h hybrid ute and the IS convertible.

The RX 450h will start at $42,535 for the front-wheel-drive version and $44,125 for all-wheel drive. The vehicle reaches dealers mid-summer.

The RX 450h is powered by an updated hybrid system (earlier post), and it pumps out 295 hp, 27 more ponies that the RX 400h. Fuel economy is estimated to be 32 in the city and 28 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive version, while AWD drops to 30 mpg city and 28 highway.

Features include new hill-start assist and adaptive front lighting systems. Eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels are standard, and 19s are an optional upgrade. The ute is also fitted with an optional navigation system with voice recognition.

Source: AutoWeek

Blue Energy begins construction of new plant (株式会社ブルーエナジー 工場の建設を開始)

Blue Energy Co., Ltd., a new joint venture company between GS Yuasa and Honda for the manufacturing, sales and R&D of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles, today held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of its Osadano Plant in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by approximately 100 dignitaries and guests, including Keiji Yamada, the governor of Kyoto prefecture and Masaji Matsuyama, the mayor of Fukuchiyama city, as well as Makoto Yoda, president and CEO of GS Yuasa Corporation, Takeo Fukui, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Masahiko Oshitani, president and CEO of Blue Energy Co., Ltd.

The new plant is scheduled to begin production sometime around fall 2010.

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Text in Japanese

　ハイブリッド車用リチウムイオン電池の製造・販売、および研究開発を行う株式会社ブルーエナジーは、本日、京都府福知山市において長田野工場の建設を開始しました。
　 着工式典には山田 啓二（やまだ けいじ）京都府知事、松山 正治（まつやま まさじ）福知山市市長、株式会社 ジーエス・ユアサ コーポレーションの依田 誠（よだ まこと）取締役社長、本田技研工業株式会社の福井 威夫（ふくい たけお）取締役社長、株式会社ブルーエナジーの取締役社長に就任した押谷 政彦（おしたに まさひこ）など、約100名が参列しました。
　新工場の稼働開始は、2010年秋ごろを予定しています。
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Source: Honda Media Website

New Honda Beat on the horizon?!

The original Honda Beat (May 1991 - February 1996) was one of the few “Kei” (lightweight) cars to offer rear wheel drive and a mid-engined layout. It made 64PS with its naturally aspirated 3 cylinder engine and quickly became a cult car among Kei car enthusiasts. Well Best Car Japan once again has the news and this time a new Honda Beat is on its way but, mechanically at least, will differ quite a lot from its predecessor.

We’re told the new Beat will use the same turbo 660cc engine and driveline from other Kei cars in Honda’s current line up, those being the Life, Zest and Zest Spark. Unfortunately for fans of the original Beat, this means the new version will have the engine in the front and driving the front wheels. Being based on the Life/Zest platform there is a possibility the new Beat could also have 4WD although at this stage all reports are saying drive will be limited to the front wheels. It’s interesting to note that Honda hasn’t set a concrete date to sell the new Beat even though development is well under way and likely to hit the market sometime in 2011. Best Car says Honda is continually examining the market situation and wanting to introduce the new model at precisely the right time. In a market segment where the only local competition is the Daihatsu Copen, Honda’s new Beat could easily steal the show given a competitive price and an appealing design.

Price and date of release are yet to be decided.

Source: Best Car magazine via 7tune

Subaru offers details on electric Stella vehicle sales (富士重、電気自動車を７月に発売 三菱自と販売競争)

Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries has released a bit more information about the Electric Stella, which will enter the Japanese battery-electric vehicle market this summer.

According to Global Insight, an economics and business consulting and analysis firm, Kyodo News is reporting that Fuji will manufacture about 170 Electric Stella vehicles during its current fiscal year (which ends in 2010) and around 200 units during the following fiscal year. Kyodo reports that pricing is still up in the air, but that the cars initially will be marketed to corporate and government fleet buyers when sales begin in July.

The plug-in Electric Stella blends EV technology employed in the Subaru R1e electric vehicle with the conventionally powered Subaru Stella minicar that is sold in Japan. Fuji jointly developed the R1e with Tokyo Electric Power, a leading Japanese utility.

Global Insight sees two immediate hurdles for the Electric Stella vehicle - the model's anticipated high initial cost and "strong competition" from Mitsubishi's iMiEV, which also is scheduled to go on sale in Japan this summer.

Source: Green Car Advisor

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Text in Japanese

富士重工業は14日、電気自動車「スバル　プラグイン　ステラ」を7月に発売すると発表した。主に法人、自治体向け。三菱自動車も電気自動車「ｉ　ＭｉＥＶ（アイ　ミーブ）」の7月投入を決めており、激しい販売競争を繰り広げそうだ。

　電気自動車は走行中に二酸化炭素（ＣＯ2）を排出しない環境対応車で、「グリーン税制」の拡充により今月から取得税と重量税が免税になったのも追い風となる。

　「プラグイン　ステラ」はリチウムイオン電池を搭載し、充電1回当たりの走行距離は80キロと、「アイ　ミーブ」の約半分。主に法人向けのため、都市圏で営業車両として使うには十分な性能と判断した。

　発進から7.5秒で時速60キロに達する加速性能を持ち、最高時速は100キロ。本工場（群馬県太田市）で2009年度は約170台、10年度は約200台を生産する。東京電力や武田薬品工業、日本郵政グループの郵便事業会社などが導入する見通し。

　富士重は発売に先駆け、「プラグイン　ステラ」の試作車を環境省を通じて自治体などに計15台貸与し、今月から6月まで実証実験に使われる。〔共同〕

ソース: NIKKEI NET 日経Ecolomy

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Japanese customers reportedly lining up to order next-gen Prius

Newspaper reports suggest that Toyota Motor Corp. could have about 40,000 pre-orders in hand come mid-May when its third-generation Toyota Prius hybrid goes on sale in Japan.

Reuters cites two newspaper stories as stating that Japanese dealers already have booked more than 20,000 pre-orders. One of the newspapers also quotes an unnamed Toyota official as predicting that pre-sale orders will reach 40,000.

Toyota officials in Japan declined to confirm the reports. In the U.S., a Toyota spokesman told Green Car Advisor that dealers take pre-orders, but that the automaker doesn't track that data.

Prius and Insight pre-orders, whether in Japan or the U.S. are taking on added significance given the head-on sales collision coming as Honda Motor Co. continues to roll out its new Insight hybrid and dealers ready showrooms for the third-generation Toyota Prius.

The Insight hybrid overtook Prius in Japanese domestic sales when it went on sale in February. The model drew 18,000 orders during the month to beat out Prius.

Global Insight, an economic forecasting company, believes that the first month of Prius sales will "easily surpass" the Honda Insight's initial monthly sales figure. Global Insight reports that Toyota "will undoubtedly be helped by its brand name and support for this type of powertrain from the Japanese government in the form of tax reductions."

Toyota expects to sell 400,000 third-generation Prius vehicles globally in 2010, when the new model will be marketed worldwide. U.S., sales are scheduled to being in late May or early June.

Toyota says it will try to compete directly with rival Honda's new model by introducing a downscale base model of its 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid priced at the U.S. equivalent of $20,750 - about the same as a mid-level 2010 Honda Insight. In its home market only, Toyota also will continue selling the second-generation ('09) Prius, heavily stripped down, as an inexpensive, fuel-efficient car for commercial and government fleets.

Source: Green Car Advisor

Nissan's EV to have a 100-mile range but no advanced-tech price premium

Nissan has unveiled a few more details this week about the electric vehicle it will launch in only 18 months.

Mark Perry, director of Product Planning and Strategy for Nissan Americas, said the EV will be a "real car" offering real-world practicality. It will be a five-door hatchback with a 100-mile range on a single charge and will be "aggressively priced."

That means, he said, no EV technology premium, unlike current hybrids that sometimes sell for 20 percent more than comparably priced cars.

Furthermore, the Nissan EV will be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, he said, and there may be other state and local incentives to reduce the cost even more.

Perry discussed the upcoming EV with Green Car Advisor at a Southern California event introducing Nissan's electric drive system - although in a retrofitted Nissan Cube "mule" rather than in the car the company plans to put on sale.

The test car features the future EV's advanced lithium-ion battery pack and Perry said it provides enough power that that some journalists "lit up the tires" driving the test car on this nationwide tour being held to introduce the battery-electric powertrain.

On our tantalizingly short test-drive, the Cube test car was amazingly quiet and moved seamlessly - no whirring and of course, no shifting. The only apparent compromise is that the backseat of the Cube was raised to allow the installation of the battery pack beneath the floorboards.

Perry said the car could be recharged at three levels. Household current (110 volts) would require 14 hours for a full recharge while 220-volt power - available in most homes and businesses - would recharge it in four hours. At special 480 volt-recharging stations the car could be brought up to 80 percent of its capacity in about 20 minutes, which, he said, was the average amount of time Americans take when stopping at a fast food restaurant.

He pointed out that there are already 4,500 public and private recharging stations in California left from unsuccessful efforts in the 1990s to introduce a practical electric infrastructure.

Nissan's product planers determined the EV's 100-mile range to be both "rational and emotional" Perry said. An 88-mile range wouldn't impress people, but a triple-digit capability would be exciting. Besides that, he said, most Americans drive less than 40 miles a day and 98 percent drive less than 100 miles per day.

The car's range was measured on the "LA4 cycle" which mixes highway and city driving. Driver variations (lead or feather-footed drivers) would have a 10 to 15 percent impact on the 100-mile figure. The acceleration of the coming EV compares to that of a current compact car, Perry said.

While we were limited to the Cube, Perry said he has seen the actual EV that Nissan has designed and will introduce for sale in the fourth quarter next year in 12 to 15 U.S. markets.

"It is a dedicated all-new car, not the conversion of something we already offer," he said. He described the look of the car as "iconic" adding, "You need something that is different enough to let people know you are driving a special car."

It would cost about 90 cents to "fill the tank" on the EV - making the cost of its fuel less than a penny a mile.

Asked if America is ready for electric cars, Perry said that while not everyone is prepared to switch, "a significant number of people are eager to have a zero-emission car with a 100-mile range."

Source: Green Car Advisor

Toshiba boosts discharge density of SCiB Li-ion battery

The Nikkei reports that Toshiba has improved the discharge density of its SCiB Li-ion battery to 3,900 W/kg. Last year, Toshiba described the development of a 3.0 Ah high-power version of the SCiB with 3,600 W/kg output specifically for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications.

...because it can be charged as fast as in a minute and a half, instead of more than 10 minutes, it is suited for plug-in hybrids, according to Toshiba. The battery also has a long life, capable of withstanding more than 10,000 recharges. The firm has started shipping it to major Japanese, US and European automakers on a trial basis.

In addition, Toshiba has developed a lithium ion battery with a high energy density for electric vehicles, given that discharging power over a long duration trumps high output in such applications. The company hopes to begin sample shipments of the battery this fall.

In February, Volkswagen AG and the Toshiba signed a letter of intent to cooperate for the development of electric drive units and the accompanying power electronics for Volkswagen’s planned New Small Family. Volkswagen and Toshiba said then they were planning the development of battery systems with a high specific energy density for the next generation of electric vehicles.

Cannondale Sports Group, a global provider of branded bicycles and a division of Dorel Industries, Inc., selected the SCiB to provide the power battery module for a new electric bicycle for the North American and European markets. Toshiba’s SCiB 24V/4.2Ah module will debut in the Tailwind, a new electric bicycle Cannondale Sports Group is bringing to market under the Schwinn Bicycles brand.

Toshiba currently produces 150,000 SCiBs a month at its plant in Nagano Prefecture, and plans to start constructing a factory in Niigata Prefecture by this fall to coincide with its full-scale entry into the field of automotive batteries. Toshiba is planning for an initial 2 million units a month upon start-up, and hopes to boost monthly output to 10 million by around 2015.

Source: Green Car Congress

Mazda to offer hybrids and EVs by 2015, bring new engine tech to Tokyo Auto Show

Mazda declared it wouldn't offer alternative powertrains (earlier post) in order to meet its goal of reducing the fuel economy of its vehicles by 30% by 2015. Now, Mazda CEO Takashi Yamanouchi has announced the automaker will begin offering both hybrids and electric vehicles in the future, but would only say that the vehicles would be in the Mazda line-up come 2015.

However, Mazda's goal of creating more fuel efficient vehicles won't stop at hybrids and EVs. According to Yamanouchi, "Our new gasoline engines will achieve the same fuel economy as current diesel engines, and our diesel engines will achieve similar fuel economy as existing hybrids." This new engine tech will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.

Yamanouchi said that Mazda "will be able to offer affordable eco-friendly vehicles to 90 percent of the car-buying public, not to just a limited segment of the market." This line of eco models will feature reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, start-stop engine technology and lower rolling resistances. Mazda hasn't decided to begin offering a diesel engine in the States, but it could be in the cards, and Yamanouchi made it clear that the new engines and their corresponding technology wouldn't be shared with Ford, although Mazda is open to selling the technology to the Blue Oval.

Source: Automotive News via Autoblog

Honda FCX Clarity named 2009 World Green Car ( 新型燃料電池車「FCXクラリティ」が 「2009 World Green Car」を受賞)

Recognizing Honda's commitment to environmental leadership in the area of alternative fuels and hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology, the Honda FCX Clarity was declared the 2009 World Green Car, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

At a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show and Mobil 1 at the Jacob Javits Center in, New York, the Honda FCX Clarity was named the 2009 World Green Car. The FCX Clarity was chosen from an initial entry list of 22 contenders nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries worldwide.

"The FCX Clarity is a symbol of the progress we have made with fuel cell vehicles and our commitment to developing vehicles that promote renewable energy supplies and zero-emissions transportation," said Steve Center, vice president, national Marketing Operations for American Honda.

The FCX Clarity, a sleekly styled hydrogen fuel cell-powered sedan currently available on a limited lease-basis, is propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated by an on-board fuel cell stack. The vehicle's only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is up to three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle.

The World Green Car awards were inaugurated in 2003, and officially launched in January 2004, to reflect the reality of the global marketplace, as well as to recognize and reward automotive excellence on an international scale.

The awards are administered by a non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America. There is no affiliation with, nor are the awards in any way influenced by any publication, auto show, automaker, or other commercial enterprise.

Source: American Honda Press & Media Center


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Text in Japanese

　Hondaの新型燃料電池車「FCXクラリティ」が、ニューヨーク国際自動車ショーにおいて、「2009 World Green Car」を受賞した。

　 「World Green Car award」は、世界25ヵ国59名の審査員によって、排ガス性能、燃費、先進のパワープラント技術、自動車の環境負荷に対する配慮などが考慮され、選出 される。今回は、全世界からエントリーした22車種の中から「FCXクラリティ」が受賞した。

　「FCXクラリティ」は、燃料電池車専用として設計され、Honda独自開発の燃料電池スタック「V Flow FCスタック」を核に、燃料電池車だからこそできるデザイン、パッケージ、そして異次元のドライブフィールを実現。走行中にCO2を全く排出しない究極のクリーン性能だけでなく、クルマとしての新しい価値と魅力を提供する。販売計画台数は、日米合わせて3年間で200台程度を予定している。

ソース: ホンダのWebサイト
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Blue Energy to start mass production of Li-Ion batteries for new Civic hybrid in spring 2011

The Nikkei reports that Blue Energy Co, the newly-formed joint venture between Honda and GS Yuasa (earlier post) will begin mass-producing high-performance lithium ion batteries for hybrid vehicles in the spring of 2011.

"This 51-49 joint venture of Yuasa and Honda is expected to start building a lithium ion battery plant this month at Yuasa’s Osadano plant, in Kyoto Prefecture, at an estimated initial cost of 10 billion yen [US$100 million] or so. Blue Energy plans to gradually increase the number of production lines, so the eventual investment in the plant will likely come to around 20 billion yen. The production is expected to begin at a level sufficient for 100,000 vehicles a year."

"Honda plans to start using lithium ion batteries with the hybrid version of its Civic passenger car, whose next-generation version is slated to launch around 2011."

Source: Green Car Congress

Mitsubishi confirms i-MiEV will come to U.S.

At a press conference in a few minutes here at the New York Auto Show, Mitsubishi representatives will officially announce that the i-MiEV electric vehicle - already a hit in test drives and displays the world over - will be coming to the U.S. This move has been hinted at for a long while, but now we know for certain that the electric jellybean, based on the "i" minicar, is coming. Official details are scarce, but company representatives told us ahead of schedule that the car would be available here sometime "before 2012." The problem isn't the technology (a left-hand drive model should go on sale in Europe in 2011 after the right-hand model hits Japan and the UK, probably in 2010), but rather guaranteeing a supply of lithium for the car's batteries. If GS Yuasa can't produce the batteries, then Mitsubishi can't make the cars. Mitsubishi recently upped production plans in order to make 20,000 units a year. But don't get too attached to the i-MiEV name (which stands for "Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle"); when this car comes to the U.S., it'll get a fresh moniker.

Source: Autoblog

Scion reveals iQ concept at the 2009 New York International Auto Show

At the New York Auto Show today, Scion unveiled a special concept version of the iQ micro-subcompact car designed to meet the transportation needs of young urban trendsetters.

Scion’s iQ concept is a new urban vehicle with a revolutionary package that is just over 10 feet in length and accommodates three plus luggage. As more and more urban centers are revitalized with a new sense of purpose, energy, and creativity, young people are moving in from the suburbs to embrace new urbanism and are looking for a car that suits their needs and delivers high emotional value.

Scion’s iQ concept is the intelligent answer to this need for highly emotional and efficient urban transportation. The convenience of having work, entertainment and culture nearby for young city-dwellers is a significant draw to urban centers. The vehicle must be able to navigate narrow, congested streets, park in tight places, have impressive fuel economy, and have compelling design and function.

“Scion’s iQ concept turns traditional auto design upside down,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just the opposite with its innovative features and iconic urban design, and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand. Our young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward thinkers, and we think they will appreciate what iQ has to offer.”

The production iQ is currently sold in Japan and Europe. Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif. took the iQ to the next level with aggressive exterior and interior modifications that show the vehicle’s potential for personalization.

With its 78.7-inch wheelbase, the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. At the same time, its overall length of 126.9-inches, overall width of 71.4-inches, and short front and rear overhangs allow the iQ to fit in virtually any city parking space. The front-mounted differential and repositioned steering rack decrease front end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang.

Pushing the wheels of the small, bold concept towards the four corners of the body gives the iQ a confident stance. The custom 18-inch wheels with a nickel finish and wide tires fill the wheel well, adding to its surefootedness. The iQ’s custom front air dam, aero headlamps and high-intensity LED driving lamps signal urban road readiness.

“We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation,” said Hollis. “If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, you know it’ll be easy to personalize.”

The iQ’s profile is defined by a strong and high beltline. Smooth lines glide from the large, dark finish headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wrap around the rear emphasizing the concept’s geometric beauty. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design.

The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the thick rear diffuser, creating a substantial presence. A center-mounted trapezoid exhaust adds to the vehicle’s distinctiveness, while large, matte-finished rear taillights help keep the vehicle visible.

The iQ’s interior fuses function, style and entertainment. Attention to detail and modern accents can be seen in the illuminated door handle; the swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash; an illuminated iQ logo on the passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum toned interior panels. Iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas, combined with the custom exterior paint, provides a balance of freshness and sophistication. Black matte scuba-like polyurethane covers the seat bolsters and is also used on the headliner with a bright green topstitch for a contemporary finish.

The iQ features a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. With the push of a button, the touch-screen articulates to reveal the entertainment hub. The touch screen can also play movies while the vehicle is parked. When not in use, the screen lays flat on the dash with a translucent cover that emits a colorful display of light patterns to make the interior even more unique.

A few quick strokes to the black panel below the entertainment hub, or steering wheel controls, command the audio system to shuffle through a music library. The center cluster also features three control knobs for dual front heating and air conditioning settings. The driver and front passenger each have a knob that displays their desired temperature and controls their temperature and fan settings. The center knob dictates zone control for both occupants.

The instrument panel has a speedometer, warning lamps, and a multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle through the odometer, average speed, temperature and eco lamp. The eco lamp illuminates during efficient driving to help the driver achieve maximum fuel economy.

Comfortable front passenger legroom was achieved with a newly-engineered, compact air conditioning unit located behind the center of the front console. The iQ employs a glove bag, with the same textured, honeycomb fabric as the front and rear seats, that can be easily snapped on and off for storage or additional legroom.

Rear seating can accommodate one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver. Extra slim front seat backs provide rear passengers with legroom. The rear seats are 50/50 and fold flat for increased utility. In addition, the rear seat cushion lifts up to reveal a small flat storage space that can be used for pocket-sized portable music players, small books, digital cameras, or slim laptops.

The iQ does not skimp on safety and is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA); and nine SRS airbags, which includes the world's first rear window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver and front passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag; and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.


SCION iQ CONCEPT VEHICLE

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN
Engine:
1.3-liter, four-cylinder, VVT-i

Horsepower:
93 hp

Torque:
89 lb.-ft.

Drivetrain:
Front wheel drive

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length:
126.9

Overall Width:
71.4 without side mirrors
79.3 including side mirrors

Overall Height:
56.9 without antenna
62.5 including antenna

Wheelbase:
78.7

Seating Capacity:
3+1

MODIFICATIONS

Exhaust:
Five Axis custom stainless exhaust

Wheels:
Five:AD S6:F custom wheels with nickel finish prototyped by MetalFX
18x8.5 ET03

Tires:
Yokohama S.drive
2.5/40R18

Suspension:
TEIN Super Street coilover suspension

Body:
Five Axis widebody conversion
Burnt nickel accents
Custom accented headlights and taillights

Source: Toyota USA Newsroom