Toyota Prius Shows Next Gen Body for First Time

The images confirm the rumors that the Prius would be growing in exterior dimensions – the car seen here is both longer and wider than today’s version – meaning more usable space for backseat passengers and trunk storage. Toyota is said to be giving the Prius a power hike as well, supplying the car with better performance in addition to its beefier body. While one might expect that a larger more powerful car would indicate an attendant drop in fuel efficiency, we’re told that the new Prius will be even more fuel efficient than the old one. That’s a viable claim considering the pressure Toyota must be under to improve the vaunted mpg numbers for its green halo car.


While we’ve seen images of a Toyota test mule for the next generation Prius hybrid already, that earlier test vehicle was little more than a powertrain mule built from the current model with a new front fascia attached. These new images reveal much more; the very first look at the all new, next generation Prius.


Scroll down for the spy shooter’s own words on the next gen Prius and be sure to browse through our gallery of exclusive images above.

The world’s most popular Hybrid car, the Toyota Prius is getting a new look, and here are the first photos of it.
Caught earlier as a mule, with the new front welded to the old body, these are the very first photos of the completely new car.


One of the ways in which Toyota will pull off this trick new packaging is by replacing the current car’s nickel-metal hydride batteries with smaller lithium-ion units. Reported solar panels on the roof also seem to be for real.

Look for the Prius to start a family in this generation as well, with possible station wagon and convertible variants reportedly on the table.


Other news about the Prius: the roof will get solar cells to power the air-condition, and it will also be built in a new plant in Mississippi, USA. So when you look under the next generation Toyota Prius, it could stand: Made in USA, underneath.


Except for the fact that the new Prius has grown, and is now longer and wider, especially the rear seat passengers have gotten more space, and the boot is bigger, rumors are talking about a whole family of Prius models. That means that we also will see a station wagon and maybe even a convertible with the Prius badge.


Insiders in Japan are talking about more power and yet still better fuel economy. There might even be a plug-in version this time which will be even more fuel efficient.

Other news that Toyota is working with, is that they will change the NiMh batteries for lighter and smaller Li-ion batteries. The Li-ion will not just make it possibly to load some more stuff in the boot because they are smaller, no, it will make the Prius faster as well.
Source:nextautos



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BMW M3 Sedan 2009 Update

The new BMW M3 Sedan is the first four-door M3 since the E36. You’ll immediately notice it doesn’t look like a regular 3-Series sedan, but rather it shares the same front end treatment with the M3 Coupe.

The M3 Sedan is based on most of the same components as the coupe, delivering 420 horsepower from 4.0 liters and maximum torque of 295 pound-feet at 3,900 rpm. While the coupe targets the Audi RS5 and Mercedes CLK63 AMG, the sedan takes aim at the Lexus IS-F, Audi RS4, and Mercedes C63 AMG.


Unlike the M3 and M6 Coupes, the M3 Sedan does not have a carbon fiber roof. The Sedan comes standard with the same 18-inch wheels as the Coupe.

Power from the BMW M3 Sedan’s V8 is transmitted to the rear wheels through a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox or the company’s seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch unit. The new final drive comes with a Variable M Differential Lock generating up to 100 percent locking action with fully variable action whenever required, ensuring optimum traction on all road surfaces.


The Sedan features driver-adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls including steering, damping and stability. An available steering-wheel-mounted “MDrive” button can be used to store these preferences.



2009 Update

For the 2009 model year, BMW revised its M3 sedan — after just one year on the market. Most notable is the change to the rear taillight design, featuring a ‘notched’ design and drastically smaller reverse lights.

Other changes include the addition of the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic, plus a revised center console, active head restraints for whiplash protection, and a selection of new exterior colors.


Pricing

Prices for the M3 Sedan start at 53,800 — $3,000 less than the coupe.

A premium package, priced at $1900, offers power folding mirrors, universal garage opener, digital compass mirror, BMW Assist, Novillo Leather interior and choice of three optional interior trims.


The technology package includes EDC, M Drive, Comfort Access, and a navigation system - all for $3250.


19″ wheels are $1200, Electronic Damping Control is $1000, and Extended Novillo Leather can be had for $2000 as a standalone option or $1000 with the premium package. Enhanced premium sound is $1900.

Buyers seeking an open-air experience can opt to pay $1050 for a glass moonroof.
Source: BMW


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History of Toyota Supra

Toyota Supra underwent a few minor changes for 1998. The exterior remained the same, except for the removal of the Anniversary emblems on the front fenders. Inside, a new 3-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous 4-spoke wheel, the cloth sport seats had a bolder design, and the radio was redesigned. The Naturally Aspirated I6 got Variable Valve Technology with Intelligence (VVT-i), which lead to an increase of 5 bhp and 10 lb-ft over the year before. The Twin Turbo I6 remained unchanged. The 5-speed manual transmission was dropped, even though the 6-speed manual was still available only on the Twin Turbo. Therefore, the base model was only available with an automatic. Faced with declining sales for Japanese super cars, this would be the last year that the Toyota Supra would be sold in the U.S.
for detail of Toyota Supra history,go to musclecarclub.com

History of Toyota Supra

Toyota Supra underwent a few minor changes for 1998. The exterior remained the same, except for the removal of the Anniversary emblems on the front fenders. Inside, a new 3-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous 4-spoke wheel, the cloth sport seats had a bolder design, and the radio was redesigned. The Naturally Aspirated I6 got Variable Valve Technology with Intelligence (VVT-i), which lead

All New Honda Jazz/Fit Revealed

The all-new Honda Jazz have been revealed a month ahead of its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, revealing a wider and lower grille with an optional glass roof.

Called the Honda Fit on the local market in Japan, the new Jazz builds on much of the technology of the predecessor like the fuel tank located in the centre of the vehicle with a flat floor.


It delivers stronger performance with improved economy and emissions from its two new engines, has more space and is even easier to use.


New ACE body structure

Even more efficient safety performance results from the introduction of the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure, a concept that is being progressively rolled out across the Honda range. Its structure, in particular a front polygonal main frame, helps to reduce the negative effect of misalignment between vehicles of different sizes and construction and multiple energy absorbing pathways disperse impact energy to prevent cabin deformation.

Standard on all models are dual front and side airbags, full length side curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, those in the front with dual-stage pretensioners. The front passenger airbag can also be deactivated to allow a rear facing child seat to be fitted to the front seat and for the first time Jazz is equipped with seatbelt reminders for both the front and rear seats. Front seats are also fitted with active headrests to minimise the potential for whiplash injuries.

Two ISOFIX fittings in the left and right rear seats together with tether anchors in the roof ensure correct child seat installation.


Larger, more refined cabin with even better functionality

The ingenious interior layout of the original Jazz, with its compact suspension and centrally-mounted fuel tank liberating more load space, together with the increased external dimensions of the new model, mean interior comfort has been taken to a new level.

Rear seat passengers now have 37 mm greater knee room, while the distance between front and rear passengers is up by 30 mm. The slightly wider body also means shoulder room increases by 44 mm in the front and 43 mm in the rear.

Visibility gets a considerable boost, too. Reduced width A-pillars, a larger windscreen and quarter windows three times the size of those in the previous model make for more relaxed driving, while retractable rear headrests ensure the view out of the rear window is now totally unobscured.


Magic Seats now one-motion dive-down

Given the popularity of the previous Jazz's innovative ‘cinema' style rear seats, it comes as little surprise that Honda chose to offer a similar arrangement in the new car; but while the latest Magic Seats operate on the same principle, they are even more convenient since they have a one-motion, dive-down operation. No longer is there a need to move the front seats forward to collapse the rear seats. Instead, thanks to headrests that are virtually flush with the seatback, the 2:1 split rear seats are able to clear the front seats even when the latter are slid back to their rearmost position.
New Double-Trunk boot feature (1.4-litre models)

The outstanding practicality of the Magic Seats concept is complemented in the new Jazz by a flexible luggage area based on similar principles to the arrangement found in the Honda CR-V. Standard on 1.4 models, which are equipped with a tyre repair kit, the Double-Trunk boot features an underfloor storage area concealed by a double hinged panel - Regular Mode. The 230 mm deep, 64 litre capacity lower compartment is ideal for stashing sports gear or wet items, and once covered, won't soil other luggage.

The floor can be removed altogether or folded up against the rear seats to make full use of the total depth available - ideal for particularly tall objects (Tall Mode). Alternatively, rather than folding the complete panel against the seat backs, its rear half can be folded up to create a load shelf at half height - so creating a double load space - Upper/lower Mode. Heavier items can be stored below, while lighter items can be placed on the upper shelf, and since it incorporates a load net, is perfect for carrying awkwardly shaped items, preventing them from moving around.

Total luggage space available is 399 litres in models with a tyre repair kit, greater than that of some compact MPVs and class-leading in the supermini sector. The previous Jazz had a total of 380 litres (VDA).


Refined cabin environment

High quality, pleasant-to-the touch materials, stylish design and tasteful colours give the cabin a more upmarket feel.

More comfortable front seats with better support, a driver's footrest, a height adjustable driver's seat, a steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake and larger rear seats are just some of the features that contribute to the more cosseting, more relaxed cabin environment. Extra sound insulation and the increased body rigidity also play their part in making the Jazz a pleasant place to be. And for a real sense of spaciousness, the Jazz 1.4 EX is equipped with a panorama roof that extends over the rear seats for a great aerial view. Heat absorbing glass and a power sun shade ensure a comfortable cabin environment all year round.
Source: Honda via: sportscarforums


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Detroit-Specter Werkes C6 Corvette GTR Revealed

The GTR shares only the roof, rear hatch and glass with the exterior of the 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06 upon which it is based and has a footprint widened by four-and-a-half inches.The overall design effect is one of taking the C6 Corvette, mixing it with a touch of Viper RT/10.

The Specter Werkes GTR combines the distinctly shape of wellknown American muscle cars with a custom bodywork.


After a few months waiting for the new generation of Specter Werkes Corvette GTR extreme, based on the C6 version of the car, Michigan and the company finally presented the car in all her details. The model is based on Corvette C6, ant it is a unique and impressive interpretation of the Corvette basic form.


The company says that the new car will have many levels of engine tune, but the first is based on LS3, up from the standard 6.2L to 6.8L.
Combined with a tune it goes to 535hp (398kW) and 530lb-ft (719Nm) of torque, thanks to a Corsa exhaust. The car is also more wide than the base model with a wider covering and broadened suspension. Also the alloy whels, measuring 19 x 11in at the front and 20 x 12in at the rear provide enough space for the huge 285/30ZR19 front and rear 335/25ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Zero Press tires.


Stop Tech 15 inch brake discs and six pistons in front with 14 inch mate and four-piston calipers in the are perfect for stopping the car at high speeds.

The car is painted in BASF silver, while the interior features standard Spinneybeck GTR sport seats and leather trim details. The Corvette GTR package have a base price of $ 34995. Of course all GTR are custom built...
Source:expertmotor



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Schumacher Wrecks Ferrari F430 Prototype on the Ring

Last week Ferrari had exclusively reserved the Nürburgring for testing of a Ferrari 430 Scuderia prototype, and our spy photographer on the scene noticed it was Michael Schumacher driving. Also, as co-driver he had his son, Mick, who seemed to be enjoying some quick laps at the famous Nordschleife.


We recently reported that seven time Formula One World Champion, Michael “Schumey” Schumacher helped complete final test stages of the new Ferrari California. With past development involvement with other notable Ferrari cars such as the Enzo and 599 GTB, Schumacher has become a permanent fixture as a Ferrari test driver on and off the track.


Our spy photographer states that an hour later the track was closed after an accident was reported by the 430 Scuderia at Schwedenkreutz. Some rumors quickly emerged that its was Michael's son Mick who was driving the vehicle, but this is highly doubtful since Mick is only 9 years old, track conditions were damp, we can clearly see his silhouette in the passenger seat and the F430 Scuderia proto hit the guardrail at 250 km/h (155 mph).


According to Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm, "Michael called me and said 'We have crashed the car but are going to continue with another one',"
Source:World Car Fans


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Mercedes Benz Brabus

Mercedes Benz Brabus , as usual, a very nice stand with almost the whole range on show.Several of the cars were equipped with this engine, Brabus´
version of the twin-turbo V12 called SV12, first introduced in the
Maybach but also powering Mercedes´ 600-models. Brabus has increased
the displacement from 5,5 litres to 6,3 litres which is achieved through
the installation of a unique steel-billet crankshaft, larger diameter
lightweight alloy pistons and precision-balanced connecting-rods.
The engine is also fitted with sport camshafts, precision-machined
cylinder heads, a high-performance sport exhaust system and reprogrammed
engine electronics. The engine is amazingly powerful, 640 bhp at 5100
rpm and a maximum torque of 1026 NM from 1750 rpm. This engine is
available for the SL-, CL- and S600 and the upgrade costs 44900 EURO
plus an installation cost of 1980 EURO. But it is also available in
the E-class in a model called EV12. The EV12 is only available as
a complete car, built in exclusive small-series production, which
means that you can´t upgrade your standard E500 with the V12-engine,
you have to buy the EV12 directly from Brabus. It is one of the most
amazing 4-door cars ever built.

Mercedes Benz Brabus

Mercedes Benz Brabus

Mercedes Benz Brabus , as usual, a very nice stand with almost the whole range on show.Several of the cars were equipped with this engine, Brabus´version of the twin-turbo V12 called SV12, first introduced in theMaybach but also powering Mercedes´ 600-models. Brabus has increasedthe displacement from 5,5 litres to 6,3 litres which is achieved throughthe installation of a unique steel-billet

Mercedes-Benz sells 500000th SLK

Mercedes-Benz sells 500000th SLK

Chrysler Dodge Jeep

Chrysler Dodge Jeep

Hyundai i20 on British soil

Its not unusual for Hyundai to test cars in the UK. This is the first sighting of the firms new car on British roads, since engineers are currently in the Austrian Alps and Germany.

The new i20 will replace the aging Getz hatchback when it arrives early next year. This mule was spied on back of a tow-truck between Coventry and Leeds, Northern England.

The Getz replacement will take styling hints off the larger i30 to make it look more distinctive than its rivals. The interior will be improved immensely over the outgoing model. The current models dull, hard, cheap-looking interior will be ditched in favour for soft-touch plastics, upgraded fabrics and silver styling elements to give the interior a posher feel.

2 petrol engines will be available, producing around 80bhp for the 1.2 litre and 109bhp for the 1.4 litre, with an optional automatic transmission. A 1.5 litre 110bhp diesel will arrive and likely to be hooked to a manual gearbox.

The newcomer will premier at October's Paris motorshow in 5-door form. Sales are expected in Spring 2009 with prices starting around £7,500, however, 6 months down the line, the 3dr will arrive.

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Hyundai i20 on British soil

Its not unusual for Hyundai to test cars in the UK. This is the first sighting of the firms new car on British roads, since engineers are currently in the Austrian Alps and Germany.The new i20 will replace the aging Getz hatchback when it arrives early next year. This mule was spied on back of a tow-truck between Coventry and Leeds, Northern England.The Getz replacement will take styling hints

CLR X650 BMW X6 by Lumma

Tuning companies are catching on to the all powerful teaser image, and German tuner, Lumma Design, have issued theirs - with the controversial BMW X6 model. Love it or hate it, the BMW X6 Coupe Crossover is an interesting car and Lumma's CLR X650 is no different – yet in a different character.

With a beefy front bumper fascia, which contains no less than 6 air vent openings, the entire kit gets a dash of aggression with side skirts and quarter panel leg vents plus revised mirrors, however, the added attitude comes from the 40mm suspension drop with the 23-inch arch filling black dished wheels.

As one of the first tuning companies to put together a dramatic styling kit for the X6, the CLR X650 takes the whole X6 hatchback coupe vibe and molds it

2009 Honda Jazz specifications revealed (EU)

Honda's smallest baby, Jazz, has been on the Europe market since 2001. In the UK, the Jazz clocked up over 161,000 sales. The newcomer is set to follow in the predecessor footsteps when its arrives in November.

Surprisingly, there will be no diesel engines under the bonnet as Honda believes the refinement, fuel economy and performance of its i-VTEC petrol engines justify shunning a diesel. So, the 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines will power the new Jazz at launch and a hybrid will come during 2009, promising no road tax.

Emissions fall from 129g to 120g/km for the 1.2 litre, which is mated to a 5 speed manual. Instead of 78PS, the 1.2 now has 90PS and returns 55.4 mpg combined. The 1.4 litre emits 124g/km from 137g and 139g and is teamed up with Honda's new 6-speed automated manual i-SHIFT transmission that replaces the previous CVT. A 5 speed manual is also optional. Power is increased from 83PS to 100PS and returns 53.3 mpg combined.

The UK Jazz line-up should consist of the entry-level S, followed by the mid-range SE, ES, and rising to the flagship EX. The 1.4 litre EX receives the heat absorbing, panoramic glass-roof with electric shade.

Set to be officially unveiled at the Paris motorshow on the 17th October, prices for the Jazz will start at £10,000, rising to around £14,000 for the 1.4-litre model.

Press Release:

Honda's all-new Jazz is once again set to redefine the B-segment parameters of practicality and interior space. The 5-door hatchback will achieve class leading interior space and combined it with significantly improved fuel economy and 120 g/km CO2 emissions (1.4-litre i-SHIFT and 1.2-litre). The exterior design is at first glance an evolution rather than a revolution, but this subtle change of appearance is only one small part of the thousands of changes that push the all-new Jazz forward. It retains the concepts of the previous Jazz with its centre fuel tank layout and Magic Seats which gave it world beating interior flexibility.

Yet while the best features are retained, including cabin space to rival mid-sized saloons, the new Jazz brings change to every area, raising the bar even further and promising to expand on its success in the supermini segment. The previous generation was given more than fifty awards and has sold over two million around the world since its 2001 launch. A slightly larger, ‘cab forward' style body brings better visibility and means Jazz is even more spacious, benefiting rear legroom and boot space in particular. The Magic Seats now dive down in one easy action and their versatility is now complemented by a new Double-Trunk boot feature in the luggage bay.

There are greater levels of safety equipment including the introduction of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, active front seat head restraints and VSA. Larger wheels, revised suspension and a longer wheelbase/wider track bring greater agility while enhancing ride comfort. And new 90 PS 1.2-litre and 100 PS 1.4-litre i-VTEC engines deliver better performance characteristics while boosting economy to exceptional levels - 5.1 and 5.3 l/100 km combined, respectively. CO2 emissions for both the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre engines have also been significantly reduced. The 1.2 litre engine now emits just 120g/km (down from 129g/km), while the 1.4 litre produces 123g/km in manual or 120g/km with the i-SHIFT transmission (down from 137g/km)

Greater economy and lower emission from two new engines:

New, more powerful petrol engines, capable of outstanding economy, are designed to appeal to customers who might be downsizing as well as those looking to achieve fuel economy comparable to diesel powered models. Their balance between economy and lively performance are unmatched in the class. Adopting Honda's VTEC technology (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), the new 1.2 and 1.4-litre four-cylinder engines are connected to either a 5-speed manual transmission or, on 1.4 models, Honda's i-SHIFT 6-speed automated manual transmission which includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Offering 90 PS compared to the 78 PS of its predecessor at a slightly higher 6,000 rpm and torque up from 110 to 114 Nm for improved performance, the 1.2-litre engine nevertheless achieves 5.1 l/100km combined, down from 5.5 l/100km, while CO2 emissions are also improved, reduced from 129 to 120 g/km. It is a similar story with the new 100 PS, 127 Nm 1.4-litre engine. Compared to the previous i-DSI unit which produced 83 PS and 119 Nm, fuel economy is now 5.3 l/100km for the manual model (down from 5.8 l/100km) and an even better 5.1 l/100km when equipped with the i-SHIFT semi-automated manual transmission (5.9 l/100km for the previous 1.4-litre CVT). CO2 output drops to 124 and 120 g/km, respectively (down from 137 and 139 g/km). The new SIL (Shift Indicator Light) fitted to manual models, similar to that found on the new Accord, provides a visual prompt of the best gear shift points to maximise economy.

Transmissions:

The 1.2 and 1.4-litre models are equipped with an evolution of the previous 5-speed manual transmission with gear ratios optimised for a more sporty driving experience while ensuring good fuel economy. Key improvements include a revised clutch pedal stroke, carbon-type synchroniser on third gear to minimise shift load, crisper shifting through reduced clutch disc inertia and improved refinement. Manual transmission-equipped models feature the new SIL (Shift Indicator Light) within the centre of the rev counter, also found on the latest Honda Accord. Providing the driver with a visual prompt of the best gear shift points to maximise economy, it has been demonstrated to provide meaningful fuel economy improvements.

i-SHIFT (6-speed automated manual transmission):

As well as a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 1.4-litre engine can be teamed up with Honda's latest i-SHIFT transmission. The first time a 6-speed automated manual transmission has been offered in this vehicle class, the gearbox offers better fuel economy than is possible with either a true automatic or a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The unit is a development of the system first fitted to the Civic, with improvements made including; reduced gear change times, smoother shifts and more intelligent automatic mode shift logic.

New cab forward styling and increased dimensions:

At 3900 mm long, 1695 mm wide and 1525 mm tall, the new Jazz occupies its own unique niche between superminis and compact MPVs, offering the style of the former and the practicality of the latter. Overall height remains the same, but the length of the new Jazz is up by 55 mm and it is also slightly wider - by 20 mm. A wheelbase increase of 50 mm, and front and rear track increases of 35 mm and 30 mm, respectively, aid handling stability. Despite those increased dimensions, the turning circle at 9.8 m kerb to kerb is no larger than that of the previous Jazz and together with improved visibility, the new car's around town abilities are even better.