Toyota Prius C Hybrid Concept will Spawn a Production Model in 2012

Along with the new Prius V minivan, the Detroit Show also welcomed the world premiere of the Prius C Concept, which will provide the inspiration for the next Prius Family member that Toyota plans to launch in the first half of next year.

The Japanese automaker said that the production version of the Prius C will be smaller, more affordable and with even greater fuel efficiency than the regular Prius. According to Toyota's claims, the Prius C will deliver the highest mpg of any available hybrid model without a plug in North America.

Credit: carscoop.blogspot.com

2011 Detroit Motor Show: BMW Confirms MINI Paceman Concept for Production

At this year’s North American International Auto Show, MINI is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the brand’s revival and re-launch in the U.S. market. To mark the occasion, the automaker unveiled today the Paceman Concept, and also confirmed that it will spawn a production model in the very near future.

“I’m thrilled to tell you now, for the very first time, that there will be a seventh member of the MINI family – and we will base it on this concept”, said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, during MINI’s press conference at the Detroit motorshow.

Credit: carscoop.blogspot.com

Thailand International Motor Expo 2010

Honda Exhibits World Premiere of Honda BRIO Prototype, Honda’s New Small Vehicle Developed for Asian Markets at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo 2010

Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2010 - Honda debuted the world premiere of a prototype of Honda BRIO, the new small-sized vehicle developed for Asian markets and scheduled to be introduced in Thailand and India in 2011, at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo starting November 30, 2010 (press day: November 30, public days: December 1-12.)

Honda BRIO Prototype is being developed with Honda’s advanced technologies, while further advancing Honda’s “man maximum, machine minimum” concept*1. Being developed as a commuter which is easy-to-use even in urban areas, the Honda BRIO prototype adopts an easy-to-handle compact body (length 3,610mm x width 1,680mm x height 1,475 mm) while ensuring enough cabin space achieved by highly efficient packaging. With this vehicle, Honda thoroughly pursued the creation of an advanced exterior form, which is compact while asserting a strong presence.

For the mass-production model, which will be an entry-level car, for which demand is increasing in newly emerging nations, Honda will develop unique versions for Thailand and India to reflect different customer needs in those markets. Moreover, with this vehicle, Honda will leverage the resources Honda has cultivated through its motorcycle business and utilize local sourcing of parts and materials such as sheet steel.

For the Thai model that is scheduled to be introduced in March 2011, the fuel economy of more than 5liters/100km*2 will be targeted so that the vehicle will qualify as an eco-car by the Thai government, and a starting price of approximately 400,000 baht will be targeted as well. For the Indian model that is scheduled to be introduced within 2011, local customer needs for a small car will be reflected and local content will be increased to create a model that achieves a good balance between vehicle performance and price.

“Honda would like to expand the joy of mobility to more customers in Thailand, India and other Asian countries through the introduction of a new small vehicle with compact and highly efficient packaging by utilizing our own experiences cultivated by motorcycle business here in Asia,” said Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor.

*1 Honda’s “man maximum, machine minimum” concept is a basic approach to Honda car design calling for maximizing the space available for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components.
*2 Measures with ECE R101 mode

Credit: world.honda.com/news/2010/4101130BRIO-Prototype/

Senner Tuning Presents the Audi TT RS Roadster 'POWER' with 430HP

Audi TT RS roadster

Based on the Audi TT RS roadster, Senner Tuning's POWER TT certainly lives up to its name boasting a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 430 ponies. The German tuning firm's package also include interior and exterior appointments, alongside new alloy wheels and suspensions tweaks.

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Credit: carscoop.blogspot.com

Mini-me Volkswagen Gol for Little People

Being a little person in a big world is daily challenge for some of our fellow citizens. And even though technological advancements have it made it possible for little people to drive any car available today, Volkswagen's Brazilian division has taken one step further with the creation of a prototype, miniaturized version of its local market Gol hatchback.

The little people's car is called the Mini-Gol and it has been scaled down by approximately 30 percent over the standard car. It measures around 2.25 meters (88.5") in length and can accommodate drivers and passengers under 5ft tall (1.53 meters).

As you can see in the video clip after the jump, it is an exact replica of the original model with power coming from 5.5-horsepower engine that offers the car a top speed of 27km/h (17mph). According to the reports, VW Brazil has built only two examples of the Mini-Gol, with one being used at various events and shows, and the other finding a home at Parque de Ocio in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Credit: carscoop.blogspot.com

Wheego electric LiFe car to debut at LA Auto Show

The all-electric car manufacturer in Atlanta Whip LiFe Wheego be based in LA Auto Show debut months. Not with the LIFECar luxury hybrid is developed by Morgan Motors will be confused, life is like a runabout designed and it seems impossible in the UK ... So it seems very "smart".

The Wheego Whip LiFe electric car

The life of the two places is driven by a brushless motor AC 50 and provides a peak output of 60 hp, 128 Nm torque and a top speed of 65 mph (105 kmh). It is a return of 115-volt lithium battery, which offers a range of about 100 miles (161 km) and takes about five hours from 50 to 100 percent on a 240 V socket driven recharge - it can also be of 120 volt outlet to be recharged, but it will take longer.

The car comes with two airbags, ABS and the various props of the automobile, people expect as a player AM / FM / CD with MP3 and USB ports, and power steering, fitted electric windows, locks and mirrors.

It is also expanding a system of proportional regenerative braking to help its range of battery.

Life is currently in production and should arrive in about 20 dealers in the U.S. starting later this month. It has a base price of U.S. $ 32 995, although it can be for a federal tax credit of $ 7500 to qualify. sale was Wheego what is basically a slower version of the same car, called LSV or low-speed vehicles.

Credit: gizmag.com

2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet revealed on Facebook

Yep, that's true. Nissan has unveiled the 2011 Murano convertible cross on his Facebook page. Unbelievable, is not nearly as much of a horror show as we had feared. The conversion to form two door is not bad, and we are pleased to see that there is no basket-style handle Volkswagen Golf Cabrio. More ... funny. But hey, props to Nissan for the courage to do different things lately. First, the Juke, now this.

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

In the caption said Nissan Murano Convertible the "Book of the joy the outdoors while a convertible enhance the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways. "Okay. Apparently there is room for golf bags with the roof open or closed, too. It will be interesting to see more details, we will hear this week to do in person Los Angeles Auto Show. ... Stay

Credit: autoblog.com