Tokyo Motor Show: Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Volkswagen has releases the new Passat Alltrack,which will debut at the Tokyo Motor show next week. The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack will come equipped with all-wheel drive as standard in the UK and will sit between the Passat estate and the Tiguan in VW�s line-up.

VW claims the Alltrack has genuine off-road capabilities, something emphasised with both its styling and equipment. The visual changes include a new design for the front and rear bumpers inspired by the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs and flared wheel arches wrapped in black plastic cladding. Despite the changes, the Alltrack�s length and width are identical to the Passat estate�s at 4771mm and 1820mm respectively.

The new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is going to be offered with two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (one with 160 PS / 118 kW and the other rated at 210 PS / 155 kW) and two turbodiesels (TDI) capable of delivering 140 PS / 103 kW or 170 PS / 125 kW.

The range kicks off with the 138bhp six-speed manual version, while there will also be a 168bhp model with a six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Just the one, highly specified, trim level will be available, which comes with Alcantara suede, two-zone climate control, cruise control, tyre pressure sensors, an iPod dock, Bluetooth and 18-inch alloys.

Prices will be revealed soon and order books open in April, with deliveries expected by late summer.



Press Release

Passat Alltrack unites passenger car and SUV worlds

Passat Alltrack has higher ground clearance and new off-road design

Wolfsburg, 23 November 2011 - Over the past four decades, well over 15 million Passat cars have been built. Along with its favourable all-round qualities, the success of the bestseller - which is sold on all of the world's continents - can be attributed to the Passat's wide and diverse range of versions. Now, Volkswagen is extending the model series with another specialist: the Passat Alltrack.

This new version is offered in an estate car configuration, and it closes the gap between the conventional Passat Estate and SUVs such as the Tiguan. The rationale here: many car drivers who use their car as a towing vehicle, or in light off-road situations, want a versatile, sporty and very roomy passenger car that has rugged qualities. Volkswagen developed the Passat Alltrack for this clientele. In comparison with the familiar Passat Estate, the new model is defined by new bumpers in SUV style - with wheel well and side sill flares. Its greater off-road ramp angle, approach angle, departure angle and higher ground clearance all make the Passat Alltrack an excellent SUV alternative for driving on unpaved track.

Two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (TSI) with 118 kW / 160 PS and 155 kW / 210 PS and two turbodiesels (TDI) - also with direct injection - with 103 kW / 140 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS are available in the Passat Alltrack. The two most powerful Alltrack versions, the 170 PS TDI and the 210 PS TSI, have standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission (DSG). For the Passat Alltrack with a 140 PS TDI, Volkswagen will offer all-wheel drive as an option. Just how efficiently the engines of the Passat Alltrack operate together with the intelligently controlled 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is illustrated by the two TDI engines: the 140 PS version has a low combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (equivalent to 150 g/km CO2), while fuel consumption for the 170 PS version is 5.8 l/100 km (152 g/km CO2). The Alltrack will debut in a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show (03 to 11 December); market launch for the new versatile Alltrack begins in early 2012.

Nissan PIVO 3 concept?Video?

Nissan has releases the Pivo 3 concept, which will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in next month.

The exterior design proposes a new direction, leaving the round surface language for a more �serious� and aggressive treatment made of sharp edges and angled surfaces, which is more in line with the current trends.

A good size for tight cities, the Pivo 3 is just three metres long and has a wide-enough steering angle to allow you to make a U-turn on a road that's just four metres wide. It has a zero turn gap, so if the front wheels can make the turn, the rear wheels will follow without scraping the body side.

Inside, the cabin is elegantly equipped with premium leather, metallic trim and a digital instrument cluster. There's also a McLaren F1-style seating arrangement which doesn't look very comfortable.

The driver-focused interior incorporates side-view monitors (which take the place of mirrors), Nissan�s Around View Monitor system that minimises blind spots, and an ultra-wide display for GPS and other information.



Press Release

Highlights of the Nissan Exhibit at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN (November 8, 2011) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., will present a selection of new production vehicles, prototypes and three concept cars at the upcoming 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Highlights of the show include:

• Three concept EVs: PIVO 3, a smart urban EV of the near future; ESFLOW, a pure EV sports car; and TOWNPOD, a cross-genre EV for business or leisure
• Smart House of the Future: Enables electricity supply from Nissan LEAF, solar panels and fuel cells
• Next-generation light commercial van prototype: All-new NV350, delivering improved convenience and styling
• Special advanced technology exhibit displaying Nissan's latest innovations in zero emission mobility and safety.

An overview of the concept cars and technologies to be exhibited are as follows:

PIVO 3 - The smart urban commuter EV of the near future

• Automated Valet Parking (AVP) enables PIVO 3 to automatically drive, locate a parking space and park without driver assistance in the infrastructure equipped parking lots envisioned for the future. It can also charge itself and return to its driver at the AVP exit when called by smartphone.
• Compact 3-seater body under 3-meter long, narrow-tread rear tires and IWM (in-wheel motors) with wide steering angle allows PIVO 3 to make a U-turn on a road only four meters wide. The highly maneuverable PIVO 3 has zero turn gap, so if the front wheels can make the turn, the rear wheels will follow without scraping the body side.
• Refined exterior styling with bold surfaces and a new stance.
• Controls integrate seamlessly with high-grade interior.
• Central driving position provides a totally new driving experience.
• Realization of near future mobility that not only links car and driver but also connects the car to the community with sustainable energy.

ESFLOW - Dynamic driving in a zero emission future

• World debut made at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.
• Pure EV sports car concept offers an exciting new dimension in sports car handling and performance, using technology pioneered in Nissan LEAF.
• Rear-wheel drive two-seater configuration.
• Two independently controlled midship-mounted electric motors, each driving a rear wheel, with active optimization of vehicle dynamics and driving feel suits individual preferences and road characteristics.
• Laminated lithium-ion batteries mounting position engineered for ideal front-to-rear balance.
• Dramatic styling with wrap-around windscreen for enhanced visibility over low hood made possible by EV package.
• 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in under five seconds.
• Over 240 kilometer (150 mile) cruising range on one charge (US LA4 mode).

TOWNPOD - Cross-genre EV for the free-thinking enterpreneur

• Unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in September 2010.
• Fashionable and functional vehicle flexibly adapts to user needs.
• Exterior melds stylish coupe and roomy van design elements.
• Engaging front seat styling. Rear cargo space is functionally designed for professional utility, including rear seat storage area in back of front seats.
• Three split doors and a split open sunroof ease access in tight spots while greatly improving loading/unloading convenience and ability to carry taller objects.
• Touch-screen display links to driver's smartphone to provide convenient support for busy professionals.
• Zero emission mobility offers guilt-free driving enjoyment for the environmentally conscious user.

NV350 - Next-generation light commercial van delivers capacity, convenience and style

• Improved fuel economy.
• Contemporary exterior styling expresses solid presence.
• Functional interior styled to emphasize spacious feel.
• Keyless pushbutton ignition, a world's first in a commercial vehicle. Nissan Intelligent Key^TM, dash-mounted shift lever and foot-operated parking brake also exceed expectations in the LCV category.
• Cargo area up to 3 meters in length, 50:50 split fold-forward rear seats, and embedded mounting nuts in interior side panels provide flexible cargo handling and adaptability to user needs.
• Japanese market launch scheduled for summer of 2012.
• ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY - Toward Zero Emission Mobility
• Nissan's EV technology offers exciting new benefits exemplified by the Smart House of the Future and EV-based Smart Community, which will be introduced using motion displays.

NSH-2012 Smart House of the Future
Nissan will display its Smart House "NSH-2012", an implementation of the "LEAF to Home" (V2H*) electric supply system, which uses power stored in Nissan LEAF's batteries. The Smart House combines solar panels, fuel cells and Nissan LEAF's batteries to maintain a steady power supply to the home, independent of weather conditions. Even during a power outage in a disaster, solar power and Nissan LEAF batteries can continue to supply the home with electricity.
* V2H stands for "vehicle to home", that is, supplying electricity to the home from power stored in an electric vehicle's batteries.

EV-based Smart Community
A broader application of the "LEAF to Home" electric supply system, Smart Communities integrate renewable energy and a bi-directional electric grid to enable new lifestyles. Motion displays show how EVs make this possible in three contexts: homes, buildings and communities.
Next-generation mobility with PIVO 3
A multi-media presentation of PIVO 3 functions, such as Automated Valet Parking, which link to the "smart city" infrastructure of the future and use cloud computing to enable intelligent and convenient next-generation mobility.

PURE DRIVE^TM - Boosting fuel efficiency with a suite of technologies
PURE DRIVE^TM is Nissan's initiative to boost environmental performance in conventional-fuel powertrains. Cutaway models and videos will introduce PURE DRIVE^TM technologies including clean diesel, hybrid, stop/start system and XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Nissan Safety Shield - Towards zero fatalities
Nissan has set an ultimate goal of reducing the number of automobile accident fatalities or serious injuries involving its vehicles to substantially zero. Nissan's Safety Shield concept defines pre- and post-crash conditions to guide the active development of technologies to address safety all around the vehicle. Nissan will introduce nine technologies by the end of 2011 to create a virtual "Safety Shield" for our customers. Video presentations and interactive displays will illustrate these innovations.

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept will debut at next month�s Tokyo Motor Show.

Power comes from a 1.6 liter turbo Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine mated to the company�s original hybrid system and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology.

Energy will be stored using a high-tech lithium ion battery and the car will also feature regenerative braking. Subaru is targeting a 50 percent improvement in fuel economy over its current models.

A single motor system is used for its simple structure and light weight. The system has an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, which allows all-wheel drive motion using only the motor at start-up and on low-speed drives. When decelerating, the regenerating mechanism uses the motor as a power generator.

Inside, the concept gets wood and polished aluminum surfaces with leather trim and a full glass sunroof. Of particular interest is the large screen fitted into the steering wheel that displays GPS sat-nav directions and has direct access to the Internet.




Press Release


Exhibition Outline of the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Tokyo, November 7, 2011 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced its presentation at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011. It will focus on "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind" which is the core value provided to the customers through the Subaru automobile experience, the foundation being Subaru's global brand statement "Confidence in Motion".

"Confidence in Motion" is materialized in the concept car "SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT" which
achieved its main goal to become a "Revolutionary Sports Tourer". Also showcased will be the "All-New SUBARU IMPREZA" and the "SUBARU BRZ" - the latter a rear-wheel drive sports car currently under joint development with Toyota Motor Corporation carrying the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The exhibition will also feature Subaru's original and latest technologies.

A press briefing by President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on November 30, 2011 at the Subaru booth.

?SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT (Concept car)
1. Concept
Exquisitely balancing the enjoyment of driving with environmental friendliness, the car, under its product concept of "Revolutionary Sports Tourer", embodies Subaru's theme of "Confidence in Motion".

This C-segment class car was developed as a new-generation sports wagon providing both superior driving performance and utility. It features an innovative exterior design not found in conventional wagon models and expert wagon utility Subaru has cultivated over the years.

The well established sports power unit, the Horizontally-Opposed Subaru Boxer engine, is now with direct fuel injection. This highlight mixed with Subaru's downsizing concept and original Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) expertise has enabled Subaru to make considerate progress on its unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology. An even sportier drivability and advanced environmental friendliness are both attainable in this new concept car.

2. Design and Packaging
< Exterior Design >
� Subaru's brand statement "Confidence in Motion" is portrayed in the outward design as well. The dynamic yet sleek look promises an enthusiastic drive, while the cabin offers all the usability of a C-segment wagon.

� A flowing line on the side surfaces augments the stylish design calling to mind a coupe style car.
< Interior Design >
� In pursuit of Subaru's human-centered philosophy, all passengers are assured a safe and pleasant ride in a comfortable and quality interior.
� An entire roof made of glass adds to the spacious feel. Various textures such as wood and metal are incorporated into the inside layout to produce ample ambiance.
� A large monitor is built into the steering wheel allowing access to maps, television and internet services.

Information will be available at hand to support contemporary lifestyles even in the car.

3. Mechanisms
(1) Next-Generation Power Unit System
- Downsized direct fuel injection turbo engine -
� The downsized direct fuel injection turbo engine is one of the principal technologies that will guide
Subaru's engine strategy in the future. Not only is acceleration quick and smooth with the new-generation Horizontally-Opposed engine, it is environmentally friendly. The direct fuel injection system which injects necessary amounts of fuel into the cylinders at appropriate moments, and a turbo system which efficiently supplies large amounts of air into the cylinders, along with the downsizing of current turbo engine displacements (2,500cc and 2,000cc) to 1,600cc drastically improve combustion efficiency at practical driving-speed range compared to the existing turbo engine.
- High torque compatible Lineartronic (CVT) -
� Lineartronic is Subaru's continuously variable transmission device designed for the new era. It is the world's first longitudinally-mounted chain drive CVT to be utilized in mass-produced AWD passenger cars. For the concept car, the Lineartronic was refined to satisfy the high-power output turbo engine.
- Hybrid system -
� Subaru's original hybrid system has been developed to harmonize with the Symmetrical AWD technology, another one of its specialties, and to further enhance its appeal. A single motor system was employed for its simple structure and light weight.
� This system has an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode which allows AWD motion using only the motor at start-ups and low-speed drives. When decelerating, the regenerating mechanism uses the motor as a power generator.
(2) EyeSight
Subaru's advanced driving assist system EyeSight (Version 2), well received since its release in May 2010, has made further progress. The recognition range of the stereo camera has expanded considerably, both in width and depth.

Length x Width x Height: 4,580 x 1,840 x 1,430mm
Engine type: 1.6 liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel injection turbo engine
Transmission type: High torque compatible Lineartronic
Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with hybrid system
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

?SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT (5-door) / IMPREZA G4 (4-door)
(information release date: November 30)
Concept
The product concept is "Redefining Value, Redefining Class". In addition to incorporating the latest model Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine and the newly developed Lineartronic (CVT), every aspect of the basic structure was reviewed and modified. The modifications include the reduction of overall weight, advances in aerodynamics and rolling resistance, etc. Significant progress was made in its environmental friendliness, most of all fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, special attention was paid to the further refinement of fun-to-drive characteristics which is an essential role of the vehicle. Plus, the new IMPREZA offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality feel, without increasing its body size.

Body types: 5-door/4-door
Length x Width x Height (5-door): 4,415 x 1,740 x 1,465mm
Engine types: 1.6/2.0 liter third generation Horizontally-Opposed engine
Transmission type: Lineartronic (CVT)

?SUBARU BRZ
1. Concept
Based on its product concept of "Pure Handling Delight", at its core is the Horizontally-Opposed engine known for its light weight, compactness, and low center of gravity. That combined with Subaru's rear-wheel drive platform, the SUBARU BRZ seeks a new level of lowness in center of gravity, one of the lowest in the world, and offers excellent handling performance. It is a sports car that can provide a pure handling delight experience to anyone behind the wheel.
2. Mechanisms
Founded on the third generation Horizontally-Opposed engine, the SUBARU BRZ carries a new 2.0 liter Horizontally-Opposed 4-cylinder engine which was specially designed to fulfill the desired factors of a sports car.
Specifically, the bore and stroke are set in a square formation of 86 x 86mm and combined with Toyota's direct fuel injection technology (D-4S), thus allowing higher output and more environmental friendliness - the ideal for a new age sports car.

Length x Width x Height: 4,240 x 1,775 x 1,300mm
Wheelbase: 2,570mm
Engine type: 2.0 liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel injection engine
Transmission type: 6MT/E-6AT
Drive train: Rear-wheel drive
Suspension: front - strut
rear - double wishbone
? S206 (information release date: November 24)
Subaru Tecnica International Inc.*, which manages all of Subaru's motorsport activities, put in their years of engineering expertise into the original tune-up of 4-door SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI. S206 is a STI complete model that has been refined to ultimate maneuverability, stability and handling performance.

List of Exhibits
- SUBARU ADVANCED TOURER CONCEPT (world premiere; concept car)
- SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT / IMPREZA G4 (Japan premiere; information release date - November 30;
display model)
- SUBARU BRZ (world premiere; display model)
- S206 (information release date - November 24; display model)
- SUBARU LEGACY B4 2.5GT EyeSight S Package - Premium Leather Selection (display model)
- SUBARU EXIGA 2.5i spec. B EyeSight (display model)
- SUBARU FORESTER 2.0XS typeS (display model)
- SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK 2.5i EyeSight EX Edition (production model)
- New generation Boxer engine lineup (technology exhibit)

2010 Tokyo Auto Salon Overview and Mega Gallery with 140 High-Res Photos

What is without a doubt one of the top three tuning shows on the planet (along with SEMA in Las Vegas and the Essen Motor Show in Germany), Tokyo's annual Auto Salon is always home to a variety of vehicles ranging from old-skool kewl to what can only be described as high-speed haute couture, crafted by everyone from students to tuning shops to manufacturers.

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Tokyo Auto Salon 2010: Toyota Prius Custom Plus Concept

There is no doubt that the Toyota Prius is the heavy favorite at TAS 2010. Literally every single booth has one and it�s hard to take 20 steps without spotting another tuned Prius. Toyota had their own to impress with the Prius Custom Plus Concept taking a very futuristic hold to the Prius design. The front end is as aggressive as ever, with uniquely designed wheels and plenty of carbon fiber. Who would have ever thought a widebody Prius could still be aerodynamic in saving gas? Next to the Custom Plus Concept was a Tom�s-tuned Prius that was mild at best next to its counterpart � but much more in-line to what Prius consumers would enjoy.


Making its debut alongside the Prius G Sports and TOM's Prius studies was the Prius Custom Plus Concept (CCP) prepared by Toyota's in-house customizing and accessories division.
The prototype model looks thoroughly worked over thanks to the wide body kit that further accentuates the Prius hybrid's wedgy shape.


Together with the new nose job that boasts massive Lamborghini-styled air-vents, the Prius CPC gets custom-made fenders, beefy side skirts, new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and side spoilers, and a large rear wing made out of carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber is also the material of choice for the new hood, roof, the cameras on the doors that replace the exterior mirrors and the rear panel on the trunk door.


The uniquely styled 18-inch alloy wheels that are shod on 215/40 R18 Goodyear tires sum up the exterior modifications.

The Fast and Furious / Racing theme is continued inside with the addition of gauges on top of the dashboard and just above the new steering wheel that's wrapped in Alcantara.

The same material is also used to trim the new Recaro bucket seats and most parts of the cabin.
via:carscoop autoguide

Toyota Unveils MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept for Tokyo Auto Salon

It may only be a concept for now, but Toyota's GRMN MR2 Sports Hybrid study that was unveiled today at the Tokyo Auto Salon may very well form the technological base for a similar production sports car in the very near future, according to reports from Japan.


Developed in cooperation with Toyota's racing and tuning partner Gazoo, the concept is a two-seater, all-wheel drive hybrid sports car based on a modified version of the platform used in the now obsolete MR2 roadster.




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