Does this mean the CR-X is back?
Maybe. This CR-Z is still just a concept, but if public reaction is positive, and it should be, then we could see this car in production for the start of the next decade. Standing for ’Compact Renaissance Zero’ the CR-Z will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show on 24 October. It’s a hybrid, so that means one of Honda’s VTEC engines alongside the IMA technology. Apparently it’s also designed to be a performance car that has a minimal impact on the environment. Good marketing speak but the CR-Z does seem to hold some promise.
It looks a bit Mazda-esque…
There are indeed hints of the RX-8 around the nose, but the rest of the car pays homage to Honda’s CR-X. The short wheelbase and overhangs combine to make the car manoeuvrable, while the glass roof and bootlid mean lots of visibility. There are the usual concept car touches including LED lights, 19-inch wheels and translucent plastics with neon-blue backlighting. It builds on the Remix concept shown at LA last year, and the Small Hybrid Sports Concept that has been shown in two iterations at both Geneva and Frankfurt this year. Honda needs a car like this: fingers crossed.
Thứ Sáu, 2 tháng 3, 2012
Renault Grand Modus (2007): first official pictures
Renault Grand Modus: the lowdown
Let's not beat around the bush. The Renault Modus has not sold as well as its paymasters hoped. Hence this stretched version, designed to offer more space to broaden the appeal of this high-roof supermini cum mini-MPV. That's the backdrop to the Grand Modus, the stretched mini to partner the Grand versions of the Scenic and Espace. And Renault has repeated the formula here, with a 93mm longer wheelbase liberating more space for limbs and luggage.
It's another small cars games that's getting bigger!
You're right. Small cars are growing bigger and bigger. Where will it all end? Some will say that the Grand Modus, at 4034mm long, is hardly a small car any more. But you can't deny that it has a huge boot (at 410 litres, the biggest in class according to Renault) and there's useful extra space for passengers too. The three-body rear benchseat slides and tips forward, depending on your lugging needs. And if the Grand Modus is too big, you can stick with the normal Modus, also freshly spruced up and the same size as before at a more manageable 3873mm long.
Let's not beat around the bush. The Renault Modus has not sold as well as its paymasters hoped. Hence this stretched version, designed to offer more space to broaden the appeal of this high-roof supermini cum mini-MPV. That's the backdrop to the Grand Modus, the stretched mini to partner the Grand versions of the Scenic and Espace. And Renault has repeated the formula here, with a 93mm longer wheelbase liberating more space for limbs and luggage.
It's another small cars games that's getting bigger!
You're right. Small cars are growing bigger and bigger. Where will it all end? Some will say that the Grand Modus, at 4034mm long, is hardly a small car any more. But you can't deny that it has a huge boot (at 410 litres, the biggest in class according to Renault) and there's useful extra space for passengers too. The three-body rear benchseat slides and tips forward, depending on your lugging needs. And if the Grand Modus is too big, you can stick with the normal Modus, also freshly spruced up and the same size as before at a more manageable 3873mm long.
Lexus LF-Xh concept (2007): first official pictures
Lexus LF-Xh Concept: the lowdown
Lexus will show off its latest wares on home territory at this month's 40th Tokyo Motor Show - and the big news is a preview of the next-generation RX soft-roader. The LF-Xh is longer and wider than today's car, but a full 40mm lower - suggesting the Japanese are taking cars like the forthcoming half 4x4, half coupe BMW X6 very seriously. Naturally, the next RX will build upon today's RX400h hybrid. Its masters at Toyota know full well that the tide is turning against 4x4s, and petrol-electric powerpacks are one way to sidestep the prejudice. So the LF-Xh comes with the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive, a V6 backed up by electric motors.
What's it like inside?
Lexus hasn't said much about the interior yet, but we can immediately see that it's more sci-fi than the exterior, which looks very production ready. The centre console flows seamlessly from the dash into the transmission tunnel in a one-piece design with very few buttons peppering the design. Instead, most functions are incorporated into a couple of touch-screens. Notice, too, how Lexus has succumbed to the current trend for flat-bottomed wheels. They're everywhere from the VW Golf GTI to the Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG. When will we finally see the LF-A supercar given the green light by Lexus? It has confirmed the concept car will again be at Tokyo, but remains coy about its production readiness. CAR predicts that Toyota and Lexus will have a surprise or two up their sleeve, though - it's likely that one of their sports car concepts will be announced in the coming months.
Lexus will show off its latest wares on home territory at this month's 40th Tokyo Motor Show - and the big news is a preview of the next-generation RX soft-roader. The LF-Xh is longer and wider than today's car, but a full 40mm lower - suggesting the Japanese are taking cars like the forthcoming half 4x4, half coupe BMW X6 very seriously. Naturally, the next RX will build upon today's RX400h hybrid. Its masters at Toyota know full well that the tide is turning against 4x4s, and petrol-electric powerpacks are one way to sidestep the prejudice. So the LF-Xh comes with the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive, a V6 backed up by electric motors.
What's it like inside?
Lexus hasn't said much about the interior yet, but we can immediately see that it's more sci-fi than the exterior, which looks very production ready. The centre console flows seamlessly from the dash into the transmission tunnel in a one-piece design with very few buttons peppering the design. Instead, most functions are incorporated into a couple of touch-screens. Notice, too, how Lexus has succumbed to the current trend for flat-bottomed wheels. They're everywhere from the VW Golf GTI to the Audi RS4 and Mercedes C63 AMG. When will we finally see the LF-A supercar given the green light by Lexus? It has confirmed the concept car will again be at Tokyo, but remains coy about its production readiness. CAR predicts that Toyota and Lexus will have a surprise or two up their sleeve, though - it's likely that one of their sports car concepts will be announced in the coming months.
Toyota's Tokyo treats
Toyota Hi-CT Concept
It's that time again: the bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show kicks off on 24 October 2007, and we're being treated to a flood of teaser information from the Japanese manufacturers. The Japanese show always attracts some crazy cars, and it's built a reputation as one of the few shows where you see some properly out-there concept cars. Toyota won't disappoint this year... Just to whet your appetite, Toyota's theme this year is: Harmonious Drive – a New Tomorrow for People and the Planet. Hmm. Take the Hi-CT concept (above). It's an edgy urban vehicle, apparently, and is supermini sized at 3330mm long. Too mad for the road? Probably, but don't forget that boxy small cars like the Honda Element and Nissan Cube started life as motor show stoppers. The Hi-CT also packs in Toyota's latest plug-in hybrid know-how. The battery is slung under the floor, leaving the occupants sitting higher up for a better view out. And you get normal power points in the cabin, so your daughters can dry her hair on the way to the shops. Oh, and there's also a removable boot - the whole rear deck unhooks and can be used to store surfboards, bikes and other gear.
Toyota RiN Concept
The RiN is all about healthy living. That's why there's so much greenery and natural leaves in the publicity shot above, right? So there's a big emphasis on comfy seats that correct your posture, and the steering wheel reflects images to match your mood to soothe stressed drivers. Naturally, there's a humidifier and oxygen-level monitor to make sure you're breathing healthy air. Sound far flung? For sure. But don't forget that cabin filters and the pollen-cancelling devices would have sounded far-flung a few years back. Best bit about the RiN? Its styling is based on the tall-growing Yakusugi tree. Very natural. And the interior colour scheme is green and beige - to relax occupants. It even dips the headlights automatically if it detects other road users and pedestrians ahead. The RiN must be the most socially responsible car ever.
It's that time again: the bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show kicks off on 24 October 2007, and we're being treated to a flood of teaser information from the Japanese manufacturers. The Japanese show always attracts some crazy cars, and it's built a reputation as one of the few shows where you see some properly out-there concept cars. Toyota won't disappoint this year... Just to whet your appetite, Toyota's theme this year is: Harmonious Drive – a New Tomorrow for People and the Planet. Hmm. Take the Hi-CT concept (above). It's an edgy urban vehicle, apparently, and is supermini sized at 3330mm long. Too mad for the road? Probably, but don't forget that boxy small cars like the Honda Element and Nissan Cube started life as motor show stoppers. The Hi-CT also packs in Toyota's latest plug-in hybrid know-how. The battery is slung under the floor, leaving the occupants sitting higher up for a better view out. And you get normal power points in the cabin, so your daughters can dry her hair on the way to the shops. Oh, and there's also a removable boot - the whole rear deck unhooks and can be used to store surfboards, bikes and other gear.
Toyota RiN Concept
The RiN is all about healthy living. That's why there's so much greenery and natural leaves in the publicity shot above, right? So there's a big emphasis on comfy seats that correct your posture, and the steering wheel reflects images to match your mood to soothe stressed drivers. Naturally, there's a humidifier and oxygen-level monitor to make sure you're breathing healthy air. Sound far flung? For sure. But don't forget that cabin filters and the pollen-cancelling devices would have sounded far-flung a few years back. Best bit about the RiN? Its styling is based on the tall-growing Yakusugi tree. Very natural. And the interior colour scheme is green and beige - to relax occupants. It even dips the headlights automatically if it detects other road users and pedestrians ahead. The RiN must be the most socially responsible car ever.
Jaguar X-type refreshed for 2007
Jaguar X-type for 2008: the lowdown
Jaguar has finally given the X-type a facelift, but the 500 changes try their hardest to escape your attention. On paper at least. It's small wonder that we did a double take when we scooped the new X earlier this year; some said we'd just caught the current car on test, but it turns out we were right. Is it enough to improve the baby Jag's sales performance? Jaguar sold just 32,500 last year worldwide - compared with half a million 3-series models flogged by BMW. Or is it too little, too late? Click 'Next' to read the full story.
So what is new on the X-type?
The visual changes are, ahem, subtle to say the least. There's a new mesh grille with Jag's growler badge, revised bumpers front and rear, new sills, and the addition of the brand's chrome signature blade across the bootlid. Oh, and the door mirrors are new, now incorporating turn indicator repeaters and new paint colours are available. Of rather more importance are the mechanical changes. Click 'Next' to read all about them.
Jaguar has finally given the X-type a facelift, but the 500 changes try their hardest to escape your attention. On paper at least. It's small wonder that we did a double take when we scooped the new X earlier this year; some said we'd just caught the current car on test, but it turns out we were right. Is it enough to improve the baby Jag's sales performance? Jaguar sold just 32,500 last year worldwide - compared with half a million 3-series models flogged by BMW. Or is it too little, too late? Click 'Next' to read the full story.
So what is new on the X-type?
The visual changes are, ahem, subtle to say the least. There's a new mesh grille with Jag's growler badge, revised bumpers front and rear, new sills, and the addition of the brand's chrome signature blade across the bootlid. Oh, and the door mirrors are new, now incorporating turn indicator repeaters and new paint colours are available. Of rather more importance are the mechanical changes. Click 'Next' to read all about them.
HSV Maloo R8 (2007): first official pictures
What the hell is a Maloo?
A Ute. And if you’ve never been to Australia then you’ve missed out. Imagine a BMW 5-series-sized car with a huge pick-up style boot, but quite utilitarian and you’re nearly there. Utes are the Aussie answer to the American pick-up, and (like the Yanks) they have an affinity for high-performance versions. The latest is the new Maloo R8, which comes with big wheels and a bodykit. Oh, and a 6.0-litre Corvette engine…
So what exactly is the Maloo R8?
It’s essentially the Vauxhall VXR8 (which in turn starts life as a HSV ClubSport R8) with a tray. HSV’s Scott Grant calls it 'a two-door coupe with a bloody big boot!' Adding to the 'weekday workhorse, weekend warrior' marketing campaign of the VE Ute range, the Maloo offers a sheet-moulded custom rear tray, differentiating it from the regular Holden VE offerings, plus an automatic release hard-tonneau, rear parking sensors and an AP Racing 4-piston brake package.
A Ute. And if you’ve never been to Australia then you’ve missed out. Imagine a BMW 5-series-sized car with a huge pick-up style boot, but quite utilitarian and you’re nearly there. Utes are the Aussie answer to the American pick-up, and (like the Yanks) they have an affinity for high-performance versions. The latest is the new Maloo R8, which comes with big wheels and a bodykit. Oh, and a 6.0-litre Corvette engine…
So what exactly is the Maloo R8?
It’s essentially the Vauxhall VXR8 (which in turn starts life as a HSV ClubSport R8) with a tray. HSV’s Scott Grant calls it 'a two-door coupe with a bloody big boot!' Adding to the 'weekday workhorse, weekend warrior' marketing campaign of the VE Ute range, the Maloo offers a sheet-moulded custom rear tray, differentiating it from the regular Holden VE offerings, plus an automatic release hard-tonneau, rear parking sensors and an AP Racing 4-piston brake package.
Ford FPV Cobra GT (2007): first official pictures
A new Cobra?
Not quite. Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is Ford’s Aussie performance arm, the equivalent of HSV, and the Cobra GT is a special edition saloon and ute. And it’s not that Cobra you’re thinking of either. The Cobra is the namesake of the legendary XC Falcon Cobra coupe, which stormed Bathurst in 1977 with a now infamous 1-2 orchestrated finish. Three decades later, the FPV GT Cobra sports the same blue-stripes-on-white paint scheme with the Cobra logo emblazoned on the front guards and sewn into the standard leather upholstery.
So what’s special about the Cobra?
It’s more a special edition than anything else. There are a few tweaks to the engine so now the ‘Boss’ 5.4-litre V8 makes 405bhp and 398lb ft. The 405bhp is equivalent to 302kW, and Ford makes a great deal that 302 is also equivalent to that 1977 Cobra’s engine capacity in cubic inches. A six-speed manual and a limited-slip diff with a high-torque clutch are standard, while (possibly to the dismay of purists) a German-sourced ZF six-speed auto is optional. The saloon is yours for AU$65,110 (£28,921), while the ute will set you back AU$61,200 (£27,191).
Not quite. Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is Ford’s Aussie performance arm, the equivalent of HSV, and the Cobra GT is a special edition saloon and ute. And it’s not that Cobra you’re thinking of either. The Cobra is the namesake of the legendary XC Falcon Cobra coupe, which stormed Bathurst in 1977 with a now infamous 1-2 orchestrated finish. Three decades later, the FPV GT Cobra sports the same blue-stripes-on-white paint scheme with the Cobra logo emblazoned on the front guards and sewn into the standard leather upholstery.
So what’s special about the Cobra?
It’s more a special edition than anything else. There are a few tweaks to the engine so now the ‘Boss’ 5.4-litre V8 makes 405bhp and 398lb ft. The 405bhp is equivalent to 302kW, and Ford makes a great deal that 302 is also equivalent to that 1977 Cobra’s engine capacity in cubic inches. A six-speed manual and a limited-slip diff with a high-torque clutch are standard, while (possibly to the dismay of purists) a German-sourced ZF six-speed auto is optional. The saloon is yours for AU$65,110 (£28,921), while the ute will set you back AU$61,200 (£27,191).
Holden Sportwagon Concept (2007): first official pictures
Sportwagon? Another marketing gimmick?
Somewhat. The final string in Holden’s VE Commodore bow, the long-wheelbase VE estate – wearing the Sportwagon moniker for the first time – aims to change perceptions of the traditional family wagon. So it's out with gaudy cargo carriers and instead, the VE Sportwagon shows off a swooping Chrysler 300C-esque roofline for a sporty look. Holden's boss Chris Gubbey reckoned that ‘practic-al has become practic-cool’. Oh dear.
It does look good though…
It looks very smart, and with a V6-engined Commodore available for less than the equivalent of £18,000 Down Under, and knowing how big the VXR8 is, the Sportwagon will be very good value. Not that the concept was some poverty-spec model. Under the bonnet is a 6.0-litre Corvette engine, although it’s been sent on a 21st century crash diet. Released at a time when Australia’s large-car segment is declining, it’s tuned to run E85 bioethanol and boasts Active Fuel Management. Like Chrysler’s 300C, it shuts down cylinders under light loads to improve fuel economy.
Somewhat. The final string in Holden’s VE Commodore bow, the long-wheelbase VE estate – wearing the Sportwagon moniker for the first time – aims to change perceptions of the traditional family wagon. So it's out with gaudy cargo carriers and instead, the VE Sportwagon shows off a swooping Chrysler 300C-esque roofline for a sporty look. Holden's boss Chris Gubbey reckoned that ‘practic-al has become practic-cool’. Oh dear.
It does look good though…
It looks very smart, and with a V6-engined Commodore available for less than the equivalent of £18,000 Down Under, and knowing how big the VXR8 is, the Sportwagon will be very good value. Not that the concept was some poverty-spec model. Under the bonnet is a 6.0-litre Corvette engine, although it’s been sent on a 21st century crash diet. Released at a time when Australia’s large-car segment is declining, it’s tuned to run E85 bioethanol and boasts Active Fuel Management. Like Chrysler’s 300C, it shuts down cylinders under light loads to improve fuel economy.
Citroen C5 unveiled
Citroen C5: the new one
Very nice indeed. When we first got the pictures of this, the new Citroen C5, most in the CAR GAMES office were very impressed. And we’re still impressed. The previous-generation C5 was so forgettable that even we had trouble remembering what it looked like. Perhaps we'd tried to blot its bloated shape from our minds; it might have been a cashback bargain in the UK and it wafted with the best, but it never, ever looked anything less than dull. This car shouldn’t suffer the same fault, and we’ll find out if the car drives as good as it looks when we get behind the wheel in spring 2008. Highlights on the new C5 including a fixed-hub steering wheel, Hydractive 3 Plus suspension, and of course those looks.
It looks just like the C5 Airscape concept…
It does, and in fact the production C5, which we scooped earlier this month, and the concept are all but identical from the A-pillars forward, including those large, chromed double chevrons on the chin. And that C6-esque, gloriously concave rear window is a winner, a real design flourish. The side has a rising crease line (BMW, anyone?) and at the back there are large, prominent rear lights on both the saloon and estate. At 4780mm long, 1860mm wide and 1450mm tall, the new C5 saloon is bigger but lower than the current car. It should be roomier inside, as its wheelbase is stretched out by 70mm.
Very nice indeed. When we first got the pictures of this, the new Citroen C5, most in the CAR GAMES office were very impressed. And we’re still impressed. The previous-generation C5 was so forgettable that even we had trouble remembering what it looked like. Perhaps we'd tried to blot its bloated shape from our minds; it might have been a cashback bargain in the UK and it wafted with the best, but it never, ever looked anything less than dull. This car shouldn’t suffer the same fault, and we’ll find out if the car drives as good as it looks when we get behind the wheel in spring 2008. Highlights on the new C5 including a fixed-hub steering wheel, Hydractive 3 Plus suspension, and of course those looks.
It looks just like the C5 Airscape concept…
It does, and in fact the production C5, which we scooped earlier this month, and the concept are all but identical from the A-pillars forward, including those large, chromed double chevrons on the chin. And that C6-esque, gloriously concave rear window is a winner, a real design flourish. The side has a rising crease line (BMW, anyone?) and at the back there are large, prominent rear lights on both the saloon and estate. At 4780mm long, 1860mm wide and 1450mm tall, the new C5 saloon is bigger but lower than the current car. It should be roomier inside, as its wheelbase is stretched out by 70mm.
Audi Metroproject Quattro concept (2007): first official pictures
Audi A1: the lowdown
Welcome to the new Audi A1. Or as it is officially known, the Metroproject quattro. It's currently tagged as a design study, but we've already scooped the prototype out on the road. This concept car is being unveiled to the world at the Tokyo Motor Show next week, but the embargo has been broken by some enterprising souls abroad, so now we're bringing you all the details on the new A1 a week early.
Is this a new A2 then?
The concept is a three-door, four-seater, but - like the A2 - it isn’t some cheap city car, but rather a premium product with a hybrid powertrain. Expect a B-pillar to appear for production but hopefully those aluminium roof pillars will stay. The side profile shows a low, sporty car, and Audi is keen to push the sportiness of its brand. They were banging on about it at the launch of the new A4 and officials can't stop talking about 'driving pleasure'.
Welcome to the new Audi A1. Or as it is officially known, the Metroproject quattro. It's currently tagged as a design study, but we've already scooped the prototype out on the road. This concept car is being unveiled to the world at the Tokyo Motor Show next week, but the embargo has been broken by some enterprising souls abroad, so now we're bringing you all the details on the new A1 a week early.
Is this a new A2 then?
The concept is a three-door, four-seater, but - like the A2 - it isn’t some cheap city car, but rather a premium product with a hybrid powertrain. Expect a B-pillar to appear for production but hopefully those aluminium roof pillars will stay. The side profile shows a low, sporty car, and Audi is keen to push the sportiness of its brand. They were banging on about it at the launch of the new A4 and officials can't stop talking about 'driving pleasure'.
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