Volkswagen will be coming to the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show (December 3rd-11th) with a very interesting version of their successful Passat. The new model is called the Passat Alltrack and is supposed to close the gap between the conventional Passat Estate and SUVs such as the Tiguan. Sales of the new model will begin in early 2012.
But what makes this new Alltrack version different from the Estate version? Well, it comes equipped with new bumpers in an SUV style – with wheel well and side sill flares. The car also offers a greater off-road ramp angle, approach angle, departure angle, and higher ground clearance.
The engine line-up will include two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (TSI) and two turbodiesels. The petrol engines will deliver up to 210 HP and the most powerful ones will be equipped with standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission (DSG). In the diesel version, this option will offer a low combined fuel consumption of 41 mpg in the 140 HP version and 40 mpg in the 170 HP version.
It’s been a while since we last heard from Daihatsu so it was a bit surprising to find out that the Japanese automaker actually attended the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with a concept called the D-X, pronounced d-cross. And to make things better for these guys, the concept actually looks good!
We don’t have an answer as far as a production future for the D-X Concept is concerned, although it appears that Daihatsu is promoting it as a Transformers-inspired vehicle that can take the shape of a number of vehicles, including a convertible, a roadster, a sporty van, and even a race car. Talk about taking versatility to a whole new level.
The D-X has a base look that can be shifted in a variety of different ways to suit the driver’s preference. Under its hood, the concept runs on a .66-liter two-cylinder engine that comes with direct injection and turbocharging technology. The words ’turbocharging’ and ’Daihatsu’ are about as likely to be put on the same sentence as Pintos and Ferraris, but the mere fact that it is actually speaks volumes to the strides Daihatsu is making in turning a new leaf for their company.
While everyone’s eyes are focused on the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota has announced details on their line-up for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show. One of the models to be displayed in Tokyo is a new version for the Prius family. After its debut in Tokyo, the Prius C will be making its North American debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
The new Prius C will be using Toyota’s renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and will deliver a fuel economy of 50 mpg in the city, which is the highest city mpg of any non-plug-in vehicle. The new Prius C will bring a more youthful expression and a sportier dynamic character that offers a more fun-to-drive experience.
The model will also be offered with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, steering-wheel audio controls, and nine airbags as standard features. That being said, one of the most impressive features of the new Prius C is the addition of the new Toyota Entune multimedia system that allows users to connect with popular apps such as Bing, OpenTable.com, and movietickets.com.
Suzuki’s line-up of cars that will be displayed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show strongly suggests the direction these guys are planning to go: "Let’s do away with the high-performance and focus on future global compact cars!"
One of the models that’s scheduled to be in attendance is the Suzuki Regina Concept, a lightweight minicar that Suzuki is promoting as a future city-dweller. The Regina’s exterior design hints at the green initiative the company going for. The Lime Green paint finish is a pretty strong indication of that, as is the the overall shape of the car that makes it look like a turtle.
All joking aside, the set-up is pretty cool, especially the contrasting white roof that adds a touch of flavor to the car without being a little too flashy. Apparently, the Regina Concept also has small rear view cameras tucked into the rear and semi-covered rear wheels that are made possible by the odd crease lines on the body panels.
Inside, the Regina Concept also carries the same two-color finish of the exterior, which, when combined to the dark grey surfaces, adds a serene and earthy tone. There’s not much to go around inside, which might suggest a minimalistic approach from Suzuki. All you can really take from it is that it’s got a 2+2 seating configuration and a seemingly out-of-place steering wheel, a tilted center-mounted display that appears to be transparent, and pixelated patterns on the seats and floor mats.
More details about the Regina Concept will be revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show so be sure to be around when that happens in December!
Honda has prepared a number of concept vehicles that it will introduce at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Now that we’re in the middle of the press days for the event, the Japanese automaker has finally unveiled their concept vehicles, including the Advanced Cruiser-X Concept, or AC-X.
A unique element of the AC-X is that it features two different drive modes. There’s the engine mode, which makes use of the installed internal combustion engine - 1.6-liter gasoline engine - and the electric drive system, drawing maximum performance out of the car. Then there’s the automatic mode, which pretty much lets the car do the engine mixing depending on the required load the car has at any point.
Under its hood, the AC-X will be powered by a hybrid powertrain that includes a 1.6-liter petrol engine that produces 127 horsepower and an electric motor that contributes significantly in increasing the output of the AC-X to 161 horsepower. According to Honda, the AC-X Concept is capable of running on pure electricity for around 30 miles at a respectable speed of 62 mph. When it’s run on a full fuel and motor set-up, that range increases all the way up to 620 miles.
Aesthetically, the four-door sedan concept comes with a futuristic front and rear set-up with the head and taillight configuration running the entire length of the front and the rear of the car, respectively. The concept also makes use of several aerodynamic components, including the front and rear bumpers, the side skirts, and the specially-designed alloy wheel configuration, all of which were put into place to provide low better handling and lower aerodynamic drag for the concept. Inside, the most noticeable feature of the AC-X is the absence of a traditional steering wheel.
We’re not sure how a pair of joysticks will work in driving a car like this, but we’re definitely intrigued at the possibilities.
