Automobiles Review

Tag: Toyota

  • Toyota Predominant on Dependability Study

    2011-Toyota-Yaris-thumbThe J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study is an annual research based on x amount of problems per 100 vehicles, reported by real life car owners. The lower the x, the higher the rank. It is common knowledge that if today one wants a car that can survive an apocalypse, Toyota is the brand for you. But this year, not only the Toyotas dominate the survey, but the whole Toyota group.

    Toyota cars alone have four models ranked as the most dependable non-premium vehicles. The Corolla is ranked second behind The Prius in the compact-car segment while Corolla, Camry and Highlander (Kluger) are in the top three of their segments.

    Lexus and Scion (Toyota subsidiaries) also preformed exceptionally well by each scoring two top rankings. Last year it was Lexus that led the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study by winning the most awards than any other premium brand.

    Other highlights coming from awards include the 11 awards that got swept by both Toyota and Lexus at the ‘IntelliChoice’ Best Overall Values of the Year ranking. Fifteen Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were named 2012 “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Camry, Corolla, Highlander (Kluger), Prius, Prius v, Yaris and Scion xB. Also the 2012 Camry, Camry Hybrid and Prius earned the maximum five stars for overall safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All that portfolio of awards is just a drop in the sea of Toyota‘s achievements. We just hope they have a big enough trophy cabinet at the factory.

    Source: Toyota

  • Toyota lineup at Geneva – Hybrids and Fun

    Toyota-2012-Geneva-thumbThe 2012 Geneva Motor Show is as close as ever and to build up the hype, manufacturers are revealing and teasing what to expect during those few days of motoring nirvana (from 8 to 18 March). Toyota has offered a quick summary of what their booth will look like with some clever machines and European firsts – four concepts, a production hybrid and a grand tourer – the Toyota GT 86. It is an almost identical car to the Subaru BRZ which also will be making its own premiere in Europe. It would be interesting to see which one gets more favor. News news from one of the world’s largest vehicle conventions – the Geneva Motor Show which starts early in March and will last for more than 10 days.

    To start off we have a nice little Yaris Hybrid which will be a completely new addition to the European public. Here we go:

    Yaris Hybrid

    Toyota Yaris Hybrid (2013)

    The Yaris Hybrid will make an appearance as a production car ahead of its production schedule. Sales in Europe are expected to start in June and at that time the Yaris would be the first full hybrid supermini in Europe. That means that Toyota are aiming to create a whole new customer group that might be interested in absolute efficiency in small, practical and nimble packages.

    Toyota GT 86

    Toyota GT 86 (2012)
    Toyota GT 86 (2012)

    The critically acclaimed Toyota GT 86 sports coupe will be ready for sale this summer. With its RWD, flat-engined layout, this grand tourer is sure to induce much excitement, adrenaline and smiles upon its arrival. And it’s pretty cheap too.

    Toyota FT-Bh

    Toyota FT-Bh Concept
    Toyota FT-Bh Concept sketch

    The FT-Bh will be a concept of an ultralight full hybrid city car designed to be efficient in every way. Toyota has gone for the inexpensive way of making it by using commonplace methods of production instead of some grand new materials that are costly to research and develop.

    NS4 and FCV-R concepts

    Toyota NS4 Concept
    Toyota NS4 Concept
    Toyota FCV-R Concept
    Toyota FCV-R Concept

    Those two concepts will be also shown for the first time in Europe. The NS4 is a value-perfect, plug-in hybrid focused on driving experience without compromises. The FCV-R concept will be the big one though. It will pave the way for Toyota towards mass production hydrogen cell powered vehicles. A saloon-type car might be on the way for 2015.

    Toyota diji

    Toyota diji Concept
    Toyota diji Concept

    The diji concept is a weird looking thing. Imagine those digital frames on which you can upload photos from your computer and then it does slide shows for you. That’s what the diji is – an inside and outside environment made up of a screen. It can change it’s color and can be virtually infinitely personalized with all kinds of interfaces and applications. An interactive future of motoring or a visionary and ambitious idea?

    Source: Toyota

  • Yaris HSD – Small Outside Big Inside

    Toyota-Yaris-HSD-thumbWith the introduction of the Yaris Hybrid, B-segment car fans will now be able to enjoy the low emission, refined Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD). It’s a small packed piece of engineering that offers no compromises in terms of driving experience.

    The powertrain is a full hybrid composition consisting of a petrol engine and an electric motor with an end power output of 100 DIN hp. It is an engine that offers clients class leading CO2, NOx and particulate emissions, minimal fuel consumption and low cost of overall running costs.

    Downsizing of various components gives the Yaris more efficiency agility and space. (Small Outside, Big Inside are the principles of the Yaris). The 1.5 liter Atkinson Cycle petrol engine in the Yaris, is 16.5 kg lighter and 10% more compact than the 1.8-litre unit found in the Auris Hybrid. The electric motor, the Power Control Unit (PCU) and the transaxle have also been put on a diet resulting in 20% more compactness for the electric motor, 12% less volume for the PCU in comparison with the Auris Hybrid. The transaxle is shorter by 6% and lighter by 11 kg.

    Toyota Yaris HSD (2012)
    Toyota Yaris HSD (2012)

    Design also plays a role in the overall hybrid experience in the Yaris. The Nickel Metal Hydride battery and fuel tank have been placed under the rear seats so that there is no need to sacrifice passenger space or cargo area. The Yaris is all about looking like an everyday ordinary car and performing like the ultimate, extraordinary fuel saving machine.

    Hybrid Synergy Drive layout (Yaris)
    Hybrid Synergy Drive layout (Yaris)
    Toyota Yaris HSD
    Toyota Yaris HSD
    Toyota Yaris HSD
    Toyota Yaris HSD
    Toyota Yaris HSD

    Source: Toyota

  • Seven Seat Toyota Prius v for Australia

    Toyota-Prius-v-7-seat-thumbAustralia will get a new seven-seater Toyota Prius v as an addition to the already established lineup that comprises of the Prius hatch and Prius c city car. Sales are expected to start in May this year with the idea to broaden the appeal of the hybrid family to the Australian public.

    The seven-seat Prius v is 135mm longer, 30mm wider and 100mm higher than the Prius hatch. The wheelbase alone is 80mm lengthier in comparison, thus enabling the Prius to accommodate adults in all three rows.

    “The Prius v is all about versatility – it is larger and roomier to meet the needs of growing families while retaining the Prius DNA of environmental performance and fuel economy,” said Australia’s sales and marketing executive director Matthew Callachor.

    However, Toyota want to make it clear that this is not just a long-wheel base version of a former Prius. Design was made from scratch and all body panels are new. It will also be the first Toyota hybrid using Li-ion batteries in Australia. Spaced between the driver and passenger seat, under the center console, the battery pack is lighter and more efficient than the Nickel-metal Hydride one used in the past.

    In order not to compromise luggage space, the third seat row can be folded for the sake of cargo space. If that doesn’t prove itself enough, the second row can also be contracted thus making the Prius v a versatile family hybrid.

    Power will come from Toyota’s latest Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain which incorporates a 73kW 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine in combination with a 60kW electric motor.

    In Australia, Toyota and Lexus have sold more than 35,000 hybrids, 17,000 of which are Prius models.

    Toyota Prius v (seven seats version)
    Toyota Prius v (seven seats version)
    Toyota Prius v (seven seats version)
    Toyota Prius v (seven seats version)

    Spource: Toyota

  • 2013 Subaru BRZ goes to Japan

    Subaru ThumbSubaru has just announced today that they are going to release the new 2013 Subaru BRZ in the dealerships across Japan. The start date is 28th of March.

    Subaru BRZ is a sports car that undeniably provides driving pleasure. Its front-engine and rear-wheel drive layout are powered by the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. The aim here stands under the slogan “Pure Handling Delight – the driving experience taken to a new level”. The ultra-low center of gravity packaging is delivered by mounting the Boxer engine as low as possible. By mounting the Subaru Boxer engine as low as possible within the chassis and closer to its center, the boxer’s inherent benefits of low center of gravity, light weight, and compact size are optimized. This also ensures good traction of four wheels, excellent maneuverability, stability, ride quality and balance. Furthermore the engine is newly developed and generates 100 ps per liter with exhilarating revving nature. It has also improved environmental friendliness and more fuel efficiency. BRZs stability control is featured too on all models.

    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ

    Interesting fact is that BRZ here stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith” and it emphasizes ultimately brands passion for high speed cars. Moreover Subaru is committed to always providing excellence in the creation of their products, of course – all in alliance with customer’s preferences. Indeed, Subaru BRZ is embodying Subaru’s brand direction. In particular, Subaru BRZ was developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation.

    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ

    Source: Subaru

  • 2012 Toyota Camry Price – $21 955

    2012 Toyota Camry has been already available in the US dealerships. The price starts at just $21 955.

    The new Camry features restyled front with sharp line and new headlights. Furthermore, the SE model boasts a complete aerodynamics package as well as a three-spoke sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and metallic trim.

    The interior is also revised. It features new dashboard and seats. There are also Bluetooth/USB connectivity and a 6.1” Entune Infotainment system. As options you can specify for a GPS SAT NAV, a JBL premium audio system and a back-up camera.

    The engine range includes a 2.5 liter four-cylinder with 180PS (133 kW) and 230Nm (170 lb-ft). It returns up to 35 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. The more powerful 3.5 liter V6 has 272PS (200 kW) and 336Nm (248 lb-ft). Still, it returns 30 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city.

    Last is the hybrid model with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158 PS (116 kw) and a 143PS (105 kW) electric motor. The fuel consumption is very good – 39 mpg in city and 43 mpg on the highway. From 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.

    You can also check the latest commercial of 2012 Camry below.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8XmdQjJ7BM

    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry
    2012 Toyota Camry

    Source: Toyota

  • Toyota iQ : Goodies for your favourity supermini

    The iQ is probably the most interesting and nice small city car you can find on the market. It boasts unique style and personality. However, the manufacturer now offers even greater individuality with the introduction of colourful body and roof decals and a choice of vibrant leather upholstery options.

    Customers can mix and match patterns and shades to suit their mood, and with a range of eight external paint colours, six leather combinations and six roof and body decals, there are hundreds of possible variations.

    The exterior can be upgraded with decals that extends from a classic monochrome Check to a psychedelic multicolour Swirl. The other choices are Box, Bloom, Pulse and Aqua. Each decal design can be specified separately for the car’s roof and sides. Side decals cost £200 and roof decals – £180.

    The interior offers six leather options match Nappa leather upholstery for all four seats with toning – or contrasting – stitching and fillet inserts around the shoulder area. The leathers are priced from £775.

    The combinations are:

    •    Black leather with platinum fillets and stitching
    •    Platinum leather with black fillets and stitching
    •    Red leather with platinum fillets and stitching
    •    Black leather with Electric Blue fillets and stitching, plus iQ logo on headrest
    •    Black leather with Burnt Orange fillets and stitching, plus iQ logo on headrest
    •    Black leather with red fillets and stitching, plus iQ logo on headrest

    Toyota iQ Customised - Clever Cars
    Toyota iQ Customised – Clever Cars
    Toyota iQ Customised - Clever Cars
    Toyota iQ Customised - Clever Cars
    Toyota iQ Customised - Clever Cars
    Toyota iQ Customised - Clever Cars
    Toyota iQ Customised - Clever Cars

    Source: Toyota

  • 2012 Toyota Prius Price – £21 350

    The new 2012 Toyota Prius is priced from £21 350 and it will be available in the UK showrooms from March. Later in the year Prius will grow, with the introduction of the ultra-efficient Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius+, the world’s first seven-seat full hybrid MPV.

    The new model continues to emit just 89g/km CO2 emissions – the lowest level in its class – and combined cycle fuel economy of 72.4mpg.

    The advanced Toyota Touch & Go Plus multimedia and navigation system is a standard feature on Prius T Spirit and an option onT3 & T4. This brings with it Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, USB port and an on-board connectivity feature that allows access to a raft of on-line information services sourced through Google Local Search using a compatible mobile phone.

    The exterior comes with new front bumper, a larger lower grille, new clear-lens headlights and the LED daytime running lights have been relocated in the bumper beneath the turn indicators, while the foglights move to within the lower grille.

    The styling changes add an extra 20mm the car’s length, but Prius’s wheelbase and its highly efficient aerodynamic performance (Cd 0.25) are unchanged.

    The 2012 Prius is available in eight exterior colours, including new Dark Blue and Cabernet Red metallic.

    The interior is also revised by adding new darker materials used for the dashboard and T4 and T Spirit models gains a new black seat trim. The front seats are new and offer wider adjustment, both fore and aft and in height range, making it easier for the most comfortable driving position to be achieved.

    The model line-up includes – T3, T4 and T Spirit. The options list includes black leather upholstery, a Protection Pack, a Style Pack and the Technology Pack for T Spirit.

    There is no doubt that the new Prius is better than the outgoing model and it will have huge success.

    2012 Toyota Prius
    2012 Toyota Prius
    2012 Toyota Prius
    2012 Toyota Prius

    Source: Toyota

  • GRMN Toyota iQ 130G MT

    Several interesting Toyota models are showcased at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. The new interpretations of the cars include from off-the-wall concepts to race-tuned specials.

    One of the most interesting is the small GRMN Toyota iQ 130G MT. It comes with a supercharged 1.33-litre engine delivering 128PS (95 kW) and 180Nm (133 lb-ft). The engine is connected to a 6-speed close ratio transmission.

    The sporty iQ also features bigger brake system, a sports tuned suspension and a nice dual exhaust system for more power and incredible sound.

    The exterior boasts complete body kit including new front and rear bumpers, a pair of side skirts and a rear spoiler. The stance is completed by a set of 16” Enkei alloy wheels. The interior is also upgraded with sports seats and instruments.

    Actually, the model is scheduled for a limited 100 units production run later this year.

    Other interesting tuned Toyota cars at the show are – a new Yaris Turbo with 1.5 liter turbocharged engine delivering 180PS (132 kW); the new GT 86 in two styling interpretations from TRD and Modellista and  Gazoo Racing FT-86.

    GRMN Toyota iQ 130G MT
    GRMN Toyota iQ 130G MT
    G Sports Mark X
    G Sports Mark X
    G Sports Prius Aqua
    G Sports Prius Aqua
    Gazoo Racing FT-86
    Gazoo Racing FT-86
    GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept
    GRMN Vitz Turbo Concept
    GT 86 Modelista Version
    GT 86 Modelista Version
    GT 86 TRD
    GT 86 TRD
    Toyota Auto 2000GT Solar EV
    Toyota Auto 2000GT Solar EV
    Toyota Engineering Society TES-ERA EV
    Toyota Engineering Society TES-ERA EV

    Source: Toyota

  • Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept

    Toyota has revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The new vehicle exemplifies Toyota’s vision for future mobility, with a focus on next generation connectivity and safety.

    “In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity. NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society.”, commented Jim Lentz, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Sales US (Inc.).

    The NS4 boasts advanced in-car connectivity, next evolution of Toyota safety systems and Glass Technology.

    The NS4 concept’s human-machine interface (HMI) is centred around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone. The simple, intuitive operation conveys information quickly while minimizing distractions and maximizing driver awareness. The multimedia and vehicle-controls enhancement will also direct air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions. The HMI system is even capable of “learning” driver preferences to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.

    Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept
    Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept

    The NS4 features Toyota’s latest safety system developments, including next generation pre-collision system (PCS), adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights, and blind spot monitor (BSM). PCS features lane departure and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies designed to predict collisions under certain circumstances and help avoid them. Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights help to prevent vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers and pedestrians. Using sub-millimeter wave radar, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane and visually alerts the driver using visual indicators placed in the upper dash.

    Four new glass technologies are integrated into the windscreen, front and rear windows to improve driver visibility, fuel economy and electric driving mode mileage efficiency:

    •    Rain-resistant ‘hydrophobic’ coating – Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form intosemispherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop elimination.
    •    ‘Anti-fog’ coating – High performance resin material with anti-fogging characteristics and increased durability.
    •    High ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer – Removes 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays
    •    Anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency – Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves electronic device functionality

    Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept
    Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept
    Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept
    Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept
    Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept
    Toyota NS4 Advanced Plug-in Hybrid Concept

    Source: Toyota

  • Improving on Perfection With the Toyota Land Cruiser MY 2013

    Land Cruiser, the ultra luxurious SUV from Toyota, has received some enhancements for the 2013 model year. Both the interior and the exterior have been revised and a bag full of features, formally optional, are now standard.

    On the outside we get an updated front grille, headlights with HID low-beams, chromed side moldings and restyled side view mirrors and taillights. To further affirm the rigid image of the Cruiser, the front and rear fenders have also been enlarged. The A-pillars are specially filled with foam and the molding between the windscreen and the body is “bifacial”. Because of that wind noise is significantly reduced. A new Pearl White paint finish is available for the MY 2013, making a total of 7 color options. Under the chassis, guards extend throughout the engine bay and also behind the rear axle to provide extra protection from rocky terrains.  The wheels that carry the Cruiser measure at 18 inches and are wrapped with P285/60 R18 heavy duty tires. The 13.4 inch  ventilated brake disks are equally impressive with their four-piston brake calipers.

    Inside small tweaks complement the overall redesign – a perforated leather trim on the ventilated front seats, an even more glossy wood grain finish and enhanced meter-cluster lighting. Additional technology includes a Multi-terrain Monitor which allows pretty much a 360-degree view around the vehicle, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a heated steering wheel and even a DC 12V power socket at the end of the central console along with the 120 AC one back at the cargo deck. DVD screens behind the front seat headrests will pacify rear-seat passengers. Sixteen JBL speakers can tear shatter glass from a mile as Toyota’s Premium Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with Entune multimedia system can keep keep people occupied for hours should they decide to fiddle with it. The gauge instruments are accompanied by a screen showing gear selection, fuel economy, tire pressure, and cruising range. The center console on the other hand, houses a gate-type shifter with a sequential shift mode, a parking brake, a cooler box , a USB port and cup holders.

    Toyota Land Cruiser (2013)
    Toyota Land Cruiser (2013)
    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
    2013 Toyota Land Cruiser

    Power still comes from the state of the art 5.7-liter, 381 horsepower V8 DOHC. Peak torque is at 3.600 rpm, measuring up to 401 lb-ft. Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) operates both intake and exhaust valves in such a way, so that power, fuel efficiency and emissions are fully optimized. For a more precise toque delivery, The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) decides how long should a valve stay open, depending on rpm and throttle angle. The exhaust system, along with the exhaust manifolds, enjoys a stainless steel build. The six-speed automatic transmission handles the demanding job of processing ginormous amounts of power while remaining smooth and subtle.

    Along with the ten airbags, there is also a handful of blisteringly complex array of systems that work together to keep all four wheels on the ground, ensure the safety of the biological unit inside (driver really), and deliver traction whenever and wherever needed. Just to give you a clue of what the Cruiser employes we can talk about the pre-collision detection system which can further restrain seat-belts should it detect a forthcoming impact.

    This car truly is an off-road going palace riddled with luxury and technology and with prices starting at  $68.000 it should be.

    Source: Toyota

  • Short preview on next weeks North American International Auto Show

    2012NAIAS ThumbEverything about this year’s North American International Auto Show will spin around small vehicles. As the population grows big and hence the customers of vehicles too, there is obviously the tendency of making more downsized automobiles. The North American International Auto Show will take place next week in Detroit.  In addition, there will also be a premiere of the automotive world’s most eagerly anticipated new vehicle. The North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week will also be full of luxury and innovation. Another important highlight is that there will be a huge “invasion” of hybrid vehicles as automakers compete to boost fuel economy. The North American International Auto Show 2012 is undeniably where the global automotive community comes together to catch up on the latest news and events.

    In short this is what we are going to see just in few days:

    Strongly anticipated at this Auto Show is the Acura brand. First, there will be presented a brand new concept called Acura NSX. This is a high-performance hybrid with a V-6 engine mated to a lithium ion battery pack. It will be developed and expected on the market in three years. Speaking about the immediate future there is the 2012 and 2013 Acura ILX Sedan, and also the redesigned 2013 RDX Compact Crossover, which will be powered by a V-6 replacing a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.From Audi we expect to see a refreshed model of a small sporty sedan and a crossover concept. The next brand with a downsized automobile is Buick, which will reveal a new small crossover, called 2013 Buick Encore. From Cadillac we expect the ATS Sedan, which, as promised will be launched in the second half of this year. Chevrolet will present a sporty RS modification of the Sonic Subcompact with a new front image and grille, and a six-speed manual included. In addition we are going to see two concept vehicles from Chevrolet. Dodge will thrill us with the new 2013 Dodge Dart with a lot of powertrain options and Dodge Charger styling cues. The Dart will be at dealerships in the first half of this year. Ford brand will present at the NAIAS its renewed  version of  2013 Fusion which now is with smoother lines, has an engines with direct injection and turbochargers, and a hybrid. Honda will redesign its Accord model in the middle of the year and will also show a new Accord Coupe Concept. This will be a great show for the brand Hyundai which will unveil the turbocharged four-cylinder Veloster. Another preview will be made with a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe which has now a new grille and front fascia and a brand new interior. From Lexus we expect to see the LF-LC Coupe Concept and we also expect to get the answer whether this vehicle will be hybrid or not. Lincoln will appear with a concept of the new generation MKZ Sedan. A lot of success is going to be expected again from the brand Mercedes-Benz. First of all there will be a presentation of the redesigned 2013 Mercedes SL Roadster, which is now longer and lighter than the previous model and has a new all-aluminum body. In addition the SL550 will be powered by a new 4.6-liter direct-injection V-8. Furthermore the luxury brand will present two E-Class Hybrids: the E400 Hybrid Sedan and the E300 BlueTec Hybrid. We can’t continue without mentioning the MINI brand which will “show-off” with their 2012 Roadster which will be in dealerships in February. Nissan Pathfinder Concept will be previewed by Nissan which will also show an electric version of the NV200. The luxury of Porsche will be presented by the 911 Carrera and Carrera S models which will go on sale in few months. Scion is a Toyota sub-brand which will show a new model of FR-S Coupe. The smallest of all small cars – Smart, will exhibit a two-seat electric pickup concept called the Smart For-Us. The Toyota brand of course will compete with a plug-in hybrid concept called the NS4. In addition it will also show the production version of the 2012 Prius C Hatchback. Another European car – Volkswagen will preview a hybrid, called 2013 Jetta Hybrid. And at last the Swedish brand Volvo has prepared for us a surprise with a new Hybrid concept will be firstly revealed at the North American International Auto Show.

    To sum up, at the NAIAS we expect to see these production vehicles: 2012/2013 Acura ILX sedan, 2013 Acura RDX Crossover, 2013 Buick Encore Crossover, 2013 Cadillac ATS Sedan, 2013 Dodge Dart Compact, 2013 Ford Fusion, 2013 Mercedes SL Roadster, 2013 Mercedes E-Class Hybrids, 2012 Mini Roadster, 2012 Toyota Prius C Hatchback; and these Concepts: Acura NSX, Audi crossover, Honda Accord Coupe, Lexus LF-LC Coupe, Lincoln MKZ Sedan, Nissan Pathfinder, Scion FR-S Coupe, Smart For-Us Pickup, Toyota NS4 Hybrid, Volvo hybrid. All this makes us eager to expect what will happen next week! Stay tuned!