Toyota Turns the iQ Into the Pure-Electric FT-EV III Concept

While on the forefront of hybrid technology, Toyota is also looking into electric vehicles with plans to introduce a new range of battery-powered models within the next year including the RAV4 EV.

At the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, which opens its doors on November 30, the Japanese brand will preview a pure-electric version of the Toyota/Scion/Aston Martin iQ mini with the FT-EV III Concept.

Toyota said that a production version of the study suitable for short-distance travel will be introduced into the market in 2012, with more details to be announced at a later date.

The FT-EV III is powered by an electric motor that draws energy from a lithium-ion battery. According to Toyota, the zero-emissions iQ achieves an estimated driving range of 105 kilometers (65 miles) on a fully charged battery.

2013 Chevrolet Spark City Car

Even though it has been available in other regions including Europe and Asia since 2009, Chevrolet’s latest city car, the Spark, will make its North American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.

The five-door, four-seat subcompact hatchback will be available in the U.S. and Canada with a single engine option, a 1.2-liter four-cylinder with an output of 85HP that turns the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, a four-speed automatic transmission.

“The new Spark is for buyers who want much more than a ‘cute’ small car – they want a car that can be personalized, is dynamic and fashionable, and delivers a lot of value for the money,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “[The] Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a fashion statement, but it is also affordable, safe, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient.”

GM claims that, despite its compact dimensions, the Spark offers more room for passengers and their luggage than other mini cars offered in the States such as the Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart ForTwo.

Unlike all of the above models, the Spark gets five doors, although Chevrolet designers have “hidden” the rear door handles in the C-pillar area to make the mini look a tad sportier.

The European version of the Spark achieved a four-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests, scoring very high in the adult and child protection categories (81% and 78% respectively).

The North American version promises to be even safer, offering 10 airbags as standard as well as the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that are missing from the European version.

The updated Spark is equipped with GM's OnStar system, which uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash.

In the cabin, the MyLink infotainment system is standard on the 1LT and 2LT specification models. This system allows for the easy transfer of music libraries, access of Pandora and Stitcher internet radio and navigation through Bluetooth-connected smartphones and, when the car is stationary, projection of videos and photo albums on its 7-inch screen.

“This level of infotainment and connectivity was unheard of in this segment, until now,” said Perry. “We know Spark buyers do not want to give up personalization just because they drive a smaller car.”

Audi A1 Two New Special Edition Versions and a 143PS Diesel

Audi is adding two new models, the Black Edition and the Contrast Edition, plus a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that complements the existing 1.6-litre TDI unit to the British lineup of its A1 premium supermini.

The first new specification is the A1 Black Edition that is offered exclusively with 185PS 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine or the newly introduced 143PS 2.0-litre TDI.

Priced at £1,100 over the respective S line models upon which it is based, the bespoke package adds a number of features including a black styling treatment for the grille surround and number plate holder, dark tinted rear windows, 18-inch alloys and Xenon Plus headlights with LED daytime-running lights.

Inside, the package enhances the A1's standard equipment with a full electronic climate control and the Audi Sound System speaker upgrade with 180 watts of output.

The Contrast Edition is available with all engines in the A1 range sans the 1.4 TFSI 185PS, and costs £1,350 more than an equivalent A1 Sport model. Highlights include a contrasting color for the roof line and the new aero package, plus larger 17-inch alloy wheels. As an option, Audi also offers a double-blade roof spoiler, also in a contrasting shade.

Audi's new 2.0-liter TDI engine produces 143PS and a peak torque of 320 Nm between 1750 and 2500 rpm. It is matched to a standard six-speed manual gearbox and propels the A1 from zero to 62mph (100km/h) in 8.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 135mph (217 km/h).

According to the automaker, the A1 2.0 TDI returns a combined fuel economy of 68.9mpg UK (57.4 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 108g/km.

On-the-road prices for the A1 2.0L TDI start from £17,945.

Manual-Gearbox Supercars are Going the Way of the Dodo

Manual-Gearbox Supercars are Going the Way of the Dodo

Monday, November 14, 2011 |

Aside from the Prancing Horse emblem, the clearly defined open-gate gearbox with the chromed lever sprouting from within was Ferrari’s second best distinguishable characteristic.

With the introduction of the 2012 MY California, this tradition comes to an end, at least in the UK. From now on, Ferrari is offering its British customers only one choice in the transmission department: that of an automatic.

Ferrari’s decision is understandable. In the entire UK, there is only one California with a manual transmission; everyone else (260 in 2010) opted for the twin-clutch auto.

This is becoming a commonplace practice around the world, not just in Britain: for example, after five years in production, how many 599s do you think were sold with a classic manual gearbox?

The answer is zero; zip; nada; not a single car! Each and every one of Ferrari’s V12-engined supercar were ordered with the semi-automatic gearbox worldwide.

People who grew up with posters of 250 GTOs, F40s and 355s in their bedrooms may lament the loss of the classic manual gearbox. However, this is progress and for better or for worse, some things eventually become extinct.

Ferrari isn’t the only supercar maker selling almost exclusively automatic transmission-equipped cars. Porsche’s PDK has been a huge hit since 2008 when it was introduced in the revamped 997. The manual gearbox has been rendered obsolete in this class for four basic reasons.

First, it is much easier to use, requiring no special driving skills in executing the perfect gear change. Second, no human, no matter how fast reflexes he or she possesses, can match the speed of a dual-clutch gear change. Third, it allows manufacturers to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 figures by adding seven or even more speeds.

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG

So you’ve read the details and seen the pictures of the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG that was unveiled today in advance of its first public outing at this week's 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Now, if you're curious to see what it looks like on the move and how the new 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 518-ponies (or 550HP if you opt for the AMG Performance Package) sounds in the latest iteration of the ML, you'll be happy to know that Mercedes-Benz has released a five-minute long video, which you can watch below.

We'll remind you that the new ML 63 AMG will go on sale worldwide towards the end of the first quarter of 2012, with more specific details on availability and of course pricing, to be released closer to launch.