TRD Spices up New Toyota Aqua / Prius C Hybrid with Sport Package in Japan

Toyota is losing no time in pushing out its aftermarket proposals for the all-new Aqua hybrid that will be marketed as the Prius C in markets outside of Japan and which will make its North American debut at the forthcoming Detroit Motor Show in January.

On the same day that the regular Aqua went on sale in its home market, Toyota's TRD racing and performance division announced a slew of tuning upgrades for the sub-compact hatchback.

Starting with the exterior package, TRD's offerings include a new front apron with additional air vents and optional LED daytime running lights, matching side skirts, a roof spoiler, and a rear apron that incorporates a diffuser in a matte black finish.

For the interior, there's a new TRD push-button start while performance mods are limited -for the time being- to a sports exhaust system with a pair of chrome tailpipes, larger alloy wheels and a suspension package with new springs and shock absorbers that lower the car's ride height.

TRD said that it will release more styling accessories and performance mods in the near future.

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Audi: The Low-Down on the R8's Upcoming Facelift and 2014 Replacement

The first true supercar to be created by Audi, the R8, has won universal praise thanks to its handling, quality, every day usability and, in the V10-equipped model, performance numbers.

Despite the fact that it wouldn’t seem out of place if it were launched today, the truth is that Audi’s mid-engined wonder is already five years old, having been introduced in 2006.

Therefore, its replacement is already being developed and is due in 2014, with the open-top Spyder model to follow the next year.

But first, the current R8 will receive an update in 2012. According to Car Magazine, the refreshed R8 will get a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox replacing the sequential six-speed unit, while the upgraded V10 will receive a small bump in power and the interior will sport the latest MMI multimedia interface.

The big news, as far as the first-generation R8 is concerned, is the launch of a limited-production electric version towards the end of 2012.

The British publication reports that the second generation R8 will differ in many ways from its predecessor. For one, the aluminum bodywork and chassis will be replaced by a new architecture which, while still aluminum-based, will also feature carbonfiber for the transmission tunnel, the B-posts and the rear firewall.

Total weight will be reduced by around 100 kg (220 lbs), while torsional rigidity will increase by 13 percent.

On the engine front, we won't see many changes as Audi is said to continue with its two naturally aspirated units. The base version will still be powered by a 4.2 V8, with its output bumped from 420 to 450HP, and the top version by a 5.2-liter V10 with 550HP.

However, down the road Audi may switch to the new turbocharged V8 that was recently unveiled in the Audi S7 and Bentley Continental GT, probably with a hike in power to 600HP.

As previously reported, the second generation R8 and the Gallardo's replacement will make use of Audi's MSS (Modular Sports car System) architecture, while the third generations of both models will employ a new platform developed primarily by Porsche.

Story References: Car Magazine

 

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Acura to Introduce New RL Sedan at the 2012 New York Auto Show

Next month's Detroit Motor Show will see Acura presenting a concept model for a replacement of the much-missed NSX sports car, as well as the new ILX compact sedan and the facelifted 2013 RDX crossover, but that's not all Honda's premium brand has in store for us in 2012.

Car&Driver is reporting that Acura will debut a brand new replacement for its flagship RL sedan at the New York Auto Show in April of 2012, and which will go on sale in the fall.

Company execs told the magazine that the new RL would be "relatively lightweight, nimble, and economical" and will feature Honda's new Electric Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system that uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine to power the front wheels and two electric motors for the rear wheels.

The new RL's appearance is said to resemble the TL on a larger scale, with the sedan's increased exterior dimensions being close to a BMW 5-Series while passenger space will be comparable to that of a 7-series.

Story References: Car&Driver

 

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Ferrari CEO Says Enzo Replacement Coming Next Year, may get V12 Hybrid

[2005 Ferrari F Zero Concept pictured above]

The next big thing to come from Ferrari will be the long awaited sequel to flagship of the Italian company, Enzo, to be unveiled before the end of 2012. The news comes straight from the mouth of the CEO Amedeo Felisa Ferrar spoke to reporters at the launch of the new Spyder 458 Italia.

Felisa also told the British magazine Autocar that the Enzo replacement will continue to use a mid-mounted V12 engine and the company is considering the use of hybrid technology, "Ferrari is testing prototypes of hybrid vehicles."

CEO of Ferrari was quick to emphasize that any hybrid supercars employee of the company "must focus on improving efficiency, not only on results."

Asked about the use of carbon materials lightweight but super-strong composites in the construction of its cars, Felisa said: "For a small amount of car as Enzo, which focuses on the minimum weight possible, it is good solution. "

However, unlike McLaren MP4-12C and the Executive Committee took note of the Italian company Ferrari do not make regular production models, like the 458 with carbon composite materials, "Today, it has sense," Felisa said. "The benefits of weight aluminum chassis [as 458] are very small and the costs are enormous. In the case of an accident, is also very difficult to determine whether the chassis has been damaged."
Story References: Autocar

FERRARI: NEW CONCEPTS OF THE MYTH

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