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Sitting inside Nissan’s Smart House perched above the automaker’s booth here at the Tokyo Motor Show was a fitting setting to talk about Nissan’s plans for future electric vehicles. The mock building was being powered by a Leaf, with the EV parked below and connected through the Leaf-to-Home system. Within a few minutes of starting my interview with Hideaki Watanabe, Nissan’s corporate VP of the Zero Emissions Business Unit, the lights flickered on and the ceiling fan began to spin. For a country just beginning to recover from the March 11th tsunami, being able to pull extra energy from an EV during a blackout would be indispensable. But that’s not why I’m sitting down with Mr. Watanabe.

I want to know about performance EVs.

Seeing a Nismo version of the Leaf sharing the stage with Ghosn implies that Nissan is at least exploring the possibility of a sports-oriented EV.

Nissan is committed to a zero-emissions future. Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s President and CEO, maintains that 10 percent of the global automotive market will be comprised of electric vehicles in 10 years. And Nissan is helping to lead the way with the Leaf and two forthcoming EVs: a small commercial vehicle and an electric city car, both due to arrive in the next few years.

But more often than not, zero emissions means zero fun. So seeing a Nismo version of the Leaf sharing the stage with Ghosn implies that Nissan is at least exploring the possibility of a sports-oriented EV. And even Ghosn hinted at the idea when speaking about Nissan’s dual (or is that dueling?) roles as both performance brand and alt-powertrain champions.

But after speaking with Watanabe, we’re still a ways off. “It’s about [EV] volume,” Watanabe tells me, making it clear that first comes widespread electric vehicle adoption followed by component costs coming down. Once that happens, Nissan can justify production of an electron-powered sports car. So when is that going to happen? Three to five years seems like a reasonable guesstimate, but more importantly, what form will it take?

The Nismo Leaf Nismo (above) is just a concept and it’s nothing more than a body kit to provide additional downforce and a new set of wheels – a bit ridiculous for a glorified commuter. The Leaf RC – with it’s dramatic weight loss and race-spec hardware – may pack the performance, but it’s far too hardened to be considered for production. So what’s likely to happen first is some kind of hybrid sports coupe from Infiniti, followed by a full EV (see Esflow) that can justify the price premium, ala the Tesla Roadster. But an electric performance vehicle from a major automaker is definitely in the cards; it’s just a matter of waiting to see who pulls it off first.

Continue reading Nismo Leaf Nismo Concept is a look at the future of performance EVs, but don’t expect it too soon

Nismo Leaf Nismo Concept is a look at the future of performance EVs, but don’t expect it too soon

We have a soft spot for rugged wagons like the Volvo XC70 and the Audi Allroad, and while these useful soft-roaders are slowly going the way of the dinosaur here in the United States, they’re still quite popular in Europe. Volkswagen is now getting in on the action with this, the 2012 Passat Alltrack – a more capable version of the Passat Estate that isn’t offered Stateside.

The Alltrack rides a full 30 millimeters higher than a standard Passat wagon, comes standard with 4Motion all-wheel drive and has an off-road mode. When engaged, the off-road setting activates hill descent assist, alters the ABS mapping to allow for higher thresholds on loose terrain and quickens the reaction time of the electronic differential locks in an effort to prevent wheelspin on gravel. In the UK, Volkswagen will offer the Passat Alltrack with two versions of its popular 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four, rated at 138 and 168 horsepower.

Follow the jump for the full details on the high-riding Passat, and click through our attached live gallery to see the new Alltrack under the lights of the Tokyo Motor Show.

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack offers crossover capability with wagon style

2012 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack offers crossover capability with wagon style

There was a time when American buyers were routinely forbidden from getting their hands on automakers’ more entertaining pieces of engineering. These days, more and more automakers are turning to global product development, which means we get to play with hardware like the Nissan GT-R and the Ford Focus ST. Subaru, however, seems bent on keeping the really fun stuff on its home turf, including the delicious WRX STI S206. The company’s engineers went full bore on the turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine under the hood, balancing all of the internals, dropping on a ball bearing turbo and reflashing the ECU for a total of 316 horsepower.

Outside, the sedan comes equipped with fender-mounted vents and special badges to distinguish the model from the rest of the WRX fleet, and designers have clipped the vehicle’s iconic wing in favor of a smaller lip spoiler. We like the look. We just wish we could drive it. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Subaru WRX STI S206 is a slice of JDM awesome

Subaru WRX STI S206 is a slice of JDM awesome

Let’s get one thing straight: This is not a coupe. Not even close. But ever since BMW kicked off the bastardization of the word ‘coupe’ with its X6 crossover, automakers seem to think that any vehicle with a sloped roofline can be classified by this word that has always been – and should always be – reserved exclusively for two-door cars. That’s a whole different rant, though. In the meantime, we’d like to introduce you to the Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept.

Debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Cross Coupe is the first vehicle to ride on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix architecture, and it previews the future of the automaker’s crossover range. It may look large, but the Cross Coupe is actually smaller than the current Tiguan, closer in size to that of a Nissan Juke. It certainly isn’t bad to look at, even with that big, grinning face. The compact shape is well-proportioned, though it appears that the chrome wheels were ripped right off a loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Cross Coupe is powered by a unique all-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain, with two electric motors (one for each axle) paired with a turbocharged gasoline engine. Volkswagen estimates that this powerplant will produce around 262 horsepower, but will be able to drive on pure electricity for about 25 miles. Running to 60 miles per hour will take around seven seconds.

Scroll through our high-res image gallery above to see the Volkswagen Cross (not-so) Coupe Concept live from the Tokyo Motor Show floor.

Continue reading Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept looks slick, is not a coupe

Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept looks slick, is not a coupe

BMW let loose the details on its ActiveHybrid 5 two months ago and little’s been mentioned of it since. If you had seen the liquid blue sedan tucked anonymously into the BMW stand at the Tokyo Motor Show, you might wonder if it’s ever going to engage in a public display of affection. The hybridized 535i gets BMW’s much-loved turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 55-horsepower electric motor, for a total of 335 hp and a 5.7-second run to 60 miles per hour.

It’s coming to the United States early next year, so details like exact fuel economy and pricing – which is to say, how much more you’ll have to spend to get more fuel economy than a 535i – should be on the way very soon. In the meantime there’s a press release after the jump and a fresh gallery of high-res photos live from Tokyo for you to peruse.

Continue reading BMW ActiveHybrid 5 might be the ultimate modesty machine

BMW ActiveHybrid 5 might be the ultimate modesty machine

Every other year, Nissan trots out another Pivo concept to the Tokyo Motor Show, and each successive version is weirder than the next. But this latest version – the predictably named Pivo 3 – is different. Nissan wants to build it, and while its awkward shape and trick doors won’t make it to production, much of the underlying tech will.

Since 2005, each Pivo has featured some four-wheel-steering system, and the Pivo 3 takes it to the next level with a 6.6-foot turning radius that can practically spin the Pivo on its axis. Power is delivered thorough individual in-wheel motors, with energy stored in a Leaf-inspired lithium-ion battery pack. The big feature is the Pivo 3’s automated parking system, which not only finds a space, but drives off to park itself then returns courtesy of a smartphone app.

So when are we going to see it hit the Japanese and European markets? Two years? Five years? Your guess is as good as ours as Nissan isn’t giving up much.

Continue reading Nissan Pivo 3 inches closer to production

Nissan Pivo 3 inches closer to production

Subaru had provided early sketches of its Advanced Tourer Concept, and many of you in the comments weren’t confident that it would look as good in real life as it did in (digital) ink and paper. Dare we say it, but we think it looks better in the metal than it did in drawings. A mean, ground-hugging wagon with a 1.6-liter boxer-hybrid powertrain, its internals are close enough to production to make the jump in the not-too-distant.

Its interior, however, is another matter. Undeniably beautiful, features like the monitor in the steering wheel and the steel-rimmed wood pedals are treats we won’t be seeing anytime soon. No matter – if there were to be a wagon in our future, we’d hope this were it. There’s a bit more information after the jump, and a much closer look at it in the gallery of high-res photos.

Continue reading Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept is an awesome angry wagon

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept is an awesome angry wagon

Honda is bringing a whole range of transportation solutions to the Tokyo Motor Show, from this plug-in hybrid sedan concept to folding scooters and pod cars. Dubbed AC-X for Advanced Cruiser eXperience, this streamlined sedan draws heavily from the FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan’s aesthetics, applying its design language to a plug-in hybrid electric showcar.

Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors, the four-seat AC-X features a super-slippery .21 cD thanks to active aero bits (front bumper, side skirts and rear diffuser) and transparent full wheel covers that remain stationary when the car is in motion.

Just as interestingly, the AC-X explores autonomous control, with “Automatic Drive Mode Support,” which folds the control yoke ‘wheel’ into the dashboard, reclines the front seat and presents an ottoman for the driver’s legs, all while safely delivering its passengers to their destination.

Despite such future-think technologies, the AC-X’s powertrain seems remarkably near-term, with a realistic EV-only cruising range of 50 kilometers and a maximum electric-only top speed of 100 kph (62 mph). Check out more in our gallery live from the show floor.

Honda AC-X Concept PHEV is ready to move you

Certainly for the moment, this is the biggest competition the Subaru BRZ has: its twin, the Toyota GT 86. The volcanic orange coupe was unveiled in another corner of the Tokyo Motor Show, and frankly, it’s got a lot to recommend it. The frontal treatment is slightly different than on the BRZ, but the only digression out back is the lack of a spoiler, and the GT 86 looks pretty good without it.

Inside, it’s a tale of two cabins. Clearly Toyota has brought a higher-spec cockpit to the party, and although you might not dig the red two-tone scheme, the iPhone cradle, toggle switches and white gauges are nifty. Of course, that niftyness will cost you a navigation screen, but these are exactly the kinds of choices the GT 86 vs BRZ crowd will need to make. Brush up on the specs in the release after the jump and take a walk around it in our high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Toyota GT 86 makes a compelling case for itself

Toyota GT 86 makes a compelling case for itself

It’s finally arrived: Subaru’s version of the long-in-gestation Toyobaru has just said hello to the world at the Tokyo Motor Show. In case you’ve been in Witness Protection for the past two weeks, we’ll recap the major specs: 2,689 pounds, 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet from the direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer engine, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions on offer and a lower center of gravity than a Ferrari 458 Italia.

There’s still no word on pricing yet, but this is the rear-drive sports car that will be working to redefine little, fast, flickable handling. One more thing about the Subie version: it’s the only one you can get in this shade of blue. You can refresh yourself on the details in the press release after the jump, and say hello to our newest little friend in the gallery of high-res images.

Continue reading 2012 Subaru BRZ finally bows

2012 Subaru BRZ finally bows

Mazda has just taken the wraps off of its new concept sedan, the Takeri, at its display stand here at the Tokyo Big Sight expo hall (honest, that’s what it’s called). The C/D-sized concept sedan furthers Mazda’s Kodo ‘Soul of Motion’ design language while hinting at the next Mazda6.

Predictably, the Takeri (derived from the Japanese word for “Male”) is equipped with a full slate of Skyactiv features, including Mazda’s new Skyactiv-D clean diesel – a version of which we recently fell in love with in the CX-5 crossover – and a new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system.

In person, The Takeri offers a very attractive shape, with traditional Mazda cues including a prominent hexagonal grille (we particularly like the subtle matte metal element that links the grille to the headlamps) and short overhangs. More importantly, the showcar appears to be a production-friendly shape if you discount items like the showcar mirrors, slightly oversized 20-inch wheels and raise the roofline by an inch or two. Given the Mazda6’s slow sales pace, a successor can’t get here soon enough.

For more details, check out our high-res image gallery or click on the jump to read the official press release.

Continue reading Mazda Takeri concept wows Tokyo Big Sight

Mazda Takeri concept wows Tokyo Big Sight

With Nismo set to expand its scope and product range in the coming years, Nissan’s in-house tuning division needs to start with something both customizable and attainable. And it appears the Juke is it.

Nismo has done the standard cadre of mods to the Juke, including the fitment of larger Brembo brakes with slotted rotors up front, stiffer springs and shocks, 19-inch wheels with performance rubber and an assortment of interior baubles to match the racy exterior. The body kit isn’t just a looker – it’s functional – with the revised front and rear bumpers, grille and rear diffuser all aiding aerodynamics.

Nismo isn’t saying what’s been done to the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-pot aside from saying it delivers “more power,” so we’re assuming it’s an ECU reflash partnered with some new breathing hardware.

As for the possibility of production, our sources say Nissan is looking into offering the Nismo Juke as either a stand-alone model or an upgrade path, but the trigger hasn’t been pulled yet. If it does, expect it to be available in the first half of next year. Make the jump for the official release.

Continue reading Nissan Juke Nismo Concept isn’t a sure thing, yet

Nissan Juke Nismo Concept isn’t a sure thing, yet

Volkswagen will unveil a new CUV concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show this week. The Cross Coupe concept is the first vehicle, concept or otherwise, that we’ve seen ride on the company’s new modular transverse matrix architecture. More importantly, it may give us an indication of what to expect from the next generation of Volkswagen SUVs.

The Cross Coupe is smaller than the current Tiguan and offers a unique all-wheel-drive hybrid drivetrain with two electric motors (one for each axle) and a direct-injection, turbocharged gasoline engine. The system has a maximum output of 262 horsepower with the engine and one electric motor sharing propulsion duties up front, and a second 114-horsepower electric motor powering the rear axle when driving conditions require all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen managed to fold the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery pack into the transmission tunnel where the driveshaft would typically reside. This design allows for a low center of gravity and plenty of interior space, as well. VW says Cross Coupe weighs in at 3,854 pounds with a full tank of fuel. Even with all of that heft, it can travel up to 25 miles on pure electric power while dashing to 60 miles per hour in around seven seconds.

Follow the jump for the full press release and stay tuned for our coverage of the Cross Coupe’s live debut tomorrow at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Continue reading Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept hints at future SUV design

Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept hints at future SUV design

Less than five minutes after entering the new home of the Tokyo Motor Show, we’re greeted with this: the Subaru BRZ GT300 race car.

Designed to compete in the GT300 class of Japan’s SuperGT touring car series, the BRZ is set to replace the Legacy B4 that’s competed in the series for the last two years. Being a GT300 contender, the BRZ’s output will be limited to 300 horsepower and judging by the “Proud of Boxer” stickers flanking the front and rear, it’s sure to be packing some manner of flat four, likely displacing around two liters.

We’ll be seeing the BRZ racer take to the track early next year, but in the meantime, scope out the live shots in the gallery above.

Subaru BRZ GT300 set to take on SuperGT

Ural, the Russian motorcycle company that specializes in sidecars, has never been known for groundbreaking designs that blaze a trail through electronic gadgetry or super lightweight composites on the way to the most technologically advanced motorcycles possible.

Instead, the heavyweight iron steeds that roll out of the factory in Irbit near Siberia (out of the range of the bombs of Nazi Germany) trade things like fuel injection and ABS brakes for shovels and machine gun mounts. Seriously.

The latest machine from Ural looks as far back into the past as the Russian sidecar industry can go, harking all the way to 1942 when the first M72 motorcycles were sent into the Battle of Stalingrad based on designs for the German BMW R71, which had been superseded by the R75 in 1941. A total of 9,799 M72 motorcycles were produced by Ural for military use.

The new 2012 Ural M70 Anniversary Edition celebrates 70 years of history with two distinct models; one with a sidecar for $14,200 and one solo for $9,150. Both come painted in a perfect shade of olive drab, and there’s a canvas tonneau cover, spare wheel and tire and shovel on the sidecar. And yes, there’s also that machine gun mount.

Ural based the M70 on its Retro model with 18-inch aluminum rims, 40mm Marzochhi telescopic forks, Sachs rear shocks and a Brembo front disc brake. The frame boasts a longer wheelbase than other Ural models and sits closer to the ground, making it the fastest and best-handling model available. We especially like the teardrop gas tank fitted with a throwback Ural badge.

Read all about the M70 after the break, but not before getting an eyeful of its old-school design in our high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Ural takes a giant step back with M70 Anniversary Edition

Ural takes a giant step back with M70 Anniversary Edition

Ford UK is giving Focus buyers a model to tide them over until the Focus ST arrives next year. The Focus Zetec S wears a full sports suspension with stiffer springs and dampers for slightly improved handling, though there’s no word on whether or not the model sits any closer to the ground than its base counterpart. A full aero kit is part of the package, as well, complete with front and rear spoilers and new side skirts. Buyers can also look forward to a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, and inside, the driver is treated to sport pedals.

The Focus Zetec S will be available with four engine options, including a range-topping 177-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. That’s a far cry from the 246 horsepower available in the upcoming Focus ST, though buyers looking for a little style without any of the go may find something to smile about in the Zetec S. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Ford UK adds sportier Focus Zetec S to lineup

Ford UK adds sportier Focus Zetec S to lineup

If you ask us, this 25 Hottest Products for 2011 list in Advertising Age isn’t exactly packed with automotive excitement. But with Dove soap, Malt-O-Meal, and Goldfish crackers also claiming spots, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that it’s a Chevrolet Cruze, rather than a Camaro headlining the “America’s Hottest Brands” issue.

Besides the Cruze, the venerable sister pub to Automotive News points out the Kia Soul and Jeep Wrangler, seemingly more for their marketing campaigns than anything else. Kia’s hamster ads are legendary, while Jeep’s marketing deal with the Call of Duty video game franchise has proven successful.

The Cruze, on the other hand, is an actual hit for General Motors – topping 200,000 sales through October, and ranking as the company’s top-selling car. While that certainly makes the Cruze worthy of recognition, sales have begun to cool now that its newness is wearing off. While GM’s marketers can give themselves a brief pat on the back for making the list, clearly they still have work to do if they want to land on the 2012 version of the Ad Age list.

Cruze, Soul and Wrangler among America’s 25 Hottest Products for 2011

While Honda doesn’t have any plans to bring the carbon fiber-laced CR-Z Mugen RR to production, the company has announced that buyers in the UK will have the chance to pick up a quicker version of the hybrid hatchback. The Honda CR-Z iCF will boast a little over 172 horsepower thanks to some wrenching by Mugen Euro. The base 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine packs a centrifugal supercharger along with an intercooler and a remapped ECU. As a result, the dash to 60 miles per hour takes just 6.1 seconds. For reference, the base CR-Z hobbles to the same speed in well over nine seconds.

The Honda CR-Z comes from the factory with 122 horsepower, which is only adequate for hustling the 2,657-pound hybrid around town. The additional 50 ponies in the iCF should make the machine plenty entertaining, and Honda says that the vehicle’s three drive modes have been maintained for the best fuel economy possible. Will we see something similar on our shores? Don’t hold your breath. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Honda UK and Mugen launch supercharged CR-Z iCF

Honda UK and Mugen launch supercharged CR-Z iCF

We aren’t typically ones to geek out on furniture, but this warrants an exception to the rule. Phillips Collection has worked up a coffee table perfect for any BMW fan. From the side, the piece simply looks to be three tilted boxes, but view the table from above and it becomes clear that it’s actually a physical manifestation of the BMW M logo. Made from cold-pressed steel and powder coated in the exact hues used by the BMW go-fast division, the table is sure to last for years and years. If you want one as badly as we do, you’ll have to contact Phillips Collection for more information.

Designer Jason Phillips is based in Greensboro, North Carolina and has crafted a number of innovative tables and chairs. You can check out his full portfolio by heading over to his Behance page.

The BMW M table is too good for coffee

Yes. A thousand times, yes.

It’s no secret that we – and every other automotive enthusiast on the plant – love insanely fast wagons. So it comes as no surprise that we’re seriously excited to see this, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Estate, come to life.

All of the bulgy bits you see here – the front bumper, massive air intakes, wide fender flares and vented (yet camouflaged) hood – are all found on the similarly equipped C63 AMG Black Series Coupe. The only major difference here is that this wagon still sports oval exhaust pipes, rather than the squared-off ones found on the coupe, but that’s an easy fix that may come into play later in the hot wagon’s development.

We expect what’s under the hood to be exactly the same as the two-door Black Series: Merc’s naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8, massaged to the tune of 510 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. All that power will go straight to the rear wheels via the seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT dual-clutch transmission.

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t sell the standard C63 AMG Estate here in North America, so we don’t expect the Black Series to touch ground here on our shores. Sad stuff, but just knowing that this beast exists somewhere in the world makes our hearts skip a few beats. See the hotness for yourself in the attached high-res image gallery.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Estate preparing to storm the supermarket