NISSAN/NISMO collection booth

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., together with AUTECH Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd. will present 9 exciting models equipped with the latest custom and after-market parts in the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association), to be held from January 15-17, 2010 at Makuhari Messe.

Nissan will showcase its transporter and hospitality cars used during it’s participation in the domestic racing series, recreating the exciting atmosphere of the race circuit. Included in this display is Nissan’s range of standard road cars stylized with the latest genuine aero body-kits that compliments the vehicles pure form. Autech will show its expertise in custom cars with its fun and relaxing Rider Series while NISMO will be presenting its NISMO Club Sports Package Custom, the 2010 Nissan GT-R equipped with the newly-developed “NISMO Data Logger Kit” and the XANAVI NISMO GT-R racecar that competed in the 2008 SUPER GT series.

Highlights of the exhibit – Hi-res. Images

Nissan area
	Roox Highway Star Urban Selection A distinctive, stylishly finished premium model based on the Roox, a light vehicle launched for sale in December, equipped with third-party custom parts such as an advanced HDD navigation system, lighting components with custom exterior, and stylized cabin interior.
	Skyline Sporty Package-equipped car This minor modification to the Skyline Sedan announced on January 6 raises the vehicle to a whole new level as a sports car. The model’s package includes a sporty aero body-kit, a sports muffler, and high-performance suspension.
	Skyline Coupe Sporty Package-equipped car Exhibited during the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon as a concept, this custom car has an aggressively designed aero-body kit that give out a sporty feel. It is now available to the public.
Autech Japan Area Rider Series Autech Japan takes its Rider Series of custom cars, known for its punchy aeroform coating and emblematic front grill design, to a new level and incorporates the latest HDD navigation system into it.
	‘Cube Rider Plus Navi HDD’
	‘Note Rider Plus Navi HDD’
	‘Serena Rider Plus Navi HDD’
NISMO area
	Nissan GT-R 2010 Model: Featuring the NISMO Club Sports Package The “NISMO Club Sports Package” is the fusion of Nissan GT-R and NISMO technologies — a package boasting a high level of sports performance. The Nissan GT-R 2010 model also includes the newly developed “NISMO Data Logger Kit”, which makes it possible for the driver to download their driving data via USB and view it on a computer. With this data logger kit, NISMO provides a new driving pleasure in which the driver has a full complement of options to analyze driving data acquired at the driving circuit.
	XANAVI NISMO GT-R (2008 SUPER GT GT500 class: Drivers’ Championship winning car) Presenting the car that Satoshi Motoyama / Benoît Treluyer used to win three races (including two victories in a row) in the 2008 SUPER GT. This racing car took home the series’ championship in its debut year.
	FAIRLADY Z Version NISMO Continuing in the spirit of the previous Z33 model Fairlady Z, this model builds onto the Fairlady Z’s high level of driving performance with added fun and sporty functionality.
NISSAN/NISMO collection booth
	Nissan official merchandise, under the Fairlady Z, Nissan GT-R and NISMO motorsport range are available. Limited editions (996 pcs.) of the 1/64 scale model of the “XANAVI NISMO GT-R (#23, the 2008 SUPER GT Championship-winning machine) will also be on sale at this year’s event.

The plug-in hybrid sedan recently went on sale in China for the U.S.

Along with the E6 fully-electric crossover, China's BYD Auto (which stands for Build Your Dreams) also showcased the F3DM plug-in hybrid sedan at its Detroit Show stand. This is not the first time we've seen the F3DM in the U.S. as the Chinese automaker displayed the car at last year's NAIAS.

Looking a lot like a previous generation Toyota Corolla, the 4,533mm (178.4 inches) long FD3M makes use of a small 1.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 168hp (125kw).

Even though some sites have reported now and in the past that the F3DM's hybrid drivetrain works in the same that the Chevy Volt's does, meaning that the gasoline engine doesn't drive the wheels but charges the battery, BYD Auto's press release clearly points towards a system similar to the one found in the Prius.

"When the vehicle needs more power to accelerate, a gasoline engine and an electric motor drive the wheels together to provide greater output and torque," BYD Auto states in the F3DM's press release.

BYD claims that the plug-in hybrid sedan can drive up to 100km or 62 miles on electricity and 580km or 360 miles on a single battery charge and a full tank of gasoline.

The Chinese maker says that the F3DM's battery pack can be charged to 50% power via quick charge in 10 minutes, and 100% power via household charge in seven hours.

The vehicle also features a solar panel sunroof, which can be used to channel power to the battery pack.

According to BYD, the F3DM can sprint from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 10.5 seconds and go on to reach a top speed of 150 km/h or 93mph.

The plug-in hybrid sedan recently went on sale in China for the U.S. equivalent of around $22,000. The company said that it plans to sell the F3DM in the States by 2011.

CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its U.S. production debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

“The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment,”

said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

“It’s the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy.”

Set to go on sale late summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.

The exterior’s distinctive “one-motion” wedge form originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle’s athletic presence.

The futuristically styled interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against a motif of textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wrap-around cockpit environment. The passenger zone offers an open, comfortable space. Premium sport-oriented cloth seats are designed to provide excellent lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space. A hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1 with voice recognition.

The CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda’s original IMA technology since the launch of the 2000 Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available in North America in December 1999. The foundation of the CR-Z’s hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system’s DC brushless electric motor. The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.

The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower2 at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque2 at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in a rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon3 on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon3. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch (for a duration of approximately 1.5 seconds). The available CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission with a seamless transition between minimum and maximum ratios, while also keeping the engine within an optimal RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the steering wheel allow the driver to manually simulate the stepped holding pattern. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected ratio.

The CR-Z’s three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

During Econ mode operation, the engine’s responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.

Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe

The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience. All models are equipped with 16×6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17×7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires with are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity, which is key to the new CR-Z’s responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

In addition to being environmentally responsible, the CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

¹ The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-Z EX in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

² Preliminary estimate provided by Honda. Final specification is subject to change.

³ Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Opt for the 535i and you'll take delivery of a sedan turned into an R35

You can't buy the 2011 BMW 5 Series yet, but German tuner Racing Dynamics knows what it's going to do to the car when you can. Opt for the 535i and you'll take delivery of a sedan turned into an R35, pulled by a turbocharged six that's got a 104-horsepower bump to 410 along with 385 pound-feet of torque. It will get to 60 miles per hour nearly a second faster than the standard 535i.

But if you can, why not take the R50S? That's a 550i taken from 407 ponies and boosted up to 620 horsepower. Controlling that oomph will be a Racing Dynamics sport suspension, locking rear differential, and a brake system with slotted discs that can handle 800 degrees Celsius. Making it sound good will be a new exhaust, and making it look good will be a minimal bodykit featuring a pair of dual pipes and 21-inch forged wheels.

new 1.4 VTi 95 bhp petrol and the 1.6 HDi 90 bhp diesel

Peugeot is increasing the value of its popular 207 hatchback by introducing the Verve edition which will go on sale in Europe from January 2010 starting at £12,330.62 on-the-road. The car comes with three new exterior colors, two new engines and a long list of standard equipments.

207 Verve will be available with new colors Aluminium, Shark Grey and Moroccan Red which are added to the current range including Aluminium, Shark Grey and Moroccan Red.

As for the engines, there’ a new 1.4 VTi 95 bhp petrol and the 1.6 HDi 90 bhp diesel engine joining the range of 1.4 liter 8v 75 bhp petrol and 1.4 liter HDi 70 bhp diesel. Unfortunately Peugeot is not offering the high-performance RC edition with theVerve treatment.

2010 Peugeot 207 Verve is really well equipped. Standard equipments include: Power steering, driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbag, remote control central locking with deadlocks, three rear three point seat belts, 2/3 – 1/3 split folding rear seat, adjustable front head restraints, steering column adjustable for reach and rake, stereo radio / single CD player, driver seat height adjustment, ABS, EBFD, EBA, electric air inlet flap (HDi models only), body coloured door handles / body side mouldings, chrome insert to gear knob, lion grey interior door handles, white instrument dials, trip computer, electrically operated / heated door mirrors, manual air-conditioning, 15” Monaco alloy wheels, front fog lights,Verve badges and interior floor mats…

There is also the Peugeot Connect USB system as standard. This feature has built-in Bluetooth system for your mobile phone and also comes with a USB Box which consists of a connection box located in the centre console with a USB connector and jack socket, all protected by a hinged cover. These functions can be controlled via the steering column-mounted joystick. The unit is also capable of “streaming” music via the Bluetooth function, making it possible to play recorded music from the memory of a Bluetooth phone or from a portable music player equipped with a Bluetooth module.