Article Courtesy of

Scion FR-S

As one of Toyota's North American brands, Scion already has an impressive line-up of sports and traditional models and its latest offering is the front-engine, rear-wheel drive FR-S. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, FR-S looks strikingly similar to the highly anticipated Toyota FT-86, with the exception of its front mask and rear embellishments. Its name is patterned after the earlier 2-seater mid-ship sports model, MR-S.

FT-86, and by extension, FR-S, is the brainchild of Toyota and Subaru. The first concept debuted at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and the retail model will finally be revealed at this year's event. On paper, FR-S measures 4272mm x 1816mm x 1204mm, and has a 2570mm wheel base and will have a naturally-aspirated (NA) F4 engine with 200bhp and 205Nm of power and torque respectively. Considering its engine capacity, its torque is equivalent to a regular 2.1-litre model, making it a highly efficient car. FR-S's performance advantage is due to basic modifications to its engine, as well as to the integration of Toyota's 4-D S-direct and port injection system. Given the current prevalence of automatic transmission, the six-speed manual variant is a breath of fresh air - its floating aerodynamics will surely inspire older drivers to take the wheel again. The six-speed manual FR-S accelerates from 0 - 100km/h in less than 7.7 seconds, making its performance comparable to the original Mazda Roadster and Porsche Boxter. This makes it faster than even the legendary Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno AE86, which reached 100km in approximately nine seconds. Additionally, the mid-ship layout enables rapid footwork and high stability, while the low centre of gravity of the flat engine makes handling brisk.

FR-S's most intriguing facet is its design. While its specifications are rumoured to be similar to FT-86's, its fender has been redesigned to comply with the 1800mm size restriction - meanwhile, FT-86II's fender will likely make it to the production line untouched. Each car has its distinct front grille shape. The triangular air intakes are located at the sides of FR-S's front mask and bumper, right below the headlights. The spoiler-shaped implements beneath the bumper have been removed, giving the car a more traditional, and therefore sellable, design. However, the front and rear fenders are more glamorous than before. In the back, FR-S also sports a distinctive bumper, diffuser, muffler and combination lamps.


Nissan Tiida and Tiida Latio

The 1695mm Tiida first appeared in September 2004 as a compact luxury car. Unfortunately, it was surpassed by its rivals, Toyota Auris and Mazda Axela in rear seating comfort. Also, since its March-based platform was getting on in years, its stability was leagues behind its competitors'. But this is expected to change with the release of the new model.

The new Tiida sedan was launched last December at the Guangzhou Motor Show, while the 5-door hatchback debuted last April at the Shanghai Motor Show. The next model measures 4295mm x 1760mm x 1523mm - 45mm longer, 65mm wider and 12mm lower than the current model. Its 2700mm wheel base is 100mm shorter than before as well. Its cabin is simply designed while its substantially larger frame improves its comfort level and stability. Its Japanese commercial launch is scheduled for January 2012.

The new Tiida's turbocharged NA 1.6-litre MR16DDT direct-injection engine generates 190bhp, and is also equipped in the Japanese and Chinese models. Its fuel efficiency is enhanced by Nissan's "Pure Drive" low-exhaust technology, which features a new dual injector system. It will also come with the automaker's XTRONIC CVT with sub transmission.


Nissan March Turbo

March Turbo still has the stripes of its predecessor, and was exhibited at the Nismo booth at the Shanghai Motor Show to enhance its sporty image.

The design is a joint project of Nissan's Global Design Centre in Japan and Nissan Design China in Beijing. It boasts the so-called "Baby Gangster" look, with its front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and front and rear fenders. The 3-door hatchback is 300mm shorter and 70mm lower than the original March, but since it is only a concept, its specifications may still be modified.

Appearance aside, March Turbo's dynamic performance is also something to watch for. Like Juke, its turbocharged 1.6-litre direct-injection engine generates 190bhp. Behind March Turbo's flashy design embellishments, it still upholds the legacies of the original March Turbo, March Superturbo and March 12SR.


Lexus LF-Gh

The current GS debuted in Japan in July 2005 under the Lexus brand, and after six and a half years, it will undergo a full revamp. The revamp was expected this year, but has been postponed until January. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, LF-Gh is the final concept that precedes the next GS.

Compared to the calm-looking GS, LF-Gh is extremely sporty, with sharp-edged headlights and streamlined wedge lines along the sides of its body. LF-Gh looks ostentatious with its "Spindle Grille" front mask, which is likely to be redesigned in the commercial model. While the bumper shape may also be changed, theLF-Gh's front mask is nothing short of extraordinary. Like the concept, CT 200h also features a sharp-edged bumper line, so perhaps this is Lexus's design trademark. Since the current GS's design is a reflection of its concept's, everyone is eagerly awaiting a more daring design for the new model. For now, LF-Gh is distinguished by its LED projector headlights and by its clearance lamps, which are fitted with Audi's dotted LED lamps.

LF-Gh measures 4890mm x 1870mm x 1540mm, making it 40mm longer, 50mm wider and 25mm taller than GS. The sizable proportions are certainly obvious when viewed in real life. This could be due to the many sharp lines that snake along the sides of its body. The rear's slanting lines also appear to cut into the bumper from the trunk's lid.

While the concept is equipped with a 3.5-litre V6, hybrid plans are underway. But instead of simply adding an electric motor to the 3.5-litre V6 specification, it may share the new Toyota Crown's 2.5-litre V6 and electric motor system. This will further enhance its already impressive fuel economy.


Subaru Legacy Hybrid

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru's President, Ikuo Mori, announced that the automaker's first hybrid would retail by 2012 from the Legacy. This is not surprising, considering that it is Subaru's flagship car and it boasts 2.5-litre to 3.6-litre engine configurations. Hence, having the Legacy "hybridised" seems to be a case of natural progression.

While Subaru had independently dabbled in the development of hybrid technologies, its 2008 merger with Toyota may mean that Legacy Hybrid will be equipped with Toyota's THS system. Therefore, it is necessary for Subaru's flat engine to be changed to an inline one. In principle, this can be achieved by installing a THS II system for the FR layout in the Crown Hybrid so that it matches Legacy's system.

In February 2008, the 13th generation Crown debuted after a minor revamp, and a full modification of the next generation is scheduled for next year. Speculation is rife that the new model will be a hybrid with the THS II system, which will exponentially boost its performance.

The development of a hybrid Crown is absolutely critical to the production of a hybrid Legacy since an inline THS system best suits the Legacy's powertrain. This means that Subaru's first hybrid must initially mimic the Crown's specifications before further research can be conducted on an alternative and uniquely Subaru option.

Another point of concern is the Legacy's 4WD drivetrain, which is a Subaru trademark. If an inline THS system is installed, it would be necessary to change the drive layout from FF to FR which is no easy feat, given that Legacy's platform is still FF-based. Another proposed system is the one installed in Subaru's Hybrid Tourer Concept - exhibited at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show - wherein a special rear-drive motor was integrated with the hybrid system and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). But considering factors like development time, cost and productivity, the THS 4WD option seems more feasible.

The NA 2.5-litre Legacy Hybrid is expected to clock 20-22km/litre, while the 3.6-litre 6-cylinder variant may achieve 16km/litre. Since the new Crown debuts in the second half of 2012, the next Legacy might also be released by then.


Suzuki Swift Sport

The second generation Swift Sport was highly lauded for its excellent handling and powerful 1.6-litre engine. Fans were disappointed when the new Swift was not included in Suzuki's line-up last October, but their interest was raised when Swift S Concept was launched at the Geneva Auto Show.

Though a Suzuki representative had said that S Concept was not the next Swift Sport, Suzuki's Senior Managing Executive Officer, Toshihiro Suzuki, confirmed that it was the prototype of the next Swift Sport.

The new Swift Sport debuts in Japan in October. The 1695mm-wide retail model will have a different front grille and bumper design, and will have the flashy over-fenders removed.

The latest Swift Sport will share its predecessor's 1.6-litre in-line-four M16A engine, which has been fine-tuned to generate 125bhp. While the European Swift already has the Idling Stop feature integrated, it is also likely that the Japanese Swift will have the feature installed.


Toyota Rav4

RAV4's appeal lies in its lightweight SUV-style body. In 2000, the second generation was launched, followed by the third generation in 2005. However, since the car targeted the international market, its presence was not as pronounced in Japan. Regardless, RAV4 is an attractive model with a noteworthy sales record.

Toyota plans to modify RAV4 next year, and intends to develop a hybrid variant. Its design will correspond to the design trends that sell well in the Japanese market. Additionally, the RAV4 hybrid will have Estima 2.4-litre in-line-four THS system, which is highly reliable and has record sales. RAV4's fuel consumption will be slightly lower than its predecessor and could be launched after Lexus RX.


Honda CR-V

The first thing one will notice about the CR-V is its attractive design. Although it is an SUV, some say that it resembles the BMW X1 crossover. The tasteful longitudinal rear combination lamps give it the appearance of a wagon.

The current 1820mm wide model debuted in 2006 and shares a platform with Acura RDX. It had a difficult time in the market because it came only with a 2.4-litre engine. Honda learned from its mistake, and will be releasing a variant equipped with Acura's 2-litre in-line-four R20A engine.

As for the 4WD system, the new CR-V will be fitted with Honda's basic Real Time 4WD with dual hydraulic pumps, which the current model already shares. Transmission response will be substantially improved to overcome the sluggishness of the dual pump system. Its ride can be made sportier with the inclusion of Super Handling-All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), but this enhancement will probably elevate its price.

The fourth generation CR-V launches in October, but because of the massive earthquake, plans for further model changes may also be delayed.