Official: Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LF-NX

Compact luxury crossovers are becoming big business for upscale automakers. Mercedes is slotting the new GLA beneath the GLK, BMW has the X1 below the X3, Audi has downsized from the Q5 to the Q3, and Lexus is keen to get in on the game. And to that end, Toyota’s luxury division is coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show this year with the concept crossover you see here.

Previewed a couple of weeks ago with an enigmatic teaser, the LF-NX concept, in the company’s own words, “explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.” The latest adaptation of the “L-finesse” design language could be the sharpest and most stylistically Japanese we’ve seen yet, with the sharp creases of the signature spindle grille repeated all around for a razor-sharp look. Lexus only released one shot of the cabin, but it looks as sharp as the exterior and, while clearly stylized, looks essentially more production-ready than most show cars.

Lexus hasn’t revealed much about the powertrain, saying only that it incorporates “a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.” Whether it actually has an engine that Lexus will detail at the show remains to be seen, but you can delve into the press release below for more and scope out the five images released thus far in the gallery above for a closer look.

Continue reading Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt

Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus LF-NX

Compact luxury crossovers are becoming big business for upscale automakers. Mercedes is slotting the new GLA beneath the GLK, BMW has the X1 below the X3, Audi has downsized from the Q5 to the Q3, and Lexus is keen to get in on the game. And to that end, Toyota’s luxury division is coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show this year with the concept crossover you see here.

Previewed a couple of weeks ago with an enigmatic teaser, the LF-NX concept, in the company’s own words, “explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.” The latest adaptation of the “L-finesse” design language could be the sharpest and most stylistically Japanese we’ve seen yet, with the sharp creases of the signature spindle grille repeated all around for a razor-sharp look. Lexus only released one shot of the cabin, but it looks as sharp as the exterior and, while clearly stylized, looks essentially more production-ready than most show cars.

Lexus hasn’t revealed much about the powertrain, saying only that it incorporates “a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.” Whether it actually has an engine that Lexus will detail at the show remains to be seen, but you can delve into the press release below for more and scope out the five images released thus far in the gallery above for a closer look.

Continue reading Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt

Lexus reveals LF-NX crossover concept for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept

Toyota has been known to make some exciting cars over the years, but its hybrids, well… let’s just say a Prius appeals to a different kind of buyer. The TS030 Hybrid LMP1, on the other hand, now that’s more our speed. And at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, the Japanese industrial giant will bridge the gap with the concept car you see here. Previewed in bits and pieces along the way, Toyota has now revealed the full details and array of photos of its new Yaris Hybrid-R concept. And what the full picture reveals is a Prius C that’s gone to the gym – or more appropriately, the track.

Powering this little pocket rocket is TMG’s Global Racing Engine: a 1.6-liter inline-four with direct injection and a Garett turbocharger to drive 300 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. A pair of electric motors provide an extra 60 hp to each of the rear wheels for a combined output of 420 hp and through-the-road all-wheel drive. A third 60hp electric motor serves as traction control under acceleration and acts as a generator under braking to feed the TS030-derived super capacitor that boasts a higher power density and faster charge/discharge speed than a traditional battery. The system can provide a 40-horse boost for ten seconds in Road mode, or the full 120hp for five seconds in Track mode.

Though based on the three-door Yaris, there’d be no mistaking this for any ordinary econo-hatch. 18-inch TRD alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires pack the wheel wells and a wider grille dominates the front fascia, while black and blue trim contrast sharply with the white bodywork. The rear pillar incorporates a quick-fill competition-spec fuel cap, LED daytime running lights illuminate the way and oversized brakes keep it all under control. The interior boasts Recaro racing buckets in black leather and blue Alcantara. There’s more to digest in the press release below, but the bottom line is that if this is where Toyota is taking its hybrids, we want to climb into the driver’s seat, and we’re looking forward to seeing the concept in the flesh next week.

Continue reading Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept

Toyota has been known to make some exciting cars over the years, but its hybrids, well… let’s just say a Prius appeals to a different kind of buyer. The TS030 Hybrid LMP1, on the other hand, now that’s more our speed. And at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, the Japanese industrial giant will bridge the gap with the concept car you see here. Previewed in bits and pieces along the way, Toyota has now revealed the full details and array of photos of its new Yaris Hybrid-R concept. And what the full picture reveals is a Prius C that’s gone to the gym – or more appropriately, the track.

Powering this little pocket rocket is TMG’s Global Racing Engine: a 1.6-liter inline-four with direct injection and a Garett turbocharger to drive 300 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. A pair of electric motors provide an extra 60 hp to each of the rear wheels for a combined output of 420 hp and through-the-road all-wheel drive. A third 60hp electric motor serves as traction control under acceleration and acts as a generator under braking to feed the TS030-derived super capacitor that boasts a higher power density and faster charge/discharge speed than a traditional battery. The system can provide a 40-horse boost for ten seconds in Road mode, or the full 120hp for five seconds in Track mode.

Though based on the three-door Yaris, there’d be no mistaking this for any ordinary econo-hatch. 18-inch TRD alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires pack the wheel wells and a wider grille dominates the front fascia, while black and blue trim contrast sharply with the white bodywork. The rear pillar incorporates a quick-fill competition-spec fuel cap, LED daytime running lights illuminate the way and oversized brakes keep it all under control. The interior boasts Recaro racing buckets in black leather and blue Alcantara. There’s more to digest in the press release below, but the bottom line is that if this is where Toyota is taking its hybrids, we want to climb into the driver’s seat, and we’re looking forward to seeing the concept in the flesh next week.

Continue reading Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R zips in on its way to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #348 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern!

Filed under: Etc.

Autoblog Podcast Live

We’re almost ready to record Episode #348 of the Autoblog Podcast! We’re joined tonight by Juan Barnett, otherwise known as DCAutoGeek, to talk policy and regulations and what it means for auto enthusiasts. Check out the topics below, add your own to the Q&A and join us live via UStream, as well. Keep reading for our embedded UStream player, and thanks for listening!

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #348

  • Jaguar C-X17
  • 70 mph speed limiters in Europe?
  • Ignition interlocks back under consideration
  • Your text to a driver may make you responsible if an accident occurs

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #348 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern!

Autoblog Podcast #348 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #348 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern!

Filed under: Etc.

Autoblog Podcast Live

We’re almost ready to record Episode #348 of the Autoblog Podcast! We’re joined tonight by Juan Barnett, otherwise known as DCAutoGeek, to talk policy and regulations and what it means for auto enthusiasts. Check out the topics below, add your own to the Q&A and join us live via UStream, as well. Keep reading for our embedded UStream player, and thanks for listening!

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #348

  • Jaguar C-X17
  • 70 mph speed limiters in Europe?
  • Ignition interlocks back under consideration
  • Your text to a driver may make you responsible if an accident occurs

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #348 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern!

Autoblog Podcast #348 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: McLaren P1 gets driven first by Jay Leno

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, UK, Celebrities, Racing, McLaren

2014 McLaren P1s at Top Gear Test Track

The crew at Jay Leno’s Garage have been pretty busy this week. Besides getting some face time with General Motors’ Ed Welburn and the Cadillac Elmiraj Concept, the funny man and his film crew managed to make off with the new Porsche 918 Spyder. Now, Jay and his team are in the UK to drive the new P1, visiting the McLaren Technical Center in Woking and heading out to the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome.

In case you’re wondering, yes, Jay is the first person outside of McLaren to drive the new hybridized hypercar, and not surprisingly is on the list to take delivery of one of the production models. As rumors swirled this past weekend about the P1’s blistering Nürburgring time, it’s exciting to see it lap another fan-favorite circuit The video offers a cool look inside the laboratory-like assembly line where the P1 is built, as well. Take a look below for the full video.

Continue reading McLaren P1 gets driven first by Jay Leno

McLaren P1 gets driven first by Jay Leno originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: McLaren P1 gets driven first by Jay Leno

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, UK, Celebrities, Racing, McLaren

2014 McLaren P1s at Top Gear Test Track

The crew at Jay Leno’s Garage have been pretty busy this week. Besides getting some face time with General Motors’ Ed Welburn and the Cadillac Elmiraj Concept, the funny man and his film crew managed to make off with the new Porsche 918 Spyder. Now, Jay and his team are in the UK to drive the new P1, visiting the McLaren Technical Center in Woking and heading out to the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome.

In case you’re wondering, yes, Jay is the first person outside of McLaren to drive the new hybridized hypercar, and not surprisingly is on the list to take delivery of one of the production models. As rumors swirled this past weekend about the P1’s blistering Nürburgring time, it’s exciting to see it lap another fan-favorite circuit The video offers a cool look inside the laboratory-like assembly line where the P1 is built, as well. Take a look below for the full video.

Continue reading McLaren P1 gets driven first by Jay Leno

McLaren P1 gets driven first by Jay Leno originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Pics Aplenty: VW Golf R gets a few more looks

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen has seen fit to release an additional 21 images of the 296-horsepower, all-wheel-drive 2014 Golf R. Our crack team covered the monstrous little hatchback ahead of its debut at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but know that a brand new gallery of the thing couldn’t hurt, either.

As a recap, power comes from a massaged 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, while a six-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed stick dispatches the power to a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The suspension has been adjusted for improved handling while the aesthetics are suitably brawny for the GTI’s bigger, meaner brother.

Take a look in the updated gallery above to see all the new images of the 2014 Golf R.

Pics Aplenty: VW Golf R gets a few more looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Pics Aplenty: VW Golf R gets a few more looks

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen has seen fit to release an additional 21 images of the 296-horsepower, all-wheel-drive 2014 Golf R. Our crack team covered the monstrous little hatchback ahead of its debut at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but know that a brand new gallery of the thing couldn’t hurt, either.

As a recap, power comes from a massaged 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, while a six-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed stick dispatches the power to a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The suspension has been adjusted for improved handling while the aesthetics are suitably brawny for the GTI’s bigger, meaner brother.

Take a look in the updated gallery above to see all the new images of the 2014 Golf R.

Pics Aplenty: VW Golf R gets a few more looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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