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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Official: Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Audi, Design/Style

Audi has pulled the official wraps off its new Sport Quattro Concept, which will be debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The automaker is understandably keen to draw inspiration from its classic Quattro line of automobiles, specifically the original Ur-Quattro from 1980 and the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro that took part in rally racing and set a record at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1987. A massive dose of modernity comes courtesy of its 700-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.

There is a clear link in the styling of the Sport Quattro Concept to Quattro coupes of the past, from the large flat surfaces that make up its C pillars to the blisters over the fenders and the basic headlamp shape (equipped as they are with Audi’s Matrix LED technology). Pay special attention to the car’s grille, which introduces a slightly new design language that is expected to be seen in the next generation of Audi’s mainstream production models.

The interior of the Sport Quattro Concept is a refreshing departure from Audi’s admittedly attractive and useable design, with sharp lines and lots of visible carbon fiber. There are seats for four occupants inside, along with a comparatively generous cargo area measuring 10.59 cubic feet.

Underhood sits a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to all four wheels with assistance from a disk-shaped electric motor and liquid-cooled, 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery pack. Power comes in at 700 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and, of course, it’s sent to all four wheels. According to Audi, the Sport Quattro Concept can travel over 30 miles on electricity alone, and it can accelerate to 62 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph.

Check out the Audi Sport Quattro Concept in our high-res gallery above, and read all about it in the press release below.

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Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Audi, Design/Style

Audi has pulled the official wraps off its new Sport Quattro Concept, which will be debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The automaker is understandably keen to draw inspiration from its classic Quattro line of automobiles, specifically the original Ur-Quattro from 1980 and the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro that took part in rally racing and set a record at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1987. A massive dose of modernity comes courtesy of its 700-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain.

There is a clear link in the styling of the Sport Quattro Concept to Quattro coupes of the past, from the large flat surfaces that make up its C pillars to the blisters over the fenders and the basic headlamp shape (equipped as they are with Audi’s Matrix LED technology). Pay special attention to the car’s grille, which introduces a slightly new design language that is expected to be seen in the next generation of Audi’s mainstream production models.

The interior of the Sport Quattro Concept is a refreshing departure from Audi’s admittedly attractive and useable design, with sharp lines and lots of visible carbon fiber. There are seats for four occupants inside, along with a comparatively generous cargo area measuring 10.59 cubic feet.

Underhood sits a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to all four wheels with assistance from a disk-shaped electric motor and liquid-cooled, 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery pack. Power comes in at 700 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and, of course, it’s sent to all four wheels. According to Audi, the Sport Quattro Concept can travel over 30 miles on electricity alone, and it can accelerate to 62 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph.

Check out the Audi Sport Quattro Concept in our high-res gallery above, and read all about it in the press release below.

Continue reading Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt

Audi Sport Quattro Concept to race into Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Porsche, Diesel

Porsche Panamera Diesel

Diesel may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Porsche, but in the European market – that vital one which Porsche calls home – diesels are indispensable. Particularly when you’re trying to extend beyond niche sports cars and into the mainstream luxury sedan market as Zuffenhausen has with the Panamera. In fact, diesels account for 15 percent of Panamera sales worldwide (even though they’re not offered Stateside), so to keep oil-burning customers happy, Porsche has announced a series of upgrades.

Set to be unveiled in the flesh at the fast-approaching Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Panamera Diesel packs 300 horsepower. That’s 50 hp (or 20 percent) more than the model it replaces, significantly dropping the 0-62 sprint from 6.8 seconds to 6 flat, and raising top speed from 152 miles per Autobahn-crunching hour to 161. While they were at it, Porsche’s engineers also fitted the rear differential with torque vectoring (previously reserved for gasoline-burning models) and retuned the transmission and suspension.

You can delve into the press release below for all the details – including the new model’s improved towing capacity! – but the reality, for better or worse, is that the Panamera Diesel isn’t offered here. So if you’ve been celebrating Labor Day (or even Labour Day, for our friends to the north) like we have, don’t go looking for it at your local dealer, who will have only a Cayenne Diesel to show you instead.

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Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Porsche, Diesel

Porsche Panamera Diesel

Diesel may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Porsche, but in the European market – that vital one which Porsche calls home – diesels are indispensable. Particularly when you’re trying to extend beyond niche sports cars and into the mainstream luxury sedan market as Zuffenhausen has with the Panamera. In fact, diesels account for 15 percent of Panamera sales worldwide (even though they’re not offered Stateside), so to keep oil-burning customers happy, Porsche has announced a series of upgrades.

Set to be unveiled in the flesh at the fast-approaching Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Panamera Diesel packs 300 horsepower. That’s 50 hp (or 20 percent) more than the model it replaces, significantly dropping the 0-62 sprint from 6.8 seconds to 6 flat, and raising top speed from 152 miles per Autobahn-crunching hour to 161. While they were at it, Porsche’s engineers also fitted the rear differential with torque vectoring (previously reserved for gasoline-burning models) and retuned the transmission and suspension.

You can delve into the press release below for all the details – including the new model’s improved towing capacity! – but the reality, for better or worse, is that the Panamera Diesel isn’t offered here. So if you’ve been celebrating Labor Day (or even Labour Day, for our friends to the north) like we have, don’t go looking for it at your local dealer, who will have only a Cayenne Diesel to show you instead.

Continue reading Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt

Porsche Panamera gets new diesel in time for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford to reveal Vignale sub-brand with special Mondeo in Frankfurt

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford, UK, Design/Style, Luxury

Ford Mondeo will be the first Ford to receive upscale Vignale treatment.

Ford says that 10-15 percent of its customers in Europe want their cars to be set apart from regular Fords – even those wearing the top Titanium X trim – and the Blue Oval will answer them with the Vignale sub-brand. The new brand proposes a more upscale look and a much-improved dealership experience, Autocar reports. The Vignale Mondeo will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show to kick off the new endeavor.

The first Ford to receive the Vignale treatment will be the 2015 Mondeo, a Euro-only model, followed by the new S-Max and Edge. The Vignale Mondeo is set apart visually from other Mondeos by a chrome grille and chrome door handles and mirror caps. Mondeo badging will be deleted – only Vignale badging will make an appearance.

The interior will get a more upscale flavor, as well, with quilted leather seats and door trim and leather covering the instrument panel, center console and steering wheel. A Vignale-badged storage drawer will be installed in the trunk, and in-car Wi-Fi is available.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Europe’s sales boss, says the Vignale sub-brand is aimed at customers who don’t have a lot of free time, are “independent thinkers” and want to feel special, Autocar reports, so visual treatments aren’t the only features Vignale cars will get. Owners also will have a Ford dealer contact assigned to them and receive exclusive services, such as free car washes at the dealership for the life of the car.

There’s no word if Vignale Fords will come to the US, but our guess is that they won’t – at least not right away.

Ford to reveal Vignale sub-brand with special Mondeo in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford to reveal Vignale sub-brand with special Mondeo in Frankfurt

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford, UK, Design/Style, Luxury

Ford Mondeo will be the first Ford to receive upscale Vignale treatment.

Ford says that 10-15 percent of its customers in Europe want their cars to be set apart from regular Fords – even those wearing the top Titanium X trim – and the Blue Oval will answer them with the Vignale sub-brand. The new brand proposes a more upscale look and a much-improved dealership experience, Autocar reports. The Vignale Mondeo will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show to kick off the new endeavor.

The first Ford to receive the Vignale treatment will be the 2015 Mondeo, a Euro-only model, followed by the new S-Max and Edge. The Vignale Mondeo is set apart visually from other Mondeos by a chrome grille and chrome door handles and mirror caps. Mondeo badging will be deleted – only Vignale badging will make an appearance.

The interior will get a more upscale flavor, as well, with quilted leather seats and door trim and leather covering the instrument panel, center console and steering wheel. A Vignale-badged storage drawer will be installed in the trunk, and in-car Wi-Fi is available.

Roelant de Waard, Ford of Europe’s sales boss, says the Vignale sub-brand is aimed at customers who don’t have a lot of free time, are “independent thinkers” and want to feel special, Autocar reports, so visual treatments aren’t the only features Vignale cars will get. Owners also will have a Ford dealer contact assigned to them and receive exclusive services, such as free car washes at the dealership for the life of the car.

There’s no word if Vignale Fords will come to the US, but our guess is that they won’t – at least not right away.

Ford to reveal Vignale sub-brand with special Mondeo in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teased: BMW i8 official images leak ahead of Frankfurt [w/video]

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Design/Style, Electric, Luxury

BMW i8 Profile Shot

The new BMW i8 plug-in electric supercar isn’t set to make its official debut until September 10, when it will glide onto the Frankfurt Motor Show stage amidst a sea of flash photography. Of course, that isn’t so true in today’s world, where debuts are always preceded (often carefully) by “leaks.”

Take this trio of images of the BMW i8 – there’s just enough of the exterior on display in the profile shot to draw attention, without showing important styling points that might be present on the front or back of the car. The same goes for the video attached below. The cabin shot is cool, but isn’t particularly earth-shattering when it comes to BMW interiors. As for the skeletal shot, we can see the 1.5-liter, turbocharged engine positioned between the rear axles, the battery pack found in what would be the transmission tunnel and the front-mounted electric motors.

We’ll have a full set of live images when the BMW i8 makes its debut in Frankfurt next week. Until then, have a look in the gallery and at the video below, and let us know what you think of BMW’s next big thing.

Continue reading BMW i8 official images leak ahead of Frankfurt [w/video]

BMW i8 official images leak ahead of Frankfurt [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teased: BMW i8 official images leak ahead of Frankfurt [w/video]

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Design/Style, Electric, Luxury

BMW i8 Profile Shot

The new BMW i8 plug-in electric supercar isn’t set to make its official debut until September 10, when it will glide onto the Frankfurt Motor Show stage amidst a sea of flash photography. Of course, that isn’t so true in today’s world, where debuts are always preceded (often carefully) by “leaks.”

Take this trio of images of the BMW i8 – there’s just enough of the exterior on display in the profile shot to draw attention, without showing important styling points that might be present on the front or back of the car. The same goes for the video attached below. The cabin shot is cool, but isn’t particularly earth-shattering when it comes to BMW interiors. As for the skeletal shot, we can see the 1.5-liter, turbocharged engine positioned between the rear axles, the battery pack found in what would be the transmission tunnel and the front-mounted electric motors.

We’ll have a full set of live images when the BMW i8 makes its debut in Frankfurt next week. Until then, have a look in the gallery and at the video below, and let us know what you think of BMW’s next big thing.

Continue reading BMW i8 official images leak ahead of Frankfurt [w/video]

BMW i8 official images leak ahead of Frankfurt [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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