Toyota has released a teaser of a new concept called the FT-Bh Concept. The concept is an “ultra-lightweight, full hybrid vehicle study, designed to achieve low emissions within an economically viable production framework.”

Toyota wasn’t afraid to say that the process and the main concept behind the FT-Bh was to avoid the use of expensive materials or complex development and use only those materials that are commonplace in the automotive industry.

THe Toyota FT-Bh Concept will be making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month.

- By: Omar Rana

Based on the same vehicle platform as the Tesla Model S sedan, the TVP (Tesla Vehicle Platform), the Model X actually turns out to be sport crossover with a low center of gravity and nimble tight handling. Obviously, the torque from the electric power train helps assist in some aggressive lane changes.

Check out more news on the Tesla Model X.

The 7-passenger Tesla Model X comes standard in rear-wheel-drive but the company does offer an optional Dual Motor all-wheel-drive architecture. The second motor increases torque by 50% and allows for all-road and all-weather capability. With AWD, the Tesla Model X Performance version can run from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds – that’s sports car performance right there.

The Tesla Model X will be available with two battery pack versions including a 60 or 85 kWh battery allowing for a range of up to 300 miles (for the 85 kWh model).

Before you get inside the Tesla Model X, it’s the way you open the rear passenger doors that will probably turn some heads. Known as ‘Falcon Doors’ the doors open up and out (even in tight parking spots) allowing you ample room to just step inside the all-electric crossover. Once you’re inside there easy third-row access and quite a bit of room for a total of 7-passengers. The driver seat is the most stylish with a Tesla Touchscreen 17-inch, high-res, multi-touch display and a high-res speedometer right in front.

The Tesla Model X will enter production in late 2013 and will start being delivered in early 2014. When you can order yours? Today, if you’re sold on it. The Model X will be priced comparable to a similarly equipped Model S but the company will give out more details as production nears.

- By: Omar Rana

The outside also features a front apron and rear trim panel that are grained and the side skirts boast a high-gloss black finish. Wheels consist of 15-inch 3-double-spoke alloy wheels in a brilliant black finish wrapped in 175/55 R 15 (front) and 195/50 R 15 (rear).

The inside gets contrast red double stitching on the black leather seats and instrument panel. The standard equipment includes the audio system basic and exclusive floor mats. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred is based on the passion line so that means you get a softouch automatic gear program, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a panoramic roof with sunblind. Electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart sound system with five loudspeakers and the smart audio system navigation/multimedia.

Those interested can order the Smart ForTwo Sharpred now from their dealers and can expect delivery by May 2012. Only 1,800 units will be produced.

- By: Omar Rana

What you’re looking at above is the first and only image of the new 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander. The redesigned model will be making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Moor Show and will go on sale in Russia this summer followed by all of Europe, Japan, China and North America.

Mitsubishi also confirmed that it will offer an EV-based Outlander model which uses a plug-in hybrid system later this year.

Besides a redesigned exterior, the 2013 Outlander features an upgraded interior with better quality, comfortable second- and third-row seats that can be easily configured to provide a number of seating patterns and also a long luggage space with a flat floor and a power-operated tailgate.

In Europe, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander will offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. The gasoline engine will be a 2.0 liter inline 4-cylinder, and the diesel will be a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder turbo MIVEC engine.

- By: Omar Rana

The Umberto Palermo Design Vittoria Concept is a sleek and aggressive looking sports car that measures 4,750 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,250 mm tall. It also gets sloping roofline, LED taillights at the rear and a ‘cheese grater’ grille.

No word on complete technical details but Umberto Palermo Design says that the Vittoria uses a hybrid V8 setup for maximum performance and fuel-economy.

No word on when or if it will enter production.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WCF

Check out more news on the Toyota Prius C.

The 2012 Toyota Prius C will be available in four grades with each carrying a Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.5-liter DOHC engine with VVT-i, a 60 hp permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery which generates 25.9 hp of electric propulsion for a total system net output of 99-hp. Obviously 0 to 60 mph will take you about 2 days but you’ll be managing some strong fuel-economy numbers.

The Price C One comes standard with  automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, multi-information display and Bluetooth hands free phone controls; and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry, a 3.5-inch full color TFT multi-information display and USB port with iPod connectivity.

Check out the full pricing sheet after the jump.

The 2012 Prius C Two will add a 6-speaker audio system, auto windshield wipers, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, cruise control, engine immobilizer, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a cargo area tonneau cover.  Getting a little more interesting, the Prius C Three will add a Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, and advanced voice recognition. It also gets color-keyed outside door handles with touch- sensor lock/unlock feature, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-information Display, Bluetooth hands free phone and voice command controls, a Touch Tracer Display, and a Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. 15-inch alloy wheels are also aded along with tilt/slide moonroof.

Last but not least the Prius C Four adds 15-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels, Softex-trimmed heated front seats, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and integrated fog lamps.

2012 Toyota Prius c Pricing Sheet

2012 Prius c Options and Packages

Available for Prius c Three:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
• 15-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P175/65R15 tires- MSRP $390

Available for Prius c Four:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
• 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires – MSRP $300
• 16-inch Alloy Wheel Package: combines 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires and power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $1,150

Available Exterior Colors:

• Habanero
• Blue Streak Metallic
• Summer Rain Metallic
• Absolutely Red
• Black Sand Pearl
• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Classic Silver Metallic
• Moonglow
• Super White

- By: Omar Rana

The Tesla Model X will make its world debut at the SpaceX facility tomorrow – but before the covers come, we have some interesting bit of information for you. Word has it that the Tesla Model X will feature something called ‘Falcon’ doors.

Check out more news on the Tesla Model X.

What are falcon doors you ask? Basically the doors ‘lift up and fold – like the wing of a bird.’ The feature allows rear passengers to have minivan-simplicity of entering and loading the rear part of the Model X with car seats and cargo.

To see what it really looks like – you’ll have to wait and see tomorrow 8:00 pm EST.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

Most of the coupe’s exterior resembles the Elantra sedan, buy takes the brand’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design theme to a sportier design language.

Check out more news on the Hyundai Elantra.

Power comes from the 1.8 liter 4-cylinder in the Elantra sedan, which pumps out 148-hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, the Hyundai Elantra Coupe manages an estimated fuel-economy of 29/40 mpg (city/highway) and 28/49 mpg (automatic). That enables the Elantra Coupe to return a highway driving range of up to 500 whopping miles and makes it more fuel-efficient than the Civic Coupe and Kia Koup.

Inside, the story is pretty much the same as the Elantra sedan in terms of technology options and features, however, roominess is sacrificed. Nonetheless, the interior volume comes in at 110.2 cubic feet,which exceeds the 2012 Honda Civic Coupe and 2012 Kia Forte Koup by quite a lot.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe will be available to order this spring. Sit tight for pricing details.

- By: Omar Rana

“Elantra GT is a fun-to-drive, functional, five-door compact hatchback,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Elantra GT is the latest example of how Hyundai is redefining the compact car and setting new standards in automotive design, efficiency and functionality.”

Hyundai says that the new 2013 Elantra GT will compete with the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf and will offer more interior space and fuel-economy than its competitors. It also weighs the least out of the bunch at just 2,784 pounds (with an automatic) - 175 pounds lighter than Focus, 151 pounds lighter than Mazda3 and 222 pounds lighter than Golf.

Power for the Elantra GT comes from the same 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine as the Elantra sedan. The engine pumps out 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT averages an estimated 28/39 mpg (city/highway).

Check out more news on the Hyundai Elantra.

Inside the Elantra GT, offers more interior volume than the Toyota Matrix, Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover. Technology wise, the 2013 Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and Hyundai’s new BlueLink infotainment system. Optionally, buyers can add SiriusXM Satellite Radio, real-time NavTraffic and Data services, leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT hits dealerships this summer. Price, as always, will be announced closer to launch date.

- By: Omar Rana

“First-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that’s what we have created with the new Acura ILX,” said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. “The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market.”

Power for the 2013 Acura ILX comes from three powertrain choices including the brand’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid. The base model features a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine making 150 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, the ILX 2.0L returns an EPA estimated 24/32 mpg (city/highway). For those that want more power, the Acura ILX also comes with a 2.4 liter 4-clyinder making 201-hp at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, the ILX 2.4L will deliver an EPA estimated 20/29 mpg.

Check out more news on the Acura ILX.

The 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid features Honda’s 1.5 liter engine and the Integrated Motor Assist electric motor. Fuel to the 20-hp electric-motor comes from a lithium-ion battery pack. Working together, the system produces 111-hp at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft between 1,000-3,000 rpm. Mated to a CVT transmission, the Acura ILX 1.5L Hybrid averages a nice 35/38 mpg.

Interior features includes a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and push-button start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function. Buyers can opt for a Premium Package and the Technology Package. The Premium Package gives you leather heated seats, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system, a rear view camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin. The Technology Package adds an ELS Surround audio system, AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps. There is also an onboard 60GB hard drive.

The 2013 Acura ILX will go on sale later this year. Keep your eye out for the pricing information.

- By: Omar Rana

Not too long ago, I started a little section of egmCarTech called “Randomly Spotted,” where in my travels, if I were to stumble upon a rare and odd automobile, I would bring it to the table for discussion.

But in this version of Randomly Spotted, today’s feature may not seem too rare and odd to begin with, unlike that old Citroen I spotted. For starters, right off the bat, you may think: it’s a normal BMW E28 5-Series from 1981-1988, what’s so special?

And of course, I’d agree with you…that is, until your eyes meet the number badging on the right side of the trunk. Most of us Americans have become used to 5-Series designations like 525, 528, 533, 535, 540, and so on. But wait a second…5-2-4-t-d or 524td? What the heck is that?

Most of us are aware that BMW has as much of a history producing diesel passenger cars as every other European manufacturer, though their efforts were isolated to other markets where diesel passenger cars were more established. And it wasn’t until the introduction of the E90 335d and the E70 X5 3.0d that made it seem like BMW was offering diesel powered cars for the first time in America. But if you’ve ever pondered the question as to whether BMW had any previous diesel models offered in America in the past, the answer is yes, they have! Truth be told, the E90 335d and the E70 X5 3.0d were not BMW’s first attempt at importing diesel-powered models into North America.

This E28 524td happens to be the first and last diesel-powered model BMW ever sold in America prior to the 335d and the X5. Only imported from 1985 to 1986, the BMW 524td was the brand’s experimental model that would compete against the at-the-time, aging, but tried, tested and true Mercedes-Benz W123 300D.

That said, where as Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen were well established for importing diesel passenger cars consistently and with great success, BMW had attempted to jump on the bandwagon for the North American Market. But why was it only offered for one model-year?

At the time of the BMW E28’s launch in 1981, the brand’s reputation for sporty performance automobiles was deep in the process of being established and embedded in the opinions and minds of critics and consumers in America. As a result, BMW of North America didn’t feel that the 524td’s 114hp turbodiesel straight-six was fitting for the brand’s up and coming image, especially since BMW’s M-Division was beginning to take form from models like the E12 and E28 M535is, the fathers of the world-renown BMW M5. And despite this call, the E28 BMW 524td was the world’s fastest and most powerful diesel production car at the time and was capable of 30 mpg’s in the city and 33 on the highway.

Additionally, diesel was receiving terrible reception after General Motors had attempted to produce diesel passenger cars of their own. Arguably criticized for being powered by normal gasoline engines converted to diesels—which explaining why that doesn’t work is a more technical discussion—General Motors ruined the reputation of diesels because their versions were deemed terribly unreliable and underpowered.

Combine that with the fact that gasoline prices took a dive after the 1973 Oil Crisis, relieving consumers of the concern for fuel economy, the circumstances weren’t favoring BMW’s campaign to market the 524td. The final result: the 524td was pulled from the US market in 1986.

Because the 524td was so short-lived in North America, it is extraordinarily rare to come across one, both either running or rotting away in a barn or backyard. And why is it important? BMW only reintroduced diesels for the American market in 2009, so many prospective buyers in North America were still found to be a little apprehensive with swallowing the diesel passenger car pill. But thanks to a more open-minded consumer sphere in North America and greater awareness, diesel passenger cars have slowly been trickling their way into bigger prominence here in the states. That said, prospective American buyers shouldn’t be afraid of BMW diesels despite the impression that the brand only begun their diesel prospects for North America in 2009. The fact of the matter is that BMW has been producing diesel passenger cars for quite some time, just for Europe and other markets. So they ain’t no stranger to the game.

But should you express interest in picking up an E28 524td as a project or an antique, all I could say is good luck finding one, because this was the first North American E28 524td I’ve ever randomly spotted in the flesh and it seems like only the diehard Roundel enthusiasts are aware of the 524td here in America. And unfortunately, they only came with an automatic here in Americaland.

- By: Chris Chin

Fisker is in a little bit of a bind with its loan from the Department of Energy. As a result, production for the brand’s new Project Nina lineup at the Fisker Automotive plant in Wilmington, DE and 26 workers were laid off.

This comes after a rework of Fisker Automotive’s $529 million loan, which was prompted after agreements with certain deadlines and milestones weren’t met as part of the loan’s terms and conditions.

“DOE loan-modification negotiations are fairly standard procedure,” Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher said. “We have to deliver on certain milestones, and we didn’t hit all our targets with the Karma. This is a relatively ordinary series of events.”

In Fisker’s defense, Ormisher also stated that the Delaware plant was pretty much on schedule for the Nina Project, but more assembly equipment needs to be installed.

“Project Nina is already well advanced,” the company said in a statement. “Much of the engineering, design and development is near complete, and we expect to ramp up operations again quickly.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoWeek

The great city of New York is under the spotlight after some new reports on CNN have raised awareness for New York City’s anti-idling laws. As a result of the reports, the city’s local tree huggers have demanded that New York’s finest, the NYPD, increase enforcement in order to better the air quality in the city.

Anti-idling laws have been in place in New York since 1971, but seldom were they enforced. Originally, the city’s anti-idling law stated that no automobile is allowed to idle their engine for any longer than three minutes anywhere. After a revision in 2009, it was reduced to one minute in a school zone and three minutes everywhere else.

Though in light of the scrutiny, Bloomberg explained enforcement for New York’s anti-idling laws isn’t that easy. Anti-idling laws are likened to tickets issued for jaywalking—something that even the NYPD calls a “bogus ticket that’s not even worth the hassle.” And because of the size of New York City and its relatively limited police force, Bloomberg defended the NYPD by saying that the city of New York has bigger and worse things to worry about.

“We’d like to enforce it more,” said mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg at a press conference in December. “Keep in mind, enforcement costs money; the people that enforce have plenty of other things to do.”

But as a minimum, to keep awareness up, the city of New York released some new public service announcement fliers on subways and buses.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CNN via MotorTrend

Buick has just released some news stating that there’s a new transmission option for their Regal lineup, specifically for the performance-oriented GS. Previously offered with only a six-speed manual transmission, the new 2013 Regal GS comes with a no-cost option for an Aisin AF40 automatic.

“With the Regal GS, we made a conscious decision to go against the current trend and give enthusiasts the manual transmission they desire as standard equipment” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “Adding an automatic simply makes the performance of the GS even more accessible.”

And with that statement, it seems that General Motors, or at least Buick, is making a bet that manual transmissions are still desirable and it’s comforting to hear that GM is keeping the enthusiast in mind.

Actual performance figures for the automatic-equipped Regal GS have yet to be announced, but Buick says that it will match the manual version’s sprint to 60 of just 6.7 seconds while returning 19 mpg’s in city runabouts and 27 on the highway.

The new six-speed automatic will also be equipped to the Regal eAssist, boosting its EPA estimate to around 36 mpg’s in the combined average cycle. At the expense of this newly equipped Regal eAssist is the discontinuation of the base 2.4L Regal.

“Buick is committed to increasing innovation across the lineup,” said DiSalle “By making the advanced eAssist powertrain standard on a second vehicle, we are putting the spotlight on smart technology.”

- By: Chris Chin

BMW’s M division may be enjoying a lot of publicity with the debut of a range of diesel powered M vehicles that will include the BMW M550d xDrive, BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d - but its biggest competitor has no plans to offer a rival.

According to Mercedes-Benz AMG boss Ola Kallenius, the tuning arm of the Stuttgart-based automaker has no plans to go diesel. He says that such a move will introduce too many “compromises to its performance-focused line-up.”

“The technology of performance gasoline engines is converging with diesel tech,” he said giving the example of the new 5.5 liter V8 from AMG. “Direct injection, downsizing and turbocharging are all having an effect. We looked at diesel a few years back, but petrol engines have obvious benefits of sound, weight, agility and response.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Mazda has finally announced pricing on its new 2013 CX-5 5-passenger compact crossover, which is currently on its way to dealerships with the company’s first full suite of SkyActiv technologies.

Prices start at $20,695 for the base model with a SkyActiv-MT 6-speed manual transmission. it comes standard with Sport trim, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with 225/65R17 Yokohama all-season tires, daytime running lights (DRL), power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff, body-colored outside mirrors with turn lamps, door handles, a roof spoiler and a color-keyed shark fin antenna. On the inside you get Black or Sand Beigh cloth seating, push-button start, power windows with driver’s side one-touch auto open/close, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio with Automatic Level Control (ALC) as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports. All that is standard.

Check out more news on the Mazda CX-5.

“The 2013 CX-5 is a look to the future of the Mazda brand,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “Our achievements in Research & Development have led to breakthrough engineering with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It shows not only in the CX-5′s impressive fuel economy but also with its dynamic handling and performance, which only Mazda can bring to the compact crossover SUV segment.”

Moving up a notch, buyers can go for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport model with a SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic starting at $22,095. When you add all-wheel-drive – the price jumps to $23,345. A Bluetooth Audio Package will cost you $400 and will give you hands-free phone and audi connectivity and a 5.8 inch touchscreen display along with HD Radio Technology.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring model gets all the above as standard and adds fog lamps, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, rearview camera, an upgraded 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering- wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth and cruise controls, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as well as a rear-seat armrest with cup holders. SKYACTIV-Drive automatic becomes standard on Touring models. Prices start at $23,895 for the front-wheel-drive and $25,145 for the all-wheel-drive.

Buyers can add the Moonroof/Bose and Technology Package to the Touring model for $1,130. The package adds a 9-speaker Bose Centerpoint sound system, a moonroof, in-dash TomTom navigation, an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink, automatic on/off bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing windshield wipers, an anti-theft alarm and Sirius Satellite Radio.

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring basically adds everything above and gets 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, leather heated front seats, and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Prices for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 start at $27,045 for the FWD and $28,295 for the AWD. Buyers can add the Technology package for $1,325 – adding a TomTom navigation, bi-xenon headlamps – adaptive and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.

Power for the 2013 Mazda CX-5 comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 155-hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 26/35 mpg (city/highway).

- By: Omar Rana

Four different options are available for power, all of which can be paired to either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic. The petrol versions of the motor produce 120hp or 181 hp, the diesels are slightly slower, at 110hp or 141hp.

Check out more news on the Mini Cooper.

Exterior paint comes in three color options which include Iced Chocolate metallic, Midnight Black metallic and White Silver metallic. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the car, and it is accented with a brown soft top and hood stripes.

On the inside, Dark Truffle leather seats come with contrast stitching, along with a set of stainless steel pedals, special floor mats, and brushed aluminum trim.

By: Alexandra Koken

Called the Nissan Invitation, the concept hints at a new mainstream B-segment model that is due to be launched in the UK from 2013. The Invitation concept itself well debut next month at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

“Invitation is an energetic design, bringing fresh style, innovation and excitement to the mainstream market,” Nissan said in a statement. “The clean fluidity of the silhouette hints at its dynamic potential and showcases class-leading aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency.”

The Invitation Concept brings together advanced engine tech, a lightweight platform and an aerodynamic design create a fuel-sipping compact vehicle. Nissan said it also ensures strong driving dynamics with agile handling.

Well, we won’t know if all this is true until 2013. Stay tuned.

- By: Omar Rana