Automobile Blog

Subaru Unveils High-Performance Hybrid For Tokyo

Subaru’s Impreza is hardly short of pace, but Subaru’s Tokyo motor show concept demonstrates the Japanese maker’s commitment to trying to provide a touch of economy as well for its replacement. Subaru has developed a new model that is not only stunning to look at but environmentally-friendly too.

Called the B5-TPH (for Turbo Parallel Hybrid) the three-door coupe combines a high powered 2.0-liter flat four engine with an electric motor located between the engine and transmission. A new type of manganese lithium ion battery charges to 95% capacity in just five minutes and operates not just in city driving but also when cruising.

The design of the Subaru B5-TPH itself is a striking one featuring smooth contours and a large tailgate, hinged just behind the B-post. Its ‘crossover’ theme combines the practicality of a hatchback, fun of a coupe and all-terrain ability of a SUV, complete with a 200 mm ground clearance. Meanwhile, Subaru’s much-admired full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive and low-centre-of-gravity ‘boxer’ engine ensures agile handling.

Subaru will display the car at the Tokyo Auto Show.

Ford Focus ST

The order books are now open for Ford’s all-new hot hatch, the Focus ST. It arrives in UK showrooms in January next year to take on key rivals, the VW Golf GTI and Vauxhall Astra VXR.

The new model is powered by a modified version of the five-cylinder 2.5 litre Volvo engine, producing 222 bhp, enough to provide a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The starting price is Pound Sterling 17,495 with standard equipment including Recaro seats, 18 inch alloy wheels and an additional instrument pod containing a turbo boost pressure gauge, and oil temperature and pressure dials. There are two further trim levels. The Pound Sterling 18,495 ST 2 adds an MP3-compatible Sony CD/radio system, Xenon Headlamps, heated front windscreen and ESP traction and stability management. The Pound Sterling 19,495 ST 3 also includes electric 10-way adjustable Recaro front seats, full leather trim and a Sony six-CD autochanger.

Ford plans to manufacture more than 3,600 new Focus ST vehicles through this year. The Focus ST will share the same assembly line as the regular Ford Focus and the Focus C-MAX, both produced in Saarlouis.

It’s great news for customers who now know they can buy a highly-equipped Focus ST-2 for less than a GTi or VXR.

Toyota Corolla Verso D-4D Launched

Toyota has introduced a powerful new diesel engine for the Corolla Verso.

The 2.2-litre engine will come with two power outputs, 134bhp and 175bhp, although the higher-output version will only be available in the top-spec T180 model.

The 134bhp diesel cars cost just Pound Sterling 100 more than the old 2.0-litre diesel model, however power rises by 20bhp, and fuel consumption drops by less than 1mpg. The top-spec 175bhp Verso delivers 42.8mpg.

This new diesel engine has already been introduced into the Toyota Avensis, and will also feature in next spring’s new RAV4 off-roader.

The 134bhp version is available in T2, T3 and T Spirit specification, but the T180 gets 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, special interior trim and a leather steering wheel included with the Pound Sterling 20,900 price tag.

Mazda Senku on show in tokya this month

Mazda Motor Corp. has developed a new type of hybrid car that runs by switching between an electric motor and a hydrogen-powered engine, and then automatically shifts to gasoline when it runs out of hydrogen.

Named after the Japanese word for pioneer, Mazda Senku is a four-seater coupe designed to be a sporty yet comfortable and luxurious car. Senku, with its massive “flying wing” doors that open to reveal a sumptuous 2+2 cabin, is an unadulterated show car. But insiders say the low sculptured shape does at the same time preview one possible future design direction for the RX-8.

Mazda’s showpiece is dripping with high tech. Power comes from a new direct-injection, 13B two-rotor engine with additional power from an electric motor. This Mazda-designed hybrid system is packaged so the Senku still can boast a perfect 50-50 weight distribution and low center of gravity.

On the roof are small solar panels to help charge the hybrid battery. The Senku has a seven-speed transmission, and it rolls on monster 22-inch Yokohama Advan tires.

The price of the vehicle is still undecided but will be less USD 8,760, Mazda said.