Well, here’s an exciting follow-up to yesterday’s story about the launch of the new Tata Nano in India; Tata is looking to bring the $2,000 Nano to the U.S.

According to a report in the Financial Times, Tata boss Ratan Tata is hoping to take advantage of the worldwide recession by bringing affordable (and we mean REALLY affordable) cars to markets worldwide, including North America.

Tata told the Times that this decision is a serious one and that no one at the company is taking the possibility of expansion into the U.S. lightly. “The US is very unforgiving of mistakes,” he said.

As for meeting strict U.S. emissions and safety requirements, that actually shouldn’t be too difficult as Tata has already announced that it plans to sell the Nano in Europe in 2011.

That year could also be the first year of U.S. Nano sales.

As for the car itself, the Nano is powered by a 624cc 2-cylinder engine that makes just 35hp and 35 ft-lbs of torque. Tata claims an average  fuel-economy rating of 55.5 mpg according to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), giving it the highest rating of any gasoline car in India.

The car is tiny, just 10.2-feet long, 4.9-feet wide and 5.3-feet high, giving it the smallest dimensions of any vehicle on the road in India. It is, however, 21 percent more spacious inside than the current smallest car.

Despite the size, Tata insists the Nano is very safe due to a reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion resistant doors, as well as the mandatory seat belts. The Nano exceeds all safety requirements in India and even passes a roll-over test and offset impact test which are not required.

Tata did not release any info on what U.S. pricing would be, but it is expected to be significantly higher than the base $2,000 price, as base models in India come without heat or air conditioning.

[Source: FinancialTimes]

Toyota has just announced that it is currently developing a hybrid version of the sub-compact Yaris (known at the Vitz in Japan) to take on Honda in the increasingly diminutive hybrid war.

Honda’s launch of the Insight Hybrid was the catalyst in this hybrid war, undercutting the Prius in both size and cost. Honda recently announced that the Insight would cost just under $20,000 when it goes on sale in the U.S – a price that is roughly $2,000 less than the current Prius, and even further away from the upcoming third-generation Prius.

The upcoming Yaris hybrid would have an MSRP under the $19,800 asking price of the Insight.

“We are developing a low-priced hybrid vehicle like Honda’s Insight,” Akihiko Otsuka, lead engineer on the third-generation Prius, told Japan’s Nikkei newspaper. “We are going to compete by expanding our hybrid-vehicle lineup to smaller hybrids, in the class of the Vitz [sold in Japan] and Yaris.”

There is no word on what engine would be used (possibly the 1.3-liter Toyota powerplant found in the iQ) but Toyota is working to bring lithium-ion battery packs to market, rather than the nickel-metal hydride units used in current hybrid systems.

The real issue with the current Yaris platform is the drag coefficient, at 0.29 cd. Aerodynamics are key when designing a hybrid vehicle as every 100th of a percentage point counts for a one percent difference in fuel economy, says Otsuka.

Great efforts were made to achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.25 cd with the upcoming Prius, over the outgoing model’s 0.26 cd rating.

In the meantime, we’ll have have to wait for Honda to confirm a hybrid version of the Fit… and then maybe a hybrid ride-on lawnmower.

[Source: Automotive News]

With everyone pulling out of the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show, Toyota has chosen wisely to ensure all eyes are on its Lexus luxury brand when it drops the curtain on a production model of the breathtakingly beautiful LA-F supercar… finally!

First teased at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit alongside the IS-F concept, which saw production shortly thereafter, the LF-A has had an uncertain future for almost as long as it has had a future. Rumors that the project was being canceled increased significantly after the vehicles poor performance (due to a crash) at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race last year.

We can vividly recall Bob Carter, Lexus Group VP and GM saying that , “I’m sure you are wondering what the next “F” marque car will be. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long, or look too far (pointing at the LF-A concept), for that announcement.

The production model is expected to keep the concept car’s 600hp V10 engine and promises to be more than just a straight-line luxury performer with past rumors of a 7:24 Nürburgring lap time still fresh in the minds of, well, everyone.

TOYOTA/SUBARU CELICA

Toyota will also use the Tokyo Auto Show to reveal its rumored joint project with Subaru, which (also rumored) would see the return of the Celica name. The new vehicle would be a rear-wheel drive coupe and be based on the Imprezza platform with a Toyota-design head for the Suby’s boxer engine.

We’ll be sure to bring all the updates from the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show in October.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-A Concept

[Source: Edmunds InsideLine]

The fourth generation Mazda Miata, due out in 2012 is going to be more in line with the original Miata, with a smaller engine and lower curb weight. There is also a strong possibility that Mazda will bring back the soft-top (as well as offer a hard-top) – a move that would easily save a bundle of weight.

This most recent news come from Australian publication GoAuto, which cites an inside (but unnamed) source.

The article claims that the new model will not only get lighter thanks to a traditional soft top, but do to the use of electric power steering (over hydraulic) and by using a new lighter suspension. Apparently the adapted RX-8 suspension parts used in the current Miata were forced upon Mazda engineers by the accountants at Ford (Mazda’s parent company) who wanted to keep costs down.

The target curb weight of the fourth-gen model is set at less than 2,200 lbs – significantly lower than the current 2,485 to 2,595 curb weight of the third-generation model.

The report also states that the Miata will be powered by a smaller and more efficient engine; possibly a 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter engine with forced induction. A dual-clutch transmission is, however, unlikely.

[Source: GoAuto]

Porsche is following up on the success of the Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 and the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 with the fully individualized Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3. And Porsche understands what “limited edition” means offering just 100 models through the U.S. (Canada will receive just 12).

Powered by the standard GTS 4.8-liter V8 engine with 405hp and 369 ft-lbs of torque, the Porsche Design model also gets a sports exhaust system and can hit 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds and blast on to a top speed of 156 mph. It will come with Porsche’s Tiptronic S transmission.

Outside the rare SUV gets a Lava Grey Metallic paint job with three black stripes running up the hood and a black stripe running across the doors. And in place of chrome accents, this new model gets black detailing for the window surrounds, door handles and door trim. Bi-xenon lights are standard and come with black housings.

Both the miniscule fender flares and and 21-inch SportPlus wheels will come paint-matched to the body in the same dark grey.

Porsche will also offer an optional extended double roof spoiler as a no-cost option.

There are plenty of special edition details outside with the Cayenne GTS logo featuring a red “S” and a similar logo appearing on the doors.

The Porsche Design folks also did a serious number on the interior of the Cayenne GTS with a black leather interior with red stitching on the dash, door trim, floor mats and cargo area. Even better, the power adjustable sport seats feature Alcantara inserts, and Alcantara also coats the center console, door inserts, door handle inserts and headliner.

Porsche Design Edition 3 logos are plentiful inside, being stamped on the door sills and tachometer. Each vehicle will also feature a numbered plaque displaying which number the specific vehicle is. Other interior highlights include Porsche crest embossed headrests and a 410-watt, 14-speaker Bose 5.1 surround sound system.

The Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 will come standard with Porsche’s ParkAssist system and a 0.78-inch lower ride height for the air suspension (an optional extra on standard Cayenne models and standard on the Turbo models).

Pricing for this limited edition is set at $89,900,($109,300 CDN) and includes a long list of Porsche Design extras including the Type P’6612 chronograph and a four-piece luggage set (including briefcase).

GALLERY: Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3

More on the Porsche Design Cayene GTS after the jump:

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The highly anticipated Chevrolet Orlando is apparently not one of the top priorities at General Motors – despite the increasing popularity of similar crossovers (like the Ford Flex and Toyota Venza) in the marketplace.

According to Automotive News, the Orlando is no longer scheduled to go into production later this year. Local UAW rep George McGregor told the media outlet that GM management had informed him that work on the Orlando will not start at the Hamtramck plant in 2009 as expected. He did not provide any information on when production of the new model, and its Opel sibling, will begin.

Those looking forward to the new seven-seater model shouldn’t be to worried, however, as it is not a concept but a “future production vehicle” accoriding to General Motors – although these days nothing is really safe.

The Chevrolet Orlando first broke ground at the Paris Auto Show and made its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. At both shows it featured a 150hp 2.0-liter turbo-diesel under the hood, which, while a definite possibility for the Opel model, is unlikely to make it stateside. Instead, look for a traditional 3.6-liter V6.

GALLERY: Chevrolet Orlando

[Source: AutoNews via AutoBlog]

With the economy in its current state, many people can’t (or aren’t prepared to) shell out big bucks for a sportscar. Audi understands this and so it is offering its U.K. customers a new version of its TT Roadster – with a smaller engine.

The new TT Roadster 1.8 comes with Audi’s turbocharged 1.8-liter powerplant – similar to the engine in the original TT. Power is rates at 158hp from 4500 to 6200 rpm and 184 ft-lbs of torque are handy from 1500 to 4500 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, this is good for a 0-62 mph run of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 139 mph.

It’s also good on fuel with an average fuel-economy rating of 40.9 mpg.

Other specifics for the new model include 17-inch wheels, electronic climate control, power windows and cloth seats.

This new 1.8-liter model also comes in a front wheel drive setup, which is significantly less expensive than the quattro models. The asking price is set at £23,910 (which comes out to $34,717), a significant difference from the £27,355 (or $39,748) cost for a 2.0 TFSI model.

More on the 1.8 TFSI TT Roadster after the jump:

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The Camaro Convertible is back on track say the latest industry reports. While several media outlets (including Motor Trend) recently reported the indefinite future of the drop-top muscle car, MotorTrend is now reporting an about-face by General Motors.

The apparent reason for putting the model on hold was that the German supplier of the convertible top had gone bankrupt. Presumably GM needed to take some time to find a new parts supplier – something which could have eventually lead to the cancelation of the model.

The latest report, however, is that the supplier is still in business (maybe GM is paying them up front for the parts?) and that the Camaro Convertible will go into production. As a result of these shenanigans, the Camaro Convertible will see a production delay with the wind-in-your-hair sportscar going on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Unfortunately this little incident is the extend of the good news, with plans for the Z28 (a high performance model using the supercharger 6.2-liter V8 found in the Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR1) still slated for the recycle box.

GALLERY: Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

[Source: MotorTrend]

Yesterday in Mumbai, India Tata Motors officially launched its revolutionary Nano micro-car. Powered by a 624cc 2-cylinder engine that makes just 35hp, the Nano will be offered in three trims levels with a starting price of just $2,000.

The Nano comes with a 4-speed gearbox with full power available at 5250 rpm and full torque (35 ft-lbs) on tap at 3000 rpm. Tata claims an average  fuel-economy rating of 55.5 mpg according to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), giving it the highest rating of any gasoline car in India.

The car is tiny, just 10.2-feet long, 4.9-feet wide and 5.3-feet high, giving it the smallest dimensions of any vehicle on the road in India. It is, however, 21 percent more spacious inside than the current smallest car.

Despite the size, Tata insists the Nano is very safe due to a reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion resistant doors, as well as the mandatory seat belts. The Nano exceeds all safety requirements in India and even passes a roll-over test and offset impact test which are not required.

In terms of the trim levels offered, customers can opt for either the Standard, CX or LX models. The Standard model is as bare-bones as possible, with three color options and a fold down rear seat. Upgrading to the CX model brings two additional colors as well as power-assisted brakes, heating and air conditioning (a must for most of India).

As fort the top-line LX model, it comes with everything in the CX as well as power windows, three premium paint colors, fog lights, a trip meter, a spoiler and even a cup holder.

As for a warranty, Tata gives the Nano a standard 18 month/24,000 km warranty.

“The Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers,” said Tata Chairman Mr. Ratan N. Tata. “From the drawing board to its commercial launch, the concept, development and productionisation of the car has overcome several challenges. It is to the credit of the team at Tata Motors that a car once thought impossible by the world is now a reality. I hope it will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car. We are delighted in presenting the Tata Nano to India and the world.”

There is no word on expected production numbers, but Tata is currently building a new manufacturing facility with an estimated annual output of 350,000 cars.

GALLERY: Tata Nano

More on the Tata Nano after the jump:

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Ahead of it’s official unveiling at the Seoul Auto Show, Kia has dropped the curtain on its first ever hybrid, the Forte LPI hybrid.

Based on the upcoming Forte compact sedan, the hybrid model makes use of a 1.6-liter engine that runs on liquid petroleum (more commonly known as propane). The Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) engine makes 114hp with an electric motor that adds an additional 20hp for a total of 134hp.

The battery pack in the Forte LPI is a new state-of-the-art product that Kia has developed with parent company Hyundai and LG Chem. This lithium polymer battery (as opposed to the lithium-ion batteries used in most other hybrids) is lighter and smaller and has a higher output than a nickel-metal hydride unit.

A new CVT transmission is also a part of the package.

Kia says the Forte LPI hybrid will achieve a combined fuel economy rating of 40.5 mpg – which is says is the equivalent to 50.6 with gasoline (presumably due to the lower cost of propane).

Unfortunately LPI or propane isn’t readily available in most markets and so this vehicle isn’t likely to make it to most of the world. The vehicle will, however go on sale in South Korea in August.

While unveiling the car Kia did, however, state that it will bring another full hybrid car to production in 2010, with a hydrogen fuel cell car and plug-in hybrid in 2012. Parent company Hyundai is also planning a hybrid version of the Sonata for 2010.

GALLERY: Kia Forte LPI Hybrid

[Source: Kia-World.net]