Unveiled as the Aqua at the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota will soon offer this small hybrid in North America as the fourth member of the Prius family of vehicles. Billed as the Prius c for the U.S. this Yaris-based machine is powered by a 1.5-liter Hybrid Synergy Drive engine which Toyota claims will achieve as much as 82-94 mpg on the less stringent Japanese test cycle.

Don’t expect numbers that high when it arrives in North America but the car will out-shine the current Prius, which already achieves an incredible 50 mpg average rating. And as an added bonus, it’s certain to undercut the Prius in terms of price too.

Look for full details when Toyota unveils our version of the Prius c at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

GALLERY: Toyota Aqua

Three years of rumors, concepts and leaks have come to this: the debut of the Toyota 86 sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show. Introduced by company CEO Akio Toyoda, a man dedicated to rebuilding Toyota’s enthusiast base, he launched an all new slogan, boldly proclaiming that the giant Japanese automakers is, “Fun to Drive, Again”.

As you no doubt have already hear the car is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection boxer engine with a 12.5:1 compression ratio making 200-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a lot of punch, but with a curb weight right around 2,700 lbs, it should deliver plenty of fun.

See full details here and check out AutoGuide’s extensive 2011 Tokyo Motor Show coverage here.

GALLERY: 2013 Toyota 86

See video of the car from it’s world premiere in Tokyo below:

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Looking into the more distant future is what the Tokyo Motor Show is all about and Honda has continued a long line of wild concepts by debuting the AC-X concept today.

Powering the car is a 1.6-liter gasoline engine mated to a plug-in hybrid system, which Honda claims will deliver a 260 mpg rating on the plug-in cycle. After the 30 mile EV cruising range is depleted, it operates as a conventional hybrid with 85 mpg rating. Impressive, yes, but this isn’t the far-out future tech aspect of the AC-X (Advanced Cruiser eXperience).

As the name might suggest the concept car is actually able to drive itself (presumably), and with the push of a button the Automatic-Drive Mode is engaged, causing the steering column to retract into the dash and the front seat to recline, letting the driver relax on log highway cruises.

GALLERY: Honda AC-X Concept

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage here

As expected, Subaru has debuted the production 2013 BRZ at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show and it looks as good in the flesh as it does in the photos. With all the previews and reveals ahead of its official debut, there were no real surprises once the 2013 Subaru BRZ was seen on the show floor.

The joint sports car between Subaru and Toyota showed off its 2.0L Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine packing 200-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The 17-inch wheels look fitting on the sports coupe, while the overall stance of the vehicle is definitely attractive to the eye. Obviously its styling doesn’t exactly scream Subaru out to us, but its flared fenders and rear wheel arches do remind us of typical Subaru.

On the inside, the smaller steering wheel is comfortable to hold and seems fitting for the coupe, while the seats were surprisingly more comfortable than we originally anticipated them to be.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to experience whether or not this BRZ is truly a “Pure Handling Delight”, at least not yet.

GALLERY: 2013 Subaru BRZ Official Photos

See video of the car from its world debut below:

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The star attraction of Honda’s Tokyo Motor Show press conference is an all-new electric sports car concept. Initially billed as the Small Sports EV Concept, at it’s debut Honda is now referring to the car as the EV-STER.

The rear wheel drive two seater looks like a spiritual successor to the Beat sporty car. Measuring 3,570 mm or 140 inches it’s about two feet shorter than the Honda S2000. With a max electric output of 58 kW (or 78 hp) Honda claims a 0-60 time in 5.0 seconds. Sound too good to be true? It is. That’s 0-60 km/h, not miles.

Honda claims a 160 km (100 mile) range, roughly equivalent to its new Fit EV, with a 6 hour charge using a conventional plug and a 3 hour charge time with a 200 volt outlet.

GALLERY: Honda EV-STER

See video of the car below:

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One of Honda‘s numerous reveals today at the Tokyo Motor Show is a wild little concept car referred to as the “Micro Commuter Concept.” An EV designed for personal transportation it is a half-foot shorter in length than a Smart fortwo, but offers room for three thanks to a central diving position with a passenger bench area located behind.

The interior space can also be used to fit the Honda Motor Compo, an almost briefcase-sized box with wheels and handlebars that essentially works as an electric bicycle. It’s more than just that, however, also functioning as an electric power source.

Other features of the Micro Commuter Concept include a large heads-up display, with driver information projected onto the lower section of the windshield. As for operation, Honda has designed what it calls “twin lever steering” that is says uses natural arm movements to control direction. The body of the car covers over the wheels, both for safety and aerodynamics, while colorful panels can easily be swapped with others to help personalize the car.

GALLERY: Honda Micro Commuter Car Concept

With photos of Subaru‘s new BRZ sports car already floating around the net, perhaps the real star of the Subaru booth at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show is the BRZ Super GT race car. Built to compete in Japan’s Super GT series, in which cars often have little to do with their production versions, the car will compete in the GT300 class replacing the current STI Legacy race car.

As the name suggests, the class horsepower rating sits right around the 300 mark, a 50 percent increase over the production BRZ 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine.

GALLERY: Subaru BRZ Super GT Race Car

Discuss this story at SubaruBRZForum.com and see video of the car below:

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Kicking off the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda unveiled a stunning new concept car that will eventually head to production as the next generation Mazda6 family sedan. A shot at the bold styling direction of brands like Hyundai and Kia, Mazda’s new Kodo design language is certain to bring much needed attention to Mazda dealerships with the sort of styling one might normally associate with a premium European brand.

Mazda first debuted the new design language in the Shinari concept with the first production model to be inspired by it being the CX-5.

This new family sedan rides on an all-new SkyActiv platform that sheds plenty of weight from the current model, while power comes from a new SkyActiv-D diesel engine. Mazda has yet to announce specifics on the new diesel engine, but it is capable of 165-hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. Mazda has said it will sell a diesel model in the US but has not confirmed if it will be the next Mazda6.

Adding to the substance and style is some added innovation on the Takeri concept with a new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery to store electricity, allowing quick charging and use of energy. Mazda claims this new system, when combined with its i-stop start-stop system can deliver a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy.

The all-new Mazda6 could arrive as early as the 2013 model year.

GALLERY: Mazda Takeri Concept

See video of the Takeri concept below:

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It’s definitely not as awesome as the Juke-R, but the Nissan Juke Nismo Concept is probably a more realistic variant of the Juke and gives the first glimpse into Nismo’s future. Featuring a lower, wider and tougher stance, the Juke Nismo Concept received an aerodynamic-enhancing body kit, more power from a tuned engine, a stiffer chassis, larger tires, sporty interior treatment and a Nismo-colored paint scheme.

The outside of the Juke Nismo Concept has been finished off in signature Nismo colors of pearl white with red highlights. But more significant is the body kit created by Nismo’s aerodynamics team that normally specializes in perfecting race cars. New parts include a front and rear bumper, wider fenders and side skirts – all of which have been refined to enhance the Juke’s aerodynamic performance. Minor changes on the grille pattern, tailgate spoiler and door mirrors have all been tweaked to benefit the Juke’s aerodynamics.

Nismo then outfitted the Juke with a set of 19-inch wheels and tires, while the suspension has been upgraded with stiffer and lower springs. Nismo did mention that the 1.6L turbocharged powerplant received some power upgrades but didn’t specify an actual figure. On the inside, Nismo redesigned the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, shifter knob and door trims to provide a greater involvement while driving. Special leather-trimmed bucket seats have been added while the tachometer’s needle and dial are now illuminated in red.

AutoGuide.com will be sure to check out the Nismo Concept in person at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

Check out two videos of the Nissan Juke Nismo Concept after the break.

GALLERY: Nissan Juke Nismo Concept

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Fuel Cell Vehicles that run on electricity and emit nothing but water vapor may sound like a pipe dream, but Toyota is reconfirming its commitment to making them a reality by 2015 with the new FCV-R Concept. Unveiled today at the Tokyo Motor Show, the FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle – Reality & Revolution) is a strong hint that Toyota is far more serious about mass production hydrogen fuel cell vehicles than it was when it first began testing the modified Highlander FCHV back in 2007.

Toyota has said it will offer a fuel cell model for fleet use in 2015 and while that is still a ways off, this new car is a strong indication of the serious nature of the project, giving it a unique design language (similar to the Prius family). The car is also an original model in that it doesn’t ride on an obvious donor platform. Details are still scarce but Toyota has said the car is roughly 185-inches, which for a size comparison is 4-inches shorter than the current Camry. That said, it’s significantly more substantial a vehicle than the Prius.

Impressively, Toyota claims an emissions free driving range of 430 miles in the FCV-R Concept. We expect to see further renditions of this concept over the next few years, becoming increasingly closer to production at each stage.

GALLERY: Toyota FCV-R Concept

Proof that Toyota is serious about launching its own electric car is the FT-EV III Concept, unveiled today at the Tokyo Motor Show. The third in a string of such concepts this will be the last, as the near-production vehicle shows. A telltale sign of the vehicle’s roadworthiness is an interior not unlike that of a production model, sporting design cues from other Toyota products, while adding unique EV touches.

Using a lithium-ion battery pack mounted below the floor and with an electric motor, Toyota claims a total driving range of 65 miles with room for four. Toyota refers to the FT-EV III (Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III) as a “near future” concept and we expect to see a production version, branded as a Scion iQ EV sold in the U.S. next year.

GALLERY: Toyota FT-EV III Concept

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage here

We’ve already seen one result of the joint project between Toyota and Subaru, the Toyota GT 86, and now we have the official photos of Subaru’s variant, the BRZ. By now, nothing about the BRZ is much of a surprise even though we anxiously await the world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The rear-wheel-drive BRZ will be powered by a 2.0L Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine with 200-hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options will be either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual and the sports car will weigh in at 2,689-lbs. More of the focus of the BRZ however is in its handling capabilities and its lightweight chassis, as Subaru aimed for “Pure Handling Delight” with their new sports car.

Throughout the design, Subaru focused on an ultra-low center of gravity, allowing for a low hood design and a perimeter-type body frame layout. On the inside, Subaru gave the BRZ a fun-to-drive notion, outfitting it with a smaller steering wheel, a tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer in the center of the gauges and bespoke sports car seats.

All BRZ models will come standard with 17-inch wheels and tires and electronic stability control. Stay tuned as AutoGuide will be at the Tokyo Motor Show for the official debut with plenty more photos for you to indulge in.

Get more Subaru BRZ news and info at subarubrzforum.com

GALLERY: 2013 Subaru BRZ

Toyota and Yamaha announced today that they have formed a collaboration to bring communications linked, next-generation vehicles to the market with concepts debuting at the upcoming 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. With the aim of building a new society for the future, the two next-generation vehicles on display will be a communications-linked electric commuter concept and an electrically power-assisted bicycle concept.

But Toyota and Yamaha has three objectives to make this collaboration a success. First is to build a comprehensive information infrastructure so that vehicles built by both Toyota and Yamaha can share the same charging infrastructure and integration with Toyota Smart Center. Secondly, both companies wish to establish new transportation systems, including those to a aid vehicle sharing system. Lastly, they wish to reduce development costs for IT services.

Toyota will make vehicle navigation and telematics services utilizing smartphones and WiFi available to certain Yamaha vehicles, providing them with charging-station locations, availability and charging-completion notifications. Jointly, both companies will also work towards expanding charging infrastructure so that they can be shared by both two-wheeled vehicles and automobiles.

GALLERY: Toyota/Yamaha Communications Linked Next-Generation Vehicles

Toyota unveiled today their Fun-Vii concept car ahead of its official debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The concept, dubbed as a “smartphone on wheels” by Toyota President Akio Toyoda, allows drivers to customize the skin of the car to display anything from stock quotes to advertising to pictures downloaded from their phones.

Seating three, the Fun-Vii’s ultimate goal is to add a fourth dimension to the driving experience. That is, interconnectivity will join driving, turning and stopping. Toyota of course has no realistic release date for such a concept (if it even goes into production in any form), but has envisioned it to have other features such as auto-pilot and an onboard 3D hologram avatar for a year 20XX release. That’s right, 20XX – Toyota is pretty confident something like this will be manufactured in this century.

The production model of the 2013 Subaru BRZ just got official, as seen in the January 2012 issue of Road & Track magazine. It won’t be long until we’ll see the real deal BRZ when it makes its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it appears that Road & Track got to experience the US-spec model based on these photos.

Powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0L flat-four with 200-bhp and 151 lb-ft of torque, the BRZ is going to be offered in two trim levels according to Subaru. The base model will sport 16-inch wheels, while the premium model will feature 17-inchers. The excerpt in Road & Track doesn’t really reveal much about the upcoming sports car, stating that it “felt light on its feet and it cornered with confidence.” It did say that the power felt adequate, but struggled climbing hills.

Based on the amber reflectors on the front bumper, the lack of headlight washers and the reverse lights without the red triangle reflector, we can safely assume that this will be the North American version of the BRZ. Hang tight as Autoguide.com will have live photos from the Tokyo Motor Show when the Subaru BRZ officially debuts.

For more information and to discuss the new Subaru BRZ, please visit our Subaru BRZ Forum.

GALLERY: Official Production Subaru BRZ

After revealing the first photos of the GT 86 sports car yesterday, Toyota has now released a selection of pics from the car’s first live showing. We expected the initial reveal to take place at the Tokyo Motor Show, but Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda apparently couldn’t wait, showing off the new light weight sports car at the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival at Fuji Speedway.

See full details on the car here and look for more with AutoGuide’s 2011 Tokyo Motor Show coverage starting Nov. 29 here.

GALLERY: Toyota GT 86

It’s been two years since Toyota first revealed the FT-86 concept, and after numerous leaks, and even more concept teasers, the production version of the most highly anticipated car in years has been revealed. The very first photos of the production model also come with an announcement of the car’s name: the GT 86. Revealed in Euro-spec, the GT 86 will come with a dual exhaust, a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels and an ’86 piston’ logo on the fenders.

Inside the cabin is a three-gauge cluster with a larger tachometer, with carbon fiber styled trim, an all black roof, red stitching, aluminum pedals and “aviation-style” switches. Also of note is a 365mm steering wheel – the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota.

With a total displacement of 1,998 ccs, the 4-cylinder direct-injection boxer engine produces 197-hp thanks to twin-injectors and a 12.5:1 compression ratio. Full power comes on at 7000 rpm with 151 lb-ft of torque at 6600 rpm. Toyota promises instant throttle response, with steering to match and, “the kind of performance that appeals to those for whom driving is a passion, not a necessity.”

Look for live photos from the car’s official reveal later this week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

GALLERY: Toyota GT 86

Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com

See video of the GT 86 below:

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At the Tokyo Motor Show next week, Subaru has announced that it will reveal the latest in a long line of limited edition JDM Impreza STI models; the S206.

In keeping with the theme of previous S versions, the S206 features a number of upgrades, including special STI springs and inverted Bilstein front struts and rear shocks, a flexible tower bar and draw stiffener designed to further tie the front end down, exclusive 19-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot sport tires, plus a tuned EJ20 engine delivering 316 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque with improved low and mid-range throttle response, largely thanks to a specific twin-scroll turbocharger, slightly revised induction system, lower restriction STI exhaust and specially calibrated ECU.

Other features on the S206 include specific front and rear spoilers, unique lower grille openings, while inside, there’s a leather wrapped steering wheel, Recaro seats finished in Alcantara with special trim and S206 logos, special seatbelts and a serial number plaque on the center console and under the hood.

Besides the “regular” S206, Subaru will also offer a NBR Challenge package (shown), commemorating the Scoob’s class victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. This will add a carbon fiber roof panel and rear deck spoiler, plus black finished 19-inch wheels and a NBR Challenge logo on the rear decklid. Subaru will build just 300 units of the S206 and all orders must be submitted by May 7, 2012. As for the NBR Challenge cars, which represent 100 units out of the entire production run, they’ve already all been spoken for, so no luck there unfortunately.

GALLERY: Subaru Impreza STI S206

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Preview here

The original Audi TT was beautiful, a styling icon and a design study of the 21st century. Audi plans to do it again, with rumors surfacing of the unveiling of the third generation TT at the approaching Tokyo Motor Show.

Few details have been disclosed but we expect the TT to be taken slightly up-market in order to make room for a new entry level R4 mid-engine sports car. The TT will retain its front engine all-wheel-drive layout and will likely take new design influences from the Quattro Concept from last year.

If the next Audi TT does make an appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show, it will share the stage with the debut of the five-door Audi A1 Sportback.

[Source: AutoExpress]

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Preview here

The electric mobility pod from Chevrolet called EN-V will be shown in its latest form at the Tokyo Motor Show from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

The EN-V, which stands for Electric Networked – Vehicle, made its world debut in 2010 at the World Expo Shanghai, and is designed to solve congestion in heavily populated city centers. The idea is that a small personal vehicle will take up less space on the road, will be easy to park and won’t pollute the environment either.

The EN-V will be part of the “Smart Mobility City 2011″ display, which will highlight other mobility solution vehicles from around the world.

So far, there are no plans on putting the EN-V into production.

Subaru has the Legacy and Outback and now Volkswagen has the Passat and the Passat Alltrack. Essentially a high-riding version of the Passat wagon (“Estate”) offered in Europe, the car will make its official debut next week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Along with flared fenders, a stainless steel-look front bumper garnish and some matte-chrome detailing, the Passat Alltrack features VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, underbody protection and a raised ride height. VW says the car’s ground clearance has been increased from 135 mm (5.3 inches) to 165 mm (6.5 inches). The result is a ramp breakaway angle that’s increased from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees, an approach angle that increases from 13.5 to 16 degrees and a departure angle that’s up from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees.

In addition, there’s a hill descent assist setting, and an off-road mode with different settings for the dual-clutch transmission. VW will offer the car in Europe with a choice of two different 2.0-liter TDI engines. No plans have been announced to import the car to North America, and we wouldn’t count on it either.

GALLERY: VW Passat Alltrack

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Motor Show preview here

If you thought Google was the only one with an autonomous Prius, you’d be wrong. At the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota will show-off a self-driving version of its best-selling hybrid.

At this year’s show, Toyota will participate in the “Smart Mobility City 2011″ exhibit, designed to showcase the future of transportation. One of the highlights of the display will be the Toyota A.V.O.S. (Automatic Vehicle Operation System), a modified Prius that can drive by itself. Designed as a valet replacement, the car can park by itself, drive to the owner when requested and avoiding obstacles.

Toyota’s booth is themed “A not-too-distant future where society and transportation are linked” and will also showcase the Toyota Smart Mobility Park with new charging stations for electric cars and plug-in hybrids, using wind and solar power. In addition, Toyota will reveal its H2V (Home to Vehicle) Manager, which allows an operator to control charging times for an electric vehicle via a PC or smartphone, as well as check the house’s power supply.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Preview here and look for coverage starting November 30th.

In a week’s time at the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota will unveil what might just be the most important car it will launch in decades. Sure the Camry makes the Japanese automaker plenty of cash and the Prius points to the future of the automobile, but if Toyota is going to succeed it needs an enthusiasts following, and that’s just what the FT-86 was designed to create.

Billed as having the lowest center of gravity of any production car, with 200-hp and a 2,700 lbs curb weight it promises to be a back-to-basics type of motoring, giving enthusiasts exactly the car they’ve been asking for. And all at a very reasonable price.

In a new video released today, Toyota teases a little more of what is presumably the production version of the FT-86, looking a lot like the original concept. One big difference, however, are the circular taillights, much like the Nissan GT-R or Corvette.

While plenty has already been leaked about the FT-86 (Scion FR-S), stay tuned for the official reveal with AutoGuide’s coverage from the Tokyo Motor Show starting here November 30th.

Watch the video below:

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Toyota has revealed three new concept cars that it will officially debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, giving an indication of its green-car plans for the next few years – and beyond.

Up first is the FT-EV III (Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III). Based on the iQ, it uses a lithium-ion battery and electric motor and can travel up to 65 miles on a full charge and has room for four. Calling it a “near future” concept, Toyota will sell an electric iQ next year.

Perhaps the most exciting of the vehicles is the “mid-term” FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle – Reality & Revolution) concept. Looking like the future of the Prius, it’s a larger car measuring 185-inches in length (just 4-inches short of the new Camry). Toyota claims a total driving range of 430 miles, emissions free! As the word “reality” in the car’s name suggests, Toyota is serious about this new car with plans to offer a fuel cell vehicle to fleets by 2015.

And finally, there’s the Toyota Fun-Vii (Fun-Vehicle interactive internet), which the automaker says,” heralds Toyota’s vision of a future where people, cars and society are linked.”

GALLERY: Toyota Tokyo Motor Show Preview

Click here for AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Preview