Spy photos of what appears to be the long-anticipated minivan version of the Toyota Prius have surfaced. The hybrid minivan, rumored to be the Prius Alpha, was spotted in California following a new Lexus CT200h with its logos covered. From the picture, it can be clearly seen that the minivan appears to be having a Prius-like front fascia. It is also evident that the windshield, front window line and tail lamps of the minivan are similar in design to that of the Prius.

Earlier reports had suggested that the Prius MPV will be having three rows of seats with space for up to seven passengers and will be powered by lithium-ion batteries (to improve mileage and may even allow for more electric-only propulsion opportunities).

Toyota, which currently sells three hybrids in the U.S. with the Prius, Camry, and Highlander, hopes to launch six new hybrids worldwide by 2012. Look for the Toyota Prius Alpha hybrid to hit the market around 2012.

(Via Carscoop)

Source: Alex Ion

The Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Convertible Concept has been unveiled by Infiniti. The concept is set to have its proper debut at the Paris Motor Show, and has now been seen to have a truly aggressive body kit, sports suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels. Truly a lean mean machine, this one is.

The interior is resplendent with ‘KACCHU’ trim, black lacquer accents, and leather upholstery. Also packed into the vehicle are a 13-speaker Bose audio system, GPS navigation, and front seats that can be heated or cooled, according to preference.

Powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 338 PS (249 kW / 333 hp) and 374 Nm (276 lb-ft) of torque, the car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in “under 6 seconds” and reach a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

No details or confirmation have emerged yet about production, but rumors are that this is one concept that is sure to hit the market.

Source: Alex Ion

The Reporter pickup concept vehicle has been presented by Mercedes-Benz Technology. MBTech introduced the concept at the 63rd IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. The company says that the Reporter is more than a design study – with a DualX E-Drive drive solution, the vehicle is both a plug-in as well as a full-hybrid vehicle with an all-wheel drive system. This includes a 70 kW electric motor powering the rear axle and an independent 1.2 liter, 4-cylinder natural gas combustion engine with a gas exhaust turbocharger that powers the front wheels.

The power plant (1.2 liter) works as a range and performance extender, helping the Reporter to get top speeds of 130 km/h (80 mph) with a range of around 300 km (186 mi) in the European Driving Cycle.

The concept features a special “Solar Top” – which is not really a proper solar panel, but generates about 266 Watts that helps to take some load off the 12V battery and simultaneously power some of the electronics of the vehicle, including the air conditioning.

There are also three driving modes that the driver can choose from. These are: an “eco” mode that enables emissions-free city driving; “4range” for long-range economical driving and “4dynamic” in which maximum power will be available for all-wheel drive performance.

(Via WCF)

Source: Alex Ion

A new variant of KTM’s X-BOW model is being developed, and will be called the X-BOW R for 2011. Reports say that testing is going on at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and some photos have also emerged. A boutique Austrian automaker, KTM focuses mostly on motorbikes and bicycles.

According to initial reports, the X-BOW R will be a sportier version of the current X-BOW, which has been available since 2008. The same 2.0 liter TFSI engine is featured in the new version, as in the Audi S3 but has been dialed up to around 300 PS (221 kW), say the reports.

The vehicle is a homologated, two-seat, open supercar that weighs 790 kgs. It has a carbon-fiber monocoque frame and the standard model features a 240 PS (177 kW) version of that VW Group-sourced 2.0 liter TFSI power plant. The performance-oriented design of the X-BOW for the R version are enhanced by a suspension lowering of the car and a new engine mount set-up that will ensure better handling.

There will be new options packages for the X-BOW R from KTM. These include a road-legal Sport package and a Race kit for a track-only version. The parts included in these packages can be obtained separately from KTM’s PowerParts equipment program. More details and price will come out in early 2011.

Source: Alex Ion

New York’s Times Square was abuzz with activity yesterday, as it hosted the first ever 3-D introduction of a new vehicle – the Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe.

Covering all of the 5 blocks of Times Square, the event was a spectacular broadcast of the footage of a new CR-Z ad that was done in 3-D. This was played on the square’s Spectacolor screen on Broadway.

Sources say almost 250,000 people were present, and present to entertain them were the hip-hop group N.E.R.D. who performed for the crowd. There were also several CR-Z hybrid coupes present that were extensively examined by the interested crowd.

Source: Alex Ion