Japanese Cars 2

Geneva 09': Infiniti Essence Hybrid Concept Unveiled with 592HP

Infiniti hit the Geneva Motor Show head on today with the unveiling of the Essence Concept, which combines sexy coupe bodywork with a "green" drivetrain.

The Essence Concept is a front-engined, two-seater. It features a 3.7L V6 engine mated to an electric motor that has been dubbed the 3D Motor. The combined output is 592 horsepower ( 434 from the V6 and 158 from the electric motor).

The styling of the Essence Concept draws cues from the current Infiniti lineup, but in a much sexier way. The assymetrical two-seat interior features a driver focused interior with two distinct cocoons. The driver's side is black, while the passenger's "cocoon" is an earthy red.

Honda Reveals its 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Lineup

Honda has unveiled its lineup for the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon, which is basically similar to SEMA. The show kicks off at the same time as the Detroit Auto Show, this Sunday.

The two main vehicles at the show will be the Sports Modulo S2000 and Fit Concepts, but check out the gallery to see the other models.

Ford Surpasses Honda In Initial Quality and Ties Toyota

Ford has released a new study today that claims that the automaker's initial quality is better than Honda and that it is now in a tie with Toyota.

According to the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) survey conducted quarterly for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Ford is now statistically tied with Toyota at the top of the industry in initial vehicle quality.

The survey measured two things, the number of things gone wrong and customer satisfaction with vehicle quality over the first three months of ownership.

Ford's initial quality has improved five percent over last year.

It's Official! Honda S2000 Dead at the End of this Year

Honda has officially announced that 2009 will be the final model year for the Honda S2000.

The S2000 was originally introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model.

"The S2000 is a sports car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It raised the bar for all future roadsters, and it's already considered a classic by many Honda fans."

So sad....

Toyota Developing a Prius Coupe Dubbed the MR2 to Compete with the Honda CR-Z?

According to Auto Express the once loved MR2 is making a comeback, but not as the small mid-engined roadster like the last generation. Instead Toyota is going to apply the MR2 name to a new performance hybrid that would be similar to the upcoming Honda CR-Z.

The small coupe would feature rear-wheel-drive, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain.

Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto recently told Auto Express: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.

“We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”

It's also rumored that the revived MR2 hybrid will draw styling cues from the Toyota FT-HS sports car concept.

Nissan GT-R SpecV Finally Unveiled!

Nissan has finally unveiled the GT-R SpecV after months of speculation.

The special edition GT-R SpecV features a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body color and the inside features a unique two-seat interior that has Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats.

There is only one main engine modification, a new high gear boost controller that increases the amount of compressed oxygen entering the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 to deliver more torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges.

Sales begin in Japan at seven pre-selected dealers, with pricing set at 15,750,000 yen. There is no word yet on if the car is headed to our shores.