Toyota has been working on an affordable small car that will be cost-competitive in emerging markets, and Autocar is reporting that India is being considered as a destination for production. India makes sense due to its low-cost labor, and with competitors like the Tata Nano going for as little as $2,500, the world’s biggest automaker will need to cut cost everywhere it can. There is no word as to exactly what vehicle would be produced in India, but one option is Toyota’s production iQ from Geneva, which is scheduled to begin production later in 2008. Toyota is looking for initial sales of the iQ to crest 100,000 units.
[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

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Since the news broke that Maserati was planning a new sportscar to rival the benchmark Porsche 911, Italian styling houses have been lining up to pitch their designs for how they think the new Trident sportscar should look. Following the Chicane concept unveiled in Geneva by the students of the Instituto Europeo di Design, the resuscitated Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera threw its hat into the ring this weekend with the A8 GCS concept you see above.

Together with Touring’s other Maserati concept, the Quattroporte-based Bellagio Fastback, the A8 GCS design study was unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the annual Mecca of class and performance on the shores of trendy Lake Como in Italy. Inspired by Pininfarina’s iconic Maserati A6 GCS Berlinetta of 1954, the Touring concept presents a compelling mix of modern design and retro touches. While it’s hard to make the case that, with even the most well-established outfits struggling to get by, the industry really needs another Italian design house or coachbuilder, if these are the results then we can hardly complain. Check out the images in the gallery below to see what we mean.

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

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As you may or may not have known, a rebadged version of the Chevy Aveo sedan has been offered to Canadian car shoppers in the form of the Pontiac Wave, and with the arrival of the facelifted Aveo5 comes a new Wave5 for Canada. We exhanged emails on the matter with the gang at CanadianDriver, and they explained that it has everything to do with the GM dealer setups in Canada. For the most part, there are Chevy/Cadillac stores and Pontiac/Buick/GMC outlets. Small cars are critical to sales volumes, so if Chevy dealers get one, the Buick/Pontiac/GMC guys want one. This is how the Pontiac Pursuit (a.k.a. G5) came to be, and is also why the Wave exists.

Getting back to the topic at hand, what you see here is pretty self-explanatory. It’s the new Aveo5 with a Poncho twin-grille schnoz. Unlike the Pontiac G5, this won’t be coming across our northern border. If you want one, you have to settle for the giant-grilled Chevy. For more on the Wave5, click on the image above to read CanadianDriver.com’s coverage from the Montreal Auto Show. GM’s press release is also pasted after the jump.

[Sources: GM Canada, CanadianDriver; Photo: CanadianDriver]

PRESS RELEASE:
NEW 2009 PONTIAC WAVE5 DELIVERS MORE IN THE ENTRY-LEVEL SEGMENT: LARGE-CAR ROOMINESS, AMENITIES AND GREAT FUEL ECONOMY
Redesigned, sporty exterior with contemporary details
Updated, roomy “tall car” interior with the cargo flexibility of a hatchback - including up to 1,189 L (42 cu.-ft.) of cargo space
New, fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing
Standard side air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags with Passenger Sensing System
Unexpected technologies, including standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio
Five-year / 160,000-kilomtre powertrain warranty

MONTREAL, Quebec (January 17, 2008) - Coming this summer, the efficient, made-for-Canada Pontiac Wave5 also gets an injection of style and technology for the 2009 model. This small car now offers a new design inside and out, and gets a new, more refined engine with variable valve timing and improved fuel economy, and is sure to be a hit with Canadians when it goes on sale in 2008.

The new ‘09 Wave5 continues to stir the waters in Canada’s small-car market with features expected in larger, more expensive cars - such as standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio - as well as its signature “tall car” design that enables surprising passenger and cargo room. It is powered by a new, fuel-sipping, 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing that produces more power (107 hp / 80 kW) and strong torque (106-lb.-ft. / 143 Nm) - and has been tuned for quieter performance.

Indeed, the Wave5’s efficiency and flexibility go hand in hand. With its improved fuel economy among the best on the market using regular gasoline, the ‘09 Wave5 can travel more than 640 km between fill-ups, resulting in fewer trips to the gas station and road trips that require fewer stops.

The Wave5 goes on sale in mid-2008, joining the recently redesigned Wave sedan. It is available in base and SE trims - each backed by a “worry free” five-year/160,000 km transferable powertrain warranty, plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.

Bold, sporty, modern exterior design

The Wave5’s dynamic, contemporary European influenced design enhances the Wave5’s sporty exterior with premium details such as the three-dimensional, richly detailed headlamps that extend into the hood. Redesigned, body-colour fascias and chrome accents suggest a more expensive car, along with available features - such as its large power sunroof - that are unexpected in the segment, Wave5 retains its characteristic “tall car” configuration, enabling a spacious interior, with generous headroom that is greater than many midsize sedans.

The Wave5’s sleek styling accents longer, wider and taller dimensions, with sculpted lines and a wide, confident stance. Pronounced “shoulders” over the wheel openings and body-colour door sills convey the look of a larger car. A more assertive, dynamic look is accomplished with crisp, V-shaped hood edges, bold front and rear fascias with premium cues, such as larger, available front fog lamps; a rear-fascia lower grille; and a larger available rear spoiler located on the trailing edge of the roof.

Roomy environment

The Wave5’s exterior is complemented by a quiet passenger cabin that features well-crafted details and generous standard features that enhance comfort. It is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, with features and refinement comparable to more expensive vehicles.

With its signature “tall car” design, the Wave5’s generous dimensions easily accommodate 6-foot-tall passengers in each of the five seating positions. It also is a quiet interior environment, with soundproofing technologies that complement quieting powertrain enhancements and improved aerodynamics to provide a quiet, comfortable and vibration-free ride, even at higher speed.

Attention to comfort is evidenced in elements such as standard driver’s seat armrests. Also, theatre-style rear seating provides a commanding view for all passengers. A 60/40-split rear seat expands Wave5’s interior cargo capacity; and when more cargo-carrying capability is required, the rear seat can be flipped and folded, offering 1,189 L (42 cu. ft.) of cargo space.

Refined modern interior with a twist

The interior’s contemporary appearance is achieved through sleek lines and the clever use of rich materials, including a new, available two-tone, charcoal/light gray design (on charcoal interiors) that provides a premium look and feel. Other premium appearance elements include technical-grain, low-gloss surfaces; wood grain, satin-chrome or carbon-fiber finishes on the instrument panel and door panels; and even perforated faux leather seating surfaces, steering wheel cover and shifter knob.

Additionally, clever details abound, such as a sunglasses holder; door pockets for books and maps; and hooks that can secure shopping bags. Unexpected value is delivered through more standard and available features - features not typically found in the segment, including:
Fully reclining front seats with convenience hooks
Six-way-adjustable seats - plus driver lumbar adjustment
Tilting steering wheel
Driver information centre
Oil Life Monitoring System
Cruise control
Power windows and locks
Heated, dual power body-colour foldaway outside mirrors
On-key (no separate fob) remote keyless entry
Air conditioning with cabin filtration
Large, power-operated sunroof

Audio systems

Wave5 models offer a standard AM/FM, four-speaker radio system, 36 presets and an auxiliary input jack for MP3 devices. An AM/FM radio with CD/MP3 capability (including an auxiliary input jack) and six-speaker sound system is standard on the SE and available on base model.

All Wave5 radios are derived from GM’s new family of premium radio systems, which are distinguished by upscale appearance, simplicity of operation and range of features and capabilities. Steering wheel audio controls are standard on SE models

XM Satellite Radio - a popular choice among youthful customers - is standard on SE models and available on base models. It offers more than 100 channels of music, news, sports and entertainment. XM Satellite Radio must be activated and a subscription fee applies.

Authentic Pontiac driving experience - beyond your average subcompact

The 2009 Wave5 engineered and developed for a dynamic, well-planted driving experience and fuel efficiency, but was tuned to suit the ride and handling expectations of Pontiac customers. It has a wide stance and long wheelbase (2,480 mm / 97.7 inches) to deliver a smooth, confident ride. A MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension (with gas-charged shocks) deliver refined ride and handling characteristics.

Power-assisted, variable-rate rack-and-pinion steering is standard, with the steering gear is mounted on the front suspension cross member for precise action and stability. Fourteen-inch wheels are standard, but sporty 15-inch alloy wheels are available.

The Wave5 was tested and validated for a broad range of Canadian driving and road conditions. The suspension system is inspired by the driving experiences of European sports sedans yet tuned for contemporary American driving tastes - a combination that delivers both smoothness and a responsive, spirited driving experience.

Powertrains

Supporting Wave5’s responsive and economical driving experience is a new, Ecotec 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder powertrain. The sophisticated engine uses Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing - two continuously adjustable camshafts - to optimize the charge cycle for fuel economy and performance. As a result, this 16-valve DOHC engine delivers more horsepower than the previous engine, with ratings of 107 horsepower (80 kw)* and 106 lb.-ft. of torque (143 Nm)*, and nearly 8-percent improved fuel efficiency when compared to the previous Wave5 model.

The new, 1.6L engine features additional technology highlights to improve fuel economy, quality, reliability and durability, including:
New four-in-one sheet metal exhaust manifold, with integrated catalytic converter and secondary underfloor catalytic converter
Engine oil cooler and piston oil squirters
New GM-corporate engine control system
Electronically controlled thermostat
Oil Life Monitoring System

Additionally, the engine is tuned for quieter performance, with a more pleasing sound during acceleration.

A smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard and an Aisin four-speed automatic with Hold Control Mode is available. Hold Control Mode is a special feature that helps reduce wheel spin and traction loss on slick roads by allowing the driver to select and hold a higher gear, thus reducing torque.

Safety features

The Wave5 offers additional features and options for safety-minded consumers. The Wave5’s safety starts with a high-strength steel structure that creates a safety cage around the passenger compartment. The structure features strength-enhancing, tailor-welded blanks that help avoid protrusions into the passenger compartment.

The Wave5 also comes standard with advanced dual-stage frontal air bags and the GM Passenger Sensing System, as well as standard head/thorax seat-mounted side air bags for front passengers. The head/thorax seat-mounted side air bags deploy during side impacts and are triggered by a sophisticated sensor system in the front doors.

Exceptional braking is provided by ventilated front discs and self-adjusting rear drums. The brake system on the Wave5 is available with a four-channel ABS system. The four-sensor system - one at each wheel - incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on road conditions the weight of passengers and/or cargo.

Additional Wave5 safety features include:

* Front safety belt pretensioners
* Energy-absorbing steering column
* Knee bolsters
* Height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors
* Lower Anchors and Top Tether for Children (LATCH) for rear seats
* Rear child safety door locks
* Tire pressure monitoring system

All Wave5 models come standard with OnStar Gen 7, which features advanced automatic crash notification, remote diagnostics and a monthly status report. OnStar provides the responsiveness of a trained operator to assist you at the touch of a button. From security features of operator directions, remote diagnostics, lockout service, roadside assistance to emergency response, OnStar offers the assistance you need when you need it. Wave5 (and Wave sedan) is the only car in its class with this safety and convenience feature.

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It’s no secret to what the 2008 Dodge Challenger will look like. We’ve seen dozens of spy photos, reader-submitted photos of a production Challenger cruising the streets, and more recently we’ve seen it in on the cover of Car and Driver’s April issue. That was enough for Autoweek to decide to post a few official shots on their web site, who didn’t want to get left behind. More official photos and information will surely come shortly. Whether or not it’s before the Challenger’s introduction at the Chicago Auto Show is the question.

[Source: Auto Week]
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Though the production version of the HUMMER H3T four-door pickup is not supposed to be seen before it debuts in a couple weeks at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, images of the baby HUMMER truck have appeared early in the latest issue of Truck Trend magazine that’s apparently on some newsstands and in some mailboxes already. That’s because scans of the pics have hit the interweb, giving us an early and unofficial look at the truck.

Captions reveal that the HUMMER H3T will be available with a large number of dealer-installed accessories, including hardware for tying down your ten-speed or securing your (small) motorcycle and storage toolboxes, while GM’s familiar bedrail system will be standard. There are reportedly storage bins built into the walls of the bed’s plastic liner, and while they’re no Ram Box, should be big enough to hold small items like tools and gloves.

We’ll have to wait until we arrive in Chicago to tell you more, but we weren’t even supposed to know this much, so it’s all gravy, baby.

[Source: hummerguy.net]

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Few models in the BMW lineup have as much tuning potential as the newly released 135i, and the Bavarian boys and girls are intent to capture as much of that market as possible. The BMW 1-series tii concept proved that BMW was serious about offering performance parts to boost (and possibly lighten) its new turbo’d coupe, and a member of 1addicts posted photos of what could be the first 135 to get the in-house tuner treatment.

Most of the parts shown are carryovers from the tii concept, including the revised front fascia, side skirts, carbon fiber diffuser and matching rear wing. The C.F. hood may have been swapped out for a stock aluminum piece, but we’re guessing the weave has been covered in matching white paint. The upgraded brakes are one of the most obvious additions, while inside, there’s plenty of Alcantara covered kit, from the shift boot to the seats, which are also dead ringers for the thrones shown on the concept. The steering wheel is new however, sporting more grippy suede and complete with three different sections packed with LEDs. Your guess is as good as ours about the two displays mounted at 11 and 1, but the center mounted LED arrangement is likely a shift-light/rev meter.

Thanks for the tip, JL!

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Next month in Chicago, GM will finally pull the wraps off the 2009 HUMMER H3T pickup that’s received an unceremonious early debut today thanks to Truck Trend. Built on a modified version of the H3’s basic architecture, the H3T’s 134-inch wheelbase is a whopping 22 inches longer than the 111.9-inch wheelbase found on its SUV sibling. Like the regular H3, both the 3.7L 5-cylinder and 5.3L V8 are available, the latter a part of the top-level Alpha trim. The H3T is a real truck with a separate bed, and is sized in-between the Canyon/Colorado and Silverado/Sierra. By comparison, the short-bed H2 SUT has the same basic dimensions as its enclosed stablemate and relies on an Avalanche-like midgate to create more cargo room.

No such problem exists with the H3T, whose cargo area has standard bedrails as well as additional storage compartments. As you’ll see in the enclosed gallery, it can haul a dirt bike with no problem, and when equipped with the V8, it has a maximum towing capacity of 5,900 pounds. Two suspension packages will be offered, one oriented towards off-roading and another that’s biased more toward on-road use and trailering. Inside, it’s no different than the regular H3 in terms of comfort and instrumentation, and the rear seat of the crew-cab H3T flips down to provide an additional flat cargo space when necessary. Having driven both flavors of H3 as well as the H2 SUT, the H3T (particularly the Alpha) sounds like it might just be the pick of the litter, offering the best balance of power, comfort, and practicality to go with its off-road credentials. We can’t wait to try one out for ourselves.

[Source: GM via Pickuptruck.com]

Nearly 700 Brits plunked down pre-order deposits of £3,500 (about $7,000) within the first 48 hours of Nissan’s hot GT-R going on sale, proving demand for the latest Japanese supercar doesn’t seem to be diminishing. Customers in the UK don’t seem to be deterred by the GT-R’s base sales price of £52,900 (about $105,000), or the fact they won’t see delivery until March 2009. After our “First Drive” in the GT-R, you won’t see us ridiculing frenzied buyers…Source: Nissan UK

The Nissan Livina “world car” will get the allroad-ish treatment next week when the new C-Gear variant bows at Auto China in Beijing. The C-Gear follows the Livina Geniss/Grand Livina minivan and Livina hatch to market, and it’s essentially just a sportier-looking, cosmetically butched-up version of the latter. There’s room for five with motivation coming from a 1.6L four matched with either a 4-speed auto or a 5-speed manual. Don’t expect to see it here — the Livina series of cars isn’t meant for North American consumption. The Chinese-market C-Gear will be produced at the Dongfeng plant in Guangdong province.

[Source: Nissan]

There’s plenty of forbidden fruit that our friends abroad get to enjoy, but of all the vehicles we thought had a shot here in the States, the YES! 3.2 Roadster wasn’t one of them. That’s all going to change this February when Funke & Will AG will display the lightweight cabrio on the show floor in Chicago.

The YES! 3.2 Roadster comes in two flavors, both sporting a (you guessed it) 3.2-liter V6. The first is a naturally aspirated variant that produces 255 hp and can reach 60 in just under five seconds, while the other benefits from a turbocharger that huffs and puffs the same six to 355 hp and drops the sprint to 60 to 3.8 seconds. Owners can supposedly upgrade that same mill to produce 415 hp and propel the one-ton convertible up to a theoretical top speed of 200 mph.

Both cars can be outfitted with a variety of amenities, from heated seats to sat nav, and if all goes according to plan, a select group of dealers are being amassed to service the newest entrant into the sports car fray when it goes on sale in the U.S. and Canada later this year.

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