Thai Floods Could Spell Delays in Toyota and Honda Production well into 2012

In 2011, only the Saab saga has surpassed that of the Japanese car manufacturers" problems. Just when they were on their way to recuperate from the disruption caused by the March earthquake in Japan, the recent floods in Thailand have curtailed their plans - probably for much longer than originally anticipated. IHS Automotive analyst Tracy Handler said: "Both Toyota and Honda won"t be able to expand production as planned until the first quarter of 2012. They"ve been really unlucky this year." Read more " Copyright © Carscoop.blogspot.com - All Rights Reserved

2011 Tokyo Motor Show to Play Host to 26 World Premieres Including 1 from BMW and 2 from VW

We just got our hands on the official list of the Japan and world premieres that will take place at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show that runs for the public from December 3 to 11. While we don't get any information on the names and type of vehicles that will be displayed on the motor show floor, the list does contain the number of passenger cars that each manufacturer will exhibit. Read more " Copyright © Carscoop.blogspot.com - All Rights Reserved

Nissan Chief Engineer Says 2013MY GT-R has the Potential to Lap the Ring in Under 7:20 Videos

During the media presentation of the tweaked 2013MY GT-R (to be sold as a 2012 model in markets outside North America) at the Sugo International Race Circuit in Japan, Nissan Chief Vehicle Engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno told journalists that the updated model has the potential to turn the N?rburgring circuit in under 7 minutes and 20 seconds. We"ll remind you that the revised 2012MY GT-R shaved more than two seconds off the time of the 2011MY version dropping it from 7:26.4" to 7:24.22". Read more " Copyright © Carscoop.blogspot.com - All Rights Reserved

Subaru to Debut New Advanced Tourer Hybrid Concept at Tokyo Show

The 2011 edition of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show that opens its doors to the press on November 30 will play host to the world premiere of a new Subaru hybrid concept model named the Advanced Tourer. The new study appears to be related to Subaru's gullwing-door Hybrid Tourer Concept that was displayed at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, only this time, the Japanese automaker opted for a more practical five-door station wagon. The Advanced Tourer's exterior dimensions at 4, 580mm (180.3-in.) long, 1, 840mm (72.4-in.) wide and 1, 430mm (56.3-in.) tall, put it between the Impreza (4, 415mm long) and the Legacy (4, 775mm), meaning that Subaru may be previewing a proposal for a standalone hybrid model.

Formula 1: Lotus Name Confusion Resolved, Caterham Joins F1 as Virgin Exits

The 2011 Formula 1 season may have been a very exciting one as far as the racing was concerned, thanks to the new rules that resulted in lots of overtaking and wheel-to-wheel battles between drivers, but in one aspect, it has also been confusing. Outside the tracks there was a bitter legal battle between two teams over the right to use the Lotus name since the end of last season. Read more " Copyright © Carscoop.blogspot.com - All Rights Reserved

2013 Nissan GT-R Honed from Within, Gains 550HP and Upgraded Chassis 78 Photos

Like clockwork, ever since the presentation of the GT-R in late 2007, Nissan introduces a new model year version of its highly praised all-wheel drive sports car towards the end of fall or the beginning of winter. This year's version carries the 2012MY designation in Japan and Europe, and the 2013MY moniker for the North American market. If you're looking to find any styling differences from last year's model, don't waste your time as the only visible change concerns the addition of blue lighting inside the tachometer ring to match the shift position indicator light. Underneath the skin, however, it's a different story as Nissan's engineers have honed the new GT-R in every possible way.

Rumors: Lamborghini to Launch RWD Gallardo Spyder LP 550-2 at the LA Show?

[Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante pictured above] When Lamborghini unveiled the Super Trofeo Stradale at the 64th IAA in Frankfurt, we thought that this limited production version (only 150 pieces) would be the Italian company"s farewell to its smallest supercar before its replacement arrives sometime next year. But if a report from Teamspeed proves accurate, the Italian supercar manufacturer may have one more special edition of the Gallardo up its sleeve. This time, it"s a rear-wheel drive version of the open-top Gallardo Spyder named the LP550-2. Read more " Copyright © Carscoop.blogspot.com - All Rights Reserved

Toyota Begins Production of 2012 Avensis, Releases UK Pricing

Revealed for the first time at the recent 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, the facelifted 2012 Toyota Avensis has now entered series production at the Japanese company's Burnaston factory in Britain. The refreshed mid-size model that is available in two body styles, sedan and station wagon, will begin reaching European showrooms in the beginning of next year, but Toyota's UK arm has already announced pricing details. Read more " Copyright © Carscoop.blogspot.com - All Rights Reserved

Subaru Teases Production BRZ Coupe Ahead of Tokyo Motor Show

After the first real picture and computer-generated images of the conceptual BRZ sports coupe that will receive its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, Subaru today gave us a sneak peak of the actual production model that will debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show on November 30. We only get a look at the 2012 BRZ's front end, but it is enough to spot some minor differences from the near-production study such as the reshaped bumper that drops the lip spoiler and gains more conventional grille bars and a pair of round fog lights under the turning signals, which are located in less prominent air vents. Read more " Copyright © Carscoop.blogspot.com - All Rights Reserved .

That'll Buff Right Out: Nissan 300ZX Wannabe Drifter Kills Tree

While more of a GT than a genuine sports car, the 1990s Nissan 300ZX (sold under the Fairlady Z nameplate in Japan), can be pretty fun in the right hands, even more so if you hit a wet roundabout after rain. But going slideways in these type of conditions can be hazardous not only for your health but for the... natural surroundings as well as the driver of this blacked out 300ZX quickly found out. You can check out the video after the jump. Read more " Copyright © Carscoop.blogspot.com - All Rights Reserved