MPG-o-rama! 2010 Prius leak confirmed; Toyota speaks on Scion iQ rumors

Fuel misers rejoice! We've got a double shot of Toyota MPG-centric news for you tonight.

Last night, while I was off waxing poetic about the British and their victory in the Nevada desert 11 years hence, the internet was boiling over with rumors that the 2010 Prius had done the full-monty strip show.

After weeks of execrable teaser shots, it's true. The design of the 2010 Toyota Prius has indeed been revealed in its entirety. It all started at PriusChat.com, where member bossdowner posted four pictures of the third generation Prius.

After a day of speculation, the truth was revealed when the lads at Jalopnik sat down with Toyota's PR reps. They confirmed the pictures were legit, but declined to comment further.

So we have no other information about the car at this time. Instead, we'll all have to wait until the car's official unveiling at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

Or until the next leak gushes forth.

Toyota engineer confirms iQ under review for sale in USA
In other news, one of Toyota's top engineers has confirmed the Japanese automaker is considering selling the new iQ subcompact in the United States.

Speaking with Automotive News, Hiroki Nakajima said that Toyota is investigating the idea and that he expects a launch date before the iQ is given a mid-model refresh. Sales of the iQ begin in Japan on November 20; the tiny Toyota is a 2+2 competitor to the 2-seat Smart forTwo subcompact.

While the JDM model is powered by a 1.0-liter SOHC 12-valve inline-3, Nakajima said there is plenty of room to install the 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four currently used in the Toyota Yaris compact hatchback.

The iQ's unique transmission - which sits below the engine rather than behind the engine - would carry over, as it is crucial to maximizing space within the iQ's 77-inch wheelbase.

And as we reported earlier this week, the iQ is quite thifty. While the EU testing regimen differs from ours, 65 mpg is quite a feat. Even if that figure drops by 15 percent due to added weight and a larger motor, the smart forTwo would have face stiff competition in a market it currently owns.

But first, a reality check. Tossing aside the rose-colored glasses for a moment, there are a few hurdles the iQ must clear before we see it stateside.

A number of changes must be made to the iQ unit-body structure. Speaking with Automotive News, Nakajima said the iQ's airbags would need to be redesigned and the bumpers would need to be strengthened to pass federal safety standards.

Another issue is price. The 118-inch long iQ might be dinky, but the price tag isn't. In Japan, the iQ retails for between $13,860 and $15,840 (¥1.4M - ¥1.6M). It's a safe bet to add another $1,000 to cover the cost of shipping and retooling the iQ to meet US safety standards.

And even though the rumor mill has the iQ pegged as a new Scion, it doesn't really change the marketing math. Assuming the iQ is priced near $16,000, the subcompact will fight it out with the Honda Fit Sport, Toyota's own Yaris sedan and Scions' own xD hatch.

At the bottom end of the market, profit margins are often very slim. And the entire industry is headed into a very turbulent economy. With sales of new cars tanking this year and 2009 expected to be just as bleak, the iQ might only steal sales from within the Toyota family.

But then again, I might be the one who's off base. After all, I was rattling on about supersonic rocket cars — humming Rule Brittania [MP3]— while all this came to pass.

[AN]

Tochigi Battle: Mugen Civic RR v Civic R

Partly out of my own desire to escape the onslaught of grim financial news for the entire industry, tonight's post is just a simple burst of pure automotive escapism.

The video pick is an informal showdown between two tuned Hondas: an FA5 Civic Type R and the limited-production FA5 Mugen Civic RR.

Both are powered by modified K20Cs. The Civic R's 2.0 liter inline four is rated at 225 hp at 8,000 rpm and 158 pound-feet of torque at 6,100 rpm. The Mugen RR's 2.2 liter mill spins out 12 more horsepower and a smidge more torque -- all courtesy of the RR's ram-air intake, larger cold air box, high-lift intake and exhaust camshafts, stiffer valve springs, a 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, a low-restriction catalyst and dual exhaust.

The testing regimen isn't particularly scientific, but for acolytes of the Honda brand and import enthusiasts alike, it's entertaining to watch two professional hotshoes square off on the track.

Enjoy the weekend.

2010 Honda Insight Concept debuts ahead of Paris Motor Show

After watching Toyota release a panoply of hybrids to complement the Prius, Honda is going on the offensive.

In 1999, Honda made headlines with the Insight, the first gasoline-electric hybrid auto offered for sale in the US market. The first vehicle to break the 70-mpg fuel economy barrier, the Insight was designed from the ground up for fuel economy in a diminutive two-seat hatchback.

Ten years on, Honda has revived the nameplate for a new 5-door hybrid hatchback designed compete on price with the Toyota Prius. While the final price has yet to be set, word on the street is that the Insight will sticker for well under $20,000.

Official photos of next-generation Insight concept were released today; the production version of the new Insight will debut on October 2 at the Paris Motor Show.

"The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda's commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency," said Takeo Fukui, CEO of Honda Motor Company. "This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value."

In addition to expanding their hybrid product range, the new Insight will become Honda's first global hybrid offering. The Japanese automaker is planning to sell 200,000 Insights per year, with half of those sales coming from the US market. Stateside sales will start next next spring, with the Insight selling as 2010 model.

[Honda]

Charting the Changes: 2009 Honda Fit

* Budget minded, yet well equipped: Pricing starts at $14,550 with A/C, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows and locks standard.

* Class-leading fuel economy: Up to 35 miles per gallon highway with the 5-speed automatic transmission.

* New tech options: GPS navigation & VSA stability control debut this year.

REVIEW:
As we reported yesterday, the all-new 2009 Fit is coming to the US market a month early to keep pace with blockbuster sales.

As promised, here's the low-down on what's new and improved.

* More power, better fuel economy, nimble handling:
First, to the engine room. The 1.7-litre SOHC inline-four returns year, this time with i-VTEC control for added power and efficiency. The new engine produces 117 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 106 lb-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm and can be mated to a 5-speed manual or optional automatic transmission, which on the Fit Sport, features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual gear control.

Surprisingly enough, the base Fit with an automatic transmission walks away with the MPG crown this time, besting the 5-speed manual in the EPA tests by one mpg in the city and two on the highway. The Fit Sport with either a manual or the optional automatic transmission achieve an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 27 and 33 miles per gallon.

In addition to being a fuel-miser, the Fit has set records for being exceptionally nimble. The new Fit continues that tradition, with front MacPherson struts and a torsion beam rear suspension -- both tuned to provide a sporty, rewarding driving experience.

As for rolling stock, the base model is shod with 75/65 R15 tires on steel wheels. The Fit Sport receives 185/55 R16 tires on aluminum alloys. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution come standard; all models use 10.3-inch ventilated discs in front and 7.9-inch drums in the rear.

* All-new exterior; progressive, feature-rich interior:
It's a clean-sheet redesign this time round, but the Fit has grown imperceptibly longer and wider. Length is up to 161 inches, with nearly 91 cubic feet of passenger volume and 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up. As with the outgoing model, the Fit retains the Magic Seat system, which features multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations:

* Tall object mode: the seat bottom folds upward to reveal the flat floor underneath.

* Long object mode: the rear passenger seat back and front seat both fold flat to fit six-foot long items. (Finish carpenters rejoice?)

* Utility mode: Driver & passenger ride in comfort while the fold-flat rear seat yields 57 cubic feet of space.

And there's more to fill that big interior than just air, crown moldings and people.

The Fit comes loaded with air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA playback, Radio Data System (RDS) and an auxiliary audio input jack. Power windows, power mirrors and power door locks also come standard.

The Fit Sport adds alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear spoiler, fog lights, a security system with keyless entry and cruise control. The Fit Sport also steps up to a six speaker stereo with a five-mode equalizer and a USB-Audio Interface for easy MP3 player integration.

* Optional GPS navigation, stability control debut:
GPS navigation makes its Fit debut as well. Offered only on the Fit Sport, the DVD-based system features voice recognition, a 6.5-inch color screen and more than 7 million points of interest. Honda's VSA electronic stability control is also included on navigation-equipped models.

Rounding out the safety side of things, dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual front-side airbags with passenger-side and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all models.

* Damn-near unbelievable value for money:
All of the above comes in at class-leading prices. A fully loaded Fit Sport with navigation carries an MSRP under $19,000, a stunning feat given the level of technology, economy and precision handling the FIt has come to symbolize.

The rest of the range prices out as follows:














* Final Thoughts:
Soaring demand for the 2008 Fit ultimately exceeded Honda's ability to keep pace. By improving on the previous model's strengths and expanding its appeal with new options, the 2009 model will almost certainly keep the blockbuster sales records going.

[Source: Honda]

Riding a tidal wave of sales, Honda's 2009 Fit comes to US shores a month early

It's no secret that small cars have enjoyed strong sales this year.

In an otherwise gloomy market, Honda has done so well with their Fit 5-door compact hatchback, the new model will hit US dealer showrooms by the end of the month, over 30 days ahead of schedule.

"We basically increased supply as much as we could to meet demand, and we were still going to be sold out of the 2008 model," Honda spokesman Chris Martin said in an interview with Automotive News. "We had to do something so that our dealers would not be without the small cars that buyers are seeking."

By all accounts, the outgoing model has been a runaway success. Sales of the nimble, versatile compact are up 73 percent from a year ago. More than 52,000 Fits have sold between January and August this year. And in July — the strongest month to date — over 12,200 units left dealer lots.

By comparison, the company's Acura division sold 12,800 units -- of all models combined.

Honda plans to ship 80,000 and 90,000 units of the 2009 model to the United States during the next 12 months. The second-generation Fit has been in production for over a year in overseas markets and is currently made in five plants around the world.

The Suzuka, Japan factory is the only one currently shipping Fits to the United States. Martin said Honda will consider increasing production at the Suzuka plant or increase US-bound production to one of its other plants if demand continues to rise.

The base sticker of the 2009 Fit, including destination, will be $15,220. Honda raised the price on the new model by $600 from the 2008 model.

The Fit will get up to 35 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city; we'll chart the changes in greater detail tomorrow.

[Source: AN - Sub. Req'd]

'09 Civic range debuts with new trim levels, aesthetic tweaks and tech packages

After a series of brochure scans leaked to the Web yesterday, Honda has quelled the rumor mill by laying all their cards on the table.

In a nutshell, all Civic models receive a host of minor styling tweaks; a new front bumper, headlights and grille as well as revised taillights. On sedan models, a small chromed strip on the trunk now flanks the Honda badge.

It's a classic case of not messing with a good thing and as a result only the eagle-eyed will spot the changes at distance. Which is no slight; the futuristic design has sold well.

The big news for '09 comes in the form of new technology packages and trim levels.

Models equipped with the factory navigation system will now also include Bluetooth hands-free cellphone integration. Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models will also receive a standard USB-Audio port that allows easy MP3 player integration with the factory stereo. EX-L and Hybrid models will also receive Honda's VSA electronic stability control system as standard equipment.

A leather trimmed interior with heated front seats and side mirrors will also be offered for the Civic Hybrid starting next year. Across the range, new upholstery patterns on seats, door linings and armrests have all been updated to further enhance the interior's look and feel.

Rounding out the changes, two new model trims join the lineup for 2009. At the top of the range, the Civic LX-S Sedan debuts with alloy wheels, sport-trimmed black cloth seats with synthetic suede bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear deck spoiler and a chrome exhaust finisher. The Civic DX Value Package (DX-VP) sedan builds on the Civic DX standard features by adding air conditioning and a factory stereo.

As expected, drivetrains remain unchanged across the board. The DX, DX-VP, LX, EX and EX-L soldier on with a 140-horsepower 1.8 liter iVTEC inline-four with either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The Si sedan and coupe continue with their 197-horsepower 2.0 liter iVTEC fours mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Civc Hybrid is powered by a 120-horsepower 1.3-liter i-VTEC inline-four with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission.

Lastly, the Civic GX is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the Civic's 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine - and is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Both Civic Hybrid and Civic GX are classified as Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (AT-PZEV) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Civic GX is classified by the EPA as an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV).

[Source: Honda]

EDITORIAL: Will this be Chrysler's last dance?

Sales figures are in for the first half of the year and suffice to say, 2008 is shaping up to be the worst year for US auto sales in nearly two decades.

Judging by the headlines, Chrysler seems to be most at risk of running aground in the turbulent economic tide. Sales at the Pentastar brand are down 23 percent from a year ago, despite a blitz of sales incentives geared toward consumers spooked by soaring gas prices.

Chrysler's leasing arm has shut down and Chase — one of the nation's largest underwriters of auto loans — has followed suit, refusing to cover loans for Chrysler products. Analysts have responded with muted skepticism, noting that any benefit from fewer loan delinquencies will be offset by slower sales.

So the fundamental question remains. In a market that couldn't be more hostile, is Cerberus Capital Management willing to invest in Chrysler for the long haul? Or are they angling to sell the brand for scrap value?

In many ways, it's an impossible question to answer without having all the facts.
But as one reads between the lines, the outlook grows bleak.

Despite loudly trumpeting gross earnings of $1.1 billion in the first half of 2008, CCM did not disclose their net income for the same period, nor are they obligated to. Daimler AG, which owns the remaining 19.9 percent of Chrysler, provides some insight into the real health of the company.

In their own quarterly report released last month, Daimler noted that Chrysler lost about $500 million in the first quarter of 2008. JPMorgan auto analyst Himanshu Patel estimated that Chrysler will burn through nearly $4 billion by years end.

Adding to the gloomy forecast. Chrysler renewed only $24 billion of its $30 billion credit line for the next 12 months. With reduced access to credit, the company's ability to purchase from suppliers and provide loans to dealers will suffer.

In the absence of good news, silence speaks louder than words. With every day that passes without full disclosure of their assets and liabilities, Chrysler draws closer to the day where their credit will no longer be accepted.

When suppliers demand payment in full for wheels, dashboards, computers and belts, the end will be swift and merciless. With no parts to build cars, dealers will stop placing orders. Within weeks, the money dries up and it's all over.

In the second half of 2008, Chrysler will face an intense and exceptionally brutal fight for its life. Compared to their Japanese competitors (who are still having a rough time of it), the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands are ill equipped to sell on fuel economy.

Their corporate average fuel economy of 28.6 miles-per-gallon is weighed down by an abundance of SUVs, luxury sedans and light trucks. By comparison, Honda's average fuel economy topped the list last year at 33.7 miles per gallon.

Honda's class leading economy is in part buoyed by the success of the 45 mile-per-gallon Civic Hybrid. Chrysler has no direct competitor, nor the funds to build one.

In short, Chrysler needs a miracle in a market never known for charity. Or, for that matter, patience.

[Sources: AP, Cars.com, Chicago Tribune]