Toyota Etios Teaser [video]

The Toyota Etios small sedan concept will be unveiled at the New Delhi Auto Expo. scheduled to begin next week. Toyota will also showcase the hatchback version of the Etios at the show and both the vehicles will go into production at the end of 2010.

The Etios series would be produced first in India and then across the world. Codenamed EFC (Economical Family Car) it has been in development for the last few years in Japan. Through Etios, Toyota is trying to establish a better footprint in emerging markets like China, India, Brazil and probably Russia.

Etios, which means ‘the origin of’ unlike many other concept cars, is 90 percent the production model. It will come in both petrol and diesel engines – 1.4-liter diesel engine adopted from the Yaris hatchback and 1.2 or 1.3-liter petrol engine.

Set to be priced from $10,000 USD (roughly), the Etios will feature limited sound-proofing, a basic interior (with hard plastics) and one windshield wiper. Despite sounding like a rental car from hell, Toyota says the Ethios' real assets will be its build quality and resale value.
via indianautosblog

Merc plans plug-in S-class

Mercedes-Benz will launch the next S-class with a plug-in hybrid model, and will the roll out the technology across the rest of the range.

Due for sale in 2012, the new S-Class sedan will be offered with plug-in hybrid technology, and eventually this option will be offered across the automaker’s fleet.


With weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements anticipated for the next-generation S-class, the plug-in version is likely to turn in impressive economy figures: over 80mpg and less than 100g/km of CO2 are being talked about by insiders.


There won’t be a purely electric version, however. Weber ruled such a car out due to concerns over its range. Note, however, that a plug-in hybrid version could potentially drive on all-electric power alone for short distances.


Less expensive versions of the next S-class will also be offered with Mercedes’ next generation of six and eight-cylinder petrol engines. All will have direct injection, use stop-start and will be capable of being turbocharged or used in conjunction with electric motors. The company claims they will provide 10 per cent more power, 25 per cent more torque and 25 per cent better economy than existing petrol motors.
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Nissan Skyline GT-R Station Wagon Mash up with Stagea Body, Previous GT-R Engine and First-Gen GT-R Front End

It combines the body of a Nissan Stagea, commonly referred to as the Skyline wagon, with the front-end of the first-generation Skyline GT-R (1969-1972), the second-gen Skyline GT-R's (1972-1977) body trim and tail lamps, and the RB26DETT 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six powerplant of the R32-R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs.


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Video: Chrysler Group LLC Introduces New "Coming Home" Corporate Campaign

• New advertising campaign features Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® and Ram vehicles throughout the years

• Aimed to inform consumers, suppliers and partners that Chrysler Group LLC is now a different company with a new alliance partner and a healthy product plan

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 1, 2010 - Chrysler Group LLC introduced today a new corporate advertising campaign designed to reach out to consumers as well as the company's many suppliers and partners.

The new corporate campaign, "Coming Home," was created in response to requests from Chrysler Group dealers and research conducted which found that consumers do not realize that Chrysler Group has emerged from bankruptcy and is now a different company with a new alliance partner and a healthy product plan.

"This ad tells a story of Chrysler products bringing home loved ones throughout the years and our commitment to continuing to bring them home. It was important to tell this story during the holiday season because it is a time when families come together," said Olivier Francois, Head of Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. "We want current and future customers, suppliers and partners to know that we are here and we are committed to earning their trust and restoring our reputation."


The ad features a driver bringing home a leather travel bag throughout the years in various Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles. The travel bag symbolizes the continuation of life with all Chrysler Group brands and is the string that ties the entire story together. While various Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles are featured throughout, the ad begins with a 1930's Chrysler Airflow and ends with a 2010 Chrysler 300 sedan.

The 60-second ad was created and produced by the Chrysler brand's advertising agency of record, Fallon, and is scheduled to air beginning January 1 – 4, 2010 during the following bowl games as well as the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brand web sites:

• Jan 1 – Rose Bowl, ABC

• Jan 1 – Outback Bowl, ESPN

• Jan 1 – Sugar Bowl, FOX

• Jan 2 – Liberty Bowl, ESPN

• Jan 2 – Liberty Bowl (Repeat), ESPN2

• Jan 4 – Fiesta Bowl, FOX

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Truck, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.
via:autoblog

Hyundai Details Plan to split off luxury cars in dealerships

Before the Hyundai Genesis arrived in showrooms, there was talk of the car launching under the aegis of its own brand, much like the debut of the Lexus LS400 back in 1990. That didn't happen, and premium Hyundai models like the Genesis and the forthcoming 2010 Equus share floor space with Accents and Tucsons.


Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai's North American sales vice president, has drawn parallels to Toyota's co-locating efforts with its Scion sub-brand in a letter to dealers, laying out the plans for incorporating the Equus into showrooms. "This strategy will create physical and psychological separation in the Hyundai showroom," says Zuchowski, while dealers remain less convinced that this means anything more for them than increased costs. On the retail end, stores will be required to purchase several kits for showroom, service, and parts support of the Equus. While not as expensive as a full-blown new store would be, dealers still might have trouble mustering enthusiasm for hundreds of thousands of dollars in corporate-ordered directives that franchisees may have to comply with.


Still, the thought of a roped-off premium car department has a certain pull. "Sectioning off the brand, that's the Holy Grail," said Hyundai Motors USA CEO John Krafcik to Ward's Auto. What Krafcik and his Korean masters may have up their collective sleeve is a way to get some of the desired differentiation without the massive costs a new brand launch would entail.


Dealer unhappiness aside, Zuchowski lays out Hyundai's strategy clearly. "We intend to use the launch of the new Equus to develop and further establish Hyundai as a legitimate force in the premium-luxury segments;" intimating there might be more to it than just the Genesis models and the luxo-liner Equus – a "Genesised-up" Santa Fe might do battle against the Lexus RX, for instance. While it will cost dealers money, Zuchowski notes that ultimately, it's the cheapest way to go while "still providing an enhanced dealership environment...that will devliver a substantial incremental profit opportunity with very reasonable dealer investment." In other words, pay the man now, and cash in later, if all goes well.
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Tommy Kaira slams Toyota Prius and Honda Insight

Tommy Kaira 2010 Toyota Prius
Hybrids aren't exactly known for being the sportiest vehicles on the road, but that doesn't mean their owners don't want to look as good as possible behind the wheel. As such, perhaps it shouldn't be too surprising that Japanese tuning companies are jumping on the gas-electric bandwagon almost as quickly as the automakers themselves.


Tommy Kaira 2010 Honda Insight
Chief among those hybrid tuners is Tommy Kaira, which has released a slew of new bodykit bits, suspension upgrades and wheel options for both the 2010 Toyota Prius (which we saw teasers of previously) and Honda Insight. We'll leave it up to you to decide if the add-ons add up to an improvement in the wedge-shaped hybrid hatchbacks. In any case, click here to see the whole kit and caboodle for the Prius and here for the Insight.
via:autoblog

Mahalo CEO Jason Calacanis giving away his Tesla Model S (you know, when he gets it)

Jason Calacanis, CEO of Mahalo.com and erstwhile founder of Weblogs Inc. (of which Autoblog and AutoblogGreen are a part) is a big fan of Tesla, and now he's announced that he's giving one away. Calacanis is already the owner of an early Tesla Roadster which he let us drive in late 2008. Even before he took delivery of his Roadster, Calacanis announced his intention to buy the company's second vehicle, the Model S. When Tesla unveiled the sedan last spring, Calacanis made good on his promise and put down deposits on two of the upcoming electric car, including serial #1.


Now Calacanis wants to give away his second Model S by getting his newly established Twitter account @auto to number 1 on the micro-blogging service. That position is currently held by actor and cougar-catcher Ashton Kutcher who has over 4.2 million followers. As this is written, @auto is up to almost 1,000 followers after only one hour. If you want a crack at a free Model S, just follow @auto.


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