Live Photos of the New Toyota Aqua or Prius C from the Tokyo Motor Show

Apparently, the Prius nameplate isn't as strong in Toyota's home market of Japan as it is in the rest of the world as what we will come to know as the new Prius C will be marketed locally as the Aqua.

Besides the name, there's nothing else different about the Aqua that made its world premiere this week at the 42nd edition of the bi-annual Tokyo Motor Show in Japan.

Toyota's smallest dedicated hybrid model measures 3,995mm long, 1,695 mm wide and 1,445 mm tall and has 2,550 mm between its wheels, which means it is slightly bigger than the latest Yaris five-door hatchback.

The five-seat model is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 74HP at 4,800 rpm and 111Nm (81.9 lb-ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm, and an electric motor producing up to 61-horses and 169Nm (125 lb-ft). The hybrid system's combined output (in JDM tune) is rated at 100HP with a CVT transferring power to the front wheels.

In Japan, the Aqua returns a fuel efficiency of (equal to 83.3 mpg US or 2.8lt/100km) under the JC08 test cycle and 40 km/L (94 mpg US or 2.5lt/100 km) under the 10-15 driving cycle.

Following the launch of the Aqua in Japan that is scheduled for the end of December, the Prius C will gradually reach showrooms across the world.

NEW TOYOTA AQUA JAPAN

NEW TOYOTA PRIUS C NORTH AMERICA

Renault Facelifts Scenic MPV Range, On Sale in January 2012

 

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Europe’s best-selling compact minivan, the Renault Scenic and its bigger, seven-seat Grand Scenic sibling, have received a minor facelift for the 2012 model year.

Both models sport a new front end with LED daytime running lights and gloss black features, chrome details up front, on the profile and the tailgate strip, redesigned rear lights on the five-seat Scenic and a different lower air intake design and longitudinal roof bars for the Grand Scenic.

Under the hood, two new diesel “Energy” units have been added to the engine line-up. The first is the dCi 110 which is 12 percent more fuel efficient than the previous unit returning a combined figure of 4.1 lt/100 km (57.3 mpg US)with CO2 emissions of 105 g/km.

The new dCi 130’s 4.4 lt/100 km (53.4 mpg US) consumption marks an even more impressive 20% reduction compared to the outgoing 1.9 dCi 130. Its CO2 emissions are 114 g/km.

Next spring, a brand-new turbocharged petrol engine, the TCe 115, will be added to the Scenic/Grand Scenic range. According to Renault, this engine consumes 20% less fuel than the current 110HP 1.6-liter unit it will replace.

The interior has also received minor modifications, including a different beige trim for the Expression and Privilege/Initiale versions and a dark charcoal trim for the Privilege Initiale.

There is also new upholstery and an optional leather/Alcantara package, while the higher-end Bose Edition that was launched in limited numbers in the 2011 model year now becomes a regular equipment level on the 2012 MY Scenic.

The updated versions of Renault’s compact MPV are the first models of the French carmaker to feature the Visio System. It uses a camera to control a lane departure warning system and an automatic headlight function that detects lights of nearby functions and adjusts the lights’ beam accordingly.

Ordering books for the 2012MY Scenic and Grand Scenic opened today, with prices starting from €21,350 for the Scenic and €24,850 Grand Scenic. Renault's updated minivans will initially be available in Europe from January 2012 followed by other markets shortly after.

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New Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride

Renault is using the name of its 1960s Floride rear-engined sports car for a new limited edition of the modern-day Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet that will make its first public appearance at the Brussels Motor Show on January 10, 2012.

In France, the Mégane CC Floride will be offered exclusively in a pastel ivory exterior paint that harks back to the 1960s, while the rest of Europe will also get the option of a more mainstream red color.

Either way, the French car's retractable panoramic top will come in a contrasting high-gloss, piano hue, while Renault has also added retro-style Floride badging on the front wings. On the ivory model, the new 17-inch diamond-effect alloy wheels will be finished in a similar shade.

There's more going on inside as the exterior color scheme is matched by a two-tone red and ivory full-leather interior including the seats and steering wheel. The chrome Floride badge makes its appearance inside on the dashboard that is finished in red with an ivory trim strip, while the gear lever knob and the new floor mats are inscribed with the letter 'f'.

A numbered plaque located on the center console rounds out the changes.

The new Mégane CC Floride will be offered exclusively with a 130HP turbo diesel engine (dCi 130 DPF) that drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Renault's latest model is available to order in France with prices starting from €33,100 (approx. US$44,700).

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Traxxas X0-1 Toy Car goes 0-60mph in 2.3" and can Reach 100mph

In the word of the street, there are "toys" and there are "toys". Like the new Traxxas X0-1 radio controlled car which is one of those toys intended only for adults. And for a very good reason as this little devil comes with a top speed in excess of 100mph (160km/h) right out of the box! Still not impressed? Then how about a zero to 60mph (96 km/h) sprint time of just 2.3 seconds and 0 to 100mph (160 km/h) in a mere 4.92 seconds in stock form? Traxxas says that it's the world's fastest ready-to-race radio controlled supercar and with these kinds of performance numbers, we have no reason to doubt its claim.
The X0-1 also comes with a 2.4GHz radio system with a docking base that can turn your Apple iPhone or iPod touch into a device providing you with complete control over the operation and tuning of the RC model.
Aside from having to be at least 16 years old to use it, the X0-1 carries a very spicy price tag at $1,099.99 [sic…]. You can watch it in action in the video below.
Stroy References: Traxxas via Engadget

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