Lexus is developing a seven-seat crossover

According to a recent report, Lexus is working on a seven-seat crossover.



Details are limited but Automotive News is reporting the company could develop an all-new crossover or add a third row of seating to the next-generation RX which is slated to arrive in late 2015.

It remains unclear which direction the company is leaning but Lexus USA's Group Vice President and General Manager said "We feel like we're missing a 35,000-units-a-year opportunity. We're working hard to rectify that." Jeff Bracken went on to say "We could bring it to market in 2016 or 2017."

While nothing is official, speculation suggests the model could be called the TX and it be based on either the front-wheel-drive platform from the Toyota Camry or the rear-wheel drive platform from the Lexus IS / GS.

Source: AlAin Japan

Subaru isn't currently planning a BRZ STi

Subaru's Australian division has announced the company isn't working on a BRZ STi or another performance-oriented model in collaboration with Subaru Tecnica International (STi).

Sad news for those who were waiting for a turbocharged BRZ or at least an STi-prepared version of the rear-wheel drive coupe as Subaru isn't planning a hotter model. What's even worse is they aren't currently developing other performance models, following the introduction of the WRX STi. Speaking of the WRX STi, it seems the hatchback might not happen after all even though Subaru said they will consider it to meet U.S. demand.

Getting back to the inexistent BRZ STi, the reason why it won't happen is due to limited resources which have to be targeted to improving global sales, according to Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior. However, some distributors are still lobbying for hotter versions but for the moment an STi model is not being prepared.  

Source: Al Ain Japan

Acura & Honda to field six models at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura and Honda have announced plans to field a variety models in seven classes at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb which kicks off on June 29th.

Honda declined to go into specifics but confirmed plans to enter a Fit EV in the electric vehicle class and a Fit B-Spec racer in the Exhibition class. The company will also enter an S3700 in the Time Attack class, a first-generation Acura NSX in the Open class, a CBR600RR motorcycle in the Middleweight class and a TRX450 in the 450 ATV class. Last but not least, Romain Dumas will compete in the Unlimited class with a Honda-powered Norma.

According to Honda Performance Development President Art St. Cyr, "Pikes Peak presents us with a unique opportunity to showcase Honda's diverse product lineup and to energize Honda fans around the world, as we work to further strengthen Honda's presence in racing at all levels." St. Cyr went on to say "Our associates will be working hard between now and race day to prepare this diverse field of race vehicles and showcase the Honda Racing Spirit."

Source: Acura

Lamborghini Urus to be assembled in Slovakia starting 2017

Sources within the Volkswagen Group have revealed the Lamborghini Urus will be manufactured at VW's factory in Slovakia.

Slated to go on sale early 2018, the production version of the Lamborghini Urus concept will be put together in Bratislava, Slovakia at a Volkswagen factory where it will be assembled together with the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg as well as the bodies for the forthcoming Bentley SUV due in 2016.

It will be Lamborghini's first SUV after the LM002 which was phased out in 1993 and will share its platform with the next-gen Q7, Touareg, Cayenne and Bentley SUV. Little else is known about the Urus but it could be offered with a hybridized V8 generating approximately 680 PS (500 kW). Audi's boss Rupert Stadler previously said it "won't be a softie" and that it will carry over most of the concept's design.

Named after the Aurochs bull - a large, wild ancestor of domestic cattle - the Urus is the spiritual successor of the LM002. It features aggressive styling with a prominent front fascia, a ventilated hood and LED headlights. There's also a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. Other highlights include an adjustable suspension and 24-inch wheels with a matte aluminum finish

Source: Al Ain Japan

Toyota reveals significant facelift for Yaris

Toyota has released a couple of images with the facelifted Yaris set to go on sale in the following months, following some brochure scans which surfaced the web in March..

Essentially a rebadged Vitz, the European-spec Yaris will be built in France and launched this summer. Additional information is limited, but the car will feature a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and three different engines: a 1.0-liter VVT-i, a 1.33-liter dual VVT-i and a 1.4-liter D-4D diesel. 

The Yaris has received a major styling change as the front fascia is now derived from the all-new Aygo with the large trapezoidal lower grille combined with the upper one to create an "X" shape. While on the smaller Aygo the LED daytime running lights sit next to the fog lights, on the facelifted Yaris these have been integrated within the darkened headlights.

Photos of the Yaris' rear have not been provided but most likely the changes will carry over from the JDM-spec Vitz with the updated taillights, altered license plate area and a mildly tweaked bumper. They also prepared new alloy wheel designs along with a revised interior cabin packing the latest version of the Toyota Link infotainment system.

The changes are skin deep as the face-lifted Yaris now benefits from a modified suspension to provide better handling and comfort while the noise levels have be reduced. Engine lineup will be taken from the pre-facelift variant, including the hybrid powertrain.

A full reveal should occur in the following days.

Source: Toyota Car Dealer in Japan

2015 Lexus NX bows in Beijing

Lexus has officially unveiled the entry-level NX crossover at the Beijing Motor Show.

Previewed by the LF-NX concepts, the production model has an aggressive exterior that will provoke love or hate it reactions. Regardless of which side you're on, the model has a prominent spindle grille which is flanked by LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The model also has plastic body cladding and 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

The NX 200t can also be equipped with an F SPORT package that adds a new front bumper, a mesh grille, black mirrors and unique alloy wheels. The package also includes sport seats, revised instrumentation and paddle shifters.

Speaking of the interior, it features a three-spoke steering wheel, metallic trim and an angular center stack. Detailed specifications were not released but the model can be equipped with leather upholstery, wood trim and an optional Wireless Charging Tray which can recharge Qi compatible smartphones.

In the United States, two engines will be available. The NX 200t has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 235 bhp (175 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. Likewise, the NX 300h has a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor that produce a combined maximum output of 194 bhp (145 kW). Front-wheel drive will be standard but all-wheel drive wheel be optional.

The 2015 Lexus NX will go on sale in the United States this fall and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Source : Al Ain Japan

2015 Nissan Maxima - resemble the Sport Sedan concept

Nissan North America Chairman Jose Munoz has revealed some new details about the 2015 Maxima.





Speaking at the sidelines of the New York Auto Show, Munoz said the Maxima will look virtually identical to the Sport Sedan concept which debuted at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year. As he explained to Automotive News, “The difference between the concept car and the production car will be very small." Munoz declined to elaborate but said the model will go on sale this fall.

Designed to preview an upcoming production model, the Sport Sedan concept has a "V-Motion" front fascia with a chrome grille that is flanked by boomerang-shaped LED headlights. The concept also has a Strad Amber exterior with a "floating" roof and 21-inch aluminum wheels.


The two-tone interior is undeniably elegant as it features quilted leather seats, a sport steering wheel and metallic trim.  We can also see a floating center stack and a futuristic infotainment system.

Little else is known about the Maxima but it will likely feature a "V-Motion" front fascia with a prominent grille and boomerang-shaped shapes headlights. The model could also be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces at least 260 bhp (194 kW).

Source: Al Ain Japan