Geneva Show: 2009 Toyota iQ Pre-Production Version Eyes Smart ForTwo

Making its worldwide premiere at the Swiss Auto Salon, the pre-production version of the iQ which was first shown as a concept at last year’s Frankfurt Show, is a miniscule city car that will take on the likes of the Smart Fortwo. The iQ measures just 2,985mm in length but its 1,500mm high and its wheelbase is 2,000mm. Despite its ultra compact dimensions, thanks to a series of measures like the flat under-floor fuel tank, the new differential, the small a/c unit and the asymmetrical dashboard, Toyota supports that the iQ allows three adults and one child to sit in comfort.

Power will be provided by a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel unit. Unfortunately Toyota didn’t give any specific details on the powertrain options. Production of the iQ is set to commence during late 2008, with 100,000 units expected worldwide in the first full year. –Details and pictures after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: TOYOTA iQ

KEY POINTS

• First appearance of Toyota’s radical and sophisticated new urban car
• Less than three metres long, but three adults plus a child or luggage carried in comfort
• Space-saving design breakthroughs include a flat under-floor fuel tank, new differential and asymmetrical dashboard
• Strong environmental performance anticipated, from 100g/km
• Designed to meet five-star Euro NCAP crash test safety standard
• Production to start late 2008 with UK sales from spring 2009

Toyota has given the production design of the new iQ its world premiere at the Geneva motor show. First presented as the Concept Car iQ at the Frankfurt motor show last year, the new model will go into production late in 2008 with UK sales scheduled to start in spring 2009.

The new iQ is a sophisticated car, delivering a refined mode of urban transport. Thanks to ingenious and revolutionary packaging, it measures less than three metres long, but has a flexible interior that allows up to three adults, plus a child or luggage, to travel in comfort.

The name iQ represents what the car embodies: “i” stands for individuality, innovation and intelligence and “Q” for quality.

DESIGN
iQ is designed for buyers who want more than just urban mobility, but who are also looking for space, refinement and a vehicle that is kinder to the environment.

Its revolutionary packaging is achieved through six space-saving, interlinked engineering innovations that represent a break-through in Toyota’s vehicle development.

“The iQ story started a few years ago when we at Toyota began thinking about the environmental impact of automobiles,” explained Kazuo Okamato, Executive Vice President in charge of Research and Development at Toyota Motor Corporation.

“We concluded that, in order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a need for a radical change in vehicle packaging. We needed to create a breakthrough, away from the traditional belief that small is basic. Our answer is the Toyota iQ.”

Robust and refined for the urban environment
iQ has a self-assured “super stance” with the four wheels positioned at the extremity of each corner, with robustness further enhanced by tough-looking bumpers and five-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels that fill the bold wheel arches.

The exterior styling blends dynamism and stability: prominent crease lines define the high belt line, while the V-line of the A-pillar creates tension across the wheel arches. Smooth lines flow from the front bumpers, curve smoothly up through the front pillars to meet the roof and sweep back down towards the rear hatch where they are replaced by edgier, well-defined lines. The rear is defined by strong vertical lines, with bold lamp lenses cut into three segments by horizontal lines.

At the front, smoked headlamp units are set deep into the bonnet and wings. Refined appeal is further reflected in the door mirrors with integrated turn indicators.

Techno-organic Interior Styling
Toyota has created a “techno-organic” design for the interior, which fuses geometric precision with inner beauty. This is demonstrated in the floating “V” centre console that dominates the asymmetrical dashboard and the matt silver door handles, which have a flowing, manta ray shape.

The steering wheel has a flat bottom to give the driver greater legroom and audio controls are positioned on the wheel to save space on the centre console and make operation easier for the driver.

The ultra-slim seatbacks are formed in a one-piece moulding that enhances iQ’s edgy feel, while also helping free up additional passenger space. A storage tray is concealed below the rear seat, another feature that does not sacrifice cabin space. For extra luggage room, the 50:50 split rear seats can be folded flat.

TECHNOLOGY
Creating more passenger space in such a compact vehicle was a key challenge for the Toyota design team. iQ’s interior is surprisingly spacious, made possible by six interlinked engineering innovations.

Achieving this milestone in vehicle development required a drastic change of mindset. The engineers have to reconsider the location of various components, rather than simply redesigning parts to a smaller size.

The result is a breakthrough in “small yet spacious” packaging, which at the same time has been designed to meet Euro NCAP’s top five-star safety rating.

iQ is 2,985mm long and 1,500mm high. Its compact ingenuity lies in its comparatively long, 2,000mm wheelbase.

New differential saves engine compartment space
A newly developed differential allows iQ to have a more compact engine compartment and front wheels placed at the very corners of the car, with very short overhangs. This yields more than 100mm extra cabin length, compared to Yaris.

Flat Under-floor Fuel Tank and Rear-angled Shock Absorbers
Designing a flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed shorter rear overhangs to be developed, helping reduce the car’s overall length.

A flat fuel tank has traditionally been considered difficult to engineer, because of the variance in fuel surface levels depending on the angle of the vehicle. Persistent engineering efforts to downsize and find the best position for functional parts have enabled such a tank to be developed, delivering significant space savings.

Smaller heater/air conditioning unit
Toyota engineers have significantly reduced the size of the heater/air conditioning unit, without sacrificing performance.

As a result, the front passenger area can be moved forwards towards the base of the windscreen, freeing up additional cabin space.

Asymmetric Dashboard and Sliding Seat Configuration
iQ’s innovative asymmetric dashboard is designed to open up the passenger area. Its pushed-forward, step-like structure gives sufficient space for the front passenger when the seat is in its most forward position, while comfortably accommodating an adult in the rear seat.

Combined with a shoulder-to-shoulder distance between driver and passenger that is similar to a C-segment model, the unique 3+1 seating configuration creates enough room for three adults, plus either a child or luggage carried behind the driver.

Centre Take-off Steering Gear
Toyota has given iQ a centre take-off steering gear, positioned higher in the engine bay. The gear, engine and differential could then be repositioned, giving the car a shorter front overhang.

Slim Seat Design
The slim seatbacks release a further 40mm of rear passenger room at knee height. With an all new frame structure and optimal adjustment of ancillary parts, the designs save space without sacrificing comfort.

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
New iQ, together with the new Urban Cruiser, plays a key role in Toyota’s drive to reduce emissions. Both vehicles are essential to meeting the challenge of the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (JAMA) 140g/km voluntary commitment by 2009.

iQ will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. These, together with the compact design, low weight and aerodynamic shape of iQ, will contribute to outstanding fuel economy and exceptionally low CO₂ emissions, which are anticipated to start at around 100g/km.

Production will commence during late 2008, with 100,000 units expected worldwide in the first full year.

Fastest Production Car - Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo

Shelby Supercars must have been so proud as its baby Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo was recently named “Fastest Production Car in the World”. The Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo has an average top speed of 255.83 mph. Its speed met the standards of Guinness World Records, proving that it really deserves the applause of every car buff all over the globe.

It has a turbo V8 engine outputting 1183 HP and 1094 lbs. of torque. It has a turbo V8 engine outputting 1183 HP and 1094 lbs. of torque. Thanks to a drag coefficient of just .357, wind tunnel testing calculates the vehicle to be aerodynamically stable to speeds up to 273 mph and it could also retain excellent idle characteristics.

The Aero TT is not completely stripped either, it features air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a navigation system, and a 10 speaker Audio/CD/DVD.

MSRP: $585,000

2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Vehicle

“Just look at the thing!” That’s about the only selling line the 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will ever need. If you’ve seen a V8 Vantage on the road, you know what we’re talking about. Few other cars look this, well, sexy. Thankfully, this baby Aston has impressive talent lurking beneath its gorgeous face. The 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe and roadster are not just exceedingly pretty faces. Although it can’t quite keep pace with Porsche’s 911, this baby Aston has the performance and handling cojones to make it the envy of not only the neighbors, but driving aficionados as well.

New For 2008

The limited-production high-performance Vantage N400 debuts for 2008. It includes a more powerful V8 engine, firmer suspension tuning, lightweight wheels and exterior and interior trim changes. It is available in coupe and roadster body styles. The regular Aston Martin V8 Vantage coupe and roadster gain a few standard features for 2008 such as steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, an auxiliary audio jack, cupholders and a windshield-embedded radio antenna (versus body-mounted). Satellite radio is now on the options list.

Ford Explorer 2008

Price Range: $26,490 - $36,195

The Ford Explorer 2008 ’s five-door SUV styling is clean and uncluttered, while the interior is one of the finest Ford’s put in a truck yet. Although engine performance is mediocre, the midsize 2008 Ford Explorer deserves consideration from anyone shopping for a traditional SUV with substantial towing and hauling capabilities. But for those who just need a family cruiser, newer seven-passenger crossovers provide more space, superior driving dynamics and slightly better gas mileage.

Performance

Two underhood options are available on the 2008 Ford Explorer: a “revised 4.0-liter V6 engine” that Kelley Blue Book says makes “210 horsepower” and “254 lb.-ft. of torque,” while those in need of more power can turn to a “4.6-liter V8 engine with 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque,” according to Edmunds. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that neither engine is particularly impressive in terms of acceleration, with ForbesAutos describing the V-6 as “barely adequate.” Edmunds calls the engine performance on the Ford Explorer “mediocre” and says that the engines are “weak” when “compared to competing SUVs,” thanks in part to the fact that “a 4WD Explorer equipped with the V8 takes a mediocre 9 seconds to reach 60 mph.”

What’s New for 2008

Side curtain airbags are now standard on all Explorers, as is a capless fuel filling system (though availability is delayed until midyear on the latter). Also available on the Explorer for 2008 is Ford’s new Sync system, the hands-free electronics integration technology co-developed with Microsoft. The optional navigation system includes voice activation this year. Kings of bling will be pleased to hear that they can option the Explorer with 20-inch wheels later in the ‘08 model year.

Honda Accord 2008

The Honda Accord has moved up in the Top 10 ranks even though its sales are virtually flat compared with a year ago, because sales have fallen for the Dodge Ram pickup, which outranked the Accord last year. The Honda brand is advertising its gas mileage; the four-cylinder Accord gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/31 highway. The V6 Accord, which shuts off two or three cylinders while cruising, gets 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, which is respectable for a 268-hp engine. A redesigned Accord debuted in September, 2007.

The Accord for 2008 is available as a sedan, which has grown large enough to be classified a large car by the EPA, or a coupe. There are three basic engines available, including a 3.5L iVTEC V6 producing 273 horsepower and 250 ft-lbs. of torque. Do the math and you’ll realize the ‘08 Accord with this engine is the most powerful Honda ever produced. It also features a new Variable Cylinder Management system when ordered in the sedan that can power the vehicle on three, four or all six cylinders to achieve an excellent 19/29 mpg. The other two mills are a 2.4L inline-four producing 200 horsepower/170 ft-lbs., and another 2.4L producing 180 horsepower/166 ft-lbs. All models of the ‘08 Accord can be ordered with a five-speed automatic, while four-cylinder models can also be had with a 5-speed manual transmission, and the V6 Coupe can be optioned with a six-speed manual.

Chevrolette Corvette 2008

The Corvette team aren’t giving up. They relentlessly chipping away at every reasonable argument a rational buyer can articulate for choosing some big-name, bucks-up, blue-blooded bahn-stormer over the crossed-flag cruise missile that Zora launched. This C6-1/2-generation Vette boasts more refinements and detail enhancements than one expects from a mid-cycle refresh of a supercar, but are they enough to steer the Porsche/BMW/Benz/Jag buyers into a Chevy store? To find out, we spirited a manual coupe and an automatic convertible away from the General’s Milford Proving Ground for a romp across rural southeast Michigan.

The new car’s steering effort increases in a more natural way. It’s generally lighter but, at the same time, feels less artificial, like there’s less friction in the system. The Vette no longer has to be muscled through turns; it now glides along with far less drama.

Even so, we found ourselves driving through the turns 5 to 10 mph faster in the new car than in the old. Because both cars had the same unchanged-for-2008 Z51 suspension package that includes larger brakes, shorter gear ratios, and a stiffer suspension, we didn’t expect such a dramatic difference. We even rechecked the pressures in the Goodyear tires to make sure they hadn’t been overinflated, which would make the new Vette jumpy over the bumps, but they were all at the factory-recommended setting of 30 psi. Clearly, then, the changes have made a huge improvement in the Chevy’s handling.

Sticker price (base model): $46,100
Dealer cost: $41,355
New Car Blue Book Value: $45,188
Five-year service cost: $3,677
One-year insurance cost: $1,576
Resale value on 3 years: 62% — 5 years: 50%
City: 16 mpg — Highway: 26 mpg

2008 BMW 135i Convertible

The BMW 1-series, available as a coupe and a convertible, seems poised to be a very exciting addition to the company’s lineup. The 1-series uses the same, highly regarded mechanicals as the benchmark 3-series, but wraps them in a smaller, lighter, and less expensive package. From a driving standpoint, one can hardly argue with the results. But what is open to debate is whether the cost and weight savings of the 1-series are significant or does the car too closely overlap to the 3-series.

Like the 3-series, the 135i convertible’s handling is sublime; the car eats up curves and begs for more. The steering - without the curse of the 3-series’ optional active steering - is pure and true. It was a pleasure threading the 135i along narrow winding parkways that can be a white-knuckle affair in other cars. And its nimble size was a source of pleasure as well. But the larger, eighteen-inch wheels mean that bumps are sometimes fairly pronounced.

The 135i Convertible, on sale later in 2008, features BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Convertible, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased efficiency.

2008 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $44,450