Articles by Peter Lyon in Japan

The Japanese brand is going luxury-first with its all-new Impreza sedan, has the XV concept to turn into a baby SUV, and is planning a seriously quick WRX and STi as its frontline motorsport hero cars. But one Subaru insiders says it's not certain that the WRX name will actually survive the massive makeover. Work on the all-new WRX has been made easier by Subaru's involvement in the joint-venture Toyota sports car that is currently known as the FT-86 but is expected to hit Australian showrooms as the Toyota 86. The new direction for the WRX has emerged following the preview of the all-new Impreza last month at the New York motor show, and talk of an Impreza-based WRX that would arrive a year later with a new and more- powerful engine. But a Subaru insider now says the new WRX will be a totally different beast to the Impreza, and will employ totally different mechanical components. This image, revealing how one artist sees the new WRX, shows the new two-door model with a shorter wheelbase and heavy-duty bodywork. "Apart from a few nuts and bolts, every part on the WRX will be unique. Even the engine and body," says the Subaru source. From now on, the Impreza will compete as the company's core model with a fuel-efficient, naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre boxer four engine. The car's wheelbase has been slightly lengthened while the A- pillar has been brought forward 200mm to maximize interior space and comfort levels. But the WRX will not use these parts and the company has clearly learned from the current car which has teddy bears for springs and marshmallows for dampers. "Up until now, the Impreza and WRX used many common parts, which translated into entry-level Imprezas that were over-engineered," says the Subaru source. "The basic chassis and suspension had to employ certain parts necessary for the WRX. That drove cost up and, well, at the end of the day many entry-level customers did not want or understand the significance of such high-tech parts, stresses our insider." So the next WRX, on the other hand, will employ the very best from Subaru's parts bin, starting with the company's rally-proven all-wheel drive system and its bulletproof turbocharged boxer engine. "The first thing you must understand about our all-new WRX is that we have developed it from the ground up to win in motor sports events. That's why we have focused so heavily on weight issues, not to mention a shorter wheelbase that permits faster, more precise turn-in. Marry that to our proven AWD system, and we think we have a winner," explains our source. The new WRX could even signal a return to the top level of the World Rally Championship, where Subaru would run up against Ford, Volkswagen and the dominant Citroen team. "Obviously the rally model will be based on the top-of-the-line STI car but, unlike previous Impreza WRXs, this new WRX will be more hardcore and less forgiving on bumpy road surfaces," adds our source. He admits the FT-86 work with Toyota has helped the WRX. "If the truth be known, we were able to focus so deeply on the motorsports element with the new WRX because we developed a sister car with the Toyota FT-86. Bosses gave us permission to go all-out because that car exists," reveals our insider. Work on the upcoming WRX includes consideration of a turbocharged 1.6- litre boxer engine pumping out around 150 kiloWatts, while a twin- charger system involving a supercharger is being tested as well. The car's body is rumoured to be a little bigger that a Toyota Yaris, while its tread width is said to expand significantly.

A new NSX is in the works, a roadgoing version of the V8-powered HSV-010 is promised, there is talk of a hotter CR-Z hybrid, and now comes news of an Acura RSX that could revive the following of the Honda Integra coupe in Australia. An Accord Euro-sized sports coupe - perhaps a revival of the Prelude - is also in the works. Honda definitely has plans to pump out three sports cars in the next three years, despite the crippling impact of Japan's killer earthquake and tsunami. There will be some delays, but Japanese sources say the go-faster cars have survived. In the past few weeks there has even been talking about a high- performance coupe powered by a 3.5-litre V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain, a concept mentioned by Honda's president, Mr Ito. The project that really focuses Honda's e fforts is the planned rebirth of the Acura RSX, shown in an exclusive Carsguide illustration. American sources says the RSX will inherit the 2.4-litre, 150-kiloWatt four cylinder engine coming in the ninth-generation Civic. It will also have a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential to feed power to the front wheels. Honda says the fuel economy in the new engine is improved by 13 per cent with lower CO2 emissions, but that's the story for the Civic, not the RSX. It is expected to take its lead from the current Civic Type R on details such as its interior, as well as the wedge shape, sports suspension and oversized alloy wheels. Photo: 2007 Honda Accord Coupe concept Apart from the RSX, Honda sources hint about a "more reasonably priced" sports car concept for the Accord Euro class. This car, which might be like a born-again Prelude, is in strong demand with American dealers and will incorporate Accord hardware. While the other cars are moving ahead, Honda is also evaluating a success or to the Beat. The original Beat in 1991 was an open-top two-door, mid-engined 660cc minicar with an engine good for 8500 revs, and the next generation promises a new interpretation of that concept with a 1.3 to 1.5-litre petrol engine.

If Henrik Fisker has his way, the car of choice for Hollywood's environmentally conscious stars will be his new electric car. So what about the Toyota Priuspopular with the likes of George Clooney and Julia Roberts? Nah, too run-of-the-mill. And the Chevy Volt? Not enough style.Enter the all-new Fisker Karma, the world's first true electric vehicle with extended range. And crikey, does this multi-talented youngster find itself in a unique position.The brand new American limo not only boasts Mercedes-level luxury and BMW-like handling wrapped in a sleek exterior worthy of a Maserati badge, but delivers some of the greenest credentials around.Packing a 300kW punch, this 4-seater, 4-door sedan generates cleaner C02 emissions and better mileage than a Prius. And we're in sunny Southern California to drive the first editions.So how did this potential game-changer come about? In 2005, Danish-born company CEO Henrik Fisker and business partner Bernhard Koehler started rebuilding Mercedes and BMWs convertibles at Fisker Coachbuild until a chance meeting with Quantum Technologies changed everything. The alternative energy company had been contracted by the government to develop a "stealth" vehicle for the U.S. military that could be dropped behind enemy lines, move forward in electric-only "stealth mode," and then retreat by using an engine.But before we get ahead of ourselves, we need to point out that Fisker doesn't just head up the company as its CEO. He also happens to be chief designer as well. And when you consider that his previous jobs included penning the Aston Martin DB9, V8 Vantage and the BMW Z8, then it's easy to see where the Karma's European-inspired design flare comes from. With definite designs hints from Aston Martin and Maserati, first impressions are that this car just might be the most beautiful-looking sedan penned on American soil since the 70s.The sheet metal however, is just the icing on the cake. What sits on the Karma's bespoke aluminium spaceframe chassis pushes the envelope of EV drivetrains. Co-developed with Quantum Technologies, the car employs that military stealth vehicle-inspired powertrain we mentioned above: twin, rear-mounted 150-kW electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. After the battery charge is depleted, some 80kms later, a GM-built 4-cylinder 255hp 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine engages to drive a generator that recharges the batteries. Fisker's patented "EVer" (EV extended range) setup guarantees up to 80km EV-only range and around 400 kms with the engine, totaling over 480kms range extended capability.Out on the track, it soon became obvious that Fisker's team means business. Press the start button, select D from the small PRNDL pyramid on the centre console, and the car puts you into its default "Stealth" or EV-only mode. You have the option of flicking a paddle to select "Sport" and engage the engine for a boost in power, but more on that later.As we taxied out onto the course at around 30km/h, we noticed (like the Nissan Leaf) that Fisker has fitted an artificial sound to warn pedestrians of the Karma's presence. Cool. Then we floored the throttle. 100% of the available torque on tap, instantly. That's 1330 Nm of torque, a figure only eclipsed by the mighty Bugatti Veyron. It's not explosive acceleration, but it's fast enough to please most drivers. Even though the Karma has an unsubstantiated curb weight of 2 tons, it will sprint from zero to 100km/h is 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 km/h (in Stealth mode).It only took one lap of the special street course to establish that the Karma handles like a damn capable sports car. The double wishbone suspension with its forged aluminium arms and self-levelling rear dampers help rank the Fisker EV at the top of its class for on-road manners. Turn-in is sharp and precise with well-weighted steering and almost no understeer at the limit.The car's super long 3.16m wheelbase, wide front and rear tracks, low centre of gravity and huge 22-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres all combine nicely to keep the Karma flat through the corners while generating minimal nose-dive under full braking. Type grip is substantial but the rear will slide and its easy to catch. Oh, yeah and its 47/53 front-rear weight bias doesn't hurt that handling equation either.The only issue we had was with sound. Wind and road noise suppression are well executed. In fact, they are so well isolated that you can hear sounds coming from the bodywork as the car flexes under cornering. Now, the fact that we are also cruising in silent Stealth mode only seems to compound those sounds, until, that is, we flick the steering wheel mounted paddle from Stealth to Sport mode. All of a sudden, the silence is broken by an engine that springs to life with a rather loud and raspy exhaust note delive red through pipes positioned just behind the front wheels.The first thing you notice, apart from the audible exhaust note and the turbo whistle, is the extra power. Powered by the engine, the generator not only recharges the battery but lifts the lithium-ion pack's performance which in turn boosts acceleration by a noticeable 20-25%. That switch to Sport now allows the car to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds while elevating top speed to 200 km/h.A 6-piston Brembo brake setup with 4-pistons up the back, pulls up admirably and resists fade. Brake pedal rigidity is firm and progressive while squeezing the right paddle allows you to engage Hill mode and select between three levels of regenerative braking, a feature that simulates the effects of downshifting.A $529 million injection from the Department of Energy allowed him to purchase GM's former Delaware plant where the next car will be made, the lower-priced and smaller Nina. It will also allow Fisker to expand his 'responsible luxury' theme that has seen this green company use timber reclaimed from California forest fires and Michigan lake bottoms, as well as blemished leather.Yet another first is the Fisker Command Center in the center console. It features a huge 10.2-inch force-feedback touch-screen that centralizes almost every vehicle control. And its easy to use. In addition, the Command Center can display power flow including energy gain from the solar panel roof which can generate enough power to drive the car 300 kms over a year.Built alongside Porsche Caymans in Finland, the Karma might only be three years old, but the signs are bright for sure. Made only in left-hand-drive, Fisker's first model will not see our shores. We'll have to wait for his next EV, the smaller Nina, which is expected around 2013. Our brief drive convinced us that the Karma has a lot in its favour, starting with those drop-dead good looks, unique expert engineering, superb handling and a green powertrain that sets new standards for CO2 emissions and mileage. The audible interior creaks and loud exhaust note will need to be addressed but should be solved in the very near future.The fact that over 3,000 orders have already been taken for this US$96,850 (base price) car hint at a potential market that could see customers ranging from Porsche and Mercedes cross-shoppers to green driving enthusiasts to the likes of Leonardo and Cameron, George and Julia and Brad and Tom. Hmmm, wonder who's going to be the first one to roll up to the red carpet on Academy night in Stealth mode.

Production of the SC ended in August and only 690 were sold during nearly a decade in Australian showrooms. There were some positives to the SC430 - its smooth 4.3-litre V8 engine, the folding hardtop roof and brilliant Mark Levinson sound system - but Lexus has much bigger ambitions for the new LC two-door. The exclusive Carsguide sketches show a car with a rakish body that takes its cues from the Lexus LF-A supercar, with far more space and grace than the dumpy SC. It is tentatively called the LC600h, a tag that makes an obvious hybrid connection to the existing LS600h luxury sedan. The LC will reportedly employ a shortened version of the next- generation LS chassis, as well as an updated version of the 5.0-litre V-8 hybrid system from the LS600h L and the same car's all-wheel drive system. Like the outgoing SC, Japanese sources say LC is also being developed as a convertible with a retractable metal roof. Expected to out-perform its European competitors, the LC600h will reportedly generate some 370 kilowatts and will sprint from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds. According to a Lexus insider, the company sees the new LC as the car that most captures the essence of what Lexus is all about _ performance, luxury and the environment _ more so than any Lexus model to date. It's an upscale configuration that should elevate the car a status rivalling the Mercedes SL, something the SC was never able to accomplish. The LC is currently being developing in the shadows of the next LS, and our Lexus insider tells us not to expect the LC before its four- door LS brother hits showrooms in 2014. "If we don't get anymore nasty surprises on the economic front, then anytime after 2015 might be the right time for the LC," he says. While work is well advanced on the LC600h, Toyota is still struggling for traction with a revival of its thuggish Supra coupe. But it's not giving up and a Japanese insider says Toyota recently applied for a patent on the Supra name in the USA, a move that fuels stories about the possible re-launch of the model, which was killed in 2002. Toyota has reportedly tried to kick-start a Supra rebirth several times over during the past five years. The FT-HS hybrid sports, an edgy coupe concept that starred at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show, was the latest failed attempt. No-one at Toyota will confirm a Supra program, but there are hints that the name could be used for a future hybrid sports car or perhaps a special grade model.