Tesla to Extend its Lineup with an All-Electric SUV by 2014

*Opening Photo: Tesla Model S

Lately, the folks over at Tesla have been very busy developing the upcoming Model S sedan and, together with Toyota, the all-electric version of the RAV4 compact SUV. But there’s more, as according to an LA Times report, the California-based automaker is also working on a small SUV of its own, currently named Model X.

Scheduled to go on sale by 2014, the new crossover model is said to offer more cabin space compared to similarly sized SUVs thanks to the electric powertrain, which, unlike an internal combustion engine and conventional transmission, needs less space.

Tesla hasn’t released any other information, but it’s quite possible that the Model X will follow in the footsteps of the Roadster and Model S. That means customers can expect good handling characteristics, multiple battery pack options to suit specific autonomy needs and a versatile interior. Last but not least, Tesla’s SUV should also qualify for some kind of federal tax credit.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: LA Times

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Toyota UK Introduces Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser V8 60th Anniversary Models

To celebrate the Land Cruiser's 60th anniversary, Toyota's UK arm has announced two special edition models based on the standard five-door Land Cruiser and the flagship Land Cruiser V8. Both off-roaders come with discrete exterior appointments and extra equipment as standard including leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, premium audio system and special 60th Anniversary badges and carpet mats.

Additionally, the Land Cruiser’s 3.0-liter D-4D diesel engine has been revised for the 2011MY and is now capable of 188bhp (+11bhp) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque (+10 Nm/+7 lb-ft), while achieving the same fuel economy. A diesel particulate filter (DPF) is also available, making the oil-burning powerplant Euro 5 compliant.

The base price for the Land Cruiser 60th Anniversary is £49,950, while the Land Cruiser V8 60th Anniversary carries a price sticker of £61,950. The anniversary models are available now.

Last but not least, Toyota is once again selling a three-door version of the Land Cruiser, available in a single trim level (LC3) and with a manual transmission only. The standard equipment list includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Active Traction Control (A-TRC), climate control, smart entry and start system, Bluetooth, six-speaker audio system and front fog lamps. The “on the road” price is £30,395.

The Land Cruiser’s history began in 1951, when Toyota launched the truck-derived BJ, initially for military service. It was the first vehicle to reach the sixth hill station on Mount Fuji, located at an altitude of 2,500 meters. Impressed by its off-road capabilities, the Japanese police added it to its fleet, practically jumpstarting the model’s long-term success.

The Land Cruiser nameplate was first used in 1954, as a generic designation for the new Type 25 BJ, while the forerunner of the Land Cruiser V8 was the 1966 Land Cruiser Station Wagon, introduced in the U.S. as more refined version of the standard model.

Since then, Toyota has continuously improved the Land Cruiser “recipe”, selling more the five million units worldwide.

By Csaba Daradics

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Lexus Issues Voluntary Recall on 245,000 GS and IS Models in the U.S.

Lexus has issued a voluntary safety recall involving some 245,000 cars in the U.S. because of a potential defect that may cause fuel leakage. The models affected by the recall include the GS300 and GS350 from the 2006-2007MY, the IS 250 from the 2006-2009MY, and the IS 350 from the 2006-2008MY.

The company said that due to insufficient tightening, the connection between the fuel pressure sensor and a certain fuel line could loosen over time, resulting in a possible fuel leak. No accidents related to the problem have been reported to date.

According to statement from Lexus' parent company Toyota, the firm's dealers will inspect the vehicles and if no leakage is found, will tighten the sensor with the proper torque. In case of a confirmed fuel leak, the gasket between the fuel sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor tightened. As expected, all operations will be conducted free of charge.

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Toyota Avensis BTCC a Step Closer to its Racing Debut

The touring car version of Toyota's Avensis sedan has moved a step closer to its competition debut following extensive wind tunnel testing at MIRA's aerodynamic analysis facility. The Avensis NGTC (Next Generation Touring Car) is being constructed by GPR Motorsport and is scheduled to hit the tarmac for the first time in the opening rounds of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) at Brands Hatch on 3 April.

As you can see in the photo below, the NGTC specification Avensis was joined in the MIRA wind tunnel by a road-going model equipped with a rear wing as the TOCA technical staff wanted to establish a baseline for the car’s aerodynamics.

“We needed to fix a position for the rear wing, based on the aerodynamics of the road car, which gave the levels of downforce we were looking for,” said the championship’s technical director, Peter Riches. “I am pleased to say that this was quickly achieved, and it means that we now have a base line for all cars built to the NGTC regulations and have saved a lot of development time and potential expense for the teams.”

The Japanese firm is not competing in the series with a works team, but does supply the donor cars and body shells to GPR Motorsport. Up until now, two private teams - Dynojet and Speedworks - have taken up the challenge to run in the Avensis, but the company said it hoped that their example will be followed by others "looking to take advantage of the reduced costs of development associated with the new car".

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DragStar F1 Dragon is a Lesson in what not to do to a Toyota MR-2

Unless you take a peek at the interior, there's no way you'll be able to recognize the Toyota MR-2 hiding under the exaggerated Ferrari Testarossa-style strakes of this Japanese creation (or is that abomination?). Crafted by Value Progress, the Dragstar F1 Dragon is built on a third generation Toyota MR-2 and despite the extra-long nose, it keeps the donor car's mid-engine layout intact.

Aside from the shocking styling, nothing else has been done to the car which continues to be powered by the MR-2's standard 1.8-liter four-pot churning out 140HP. Scroll through our high-res gallery below to see the Dragstar F1 Dragon for yourself.

Photos: Phil Alex / Carscoop

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