Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Aside from the Impreza STi Carbon, Subaru’s also set to unveil a hybrid concept at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Dubbed the Hybrid Tourer Concept, the car is “Subaru’s latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance.”

Powering the cars is a 2.0L turbocharge gasoline engine which delivers power to all four wheels in classic Subaru all-wheel drive glory.

As a hybrid, the system uses two electric motors with a power and drive motor up front and a drive motor at the rear.

The car sports quite the futuristic design. The shape has been design with aerodynamics in mind and for added spice, the car’s got gull wing doors!

Source: Subaru

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Impreza STi Carbon

Subaru’s been pretty quiet for the past few months. In fact, their last interesting bit of news from them in my book is the launch of the Impreza and that turned out to be a big disappointment.

The latest Impreza is butt ugly and a shadow of its former self and the Evo has undoubtedly trumped the
Impreza in this latest toss-up.

But that’s not stopping Subaru from creating something for the Tokyo motor show. This here’s the Subaru Impreza Carbon. It’s basically an Impreza STI with carbon-fiber roof to help bring down the car’s weight.

Other changes include slapping on a five-speed auto gearbox straight from the Legacy and no proper manual will be offered (come on!). The interior’s bathed in sued too.

The show’s in their home turf anyway. And with bigger automakers out, that’s less competition in the stands.

Formula 1: Alonso Going to Ferrari Next Season

Even though sucking big time this season, Ferrari has surely hogged the spotlight in Formula 1. Sure there’s Renault, but that’s another thing. Ferrari might not be a championship contender this season but the tragic accident to Felipe Massa and the hype on a Michael Schumacher return has given Ferrari some brownie points for the press.

Now, it’s a story of the changing of the guards at Ferrari. Felipe Massa is reported to be on his way to a recovery and Kimi Raikkonen is expected to go out by the season’s end. Massa’s temporarily replaced by Giancarlo Fisichella but once he’s back, Ferrari would need a new man to replace Raikkonen.

Their choice – two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. Rumors have been abound regarding an early jump to Ferrari but Alonso elected to stay in Renault for the rest of the season. But with the scandal, the Ferrari name should influence Alonso’s image positively.

And not to mention the big bucks. He is reported to receive $36 million per season for his five year contract with a one-year extension possibility.

Source: AFP

Renaultsport Twingo 133 Cup

Renaultsport’s dishing out car after car. Last time, it’s the Megane, now this here’s the Twingo 133 Cup. Another viable addition to the current hot hatch market.

The Twingo 133 Cup packs the same 1.6L gasoline engine and suspension settings as range-topping 133.

However, it’s been stripped down for that racing feel. That means all the “trivial” stuff like the aircon and automatic head lamps. At the back, the sliding seats are swapped out in favor of a one-piece bench.

The Cup rides 4mm lower than the standard Twingo. The suspension have also been set to be stiffer than the standard. It sits on 17-inch aluminum rims.

Still, all that trimming down helps to keep the weight down and the tweaks promises improved handling and performance but cheaper than the standard Renaultsport Twingo model.

Aston Martin Future in Doubt?

Who new that Jezza and the Top Gear boys can be prophetic to some extent? Their last series ended with a cheesy segment where Jezza drives an Aston and contemplates the death of grand tourers and supercars thanks to the green revolution.

Now, Aston is reported to have some financial issues leading some to question Aston’s future in the business. The reason’s Doubts on Aston’s future emerged when part-owner Investment Dar of Kuwait said that it is having problems refinancing its debt.

The economic downturn has hit Investment Dar hard and has made arrangements with its creditors for extensions to allow restructuring. Investment Dar’s control in Aston has been financed partly by international banks.

Investment Dar took over part of the business after Ford sold Aston Martin in 2007.

Source: Autocar

Formula 1: Danica Patrick Will Stay with IndyCar

Rumors were abound that racing hottie Danica Patrick will be racing for the USF1 team come the next Formula 1 season.

But hopes of having a hot female F1 driver will have to be doused as Patrick extended her contract for three more years to race for Andretti Green racing.

Patrick never really hinted on a jump to F1, having made it clear that she will be staying with IndyCar in hopes of winning the Indianapolis 500. Even rumors of a complete jump to NASCAR were dispelled though her contract extension is said to allow her to compete in NASCAR in a limited capability.

Patrick is one of the most marketable personalities in motor sports having appeared in various swim wear shoots and being a Goddady.com endorser.