The Nissan Motor Company had 2 major announcements at the recent Tokyo Auto Show. One was the introduction of the new Nismo GT-R, the other, was the unveiling of the 2013 Nissan BladeGlider Concept.

The model shown at the Auto Show was actually a scaled down edition as opposed to what they hope may be in production in the next 3 years. When this car is sold to the public, Nissan intends to compete aggressively.

The target market will be youthful singles and couples who are eco-friendly, with an eye toward maintaining the environment. It will be a sports car that is appealing and affordable.

Performance

The BladeGlider Concept is a rear wheel vehicle and is run by an all electric drivetrain complete with in-wheel motors with independent motor management.

The power will come from Lithium-ion batteries with zero emissions.

Exterior

To say the Nissan BladeGlider has a futuristic appearance would be an understatement.

The rear track is wider than the front giving it a triangular shape. When the roof is in place it looks more like an aircraft than an auto.

You would think large sized spoilers would be required to keep it grounded, but in fact, the shape of the carbon fiber shell is engineered to accomplish the necessary down force to keep the wheels glued to the road. The production version will be made of carbon reinforced plastic.

Moving forward from the 2 doors mounted gull wing style, the front narrows to what could be described as a bird-like beak.

The headlights are thin horizontal strips of individual LED bulbs on either side of a small, but deep front bumper. A large chrome Nissan insignia is displayed in the center of the front façade.

The design of the headlights is replicated with the taillights in rear that sit behind the 2 wing-like rear fenders.

Interior

At first glance, the interior of the 2013 Nissan BladeGlider Concept may remind you of a McLaren F1. The driver seat is actually centered in the cockpit, with two additional seats for passengers in the rear.

The steering wheel has an aeronautic element to it, while the instrument panel is filled with state of the art technology. The cabin is lit via a yellow fluorescent illumination.

At the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Vision Gran Turismo Concept car was unveiled by BMW. Mercedes Benz is joining the fray with the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo Concept of its own.

This model has been specially developed by the automaker as its representative in Polyphone Digital’s Gran Turismo 6 video game. Other car makers like Aston Martin, Honda and even Volkswagen are joining in as well.

The appearance is reminiscent of the 1952 300 SL race car with a cockpit right out of the F1 series. The AMG engine is powerful that it requires 8 exhaust outlets in the rear to allow for efficient exhaust.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe

Base Price: NA

Performance

Engine: V8 BiTurbo	Displacement: 5.5 Liter
Horsepower: 585 HP	Torque: 590 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-Speed AMG Speedshift MCT	Curb Weight: 3053 lbs (1385 kg)
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds	Maximum Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)

Engine

The Mercedes-Benz Vision Gran Turismo is powered by an AMG sourced, V8 bi-turbo engine capable of delivering 585 horsepower.

This car moves from 0-60 mph in a mere 3 seconds and can hit its top speed of 200 mph with ease.

Exterior

The façade of Mercedes Benz Vision Gran Turismo features a radiator grille resembling that of the 300 SL. The grille of course does not have the standard louvers, but instead has variable LED lighting. The angled headlamps are also of the LED variety.

The vehicles hood is extended, while the rear seemingly begins at the front roof line and sweeps all the way back to two massive rear fenders. A much needed rear spoiler interrupts the view of the prestigious Mercedes emblem at the end of the slope.

The side view has spectacular lines accentuated with prominent wheel arches and a hardy shell tp go with it.

Interior

Stepping inside comes with the feeling that you should be donning a racing helmet. The layout of the cockpit has a forward thrust feel to it even as the car remains stationary.

The dashboard is shaped similar to the gullwing doors. Incorporated on the dashboard are the steering wheel, shift paddles and a center display that offers the driver the best possible scenario in navigating this vehicle down the highway or around the race track.

A new, track only model by Lotus is based on its Elise S series. The 2013 Lotus Elise S Club Racer should be ready to join many of next year’s Lotus Cup races held around the world.

It will be offered in the United States for a a little over $66,000.

Lotus engineering incorporates a new TCA suspension kit and a high performance brake system.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Club Racer	Base Price: $66,000
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gals (40 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 27 city / 48 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 150.6 in. (382.4 cm)	Wheel Base: 90.6 in. (230 cm)
Height: 44 in. (111.7 cm)	Width: 67.7 in. (171.9 cm)
Curb Weight: NA	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 4 Cylinder VVT-i DOHC	Displacement: 1.8 Liter
Horsepower: 217 HP	Max RPM: 6800 RPM
Torque: 184 lb-ft @4600 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds	Maximum Speed: 145 mph (233 km/h)

Engine & Performance

The Elise S Club Racer is powered by a 1.8 liter, inline 4 cylinder, 2ZR-FE mid mounted engine featuring a Magnuson 900 supercharger. It is capable of 217 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.

The engine is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. As equipped, this vehicle accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds with a top speed of 145 mph.

Exterior

The Club Racer comes with an aero kit made of carbon fiber. The kit includes a splitter in front, barge boards, floor extensions, winglets, rear diffuser, and wing.

It comes in Lotus blue and in racing yellow with black accents with perfect spots reserved for the racing number on the hood and side doors.

The Cup R emblem is proudly displayed on the top of the front windshield with “LOTUS” predominantly shown on the rear panel. On either side of the manufacturers name are two cylindrical taillights with a multi sectioned back bumper resting below.

It comes equipped with Yokohama Advan Neova tires with an upfront size of 175/55R16, and 225/45R17 in the rear wrapped around forged alloy wheels.

Interior

The interior is equipped as you would expect of any racing vehicle, with a quick release steering wheel, HANS compliant racing seat with a 6 point harness, fire extinguisher, roll cage and a polycarbonate rear window.

The Jeep has been an American icon since the 1940s. It served the armed forces as a functional and reliable, rugged and durable. The legend continues, but the style of Jeeps have come a long way that make them continually attractive to people.

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition will soon make its way into showrooms, a limited number of these will be available. You will be able to dig down and connect with the roots of the Jeep experience, a trait that made it one of the most iconic vehicles in the world.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV Jeep	Base Price: $25,795*
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.6 gals (70 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 17 city / 21 hwy

Dimensions**

Length: 164.2 in. (417.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 95.4 in. (242.3 cm)
Height: 73.5 in. (186.7 cm)	Width: 73.9 in. (187.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 3849 lbs (1746 kg)	Ground Clearance: 10 in. (25.4 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: V6 Pentastar	Displacement: 3.6 Liter
Horsepower: 285 HP	Max RPM: 6350 RPM
Torque: 260 lb-ft @4200 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs (907 kg)	Maximum Speed: NA

* 2 door
** Base Jeep Wrangler specs

Engine

The Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 engine gives an impressive 285 horsepower, with 260 ft-lbs of torque. No matter the terrain, it is sure to give you the power you need to go just about anywhere.

You have the option of either a six-speed manual, or a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated to give you as much as 21 miles per gallon on the highway.

All-Terrain

Simplicity and pure hard-wearing built have been key to the Wrangler Willeys Wheeler Edition. The hardware has been fully upgraded and includes a Dana 44 axle at the rear, with Trac-Lok rear differential with minimal slip, as well a 3.73 gearing.

The tires are BF Goodrich K-M Mud-terrain models. Those who enjoy off-road driving will love the Trail Rated Kit that comes with a tow-strap, a D-ring, and special container to store them in. The low-range gears are designed to allow the Jeep to grip whatever surface you find yourself on.

More

This new Jeep may take inspiration from the old, super-tough, models, but the new design has been made to look modern and stylish, with a variety of finishing touches, such as a glossy black grille and other features that make it alluring, like the high-gloss black aluminum wheels.

Take a note from the history books and take a look at the rugged and practical off-road vehicle that handles any road it goes.

The BMW Group’s new Mini Cooper continues the previous model’s character as one of the world’s best small cars. The new Mini focuses on safety. They have added space, a new finish using high-quality materials. All of these are in a car that is sporty, practical, and comfortable to drive.

The 2015 Mini Cooper will be launched in the spring of 2014. There are three engines to choose from, giving you a range of power for different driving experiences.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatch	Base Price: €17,900
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.5 gals (40 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 52 combined

Dimensions

Length: 150.4 in. (382.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 98.2 in. (249.5 cm)
Height: 55 in. (139.7 cm)	Width: 67 in. (170.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 7.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: 3 Cylinder TwinTurbo	Displacement: 1.5 Liter
Horsepower: 134 HP	Max RPM: NA
Torque: 162 lb-ft @1250 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds	Maximum Speed: 131 mph (210 km/h)

Engine

The first engine is a 1.5 liter three-cylinder using petrol. It brings 134 horsepower along with 162 lb ft of torque. The Mini Cooper S comes with a 2.0 liter inline 4 engine that produces 189 horsepower to go with 250 lb ft of torque.

The Mini Cooper D a diesel engine, also a three-cylinder that gives you 116 horsepower. All three models have the option of either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior

The design incorporates a three-way split with the main body, the all-around greenhouse, and the roof having a distinct look that exhibits a new line that stands out from previous models. The length is slightly longer, which provides more space than previously.

It still maintains that small-car package that people have been accustomed to in a Mini.

The new Mini Cooper feature LED headlamps, a feature that many vehicles are still lacking, and a driving ring that stays lit during the day. The adaptive lighting feature allows the headlights to light up the road surface evenly, ensuring that visibility is always optimal.

For those looking for a classic looking smaller car, with plenty of options and features, and an iconic style, The BMW Group’s new Mini Cooper is a worthy option.