Tokyo '09: Honda Revives 1960s N360 Mini with EV-N All-Electric Concept

Set to make its world debut alongside the near-production CR-Z Hybrid Sports Coupe at Honda's Tokyo Motor Show stand next month is the EV-N battery-powered concept mini car. While those familiar with European models may see a pinch of Autobianchi A112 and bit of Fiat 500 (the new one) in the EV-N, fact is that Honda's inspiration for the styling came from its own N360, a tiny kei car of the late 1960s that was powered by a motorcycle-based, 354cc, air-cooled 2-cylinder engine producing 31HP at 8,500 rpm.

Honda is still holding most details on the four-seater (we gather that the rear seats are only for kids) EV-N for the Tokyo Show presentation, but we do know that the retro-tastic mini gets an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery set that is charged in part from the solar cells located on the roof.

Honda EV-N Concept

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Honda N360 1967-1970

2010 Nissan Altima Coupe: Facelifted Model Fully Revealed and Priced

The subtly refreshed 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe was officially revealed today. In a nutshell, the Japanese automaker's two-door model receives minor cosmetic tweaks, new available colors and upgraded option packages while the 3.5 SR model designation replaces the previous 3.5 SE. The most obvious changes for the 2010 model year concern the redesigned front end that gains a sculpted bonnet with a pronounced 'bump' in the center, newly styled projector beam headlights, a different treatment for the grille and a new bumper design with three air inlets instead of one.

The refreshed 17-inch alloy wheel designs (18-inch with Michelin P235/45R18 tires for the 3.5 SR models) and the three new available colors (Crimson Black, Navy Blue and Ocean Gray) pretty much complete the list with the exterior updates.

The Coupe's cabin has been refreshed with revised interior fabrics and finishers, a new red leather-appointed interior color selection and a revised Blonde interior color while the instrument cluster has been tweaked to incorporate a new white illumination color.

Nissan says that the most important news inside for the 2010 Altima Coupe is a new premium audio system that includes a 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback and XM Satellite Radio. Furthermore, this package also includes a RearView Monitor.

Also new for the 2010 model year is a next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color display, USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System with audio streaming, 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.

As with the 2009MY, the new Altima Coupe is available with two gasoline engines, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 175HP and 180 lb-ft of peak torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 270HP and 258 lb-ft. Both engines are offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or Nissan's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Prices -excluding applicable tax, title and license fees- for the 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe range from $22,400 to $29,600.

2010 Altima Coupe	Engine/Trans.	M.S.R.P.
Altima Coupe 2.5 S	2.5L I4 6MT	$22,440 USD
Altima Coupe 2.5 S	2.5L I4 CVT	$22,940 USD
Altima Coupe 3.5 SR	3.5L V6 CVT	$27,270 USD
Altima Coupe 3.5 SR	3.5 V6 6MT	$29,600 USD

Tokyo '09: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Hybrid Could Preview New Compact SUV

Mitsubishi will be showing an all-new compact crossover concept model called the PX-MiEV at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in late October. At 4,510mm (177.6-in.) long, 1,830mm (72-in.) wide and 1,655mm (65-in.) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,630mm (103.5-in.), the PX-MiEV Concept is shorter (-130mm / 4.3'') but wider than the current generation Outlander SUV.

The concept is motivated by a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and Mitsubishi's all-new S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), that utilizes E-AYC (Electric-powered Active Yaw Control) to transfers torque to the rear left and right wheels, with a pair of electric motors (one at each axle) and a battery.

The battery can be replenished either through regenerative breaking, the gasoline engine or via a regular household plug or a high-power quick-charging station.

Mitsubishi said that at low to middle speeds the PX-MiEV relies on the front electric motor to move the vehicle. If the driver is confronted with snow, rain or any other low surface friction situations then the system automatically switches to four-wheel drive mode by feeding power to the rear electric motor.

When the battery is low on power, the system starts the gasoline engine to generate electricity and automatically switches to the series hybrid mode using the electricity generated to power the two electric motors.

At higher speeds the gasoline engine drives the front wheels but if necessary, the system switches in both front and rear electric motors to provide additional power and assist the petrol unit engine, providing high acceleration.

The PX-MiEV's exterior styling is rather simple while the futuristic-looking interior is said to have been designed to give an image of an airplane cockpit in order to improve the driver's concentration - or so Mitsubishi claims.

Other notable features on PX-MiEV include the electronically-controlled air suspension that gives the driver the choice of three ride height modes (auto, high and low) and a new "Multi-Around Monitor" that uses cameras located at strategic points on the body to provide the driver with a combined image of the full perimeter of the vehicle.