Toyota Previews Auris Hybrid with Pre-Production Concept

Toyota today dropped an official photograph of the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, which will be displayed for the very first time at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. In essence, it's a pre-production model lightly guised as a concept that previews Toyota's first European-built full hybrid that will be produced in the UK with sales scheduled to start in mid-2010.

The Japanese automaker said that the Auris Hybrid represents a milestone in the firm's strategy as it will be the first mainstream Toyota (obviously, the company doesn't count the Prius as a mainstream model...) to benefit from the company's full hybrid technology and the first step in the deployment of Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) across the company's model range.

This means that like the Prius, the Auris Hybrid will most likely be able to run on its electric motor(s), the internal combustion engine or a combination of the two. There's been no hint from Toyota on the type of engine that will be used on the Auris Hybrid.

We've only got a single photo of the car to go by, but it is evident that the hybrid version of the Auris will feature a number of specific exterior styling cues to differentiate it from the standard model.

These include the reshaped headlights with blue rings, a unique grille with a highlighted Toyota logo and the redesigned front bumper. We also see that the Auris Hybrid's rooftop features what appears to be a solar panel.

Full details and a comprehensive image gallery will follow closer to the Frankfurt Show opening.

New Special Edition Suzuki Swift SZ-L, Production Limited to 500 Units

Suzuki is enhancing its UK line-up with the introduction of a special edition model to the Swift range called the SZ-L. Based on the five-door model with the 1.3-liter petrol engine, the SZ-L gets a higher level of standard equipment that includes air conditioning, pearlescent or metallic paint, 15-inch alloy wheels, electrically retractable exterior mirrors, side protection mouldings, specific floor mats and chrome finish for the exterior door handles, front grille and rear tailgate trim.

Furthermore, chrome bezels are added to the instrument gauges while the door trims and audio surround have aluminum effect detailing.

Suzuki offers the special edition Swift in four colors, Cool White Pearl, Cosmic Black Pearl, Supreme Red Pearl and Silky Silver metallic. The Swift SZ-L will be produced in a limited run of 500 units with prices set at £10,250.

Volvo Officially Drops the Top on Facelifted C70 Convertible: High-Res Photo Album and Video

Following a barrage of spy shots and leaked photos, the redesigned Volvo C70 was officially released today. As previously reported, the Swedes gave the 2010 model year a new corporate nose with softer forms that takes inspiration from the 2009 Detroit Show S60 concept car. The stylistic refresh comprises of a new front bumper, swoopy headlights, a more pronounced grille and wider fenders, all of which help to give the C70 a more aggressive stance.

"We have carefully redesigned the front and rear of the car so they harmonise more with the larger Volvo models," said Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer of Volvo Cars. "We have also increased the exclusiveness of the interior materials and trim details to enhance the feeling of luxury."

At the rear end, changes are limited to the reworked tail lights with LED lamps, the larger "Volvo" lettering on the boot and the restyled bumper. In addition, a new Flamenco Red Pearl colour has been introduced to the 2010MY range.

According to Volvo, the four-seater convertible's interior has been upgraded with a redesigned instrument panel and better quality materials.

There are no changes under the hood as the C70 will continue to be offered with the same engine line-up. Depending on the market, buyers have a choice of three gasoline units, a 2.4 with 140HP, a 2.4i delivering 170HP and the T5 with 230HP, plus two diesel engines, the 2.0D with 136HP and the D5 that makes 180HP.

Volvo said that the first C70s are expected to be in showrooms and delivered to customers in early 2010.

Dodge Gives 2010 Caliber a New Interior and 2.2-Liter Diesel with 163HP, Debuts in Frankfurt

Evidently, someone inside the Chrysler Group finally agreed with the rest of the world that, like the Jeep Patriot and Compass, the Dodge Caliber's interior was, well, pathetic to say the least. The first photos show a similar approach to the two Jeep models as the Caliber gets an all-new interior with a redesigned dashboard that's highlighted by detailed chromed accents and according to the company, more premium, soft-touch materials.

Other detail changes include additional "cubby" space, center storage bin and larger climate controls while there's also new door-trim panels and a center console with armrest split-lid that's padded with soft-touch materials.

European buyers will be happy to know that the 2010MY Caliber gets a new 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine that produces 163HP and 320Nm (236 lb.-ft.) of torque, delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) over the previous diesel engine.

What's more, the 2.2-liter CRD model benefits from a 5 percent improvement in fuel consumption at 5.8 lt/100 km (46.1 mpg US) compared to 6.1 lt/100 km.

In international markets, the Caliber's 1.8-liter gasoline engine will be replaced by the firm's 2.0-liter unit producing 4 percent more power at 156HP and 13 percent more torque at 190 Nm (140 lb.-ft.).