2011 Toyota Yaris/Vitz brochure pictures leaked

Leaked brochure images of the 2011 Toyota Yaris have surfaced on the web. We reported that the forthcoming Yaris will underpin the iQ city-car platform, but this is isn't yet official.  The Yaris will make extensive use of the outgoing Yaris bodywork, so it will be a mild refresh instead of an all-new model. Like other cars in its class, the Yaris will grow by 100mm, its wheelbase by 50mm and its overall height will be reduced by 20mm.

While details are limited, the Yaris will feature an aggressive front bumper, Camry-inspired grille and the iQ’s exterior design. A sporty body kit will be available for the Japanese domestic market (JDM), but it remains unclear whether it’ll be offered globally.

Price increase for 2011 Nissan 370Z (U.S)

Nissan has hiked prices for the 2011 370Z sports car. Entering the 2011 model year, the sticker price has increased by $200 from 2010 and include a $750 shipping charge.

The 2011 Nissan 370Z Coupe starts from $31,360, while the ‘11 370Z Roadster is priced at $38,270.

Toyota recalls 12,500 iQ city-cars (UK)

Toyota UK will be recalling 12,500 iQs due to steering defects. The cars affect were built between 11th September 2008 – 22nd October 2010.

The problem is a steering sensor malfunction which can arise when driving over safety (rumble strips). This makes the steering more heavy, thus making the car difficult to manoeuvre.

Kia Sportage wins Scottish COTY (UK)

Kia’s all-new Sportage compact SUV has won Car Of The Year (COTY) in Scotland, by The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.

Landing its first major award since the full range went on sale just at the start of this week, the new Sportage won over Scotland’s leading motoring journalists with its blend of style, quality, value and its unrivalled fully-transferable seven year warranty.

Black Pack for 2011 Jaguar XF (UK)

Jaguar has given its hugely popular XF mid-sized executive sedan a new styling package.

The Black Pack originally offered on the XK, features 20” Draco alloy wheels w/aluminium turned rims, gloss black front grille window surrounds. The optional package is offered on the 3.0D XF S, naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 and the supercharged 5.0 V8 XF-R for £950.

Suzuki to manufacture cars in Brazil (BR)

Suzuki has announced at the 2010 São Paulo Motor Show that it plans to set-up a production line in Brazil.

The first car to be produced will be the Jimny sub-compact SUV, which is celebrating its 40th birthday in Japan. Suzuki of Brazil President, Luiz Rosenfeld didn’t confirm any details, but 3,000 annual vehicles are targeted as of 2012.

Lamborghini ends Murciélago production

Lamborghini is late to announce that it has ended production of its most successful super car, the Murciélago. On the 11th May 2010, the last Murciélago rolled off the production line in Sant'Agata Bolognese, direct to a customer in Switzerland wearing the production number 4,099.

Super cars such as the 350 GT, Miura, Countach and the Diablo guided a Murciélago SV of the Lamborghini Museum during a symbolic "last ride" out of the gate of the Lamborghini factory.

Photo Gallery: 2012 SsangYong Korando

South Korean car manufacture, SsangYong, has launched the all-new Korando compact SUV for the European market. The compact SUV market now accounts for more than half of the total SUV market in Europe, and this proportion is expected to grow in the coming months and years.

The 2011 Korando is primarily designed for the European market by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Korando offers a contemporary look while sitting on a monocoque platform, a SsangYong first which traditionally uses body-on-frame architecture on its SUV’s. This new platform will also form the basis of the brand’s future product development programme.

Cadillac relaunches again (UK)

For the fourth time in many years, GM is relaunching the premium Cadillac brand once again in the UK. However, only one dealership, in Manchester and few service points will be offered. A London dealership is likely in 2011.

Only a duo of its line-up will be offered in right-hand-drive; the CTS sedan and CTS sports wagon. Cadillac won’t be committing heavily to the European market as Infiniti. The CTS-V saloon, coupé and sports wagon will be available in left-hand drive only, alongside the SRX and Escalade large SUV’s.

Renault revamps Espace for 2011 (UK)

Renault has released its revised Espace large MPV, incorporating a number of minor changes.

Externally, the reworked Espace gains LED day-time running lights, and gloss black exterior trim. A new body-colour, Pearl Blue is also offered optionally.