Kanto Auto Works' FS Hybrid Concept is the Rolls Royce of Toyota

Tucked away in a corner of the Tokyo Motor Show is this conceptual proposal for a luxurious full-size sedan named the FS Hybrid by Japanese firm Kanto Auto Works [KAW], which happens to be a long time partner of Toyota.

KAW has several plants throughout Japan as well as in Thailand and Brazil. It has built several Toyota models while also helping the Japanese company in the engineering field with projects like the MR2-based GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II that was also on display in Tokyo.
Now if you're wondering why the long introduction, that's because KAW has not released any information on the FS Hybrid – not even on the hybrid powertrain that lurks under its long hood.
However, the FS Hybrid seems to be loosely based on the Japanese market Century, which is the Toyota brand's flagship series, while featuring some styling cues borrowed from the one-off Century Royal limousine used by the Emperor of Japan.
For the record, both the regular Century and the Royal are powered by a 5.0-liter V12 gasoline engine.

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TOYOTA CENTURY V12

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Tokyo Motor Show: Gordon Murray's Toray Teewave AR.1

Making its first appearance on Japanese soil at the Tokyo Motor Show is the Teewave AR.1, a working prototype for a pure-electric roadster model that is the result of a nine-month partnership between Gordon Murray Design and materials company Toray Industries.

To keep the two-seater model's weight down, Toray designed a frame made out of carbon fiber while the seats, outer body panels and other parts are also all molded out of the lightweight material.
As a result, the Teewave AR.1 tips the scales at just 850kg (1,873 pounds) and that's including the 240kg (529 pounds) battery, which puts it in Lotus Elise territory while also weighing some 400kg less lighter than a Tesla.
Unfortunately, the prototype is let down by its weak electric motor that produces 47kW which is equal to 63-horsepower. Gordon Murray says that it completes the zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 11.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 147km/h (91mph), while it has a driving range of up to 186 kilometers (116 miles).

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Bentley Continental Flying Spur Grounded in Sand

As it turns out, despite their advanced all-wheel drive system, Bentley's luxury limousines and coupes aren't very good when it comes to off-road activities. Who would have known! We saw it last year when a blissfully unaware owner of a Continental GT Coupe got bogged down in tons of mud in Russia (see the epic video clip here), and we're seeing it now with this Saudi Arabian owner of a Continental Flying Spur sedan who had some troubles conquering the desert sands. Wonder why...

For some amusing footage, follow the break to watch the videos for yourself.
Story References: Youtube/Saudishift via Autoblog.nl

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BMW to Provide Toyota with Diesel Engines, while Japanese Firm will give Bavarians Access to Hybrid Tech

Just two days after our first rumors started circulating on the web, Toyota and BMW confirmed that they intend to collaborate in the development of hybrid systems and diesel engines.

On Thursday, the two companies announced that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the mid-to-long development of environmental-friendly technologies.
As expected, the two companies will join forces in developing the next-generation of lithium-ion batteries. BMW has already tested a fleet of the electric Mini E, and features three hybrids in its range, the most recent of which, the ActiveHybrid 5, was unveiled yesterday at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show. It is also readying the production versions of the i3 EV city car and the i8 hybrid sports car.
Nevertheless, Toyota’s much greater expertise on the matter will prove vital since it was the company that essentially kick-started the hybrid segment 14 years ago with the first-generation of the Prius.
Diesels, however, are a very rare sight in its range, since they are not popular in Japan or North America. That’s where BMW’s diesel-know how comes in to play, since the Bavarian company will supply Toyota Motor Europe with 1.6- and 2.0-liter diesel engines from 2014.
 
BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer said: “Toyota is the leading provider of environment-friendly series technology in the volume segment and the BMW Group is the most innovative and sustainable manufacturer of premium automobiles. We are now joining forces to further develop environment-friendly technologies and to expand our innovation leadership in each of our segments. Supplying Toyota with our fuel efficient and dynamic diesel engines represents another important step in the planned expansion of our sales activities for engines and powertrain systems.”
For his part, Toyota’s President Akio Toyoda commented: “It is a great joy and a thrill to enter into this mid-to-long-term collaborative relationship with BMW, a company with its own culture and history from its many years of car manufacturing in Europe, and a company that makes cars that are fun to drive. In the spirit of contributing to furthering the development of the auto industry and society, both companies will bring their wide-ranging knowledge - starting with that concerning environmental technologies - to the table and make ever-better cars.”

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