GENEVA - With the best range in it's history, and ECOTY with the new Astra, Vauxhall is one stand to visit.

VAUXHALL REVEALS GT CONCEPT AS TEMPLATE FOR FUTURE SPORTS CARS 

• Purebred concept receives world premiere at Geneva Motor Show
• Bold, minimalistic form points to Vauxhall/Opel’s ever-evolving design philosophy
• Turbocharged, front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive with sequential gearbox
• 1966 Vauxhall XVR & ‘65 Opel Experimental GT showcars pre-cursors to GT Concept

GT CONCEPT SHOWCASES VISIONARY TECH-LED INTERIOR 

• Advanced interior echoes futuristic exterior
• Button-less operation only via touchpad and voice control
• Self-learning HMI system recognises driver’s preferences

VAUXHALL’S NEW MOKKA X REVEALED AT GENEVA 

• New Mokka X arrives in showrooms late 2016 after Geneva Motor Show debut
• Bold, muscular new exterior and elegant interior; designed by Brit Mark Adams’ team
• New 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive
• Cutting edge connectivity with OnStar and IntelliLink via Apple Car Play and Android Auto

BRIT-BUILT ASTRA SPORTS TOURER MAKES GENEVA DEBUT 

• Astra success continues with new Brit-built Sports Tourer
• More space inside, same exterior dimensions as outgoing model
• Full Astra range on display alongside all-new BiTurbo engine 

VAUXHALL REVEALS GT CONCEPT AS TEMPLATE FOR FUTURE SPORTS CARS 

• Purebred concept receives world premiere at Geneva Motor Show
• Bold, minimalistic form points to Vauxhall/Opel’s ever-evolving design philosophy
• Turbocharged, front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive with sequential gearbox
• 1966 Vauxhall XVR & ‘65 Opel Experimental GT showcars pre-cursors to GT Concept

Vauxhall and Opel will reveal their vision of the future sports car with the GT Concept at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show (3^rd – 13^th March).

Purebred, pared down, yet unashamedly avant-garde, the GT Concept is even shorn of door handles and door mirrors, its breathtaking form clothing a classic front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis that will appeal to driving enthusiasts.

While the GT Concept is forward-thinking, encapsulating Brit designer Mark Adams’ philosophy of ‘Sculptural Artistry meets Technical Precision’, its name mirrors that of the 1964 GT Concept, the first styling model to be produced by the nascent Vauxhall Design & Engineering Centre in Luton which opened the same year.

But importantly, it pays homage to two significant motor show cars: the 1966 Vauxhall XVR and the 1965 Opel Experimental GT, the first true concept vehicles to appear from the design houses of a European manufacturer. The 2016 GT Concept is also a logical step on from the innovative and beautiful Monza concept from 2013.

‘We created the GT Concept to capture the bold, emotional spirit of both the Vauxhall and Opel brands,’ said Mark Adams, Vice President, Design Europe. ‘It is dramatic, sculptural and full of innovations, which is our great tradition that we intend to continue. In the mid-Sixties, Vauxhall and Opel created their own interpretations of a light-weight sports car – the XVR and the Experimental GT – both of which were thoroughly modern with dynamic sculptural forms. It’s certainly difficult to reinvent iconic concepts like these, but just as each was avant-garde back then, so too is this GT Concept today – absolutely pure, minimalistic, yet bold and uncompromising. This coupe impressively demonstrates the continuous development of our design philosophy.’ 

A key innovation of the GT Concept is its large doors with integrated side windows that show a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. Both driver and front passenger gain access to the spacious interior after pressing a touchpad for the electric doors that is integrated in the red signature line of the roof. 

The doors cleverly open into the front arches, using a space-saving and patented mounting that allows a large opening angle for tight parking spaces in urban areas. Two cameras mounted behind the wheel arches offer enhanced visibility, especially in city driving. 

They transmit their images to two monitors on the left- and right-hand side of the cabin, rendering external mirrors obsolete. The windscreen flows into a glass panorama roof, affording occupants a similar experience to that of a targa-topped car.

Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director, Rory Harvey, summarised what the GT Concept meant to both brands: ‘It shows what Vauxhall and Opel stand for now – ambitious and confident brands that are not frightened to innovate.’

GT Concept continues philosophy of Vauxhall and Opel’s groundbreaking Sixties’ concepts

‘GT Concept’ was the name given to a remarkably prescient and rakish, full-sized styling model, the first of its kind from Vauxhall’s new-for-1964, £2.25m Design & Engineering Centre in Luton, which became the leading centre of its kind in the UK for the next two decades. But two years later it was a radical show-car that really put the Centre on the map.

‘Uncompromising in its styling treatment, the XVR shows the future trend in world automotive design’, said Vauxhall’s Director of Design, David Jones, when he revealed the Luton company’s radical concept at the Geneva Motorshow in 1966.

Built to showcase Vauxhall’s design innovation and autonomy in the mid-Sixties, the XVR project was managed by the legendary Wayne Cherry at Luton. 

Inspired by parent company GM’s work with concepts in the US – including the ‘65 Mako Shark II – the XVR (Xperimental Vauxhall Research) had a simple purity of line, gull-wing doors forming a unique split windscreen, a clam-shell bonnet and pop-up headlights. 

Three cars were built, including a 100mph driveable vehicle with a pre-production 2.0-litre engine producing 100bhp. And while the car never reached production, design cues like the ultra-slim rear lights could later be seen in Vauxhall’s Viva HC and Firenza models.

Opel’s Experimental GT, however, did become a production reality. First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965, it broke the mould for European concept cars. A sleek and low-slung coupe, the Experimental GT was the product of Opel’s new-for-1964 design centre in Rüsselsheim. Like today’s GT Concept, it eschewed unnecessary decoration and made the ‘design statement’ that its creator, Erhard Schnell, was keen to achieve. Three years later, the Opel GT was a production reality.

Fifty years later, the GT Concept once again showcases Vauxhall and Opel’s pioneering spirits. Reinforcing its appeal to driving enthusiasts, the car has a red signature line that splits the vehicle body horizontally and proportions it. 

The distinctive red tyres – mounted on rims with a ‘roller-skate’ design – are a reference to an iconic Opel motorbike from the 1920s – the Motoclub 500 – which sported red-coloured rubber. 

And while the long bonnet, central dual exhausts and lack of a boot-lid are all shared with both the Vauxhall XVR and Opel Experimental GT, today’s GT Concept is unashamedly forward-thinking, with no retro references.

A real sports car – front mid-engined, turbocharged and rear-wheel drive 

The GT Concept’s front-mid engine configuration keeps the car’s centre of gravity low and central for excellent dynamics. Beneath its stretched bonnet is a powerful 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine, based on the all-aluminium unit used in the ADAM, Corsa and Astra. 

Developing 145PS and maximum torque of 205Nm, the engine delivers drive to the rear wheels, via a six-speed sequential transmission operated by steering-wheel mounted paddle shift. Weighing under 1000kg, the GT Concept accelerates from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds and on to a maximum speed of 134mph.

Another unique feature of the GT Concept is its integrated headlamp/indicator units. Using ultra-modern projection technology, the lights have a three-dimensional beam which allows glare-free high-beam driving. Based on Vauxhall/Opel’s award-winning IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, first seen in the recently-launched Astra, the GT Concept sees the intelligent lighting system’s next stage of development. The design of the lights is completed by the three-dimensional design of the tail lamps. 

VAUXHALL GT CONCEPT SHOWCASES VISIONARY TECH-LED INTERIOR

• Advanced interior echoes already revealed futuristic exterior
• Button-less operation only via touchpad and voice control
• Self-learning HMI system recognises driver’s preferences

Vauxhall’s GT Concept’s interior, showcases a host of innovative technology to improve driver experience, as the futuristic sportcar debuts at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Leading its innovation is a system called Human Machine Interface (HMI), which means the sports car is operated purely by voice control and a central touchpad, making it button-less.

The self-learning system recognises the driver’s habits and adapts to his or her needs. This results in a dialogue during which the car responds in spoken form and can, for example, chose the right music, route or temperature according to the situation. HMI could even recognise whether passengers want to listen to hip-hop or chill-out music.

In order to always offer the most appropriate support, the software learns from every command, every touch of the steering wheel and every setting over days, months and years.

If the driver would rather not use voice commands, he or she just needs to reach for the round touchpad on the centre console. The two classically inspired round instruments are actually projection surfaces that can be backlit in different colours and display a variety of information three-dimensionally, a further development of the system shown in the 2013 Vauxhall Monza Concept.

If the GT Concept is being used for business, while permanently connected to the office, the right instrument facilitates navigation with an intuitive graphic without numerical values; when under time pressure, it displays consumption. If the driver would rather corner at speed, HMI optimises the accelerator, transmission and engine control accordingly and the right instrument even displays the g-force values of the longitudinal acceleration.

HMI also keeps a close eye on the GT Concept’s surroundings, improving overall safety. It can issue spoken warnings, for example: “Be careful. Don’t overlook the motorcycle behind us!” And instead of side door mirrors, the GT Concept relies on cameras mounted behind the front wheel arches to show what is happening behind and next to the car. The images are transmitted to round monitors to the left and right of the driver. In addition, the large central screen displays all desired information.

GT Concept’s two sports seats are ergonomically designed for ultimate passenger comfort and the low beltline of the doors create an easy arm position, while the steering wheel and pedals can be adjusted electrically down to the last millimetre.

The instrument panel of the GT Concept is made from brushed aluminum, the round camera monitors are embedded in outer aluminum air jets with the polished GT emblem and the shining red seatbelt retractors reflect the design of the red front tyres. Finally, the steering wheel features a retro spoke design. 

VAUXHALL’S NEW MOKKA X REVEALED AT GENEVA 

• New Mokka X arrives in showrooms late 2016 after Geneva Motor Show debut
• Bold, muscular new exterior and elegant interior; designed by Brit Mark Adams’ team
• New 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive
• Cutting edge connectivity with OnStar and IntelliLink via Apple Car Play and Android Auto

Vauxhall’s new Mokka X, which reaches UK showrooms late this year, debuts at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show with a fresh interior and exterior design, a new powertrain and featuring OnStar and Apple CarPlay.

With over half a million sold in Europe and nearly 100,000 in the UK, Mokka has seen huge success since its launch in 2012. The Mokka’s compact size (4.28m long), sporty looks and elevated seating position having wowed customers looking for an affordable SUV.

Incorporating cues from Vauxhall’s new design philosophy, the new Mokka X will be the first model to introduce the “X” segment identifier for future Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles.

The Mokka X’s bold new look is thanks to work carried out by a design team led by Brit Mark Adams. Its new front treatment is aligned with Vauxhall’s new design philosophy including a wing-shaped horizontal front grille and the dominant, sharp double-wing signature of the LED daytime running lights. At the rear is another double wing signature highlighted in the tail lamps, with LED technology an option. Vibrant new colours such as ‘Amber Orange’ and ‘Lava Red’ will also be available. On the inside, the Mokka X has a completely new dashboard inspired by the new Astra. 

After introducing the much-lauded 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine last year, the Mokka range is now extended further to include a new generation 1.4-litre Direct Injection Turbo (152PS) petrol unit which first appeared in the Astra. With a six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive all-wheel drive and start/stop, this Mokka achieves 42.8mpg* and CO₂ emissions of 154g/km*.

In addition to the AWD system, Vauxhall engineers have once again made innovative technology available to a broad group of customers by introducing LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps. The new AFL LED system adapts the headlights’ lighting patterns automatically to the driving situation so that the best possible light performance is given without dazzling other road users. 

BRIT-BUILT ASTRA SPORTS TOURER MAKES GENEVA DEBUT 

• Astra success continues with new Brit-built Sports Tourer
• More space inside, same exterior dimensions as outgoing model
• Full Astra range on display alongside all-new BiTurbo engine

Following its world premiere at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Astra Sports Tourer is on display at Geneva Motor Show in the same month it goes on sale in the UK, priced from £16,585 on-the-road.

Like its five-door hatch sibling, the Sports Tourer is based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture with a new design, powertrains and technology. The Sports Tourer is built at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing plant in Cheshire.

The Sports Tourer further extends the dynamic lines of the five-door. It has the same exterior dimensions as the outgoing model yet offers much more space for passengers and luggage. The Sports Tourer’s total cargo capacity is now 1,630 litres, thanks to more efficient packaging.

Range highlights include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £17,285 on-the-road. The diesel offering includes the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £18,785 on-the-road) that achieves 83.1mpg and CO₂ emissions of 89g/km.

Technology includes OnStar, Vauxhall’s ground-breaking connectivity system, and IntelliLink infotainment system which allows users to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And for the first time on a Vauxhall, the tailgate can be opened using a small kicking motion under the rear bumper, in combination with “Keyless Entry and Start”. A further kicking motion under the bumper will close the tailgate.

Also on display is the five-door hatch range, which is in UK showrooms now and an all-new turbocharged diesel engine. In combination with start/stop and six-speed manual transmission, the 1.6-litre BiTurbo CDTi in the Astra hatchback body style achieves 67.3mpg combined and 112g/km. Performance is not compromised with a top speed of 137mph and 0-60mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds.

McLaren launches online new 570S Coupe ahead of World Premiere at New York.

• McLaren reveals first model in its Sports Series, the 570S Coupé
• Brings McLaren exclusivity as well as pioneering, race-driven technologies to a new segment
• Sports Series joins the Super Series and Ultimate Series to complete the three tier McLaren range being shown together for the first time in New York
• A classic sports car with mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout and carbon fibre structure
• ‘Shrinkwrapped’ design includes elegant flying buttresses to optimise aerodynamics and increase downforce
• M838TE twin turbo V8 engine, featuring 30 percent new components, produces 570PS and 600Nm
• Class leading power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne gives breathtaking performance; 0-100km/h (62mph) in 3.2s; 0-200km/h (124 mph) in 9.5s
• Global premiere at the New York International Auto Show on Stand 704, Level 3 at 14.55EST (19.55GMT), Wednesday 1 April 2015

McLaren has completed its three tier model strategy with the global reveal of the first in its Sports Series family: the McLaren 570S Coupé.  This pure sports car, with driver optimised layout and electrifying performance, shares its DNA with the McLaren Super Series and Ultimate Series that sit above it in the range hierarchy. The Sports Series introduces McLaren race-derived technologies and design values to a new segment and audience.

Like every McLaren, the performance of the 570S Coupé is breathtaking. It combines, as its names suggests, a power output of 570PS (562bhp) with light weight construction to give a class leading power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne. The 570S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, while 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached in just 9.5 seconds with the pace not letting up till the car reaches a top speed of 328 km/h (204mph).

The Coupé is the first bodystyle to be shown in the Sports Series, highlighting the latest evolution of the McLaren design philosophy.  The ‘shrinkwrapped’, aerodynamically-optimised form will be seen in public for the first time at the 115^th New York International Auto Show. The McLaren design team has created a shape of beauty highlighted by details such as the rear flying buttresses that increase downforce as well as adding grace, and complex door tendons that direct additional air to cool the mid-mounted V8 engine.

The Sports Series features an evolution of the 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine, named M838TE, with 30 percent of components bespoke to the new model. Engineered by McLaren, it produces 570PS (562 bhp) at 7,400 rpm, and 600Nm (443 lb ft) of torque at 5,000-6,500 rpm. Power is delivered through a seven-speed SSG transmission, and transferred to the road through the rear wheels. This power is brought under control with standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, fitted behind a newly designed range of forged alloy wheel options with P Zero™ Corsa tyres as standard from McLaren technical partner, Pirelli – 225/35/R19 on the front and 285/35/R20 on the rear.

The unique carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis has been newly designed with more of a focus on day-to-day usability, offering improved ingress and egress from the cabin. It is incredibly strong and stiff yet weighs less than 80kg, offering optimum levels of protection. This lightweight structure, and the use of aluminium body panels, contributes to a dry weight of as low as 1,313kg (2,895lbs), almost 150kg lighter than its closest competitor.

Minimised weight and a turbocharged engine doesn’t just bring great performance.  The 570S also delivers excellent fuel efficiency and emissions for car that is also a member of the 200mph club, with fuel economy of 25.5mpg on the EU combined cycle, and emissions of 258g/km.  For the US market, this means exemption from gas guzzler tax.

A PURE McLAREN BOTH ON ROAD AND TRACK

The 570S shows an evolution in the design direction for McLaren, with the McLaren ‘face’ seen on models in the Super Series and Ultimate Series sharpened further. This unique and striking appearance has been designed by air, with a bespoke aerodynamic package including aero blades below the front bumper giving a purposeful stance while channelling clean, cold air through the lower leading edge of the bodywork. 

Large ultra bright LED headlamps, fitted as standard to all Sports Series models, flank a sculpted bonnet which channels airflow over the front wheelarches. The intricately designed dihedral doors, a McLaren design signature since the iconic F1, possess a three dimensional form including a ‘floating’ door tendon which houses a discreet door button. 

This unique feature divides the airflow, channelling it into the side intakes and underneath the flying buttresses. This architectural structure ensures drag is minimised along the profile of the 570S, while also optimising levels of cooling and downforce.

Flying buttresses at the rear of the teardrop-shaped glasshouse form part of the aero package, directing air over the shoulderline of the 570S and across the rear deck aiding heat evacuation from the exposed engine bay and increasing downforce. Super-formed aluminium rear fenders ensure clean air is delivered to the fixed rear spoiler, again maximising downforce. 

The rear of the car is clean and uncluttered, with LED light blade rear lamps which follow the form of the sculpted panels.  The rear of the vehicle features an aluminium mesh allowing effective heat evacuation as well as a view into the engine bay. This sits below a concave rear window, another signature Sports Series Coupé design cue.  The twin exhausts exit below the rear bumper, either side of a newly designed and highly intricate rear diffuser.

The Sports Series has its own newly-developed suspension system ensuring enhanced levels of driver engagement and refinement on both road and track. It uses independent adaptive dampers with front and rear anti-rollbars – distinct from the Super Series –  and dual wishbones, with the set up controlled by the familiar ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ handling settings. In ‘Normal’ mode, the system provides a refined yet engaging ride, while the ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ settings allow the 570S to become more track-focused when required.

THE MOST USABLE McLAREN TO DATE

Like every McLaren the cabin of the 570S has been designed around the driver, with a clear focus on engagement, visibility, functionality and more than any McLaren before it, day-to-day usability and space. As standard, the sports seats are leather upholstered – racing seats are optional – offering a high level of long distance comfort and support.  The dashboard and steering wheel are also all leather trimmed. Intelligent and ergonomic design within the cabin provides extended stowage space, with the most usable space of any McLaren model to date. This adds to the 150 litres of storage in the front luggage bay.

The 570S is comprehensively equipped with a full infotainment system including an all new TFT digital instrument cluster that changes configuration according to driving mode, a seven-inch IRIS touchscreen, now with integrated climate control functionality, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB digital / SIRIUS satellite radio (depending on market), mounted on a ‘floating’ centre console. Despite the extensive specification list, weight-saving is still a key focus on the interior and the McLaren Audio four-speaker system ensures the optimal sound quality at the lowest possible weight.

With the Sports Series, an even greater variety of interior customisation is available with a variety of factory available Alcantara®, nappa leather and carbon fibre options. In addition, McLaren designers have created a range of ‘By McLaren’ bespoke interior specifications, similar to those also available on the 675LT, teaming carefully selected colours and materials designed to best showcase the stylish cabin space and co-ordinate with each exterior paint colour. In addition to this, a McLaren Audio Plus 8-Speaker Upgrade System and bespoke Bowers & Wilkins 12-Speaker Premium Audio System with 1280W surround sound upgrade is also available for the ultimate audio experience.

Further details of the McLaren 570S will be confirmed following the global reveal, which will take place on Wednesday 1 April, 2015 at the New York International Auto Show. The McLaren Automotive press conference will start at 14.55 EST (19.55 GMT) on Stand 704, Level 3.

USA - Alfa Romeo celebrates with a win in the coveted AUTOMOBILE 2015 All-Star award.

With its groundbreaking Italian design and Formula 1 derived innovations, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C supercar won over the editorial staff at AUTOMOBILE, earning the turbocharged mid-engine coupe a coveted “2015 All-Star” award – an accolade that represents what the publication’s enthusiasts most want to drive.

 

“When you’re out on your favorite stretch of winding road or at the local track blazing away, turbo-four wailing behind your ears, the Alfa Romeo 4C reminds you what it means to drive with joy, with purpose,” said Mike Floyd, editor-in-chief, AUTOMOBILE. “The 4C is an unapologetic sports car and a spectacular-looking one at that—that’s why it’s a 2015 AUTOMOBILE All-Star.”

 

Beginning with the 2015 All-Star award, AUTOMOBILE chooses its vehicle contender list from only all-new, heavily revised, or newly significant variants on sale in the U.S. for the upcoming model year. Then the brand’s editorial staff spends three days driving the assembled array of All-Star contenders and cast their votes for the winners by private ballot.

 

“We are very honored for the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C to receive such a prestigious award as theAUTOMOBILE ‘All-Star’,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo for North America. “Each 4C represents more than 100-years of Alfa Romeo racing knowhow, including groundbreaking mid-engine Italian design and Formula 1 inspired technologies – a combination we’re excited to offer North American enthusiasts and at a fraction of the price of other carbon fiber chassis supercars.”

 

The all-new 4C marks the return of “the great Alfa Romeos” and represents the purest formation of the brand’s DNA with its supercar-levels of performance and innovation, all while focusing on making the driver an integral part and completion of the machine.

Alfa Romeo 4C

Marking the Italian brand’s highly anticipated return to North America, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C offers driving enthusiasts a technical, mid-engine design inspired by the brand’s legendary racing history and represents the essential sportiness embedded in the brand’s DNA: hand-crafted in Modena, Italy; ground breaking and distinctly Italian style; an innovative 1750 all-aluminum, direct-injection, turbocharged and intercooled engine, delivering 237 horsepower and 258 lb. ft. of torque; a class-exclusive power-to-weight ratio thanks to its state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque influenced by Formula 1 and advanced technological solutions all for supercar-level performance at an attainable price.

 

Spearheading the Alfa Romeo brand’s return to North America is the well-equipped 4C Launch Edition with unique design appointments, Track Package and serialized “1 of 500” plaque. This limited-edition model is available now with a starting MSRP of $68,400 (excluding $1,295 destination). An initial group of 82 Alfa Romeo dealers are the first to sell the limited-edition 4C Launch Edition coupe.

Honda previews two new models at Tokyo, the Vezel and S660

Honda has unveiled the new Urban SUV production model on the first day of the Tokyo Motor Show. The new model will be named Vezel for the Japanese market. Strengthening its sports car activity, Honda also revealed the S660 Concept mid-engined sports model.

The new Urban SUV will be launched in Europe during 2015, with the name of the European model being confirmed nearer to launch.

The exterior design of the new model is close to a SUV, with coupe-like styling in its upper body. The sharp character lines create an inspiring and emotional exterior design. The interior is designed to create a high-quality space for the driver and front passenger, and comfort and functionality for those in the rear.

In Japan, Honda will launch both a hybrid and petrol model of the Vezel. The hybrid model will be equipped with Sport Hybrid i-DCD* that combines a 1.5 litre direct injection engine with a high-output motor, and the petrol model will be equipped with a 1.5 litre direct injection engine. Adopting new-generation powertrain technologies, the Vezel delivers both a dynamic driving character and excellent fuel economy for both models.

The Japanese model will be launched on 20th December 2013.

Honda also unveiled the S660 Concept which aims to deliver nimble and dynamic driving, outstanding stability and a dynamic design that are only possible with a mid-ship layout.

Speaking at the Honda Press Conference, Takanobu Ito, CEO and President of Honda Motor Co., said, “This model embodies the freewheeling thinking of young Honda engineers, who want to make a cool car that is unique to Honda. Our engineers are devoting their passion and technologies to the development of this model.”

Designed for the Japanese kei-car market, the model is being developed towards mass production in 2015.