Car Throttle

Not much time has passed since the introductions at the Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota was no doubt the winner of the show, debuting two performance models, the Toyota FT-86 Concept and the Lexus LFA. The former probably of the most interest to performance enthusiasts (unless you have $375,000.....and even then). So we know the FT-86 concept is a lock for production and now speculation is turning to what it will be named. FT-86 is obviously not the final production name, with the moniker chosen to pay homage to the Toyota Corolla AE-86 GT. The names under consideration, as reported by Autocar and The Detroit Bureau are Celica and surprisingly - Scion tC?  In producing the FT-86, Toyota's goal is to make a vehicle

Well, it's now time to get to work defining the sights and sounds of the NYIAS for 2009. My initial impression was overwhelming, but after I caught my breath, it was also a bit disappointing. Why? Because the number of debuts have been lackluster, because of the general Malaise that the Auto Industry is currently in right now. However, I will try and bring you, the reader, up to speed. One of the first debuts this morning was the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid, a car designed for the US and Canadian Markets only. It is a conventional Gas/Electric Hybrid, that produces 335 HP, and 381 lb/ft torque. According to Mercedes, is uses 50% less fuel than their conventional ML series. Also on stage was the debut