The
past year turned out to be a mixed bag for the Asian automakers doing
business in the U.S. market. Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru were the big
winners, with all three posting not just market share gains, but
absolute sales gains in a year in which the entire new car market shrank
by about 25%.
On the the other side of the ledger, Toyota posted its
first loss ever, thought it managed to hold off surging Volkswagen to
retain its crown as the world's biggest automaker only to be forced to
stop sales and production of most of its lineup in late January due to
faulty accelerator pedals. Rival Honda saw its Prius-fighting Insight
hybrid flounder while Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn continues to be under
pressure (the Ghosn that could do no wrong is now just a distant
memory). 
So
what does the future hold for the Asian giants? And what of the likes
of Suzuki and long-struggling Mitsubishi? The future of the former (and
the fate of the Swift subcompact) rests on the success of the Kizashi
sedan, while the latter has some plans in the works as well. Here's a
quick look at a few of the top vehicles coming from Asia's automotive
giants in the near future.NISSAN/INFINITI FUTURE CARS
WHAT: 2011 INFINITI MWHEN: SPRING 2010
Beware, BMW
The last-gen M (2006-10) was commonly viewed as Japan's version of the BMW 5 Series, with a personality that screamed more sport than luxury. Well, for 2011, an all-new M ups the sport quotient while adding more luxury than ever before. Nominally longer and wider than the outgoing model, the new M line features a 3.7-liter, 330-horsepower V-6 (M37), a 5.6-liter, 420-horse V-8 (M56), and a 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a lithium-ion battery pack (M35 Hybrid).
Infiniti
says the hybrid, available spring 2011, will be the cleanest and most
fuel-efficient vehicle in its history. Both the M37 and M56 come
standard with a seven-speed automatic and are available with all-wheel
drive as well as a sport package that includes 20-inch alloys. Inside,
the M boasts abundant premium leather and wood and offers Forest A/C,
which provides humidity control, a breeze mode that alternates airflow
for a more natural feeling, and auto recirculation that detects dust and
foul odors.
WHAT: 2011 INFINITI QX
WHEN: FALL 2010
Posh Patrol
Infiniti has announced that production of its second-gen QX will move from Mississippi to Japan, which means the full-size body-on-frame sport/ute will be based on the JDM Patrol, Nissan's version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Our sources in Japan tell us the QX was developed first and then reverse-engineered as the Nissan. We also hear that the QX's interior will represent a big leap in luxury, on par with Range Rover and Lexus LX cabins. Power will most likely come from a version of the M's direct-injected 5.6-liter V-8, so expect over 400 horses.
WHEN: FALL 2010
Posh Patrol
Infiniti has announced that production of its second-gen QX will move from Mississippi to Japan, which means the full-size body-on-frame sport/ute will be based on the JDM Patrol, Nissan's version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Our sources in Japan tell us the QX was developed first and then reverse-engineered as the Nissan. We also hear that the QX's interior will represent a big leap in luxury, on par with Range Rover and Lexus LX cabins. Power will most likely come from a version of the M's direct-injected 5.6-liter V-8, so expect over 400 horses.
WHAT: 2011 NISSAN JUKE
WHEN: FALL 2010
WHEN: FALL 2010
Urban Scrambler Based on the Qazana concept that bowed at last year's Geneva motor show, the Juke (which is coming to the 2010 Geneva show) will represent Nissan's third crossover when it goes on sale this fall, slotting below the larger Rogue and Murano. If the Qazana's dimensions (159.8 x 70.1 x 61.8 inches) are any indication, the Juke will be significantly smaller than the already compact Rogue (182.9 x 70.9 x 65.3). Unlike the concept, which sported rear-hinged half doors, the production crossover will get four front-hinged apertures, although the concept's rally-inspired front end should carry over. We hear front- and all-wheel-drive versions will be offered and expect power to come from the Rogue's 2.5-liter/CVT combo.
TOYOTA FUTURE CARS
PLUG-IN POWER
Having painstakingly gold-plated its reputation as the hybrid car
company, Toyota was none too happy watching Chevy get so much attention
with its plug-in (extended range) Volt. Behold the Prius Plug-in
Concept, which will consist of 500 examples distributed worldwide this
year. After some reluctance, Toyota appears to have fully embraced the
plug-in approach. Specs include an EV range of 12.5 miles up to 62 mph
and a 100-minute recharge time from a 200-volt source. Enough to steal
power from the Volt?
Toyota's FT-CH concept shown at the recent 2010 Detroit auto show
virtually confirms plans for a Prius hybrid subbrand, with up to 10 new
models coming. As with the midsize Prius, the FT-CH is bigger on the
inside than its overall size suggests. It's a compact, with a B-segment
152.8-inch overall length on a 100.4-inch wheelbase. Toyota's Nice,
France, studio designed the full hybrid FT-CH to be cheaper and lighter
than the Prius and compete directly with Honda's Insight.
SPORTS CAR TSUNAMI
It appears Toyota president Akio Toyoda's comment that his company's
future cars should be exciting is being taken as marching orders by the
troops. In addition to the Lexus LFA supercar, Toyota is putting
finishing touches on the FT-86, a rear-drive coupe powered by a
Toyota-tuned, 2.0-liter Subaru flat-four. Recent rumors suggest its
variants might include a lightweight version with better brakes and
tauter suspension at a price in the low $20Ks. Moreover, rumors of the
FT-86 bigger-brother, the long-delayed FT-HS (aka Supra), just won't go
away.
Toyota expects EPA ratings to increase slightly for
the four-cylinder-equipped models, rising from 18/24 mpg city/highway
with the front-drive V-6, to 19/26 mpg city/highway with the four. Both
engines will arrive with a six-speed automatic transmission with
sequential shift mode. All-wheel drive -- a segment exclusive according
to Toyota -- continues as an option for the new model, and towing
capacity with the V-6 is an SUV-like 3500 lbs.
Toyota
has made efforts to push the feel and layout of its minivan upmarket,
and the effort shows in some of the Sienna's luxury and technological
features. A Dual View Entertainment Center makes its debut on the 2011
Sienna, offering the choice of displaying a single source in 16.4-in.
widescreen movie format, or two separate sources, each occupying half of
the screen. Additionally, a Panorama Camera rear monitor gives two
views behind the Sienna, allowing for a full 180-degree view as well as
on-screen back-up guides.
It appears Toyota president Akio Toyoda's comment that his company's
future cars should be exciting is being taken as marching orders by the
troops. In addition to the Lexus LFA supercar, Toyota is putting
finishing touches on the FT-86, a rear-drive coupe powered by a
Toyota-tuned, 2.0-liter Subaru flat-four. Recent rumors suggest its
variants might include a lightweight version with better brakes and
tauter suspension at a price in the low $20Ks. Moreover, rumors of the
FT-86 bigger-brother, the long-delayed FT-HS (aka Supra), just won't go
away.
WHAT: 2011 TOYOTA SIENNA
WHEN: SPRING 2010
Best in Minivan Class?
Designed in Southern California and engineered in Michigan, the
very-American 2011 Sienna will offer a choice of two engines when it
launches in February, the initial offering being the same 266-hp 3.5L
V-6 as is available in the current Sienna. Come April, Toyota will also
offer a 187-hp 2.7L I-4, the same engine that's currently available in
the Toyota Venza (and is holding a 50% take-rate in that model,
according to execs).
Best in Minivan Class?
Designed in Southern California and engineered in Michigan, the
very-American 2011 Sienna will offer a choice of two engines when it
launches in February, the initial offering being the same 266-hp 3.5L
V-6 as is available in the current Sienna. Come April, Toyota will also
offer a 187-hp 2.7L I-4, the same engine that's currently available in
the Toyota Venza (and is holding a 50% take-rate in that model,
according to execs). 
Toyota expects EPA ratings to increase slightly for
the four-cylinder-equipped models, rising from 18/24 mpg city/highway
with the front-drive V-6, to 19/26 mpg city/highway with the four. Both
engines will arrive with a six-speed automatic transmission with
sequential shift mode. All-wheel drive -- a segment exclusive according
to Toyota -- continues as an option for the new model, and towing
capacity with the V-6 is an SUV-like 3500 lbs.
Toyota
has made efforts to push the feel and layout of its minivan upmarket,
and the effort shows in some of the Sienna's luxury and technological
features. A Dual View Entertainment Center makes its debut on the 2011
Sienna, offering the choice of displaying a single source in 16.4-in.
widescreen movie format, or two separate sources, each occupying half of
the screen. Additionally, a Panorama Camera rear monitor gives two
views behind the Sienna, allowing for a full 180-degree view as well as
on-screen back-up guides.
Meanwhile,
concessions are made to passenger comfort with additional storage bins,
cupholders, and cargo spaces, all strategically placed for maximum
benefit. Designers strived to maintain an open field of view throughout
the cabin, giving a light, airy feeling to the interior, while improving
visibility for all passengers. The cabin is configurable for seven-, or
optionally, eight-person seating and in the former, the second-row
captain's chairs allow for 23-in. of forward mobility, enhancing
third-row legroom substantially. New to the top-flight Limited trim
level is standard second-row Lounge Seating that includes leather seats
with retractable built-in ottomans. Flagship Limited Sienna models also
receive a power 60/40 split third-row folding seat, front and rear
parking sonar, and a dual moonroof.
WHAT: 2011 ACURA TSX SPORT WAGON
WHEN: FALL 2010
Junk in the Trunk
Not since the Lexus IS SportCross has a Japanese luxury brand attempted to sell a wagon in the U.S., but for the 2011 model year, that's about to change, as Acura will import the TSX sport wagon from Japan. Based on the European Honda Accord Tourer, the Acura wagon will represent a small slice of the TSX pie, so it's possible that powertrain combinations will be at a minimum to keep costs down. Thus, expect an automatic to be paired with both the I-4 and V-6, but no guarantee on an I-4 with a manual.
WHAT: 2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER
WHEN: FALL 2011
CR-Z Fighter
Hyundai is on a roll and is showing no signs of slowing down. At the Los Angeles show, it unveiled the 2011 Sonata, which sports coupelike styling, a large-car interior, and a direct-injected 200-horse, 2.4-liter I-4. In a bold move, Hyundai won't offer a V-6 in its volume sedan; rather, the 2.4, a D.I. 2.0-liter turbo (we hear some 270 horses), and a gas/electric hybrid will round out the lineup. Later in 2010, Hyundai will begin selling the Equus luxury sedan, likely with a D.I. 5.0-liter V-8 and an eight-speed auto. For 2011, Hyundai will introduce new generations of the Accent, Elantra, and Santa Fe, as well as an all-new sporty coupe. Based on the Veloster concept, this sporty Accent-based coupe could wear the Veloster name for production or inherit the Tiburon designation. Either way, it will feature a D.I. 1.6-liter I-4 that delivers 140 horsepower and 40 mpg.
WHAT: 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT
WHEN: FALL 2010
xB Too Boxy?
At around 169 inches long, the upcoming RVR crossover-our moles tell us the U.S. version will be dubbed the Outlander Sport-will measure about 15 inches shorter than its Outlander big brother, yet will provide "ample utility space," according to Mitsubishi. Think Scion xB and you get an idea of the Sport's size. Power will come from a new 1.8-liter four cylinder mated to a CVT sending power to the front wheels.
A FEW MORE NOTABLES...
WHAT: 2011 ACURA TSX SPORT WAGONWHEN: FALL 2010
Junk in the Trunk
Not since the Lexus IS SportCross has a Japanese luxury brand attempted to sell a wagon in the U.S., but for the 2011 model year, that's about to change, as Acura will import the TSX sport wagon from Japan. Based on the European Honda Accord Tourer, the Acura wagon will represent a small slice of the TSX pie, so it's possible that powertrain combinations will be at a minimum to keep costs down. Thus, expect an automatic to be paired with both the I-4 and V-6, but no guarantee on an I-4 with a manual.
WHAT: 2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTERWHEN: FALL 2011
CR-Z Fighter
Hyundai is on a roll and is showing no signs of slowing down. At the Los Angeles show, it unveiled the 2011 Sonata, which sports coupelike styling, a large-car interior, and a direct-injected 200-horse, 2.4-liter I-4. In a bold move, Hyundai won't offer a V-6 in its volume sedan; rather, the 2.4, a D.I. 2.0-liter turbo (we hear some 270 horses), and a gas/electric hybrid will round out the lineup. Later in 2010, Hyundai will begin selling the Equus luxury sedan, likely with a D.I. 5.0-liter V-8 and an eight-speed auto. For 2011, Hyundai will introduce new generations of the Accent, Elantra, and Santa Fe, as well as an all-new sporty coupe. Based on the Veloster concept, this sporty Accent-based coupe could wear the Veloster name for production or inherit the Tiburon designation. Either way, it will feature a D.I. 1.6-liter I-4 that delivers 140 horsepower and 40 mpg.
WHAT: 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORTWHEN: FALL 2010
xB Too Boxy?
At around 169 inches long, the upcoming RVR crossover-our moles tell us the U.S. version will be dubbed the Outlander Sport-will measure about 15 inches shorter than its Outlander big brother, yet will provide "ample utility space," according to Mitsubishi. Think Scion xB and you get an idea of the Sport's size. Power will come from a new 1.8-liter four cylinder mated to a CVT sending power to the front wheels.
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