Honda CR-Z Mugen (2010) first official pictures

Since its conception, Honda has been trying to persuade us that its CR-Z isn't merely a woolly hybrid but is in fact a proper sports car. As if to prove the point, Honda has announced that Mugen-fettled versions of the hatch are to be released for the British market. Recently making a splash in the UK with their banzai track-focused version of the Civic Type R, Mugen started in 1973 and specialise in building and tuning Hondas.

Toyota & Lexus news at 2009 Tokyo motor show

The vibe on the Toyota stand is subdued, yet upbeat at the same time. They're chuffed to bits with their new products on show, but we can't help remembering Japan's – and the world's – premier car maker's $4.9 billion loss last year. And it's forecast to lose a similar amount in 2009.

Nissan expects 20,000 initial orders for Leaf EV

Nissan North America will begin taking sales orders for its new Nissan Leaf electric vehicle next spring and expects to have 20,000 of them pre-sold by the time the model reaches U.S. showrooms in the third quarter. “We are confident we will have 20,000 reservations for the Leaf by the time it goes on sale,” Carlos Tavares, Nissan's chairman for the Americas, said Tuesday.