JustBritish

Importing Toyotas to Japan may seem like selling ice to the Eskimos, but that’s precisely what’s in store. In fact, it’s Toyota itself that will be bringing the Avensis back to its home market from its global assembly plant in the UK.

Demand for European cars in Japan has got Toyota cashing in on the game, exporting as many as 750 units of the Avensis back to the home country. Since the Avensis holds a similar position to the JDM Toyota Mark X, which is available only as a sedan, Toyota will only be offering the Avensis wagon back in Japan, packing a 2.0-liter four mated to a CVT.

Japan, of course, will only be the latest market in which the British-built Avensis will be sold, joining a list of 47 countries worldwide to which some 85% of the units built at the Derbyshire plant are exported. Unfortunately, the United States isn’t one of ‘em, so for those who may want a closer look, we’ve put together a fresh high-res image gallery for your viewing pleasure.

Read more at Autoblog.

British luxury car manufacturer has announced that they are experiencing a never before seen surge in demand for their masterpieces in 2011. In Jan-June 2011 period, Bentley sold 2978 cars, which is also their best start to a year since 2008.

Thanks to the new Continental GT, Bentley is experiencing this surge in demand. In China alone, Bentley sold 680 luxury cars this year while in America, their largest market, Bentley sold 907 luxury cars. At home, in the United Kingdom, Bentley registered an increase in sales of 6% as they sold 533 units this year.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley’s Chief Executive said, “Interest in our product range is increasing and with our largest markets achieving significant growth we are on track to meet our targets for the full year. It’s an exciting time for Bentley as we continue to invest in new product development, the results of which will be seen for months to come. With more new model launches later this year we foresee this growth continuing into 2012 and beyond.”

Alasdair Stewart, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing said, “Following last year’s 11% increase in sales, our half-year figures show that Bentley sales are rebounding. Confidence is returning to many markets and we expect this growth to continue as customers around the world take delivery of the new Continental GT.”

This in from the TopGear site…  To be honest, the presenters weren’t that impressed with the new MG6 during the show on Sunday. Or its recycled-racing-horse badge adhesive.

However, this latest old-car-new-tech offering from Frontline Developments seems like a valiant use of the brand. And a rather more affordable alternative to the Eagle Speedster.

Each car uses a new British Motor Heritage MGB shell, into which Frontline shoves a 2012 2-litre VVC MX-5 engine. It’s got billeted con-rods and crankshaft, forged fully-skirted and Teflon-coated pistons and it’s been hopped up with a 45mm direct injection throttle body and closed-loop Lamda set up.

That equates to 215bhp and 170lb ft at 4000rpm. That means 240bhp per ton (it only weighs 900kg). 240bhp. IN AN MGB!

But don’t worry, the sixties shell’s been uprated to cope with the 130bhp power boost (the B was just 85bhp when it launched in ’62). Each one gets strengthened sills, floors and rear quarters to cope with its re-jigged suspension systems.

Read the rest of the story, and drool a bit, over at TopGear.

The battle lines are drawn. The race to build Britain’s fastest and most 
powerful production 
car is on. But it’s not McLaren, Bentley or even Aston Martin that aims 
to lead the way. It’s Lotus.

During an exclusive gathering at the company’s HQ in Hethel, Norfolk, chief technical officer Wolf Zimmermann told Auto Express of his plans to build a flagship Superleggera version 
of the next-generation Esprit – and we can show you what it will look like in our exclusive images.

Bosses held the meeting to face critics of the New Era plan, which in June 2010 revealed five new cars would be launched in five years. As well as confirming the flagship Esprit, Lotus unveiled plans for a city car called Ethos – to rival the Aston Martin Cygnet 
– plus the 2+2 Elite, four-door Eterne and the Elise Evolution.

Read more: AutoExpress