Toyota/ Subaru RWD Coupe Spied For First Time

The new Toyota/Subaru RWD Coupe was announced back in April and now for the first time, we can show you the first picture of a prototype that was caught testing outside a test center in the UK( thanks to Winding Road).

Toyota and Subaru are developing a brand new platform for the new model. So with this kind of expense coupled with a sub $20,000 price tag, we can say that Japanese plan to sell a very high volume of this car. We already know Subaru's horizontally-opposed boxer engine will be under the hood but further details are still unknown. It is rumored that the engine will be making around 220 HP and is set to be mated to a six-speed gearbox.

The prototype you see above wears a modified Subaru Legacy Body but a far more unique design with similarities to Toyota's FT-HS concept is expected.

Go to Winding Road for more pictures...

Spy Shots: 2011 Acura RL

It looks like Acura is getting serious about entering the large-car luxury game with a new version of its flagship sedan, the RL. The latest spy shots of the 2011 RL appear to corroborate the rumors suggesting that Honda will use a rear-wheel-drive layout in a bid to compete with its peer class, which includes the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Tough much is hidden by the stretched-out TSX bodywork. But a closer look at the profile shows a longer hood with the front wheels moved farther forward, which not only improves the vehicle's looks with less front overhang but also indicates that the engine may be longitudinally mounted.

The rumored V8 engine may be underhood of the next RL. Previous reports indicate its output at 420 horsepower, which should be matched with cylinder deactivation in an effort to keep fuel economy respectable. With these high gas prices, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the next RL with a V6 engine as standard, leaving the eight-cylinder as an option.