2009 Honda Insight Hybrid

Following an earlier leak of the Japanese-market model brochure, a new set of photos of the 2009 Honda Insight have been leaked into the net ahead of the hybrid car's premier at the Detroit auto show on January 11. Seen here in UK -and consequently, in European-specification, the new five passenger, five door Insight will go on sale on both sides of the Atlantic in the spring of 2009.

As is evident from the photos, compared to the Paris Show prototype, the production model's design has been toned down. Aside from the less sloppy roofline and smoothed out body creases, changes include the down-to-earth headlamps, mirrors and tail lamps, a less aggressively styled front bumper - grille assembly and an even less inspiring rear-end design.

2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Honda's Prius rival will be equipped with a revised version of the Civic IMA's mild hybrid powertrain that combines an electric motor with a small displacement petrol engine and a CVT gearbox. Unlike the Prius however, the Insight will not be able to run solely on electric power.

The Japanese automaker claims that the Insight will be the most affordable hybrid car in the market, making it accesible to a broader audience. Honda expects to sell around 200,000 units of the Insight per year, with half of those sales coming from North America.

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New Saab 9-5 Griffin 260HP

Unlike wine, cars don't get better as they age, and at 11 years old, the current Saab 9-5 is long overdue for replacement. Still, Saab tries to make the best of it by constantly introducing new editions of its mid-size executive model in a wary attempt to draw buyers into its showrooms. At the Detroit auto show next month, the Swedes will perform the debut of the 9-5 Griffin Edition powered by the firm's 2.3-liter, 260HP four-cylinder engine that can be matched to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions without extra charge.

Available in both sedan and station-wagon forms, the 9-5 Griffin Edition is distinguished on the outside by the matte chrome front grill and frames around the Xenon headlamps. The Sedan has a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi can be recognized by its roof spoiler and roof rails in matte chrome finish. A set of five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels and Griffin badges on the front fenders complete the look.

On the inside, the 9-5 Griffin comes equipped with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are also foldable and auto-dimming.

Expected to start arriving in Saab dealer showrooms in January 2009, the Swedes have priced the 9-5 Griffin from $42,775 for the Sedan and $ 44,045 for the SportCombi. We're no marketing gurus, but 40+ grand for a outdated car that was designed in the mid-to-late 90s doesn't exactly sound like a deal.

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2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Hyundai has just released U.S. pricing information for its new Elantra Touring five-door compact model which is sold in Europe as the i30 Crossover Wagon. Prices start from $18,495 for the entry-level model and $19,995 for one featuring a Premium-Sport package. In the U.S., the Elantra Touring is offered exclusively with the same 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine found in the Elantra sedan. With a manual transmission, the Elantra Touring's mileage is 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway while with the optional four-speed, automatic transmission, the Hyundai's EPA rating is 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The entry level model's standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls, eight-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, a cooled glove box and an integrated 172-Watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, USB input and auxiliary input.

The Premium-Sport package adds a power sunroof with tilt and slide functions, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45VR17 tires. The all-new 2009 Elantra Touring will be available at Hyundai's dealerships in the first quarter of 2009.

2009 Elantra Touring Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing

* Touring M/T Standard Equipment Five-Speed M/T with B&M Sport shifter $18,495
* Touring A/T Standard Equipment Four-Speed A/T $19,295
* Touring M/T Premium-Sport Five-Speed M/T with B&M Sport shifter $19,995
* Touring A/T Premium-Sport Four-Speed A/T $20,795

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2010 Lexus HS 250h Dedicated Hybrid Sedan Confirmed for Detroit Show

We've been hearing rumors about Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model for quite a while now, but today, the Japanese automaker officially confirmed that the all-new HS 250h will make its worldwide debut at next month's 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Lexus has not disclosed any official information whatsoever on the HS 250h, but according to the grapevine, the dedicated hybrid sedan will be similar in size to the company's IS Sedan.

Sources also suggest that the HS 250h will be initially launched in 2009 with conventional nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries, but will switch to lithium-ion cells by the end of 2010. Stay tuned on Carscoop for more details on the highly anticipated Lexus hybrid model.

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