For everyone’s delight, the new Honda CR-Z has been confirmed for an early 2010 release in Japan and Europe, with the Americans getting their hands on it in the second half of 2010. Although showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show with a rear seat, the final version of the Nissan CR-Z will roll out the production lines as a two-seater variant. On top of that, the Nissan CR-Z has sportier lines than the Insight, features a petrol electric hybrid that brings a combination of a 1.5-liter petrol i-VTEC engine and IMA (Honda hybrid system). More to it, the CR-Z is being lauded as the first hybrid car in world with a six-speed manual transmission. Stunning is just an understatement, isn’t it? [via WCF]

The Mercedes Benz C63 AMG super Sedan from Daimler got hotter for the coming season courtesy of the performance package plus treatment. The tuning kit for the C63 AMG borrows a few essential traits from the SLS AMG supercar pushing the power to 487hp (30hp more than the standard version). The treatment ensured that the 6.3L V8 beast got new forged alloy pistons, a new set of crank rods and a lightweight crankshaft all from the SLS territory. To top it all, a titanium-colored intake manifold and recalibrated computer module were mated to complete the package that now helps the car pelt from 0 to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. The braking ought to improve with a package such as this and therefore the brake package was upgraded with composite rotors. On the outside, the sedan version gets a carbon fiber spoiler. The upgraded Mercedes Benz C63 should be available in Europe later this year. Sleek, eh? [via Autoblog]

The Nissan GTR (Skyline) Supercar has been staged at the Tokyo Motor Show with some admirable tweaks going into next year as the 2010 model which will be available as early as January. Although a new model altogether wasn’t expected, the updates for the entire GT-R lineage are timely. For starters, the updated GT-R comes with a new CARWINGS HDD-based navigation system and it gets the rear diffuser from the GT-R SpecV. The 2010 Nissan GT-R comes with stiffened rear suspension radius rod bushings, front shock absorbers and springs which together help in recalibrating the suspension. In Japan the updated GT-R will cost 8,610,000 yen while the range topping Spec V will be sold for 15,750,000 yen.

Top Gear is the world’s most amazing television series in the world not just because of its presenters (Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May) but because these guys get to drive the most amazing cars in the world. This time the lucky bastards got their hands on an Audi R8 — the supercar we all crave for a ride, reviewed it and compared it to one of Prosche’s best, the 911 Carrera. Brilliant!

Neiman Marcus is a luxury specialty retail department store always ready with special cars for the holiday season. The thing is that whatever these guys have on offer is being sold like hotcakes. This time around, Neiman Marcus chose the supercharged version of the 2010 Jaguar XJL and the 50 units on offer were sold in a record time of four hours and four minutes.

These limited edition cars were finished in an exclusive Celestial Black metallic paintjob and were glorified on the inside with custom navy and ivory leather upholstery and Zebrano matte wood trim. Not to mention that the 20-inch alloy wheels further make the limited edition look special. Talk about the engine capacity and this limited edition scorcher is fitted with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine capable of churning 470hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated with a six speed automatic transmission and courtesy of this combination, the car clocks 60mph in 4.9 seconds whilst maxing out at 155mph.

The Limited Edition 2010 Jaguar XJL was priced at $105,000, with the standard selling at $90,500. Not a bad deal, eh?

The Toyota Sai Hybrid is closely related to the Lexus HS250h, but the hybrid-only luxury model adds a number of styling traits that other Lexus models, don’t. Right from the front fascia to the windows and the rear doors, this petrol electric hybrid is unique in its own domain. The modified front and the rear lighting along with the air vents and the steering wheel on the inside add to that uniqueness. As far as the engine is concerned, the Toyota Sai houses a 2.4-liter petrol engine (150 hp and 187Nm of torque) combined with an electronic motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery (140 hp abd 270Nm of Torque). Together this combination supplies a healthy 185 hp to the car at all times. The Toyota Sai Hybrid will become available across Japan starting December 7.

As per a recent survey conducted part of the WesBank-sponsored Focus on Excellence Awards, it turned out that reliability is the biggest factor that influences the purchase of both medium and heavy commercial vehicles. More to it, looks like the price was listed as the sixth most important factor amongst buyers of medium commercial vehicles and the ninth most important factor for buyers hailing from the heavy commercial segment.

The FOE Survey clearly indicates that recession hasn’t got much to do with the declining sales of vehicles belonging in this segment, as buyers are looking for reliability and after-sales service more than anything. But could it mean that automobile manufacturers are going to focus on these things from now on to get their sales up again, probably not! Other important factors include the easy availability of spare parts, brand loyalty, product quality, low CPK, longevity of a product, performance, value for money, dealer network and the driver’s comfort.

A fifth place at the Brazilian Grand Prix was good enough to ensure the 29 year old Jenson Button and team Brawn-Mercedes, the 2009 Formula One Champion title. Button who started the race 14th on the grid, drove like a deserving champion although he did not manage a podium finish this time. This race also gave Brawn the constructors’ title outshining Red Bull by 9.5 points.

A the Brazilian GP it was Mark Webber who stood first followed by Robert Kubica from BMW Sauber and Lewis Hamilton who managed a third position on the podium. RBR-Renault driver Sebastian Vettel’s fourth place ensured that he stood second in the overall tally surpassing Rubens Barrichello (who stood 8th) but even if Vettel manages to win the Abu Dhabi edition, it will still be Button who will win the title by 5 points.