2011 Toyota Sienna Minivan Priced from $24,260, Starts Lower than 2009 Model But...

Toyota has supposedly announced some good news for prospective buyers of the 2011 Sienna as the company said that its all-new people carrier starts lower than the outgoing model with the entry-level model priced at $24,260 (not including a delivery, processing and handling fee of $800) or $280 less than the 2010MY.

What Toyota avoids to emphasize is that, whereas the base version of the 2011 Sienna is powered by a 187HP 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, the entry-level 2010MY Sienna features a 266HP 3.5-liter V6...

Same goes for the 2011 Sienna LE that is said to start lower at $25,345, but it also comes with a four-banger unlike the 2010MY Sienna LE V6 which is priced at $26,065. If you opt for a V6 on the 2011 Sienna LE, you'll pay $28,900.

But anyway, the third generation minivan's prices top out at $39,770 for the Limited all-wheel-drive model with a 3.5-liter V6 generating 266 horsepower.

Both engines are matched with an electronically controlled six-speed transmission with the Japanese automaker announcing an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings of 19 mpg city / 26 mpg on the highway for the four cylinder model and 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway (AWD: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway) for the V6.

Toyota said that the new Sienna will go on sale in the States in February with the arrival of V6-powered LE, XLE and Limited models, while the four-cylinder models will begin arriving at showrooms in April.

Honda Joins Toyota with New Small Concept Car at New Delhi Auto Show

Following in the footsteps of Toyota that revealed its plans to present a new compact-sized concept model at the 2010 Auto Expo in India, Honda announced today that it will also swipe the covers off a city car concept model at the motor show that takes place in New Delhi from January 5 to 11, 2010.

Honda did not publish any photos of the car that bears the name "New Small Concept", but the Japanese automaker revealed that the concept previews a low-cost production model that is currently under development especially for India and other emerging markets.

More details about the New Small Concept are expected to be released at the New Delhi auto show.

PS: The above photo is from an older Honda concept

Vath Lifts Performance of Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG to 745HP

German tuning firm Vath is upping the performance ante on the Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG once again with the release of a new package that increases power and gives the luxury coupe a more aggressive look. As if the standard Benz's 612-horsepower twin-turbo V12 wasn't already enough, Vath's engine kit lifts output to 745HP and a spectacular 1,150Nm or 848 lb-ft of peak torque.

The tuner claims that with this package, the CL65 AMG can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 4.0 seconds and reach speeds of up to 340 km/h or 211 mph. Even more impressive is the price of the kit that will cost you as much as a new C-Class at a hefty €36,890 or about US$53,100, including installation.

Other available performance mods include a sports braking system with 6 piston fixed calipers and 405 mm disks priced at €8,082 (US$11,600), 20-inch alloy wheels with Vredestein tires for speeds up to 270km/h or 168mph at €7,378 (US$10,600) and a lowering module for the airmatic suspension priced at €1,952 (US$2,800).

Cosmetic enhancements are limited to a subtle body kit with a carbon fiber front apron and rear diffuser fins, and boot lid and roof spoilers, which cost together €3,188 or about US$4,600.