The automaker has announced that it will produce a new compact SUV based on the Concept CX which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007. The rather generically named Compact Crossover is set to make it to the Japanese market by early next year (February 2010) and be rolled out in other markets around the world soon after that.

The model will be manufactured under Mitsubishi’s Project Global - a mid-sized global platform. The Japanese automaker claims in its press release on the Compact Crossover that the new model signals a shift for the brand towards more passenger and crossover models and away from full-fledged SUVs.

The Compact Crossover will be slotted below the Outlander model in the Mitsubishi product range. It will feature all-wheel drive capability and a new 1.8 liter diesel engine with 134 bhp and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. Mitsubishi’s twin-clutch SST gearbox, already seen in the Evo X, may also be a feature of the new Compact Crossover. Mitsubishi will first present the Compact Crossover in Europe at the 2010 Geneva motor show.

By WCF

Toyota unveiled some cool customisation kits for the small iQ at Frankfurt. The world’s smallest four-seat mass-production car has been awarded five stars at EuroNCAP which means it’s not small on safety. Where it has been small is in the cool factor and these style concepts give it more street cred for its target market.

The first is the iQ Collection which is mainly a cabin upgrade kit. It consists of white leather upholstery and a full glazed roof, as well as white pearl finishing on the centre console, the instrument binnacle and the door panels. Thus the iQ Collection’s interior appointments match its exterior.

Then we have the iQ for Sports which focuses on the jazzy side of things. Body kit installed includes a very aggressive front end, wide wheel arches, 18-inch alloys, LED driving lights, a rear roof spoiler and a trapezoidal central exhaust pipe. Inside the iQ Sports expresses itself through illuminated door handles, a 10-inch LCD touch screen and seats finished in bright green and grey upholstery.

By WCF

According to a recent report, Porsche is developing an electric vehicle. In an interview with German magazine Welt am Sonntag, Porsche CEO Michael Macht confirmed the company is "intensively" working on an electric sports car. While a concept may appear shortly, Macht stated production would likely be five to ten years away.

It remains unclear if the electric vehicle would be a 911, Boxster, Cayman or a whole new model. The latter could be a possibility since Macht restated Porsche’s goal of nearly doubling sales to 150,000 vehicles per year. Regardless of what form it takes, the company promises the EV will deliver the same handling characteristics as a Porsche with a gasoline engine.

During their Frankfurt Motor Show press conference, Porsche stated they were considering electric vehicles but current battery technology wasn’t "sufficient to meet Porsche’s strict requirements." At the time, Macht said "We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid - in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?"

We’ll have to wait and see what the future brings, but the Porsche EV will undoubtedly face competition from the Mercedes SLS AMG eDrive and a possible production Audi e-Tron.

By WCF