Toyota is taking its just-released FCV hydrogen fuel cell-powered car on a 177-mile rally this weekend.

The FCV will serve as a scout vehicle to make sure roads are clear during the last round of the 2014 Japan Rally Championships. Toyota likely chose the Shinshiro Rally, located in Aichi Prefecture, due to its proximity to Toyota’s headquarters and the fact that it is able to promote a zero-CO2 emissions vehicle in the heavily wooded area. The rally’s stages are run on both paved and unpaved roads, and sees everything from Subaru WRXes to Peugeot RCZs.

The car itself is based on a production FCV that’s kept its exterior largely in tact. The only visible changes are graphite gray lightweight 7-spoke wheels, mud flaps, and a blue-on-white livery. A peek through the windshield reveals a roll cage and associated safety equipment.

Toyota is keeping mum on whether its proprietary fuel cell stack has been modified in any way for the rally, but a standard FCV has a cruising range of about 300 miles and takes just five minutes to refill.

The FCV will be available on a leasing plan in Japan in April 2015 and is expected to be similarly available in the US and Europe next summer.

Mazda has announced plans to debut sedan version of the just-introduced Mazda 2 hatchback. The unveiling will take place at the upcoming Thailand Auto Expo.

The sedan would be built locally and available with Mazda’s 1.5L SkyActiv-D diesel. Curiously, the report in the Bangkok Post reveals specs that differ slightly than what has been officially stated by Mazda — 105hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, versus 103hp and 184 lb-ft in the Japanese-spec Demio. When equipped with a manual transmission and the automatic start-stop function, it can return up to 71 mpg in the Japanese cycle.

The story also states that Mazda is considering offering the sedan in Europe and Australia, though in those markets it will likely have the option of the 1.3L SkyActiv-G petrol engine in addition to the diesel.

Styling has not been discussed, but all sections from the doors forward are expected to be identical to the Mazda 2 hatchback. In many Asian markets, including China, customers believe sedans confer higher status. Honda also offers a sedan version of the Fit, called the City, in Thailand.

The Thailand Auto Expo begins November 28, and the production version will go on sale in 2015. Currently there are no plans to bring the Mazda 2 sedan to the US.

Toyota has unveiled a trio of heavily modified Scion FR-S coupes that will take center stage at their SEMA display next week. The cars competitors in Scion’s annual SEMA Tuner Challenge series, in which three teams are given identical cars and $15,000 to build the most outrageous customized versions imaginable.

The Super Street FR-S was inspired by the yellow Release Series 1.0 car. In addition to the RS1′s aero add-ons, it wears a Rocket Bunny widebody kit draped over custom BBS LM wheels. The centerpiece of the build is its 2.0L flat four, which has been fitted with stunning 70mm velocity stacks on a Borla individual throttle body setup. With all extraneous accessories, wiring and items such as the battery, master cylinders and alternator relocated, the standalone engine is a work of art.

The Maximum Attack FR-S was the creation of Speedhunters, an automotive lifestyle site founded by video game company Electronic Arts. At the center is a Cosworth supercharged version of its 2.0L boxer good for an estimated 300hp. Wrapped around it is a gorgeous widebody skin reminiscent of Toyota’s 80s IMSA racers, complete with retro TRD tricolor livery. The nostalgic theme continues with a louvered hood, white-letter tires and side mirrors placed on the fenders as a tribute to classic Japanese cars.

The Mine’s FR-S Concept eschews the gratuitous exterior for a standard Release Series body kit in subdued two-tone silver. At its heart is its 2.0L horizontally opposed four-cylinder fed by an HKS supercharger. The rear-wheel horsepower has been measured at 223hp, meaning the motor is probably generating about 256. It was built by tuning sites GTChannel and MotoIQ with collaboration from Mine’s, a Japanese tuning house known for high-power GT-Rs dating back to the R32.

Voting for the Scion Tuner Challenge can be done online. The winner will be announced at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Volkswagen has introduced a limited-edition version of the tiny up! city car called street up!
Based on the five-door version of the up!, the street up! stands out thanks to an eye-catching two-tone black and silver paint job with yellow accents, “up!” graphics on the roof, fog lights with chromed bezels and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The two-tone treatment continues inside with black and silver cloth upholstery accented by yellow contrast stitching. The street up! also features an upgraded stereo system, tinted windows and an edition-specific shift knob.

Volkswagen has not made any mechanical modifications. Buyers can choose from one of two gasoline-burning three-cylinder engines that make 60 and 75 horsepower, respectively. Both engines are linked to a five-speed manual transmission, and the smaller unit returns up to 53 mpg in a mixed European cycle.

A lowered and stiffened suspension setup helps the street up! handle better than the stock model.

The Volkswagen street up! is currently on sale in its home country of Germany. It carries a base price of €13,575, a sum that converts to a little over $17,000. Volkswagen has not announced how many examples of the street up! it plans on building and whether or not the special edition model will be offered in other countries across Europe.