Japanese Car News

iRage · July 10, 2013

So this is the Mazda 3/Axela sedan...

Is it me or do the back lights look a lot like the Euro version of the new Corolla ?

Anyway...here' the full article:

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2013/7/4/This-is-the-2014-Mazda3-Sedan-7715135/

vishkid · July 11, 2013

On 7/10/2013 at 6:15 PM, iRage said:

Is it me or do the back lights look a lot like the Euro version of the new Corolla ?

I don't know about Corolla but for Mazda it's a continuation of their design lineage. I see that they've gone for red plastic in the back, which they ditched circa 2005.

iRage · July 11, 2013

On 7/11/2013 at 9:02 AM, vishkid said:
I don't know about Corolla but for Mazda it's a continuation of their design lineage. I see that they've gone for red plastic in the back, which they ditched circa 2005.

True...this is what the concept for the 3 looked like which was an extension of Mazda's Takeri design concept...

the final has a lot of similarities to that except the lines in the back changed...then Toyota comes along with the Corolla with strong similarities in some lines ...

Edited July 11, 2013 by iRage

Magnum · July 13, 2013

Lexus LFA successor unveiled as a $10k bicycle

A lot of fans have been clamoring for a Lexus LFA successor but the latest model to out of LFA Works shares little with its predecessor... because it's a bicycle.

Currently on sale in Japan, the limited edition F Sport Road Bike is a 22-speed bicycle that features carbon fiber construction and tier-one craftsmanship. The bike has also been equipped with F1-inspired paddle shifters and an electronically-controlled derailleur for smooth gear changes. Unsurprisingly, this doesn't come cheap as the bike reportedly costs ¥1,000,000 ($10,060 / €7,710 / £6,660).

Lexus' decision to build a bike is perplexing but the company appears to be doing it as a stop-gap measure to keep LFA Works open until while a more practical purpose can be found. Ironically, Automotive News talked to Lexus sales and marketing manager Naoki Watanabe who confirmed the carbon fiber components aren't built by Lexus but instead shipped in from Taiwan.

Magnum · July 13, 2013

Toyota considering GT 86 racing series

According to a recent report, Toyota could launch a one-make racing series for a production version of the GT 86 TRD Griffon concept.

Details are limited but a Toyota spokesperson confirmed discussions are currently underway. However, the decision hinges on whether or not the Griffon is approved for production.
The Griffon features polycarbonate windows and carbon fiber / carbon fiber reinforced plastic body parts. This enables the car to 1,034 kg (2,279 lbs) which is 227 kg (500 lbs) lighter than the standard GT 86. The Griffon has also been equipped with a coil over suspension, high-performance brakes, a limited-slip differential and 18-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama Advan tires.

Magnum · July 13, 2013

2013 Suzuki Swift facelift revealed

Suzuki has officially unveiled the facelifted Swift, following a leak earlier this year.

Boasting a number of "minor styling refreshments," the facelifted model is distinguished by a new front bumper, a revised grille and an upper LED rear brake light. The car also has restyled wheels and LED daytime running lights on the range-topping SZ4 variant.

Interior changes are relatively limited but include a new seat fabric that combines black, blue and gray accents.

In the United Kingdom two engines are available. The 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol produces 94 HP (69 kW) and 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) of torque, while the 1.3-liter DdiS develops 75 HP (55 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque.

The 2013 Swift will go on sale shortly and pricing starts at £10,799 OTR.

WCW · July 15, 2013

Next-gen Honda Fit Hybrid could get 85 mpg in Japan

Ho

Honda continues to tease us hybrid-thirsty Americans by revealing more details (or letting them leak out) about its next-generation Fit Hybrid. The upcoming Fit, which is known as the Jazz overseas, will get a whopping 85 miles per gallon on the lenient JC08 Japanese driving test cycle. That'd mark a 36-percent jump from the current version's fuel economy and would beat out the Toyota Aqua (aka, the Prius C), which gets an 83 mpg rating there, Green Car Congress says, citing the Japanese publication Nikkei. The standard Toyota Prius gets 77 miles per gallon, per Japanese standards.

Fit Hybrid available in its home country in September and – and this is exciting news – the new hybrid will reach the US and Europe at some yet-to-be-determined date thereafter. The ultimate goal for Honda is to double worldwide Fit sales to about 1.5 million units annually during the next two years.

Edited July 18, 2013 by WCW

Magnum · July 15, 2013

2013 Datsun GO breaks cover

Datsun is officially back in business with the GO which is scheduled to reach Indian market in early 2014 where it will be locally produced. The name comes from Datsun's first model called DAT-GO which came out almost a century ago in 1914.

After announcing Datsun's revival with several teasers, Nissan has unveiled the Micra-based Datsun GO which represents a simple five-door hatchback with the following dimensions: 3785mm length, 1635mm width, 1485mm height and a 2450mm wheelbase. It will be offered exclusively with a 1.2-liter engine linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The exterior design closely mirrors the Micra, while inside the typical glovebox has been replaced by a space under the dashboard. Datsun moved the handbrake and gear lever to the dashboard as a method to free up space between the front seats. They also borrowed the Micra’s door handles and AC vents.

The Datsun GO represents the first of several models which will be launched starting next year in emerging markets like India, Indonesia, South Africa and Russia.
Source: Datsun

Crosswind · July 15, 2013

On 7/15/2013 at 2:21 PM, Magnum said:

Haha do I see just one windscreen wiper????

I wonder how many wheel nuts its got!

Magnum · July 16, 2013

On 7/15/2013 at 3:01 PM, Crosswind said:
Haha do I see just one windscreen wiper????
I wonder how many wheel nuts its got!

I didnt notice that!

Anyway its supposed to be a budget brand

Crosswind · July 16, 2013

On 7/16/2013 at 12:34 PM, Magnum said:
I didnt notice that!
Anyway its supposed to be a budget brand

Yes that's the bottom line.

its also got tiny (12-inch???) wheels, no glove compartment, no center console, no space for a CD player... these observations are just from the 3 photos...

so this is what datsun is going to be... datsh*t which nissan don't even want to dare put their badge on it.

Jaliya48 · July 16, 2013

It's sad to see a respected name slapped on some TATA-inspired trash that's made in India. They could've named it DATBUN for all we care! (Gibson-Givson, etc... It's an Indian thing )

Gummybr · July 16, 2013

On 7/16/2013 at 1:06 PM, Crosswind said:
Yes that's the bottom line.
its also got tiny (12-inch???) wheels, no glove compartment, no center console, no space for a CD player... these observations are just from the 3 photos...

so this is what datsun is going to be... datsh*t which nissan don't even want to dare put their badge on it.

The site says that they have included the system to play music off your iPod/MP3 Player/Phone or whatever device. Thats why the phone holder sorta thing is there with the volume and bass control knobs where a CD player would have been housed.

GTAm · July 17, 2013

That face is fugly! The interior looks ok for a budget car though.

Magnum · July 17, 2013

On 7/17/2013 at 5:06 AM, GTAm said:
That face is fugly! The interior looks ok for a budget car though.

It reminds me of something, but i dont know what it is

Jaliya48 · July 17, 2013

On 7/17/2013 at 6:10 AM, Magnum said:
It reminds me of something, but i dont know what it is

Ford Focus RS?

Magnum · July 17, 2013

On 7/17/2013 at 7:22 AM, Jaliya48 said:
Ford Focus RS?

lol yes

Jaliya48 · July 17, 2013

Yes, looks as if it has been inspired by it.

Schiffer · July 17, 2013

i am a big old datsun fan but my god that car just bore the hell out of me

it looks like a cheaper version of a passo. the front sort of reminds me of a seat leon O.o

Magnum · July 18, 2013

Honda and Top Gear Magazine have teamed up to create the "Mean Mower."

Based on the HF2620 tractor, the Mean Mower was stripped and re-built by Honda's British Touring Car experts at Team Dynamics. As a result, it's an oddity worthy of the Stig.

Notable highlights include a spaceframe chassis, a bespoke suspension and a fiberglass mowing deck. There's also two electric motors that spin 3mm thick steel blades at 4000 rpm.

Power is provided by a 1000cc Honda VTR Firestorm motorbike engine that produces 109 bhp (81 kW) and 71 lb-ft (96 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed paddle-shift transmission which, theoretically, enables the mower to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds and hit a top speed of roughly 130 mph (209 km/h).

According to TopGear Magazine's Piers Ward, "Having driven it, I've never been so terrified. It accelerates like a rocket and, like any mower, there aren't any seatbelts."

Source: Honda & TopGear Magazine

Edited July 18, 2013 by Magnum

WCW · July 19, 2013

removed

Edited July 19, 2013 by WCW

iRage · July 19, 2013

The new Honda FIT (FIT3)....for sale in September 2013

The article which the pics were taken from only talks about body styling differences...Honda's Japanese site only talks about JDM Sport Hybrid intelligent dual-clutch drive (iDCD ?) which is supposed to achieve 36.4 km/L with a 1500cc engine variant and a JDM all wheel drive system

Edited July 19, 2013 by iRage

Magnum · July 19, 2013

On 7/19/2013 at 12:31 PM, iRage said:
The new Honda FIT (FIT3)....for sale in September 2013

The article which the pics were taken from only talks about body styling differences...Honda's Japanese site only talks about JDM Sport Hybrid intelligent dual-clutch drive (iDCD ?) which is supposed to achieve 36.4 km/L with a 1500cc engine variant and a JDM all wheel drive system

This is the best part

iRage · July 24, 2013

Toyota released images of the Harrier "prototype" today. It is based on the new RAV4 platform and is a JDM only model, with drastic exterior changes to set it apart from the new RAV4. So far it is supposed to come with a 2.4ltr or a 3.5ltr V6 and Hybrid form (sorry I can't figure out if both of them come with a Hybrid).It is supposed to go on sale in Winter of 2013...

Still no news about the new RAV4 for the JDM market which seems to be further re-enforcing the" hear-say" that the RAV4 badge is going to be retired from the JDM market. Which would be an "interesting" change as the RAV4 has always been more or less an entry level cross-over/SUV and the Harrier marketed as a more upmarket vehicle (but then again the last few years there seems to be more Vanguards and Harriers around than RAV4s in my neighborhood so who knows what people are going for...then again the RAV4 competition seems to have gotten more upscale-ish as well especially the CR-V which has been so for quite sometime).

Edited July 24, 2013 by iRage