More photos of new Honda Fit Shuttle!

The upcoming wagon version of the Fit, called Fit Shuttle (フィット シャトル), is nothing new since a lot of leaked photos have been published. The new model is heading for a domestic launch in March, and in the latest Mag-x issue, there a lot of photos and detailed info (even the trim levels are listed)!

More photos after the jump!

How to buy a Japanese car!!!

INVADER L60... a mighty mean Lexus LX 570

INVADER L60 is a eeer… tuned Lexus LX 570 coming with a wide bodykit, a supercharger boosting power to 600 ps, a performance exhaust system, lowered suspension and a heavy-duty breaking system. The company responsible for this modification is Japanese and it is called INVADER (インベーダー). Of course, the interior is highly customized as well.

Although it's not my cup of tea, the L60 won't be a car that you will easily spot, since only 100 of them will be built, which will be primarily sold in the UAE.

More photos after the jump!

Nissan to sell Mazda 5 (プレマシー) variant in Japan

In many occasions, there are agreements between Japanese manufacturers for selling rebadged versions in Japan, but this time I think it's a bit bizarre. There was an announcement yesterday that Nissan will sell its own version of Mazda's 5 model (aka Premacy プレマシー). Although Nissan claims that its version will be clearly differentiated, I am really curious to see what will happen to the Nagare-inspired waves that stretch across Mazda's 5 side...

HKS GTR with 890ps at Fuji!

Rendering of Daihatsu e:S

This is Mag-X's impression of the upcoming Daihatsu e:S (earlier post). No surprises really since the actual production model is expected to look very close to the prototype.

[Source: Makoto Garage Illustration]

Lexus LFA with blue interior!

This photo is showing a different colour scheme, which I find very nice, and apparently there is no navi and  remote touch controller.

[Source: Lexus via The Lexus Enthusiast]

Honda readies 2.0L NA CR-Z and Beat successor!

The latest issue of BC has some interesting news regarding the upcoming Honda models, and it seems that a 2.0L NA CR-Z is coming soon, as well as a Beat successor!!!

Soon I will be able to provide you with more info... so stay tuned!

All-new Honda Insight coming in 2013

As you will have already figured out, one of the most disappointing cars, in my opinion, is the Honda Insight. I was really excited when it was under development and I was convinced that it would be my next car. Unfortunately, the final result was rather bad and far away from what Honda was promising back then.

In any case, the current model will get a nip/tuck this year (earlier post), in July, and a full model change is due in February 2013. The new model will come with a bigger petrol engine, having a displacement of 1.5L, featuring Honda's variable valve timing system, VTEC, plus VTC. The new engine will be called 1.5L e-VTEC. The new Insight will be the first Honda model to use the new Fit platform (earlier post) and the main aerodynamic characteristics of the current model will remain.

In terms of overall dimensions, the new model will be slightly longer (4425 instead of 4400 mm) and taller (1435 instead of 1430 mm).

[Source: Mag-X via CarSensor]

Revised Honda Accord to debut at Geneva

• Revised exterior styling
• Detail changes to interior finishes (new seat materials and door linings)
• Improvements to emissions and economy on all engines
• 138 g/km 2.2 i-DTEC introduced
• Ride and handling improvements for all model
• Auto High-Beam Support System and Active Cornering Lights debut on Accord *
• 180 PS Type S model now available across Europe with bespoke interior and exterior  styling
• On sale across Europe from April this year.

* High Beam Support system is fitted on vehicles with the bi-xenon headlights. This system is controlled by a CMOS camera fitted to the windscreen in the area of the driver rear view mirror. The camera detects oncoming headlights or the taillights of a vehicle in front and automatically dips the headlights onto their normal setting if they are on high-beam.

Avensis BTCC racer undergoes wind tunnel trials

Toyota's next-gen BTCC racer, based on the Avensis, is undergoing extensive wind tunnel testing at the UK’s leading aerodynamic analysis facility, MIRA.

Built by GPR Motorsport, the Avensis racer will make its competition bow in the opening rounds of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch on 3 April.

The NGTC Avensis was joined in the MIRA wind tunnel by a road-going model, on which TOCA technical staff had installed a rear wing to help establish a baseline for the car’s aerodynamics. “We needed to fix a position for the rear wing, based on the aerodynamics of the road car, which gave the levels of downforce we were looking for,” said the championship’s technical director, Peter Riches.

“I am pleased to say that this was quickly achieved, and it means that we now have a base line for all cars built to the NGTC regulations and have saved a lot of development time and potential expense for the teams.”

Toyota FT-86 II Concept to be unveiled at Geneva!!!

Subaru has already announced that it will show a concept of its FT-86 version at the Geneva Motor Show (earlier post), but apparently Toyota plans to do the same!!! Toyota Motor Europe has released a teaser photo showing the FT86 II Concept! As you can see, the new "concept" has larger headlamps and it looks a bit more aggressive IMO.

Scoop on new Daihatsu Copen!

The new issue of Mag-X magazine is coming out and this is a scoop on the new Daihatsu Copen! It is reported that a new 2-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection will be fitted. It's a shame that we will never have the change getting it in Europe...

Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A: G's / STi versions to get turbocharged engine

BC's article about the upcoming FT-86 doesn't reveal much new info, just that the top versions, badged as G's and STi, are very likely to be powered by a turbocharged engine. The naturally aspired FB20 engine, which will power the standard versions, will produce 180 ps and 20.5 kgm of torque. That's less than the expected 200 ps, but I guess as the launch date approaches, more accurate info will be revealed.

The low weight should enable the FT-86 to be among the "greenest" cars in its class (earlier post), and the estimated fuel efficiency is 17.5 km/L (10.15 mode). The overall dimensions of the FT-86 (L x W x H) are 4,160 x 1,760 x 1,260 (mm).

Lexus GS-F arriving earlier than expected - powered by V6 engine!

Back in December, it was reported that the mighty Lexus GS-F would arrive as early as 2012 (earlier post). Well, BC (which I consider it as very well informed source) claims that the GS-F will actually arrive in August 2011!

Other information revealed include that power will come from a 3.5 L V6 engine plus an electric motor, a combination which will result in a fuel efficiency of 13.0 km/L (10.15 mode). This "F" hybrid machine will be pricey though, with an estimated price tag of... ¥ 9,000,000!

Lexus CT to get the "F" treatment?!

The Lexus CT 200h was released this month in Japan, and already rumours have started suggesting that an "F" version is around the corner. Best Car magazine has published an interesting article, which mentions that the CT-F is one year away. Don't expect great thrills, it's not going to be like the IS-F. 

The plan is to fit the oily (2.4 L) and electrical bits of the HS 250h into the CT. This move will add 51 ps, which should be able to make it faster, taking into consideration that it's a small car. Hmm, it sounds like a... hybrid GT sort of thing.

Nissan Fairlady Z (Z34) scale model by HPI

This HPI scale model of the Nissan Fairlady Z Z34 (aka 370Z) arrived today, but unfortunately it is damaged as the steering column has been broken. Anyway, I just thought that it would be nice to post some photos of it before returning it back. The level of detail is really impressive!

More photos after the jump!

Toyota Celica (ST165 & ST185) scale models by HPI

Today, those two beautiful scale models arrived!!! Both are made by HPI and they are in 1/43 scale. The red model is a Celica GT-Four GR.A (ST165), while the second model is a Celica Turbo 4WD (ST185).

More photos after the jump!

LFA in action - V10 engine at work!!!

Next Mitsubishi Colt not coming in Europe!

The new Colt is expected to be launched in March 2012 and it going to be built in Thailand. Targeted fuel efficiency is 27.0 km/L. What is surprising though is the fact that the successor of the Colt will not be sold in Europe!

Mitsubishi to launch 8 new EVs and PHVs by 2015

Mitsubishi plans to launch 8 new EVs and Plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2015 (earlier post). This was revealed during the presentation of the mid-term business plan. Sales of a hybrid model will start in 2013.

Mitsubishi will stop making cars designed for specific regions including Europe and North America and concentrate management resources on world-strategy cars such as compact cars and SUVs, for which demand is expected to grow in emerging nations.

In terms of the global small car (earlier post), Mitsubishi forecasts that it will manage to increase sales in emerging markets by 280,000 units in 2013 (global sales target of 1.37 million units). According to a Japanese source, Mitsubishi has set a target, regarding the fuel efficiency of the new model, of 30.0 km/L. A concept previewing the new small car will revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: Tech-On!]

Honda Civic Type R: EK9 vs EP3 vs FD2 vs FN2

Below is a nice technical comparison between all the generations of the Honda Civic Type R!

 EK9 vs EP3

Release Year	1995/09	2000/09
Year end	2000/09	2005/09
Type the reference year	1999/12	2004/04
Type	GF-EK9	ABA-EP3
Car Name	Civic	Civic
Grade	Type R	Type R
Riding capacity	4	4
Price	¥ 219.8 万円	¥ 233.1 万円
Takeshi Tamotsu × width × height	4185 × 1695 × 1360mm	4135 × 1695 × 1430mm
Interior length × width × height	1695 × 1390 × 1115mm	1805 × 1455 × 1175mm
Front / rear	1480mm/1480mm	1470mm/1470mm
Wheelbase	2620mm	2570mm
Turning circle	5.4m	5.7m
Vehicle weight	1070kg	1190kg
Drive system	FF	FF
Transmission	5MT	6MT
Tire Size	F:195/55R15　R:195/55R15	F:205/45R17　R:205/45R17
Engine Type	B16B	K20A
Emissions and type	1595cc　直4　DOHC	1998cc　直4　DOHC
Diameter × stroke	81mm × 77.4mm	86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio	10.8	11.5
Intake System	NA	NA
Maximum power output	185ps (136kW) / 8200rpm	215ps (158kW) / 8000rpm
Maximum torque	16.3kg ・ m (159.7N ・ m) / 7500rpm	20.6kg ・ m (201.9N ・ m) / 7000rpm
The use of fuel	High-octane gasoline	High-octane gasoline
10.15 mileage	13.6km / L	12.4km / L

FD2 vs FN2

Release Year	2005/09	←
Year end	2010/08	Drive current (December 2010)
Type the reference year	2008/09	2010/10
Type	ABA-FD2	ABA-FN2
Car Name	Civic	Civic
Grade	Type R	Type R Euro
Riding capacity	5	4
Price	¥ 283.5 万円	¥ 300.0 万円
Takeshi Tamotsu × width × height	4540 × 1770 × 1430mm	4270 × 1785 × 1445mm
Interior length × width × height	1900 × 1470 × 1170mm	2230 × 1445 × 1195mm
Front / rear	1505mm/1515mm	1505mm/1530mm
Wheelbase	2700mm	2635mm
Turning circle	5.9m	5.6m
Vehicle weight	1270kg	1320kg
Drive system	FF	FF
Transmission	6MT	6MT
Tire Size	F:225/40R18　R:225/40R18	F:225/40R18　R:225/40R18
Engine Type	K20A	K20A
Emissions and type	1998cc　直4　DOHC	1998cc　直4　DOHC
Diameter × stroke	86mm x 86mm	86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio	11.7	11.0
Intake System	NA	NA
Maximum power output	225ps (165kW) / 8000rpm	201ps (148kW) / 7800rpm
Maximum torque	21.9kg ・ m (214.6N ・ m) / 6100rpm	19.7kg ・ m (193.1N ・ m) / 5600rpm
The use of fuel	High-octane gasoline	High-octane gasoline
10.15 mileage	11.0km / L	11.6km / L
JC08 fuel economy		10.8km / L

[Source: greeco car channel]

Mazda to lease new EV in spring 2012

Mazda announced today that it is independently developing an EV with plans to commence leasing in Japan in spring 2012. The new EV, based on its Demio subcompact, is expected to have a driving range of 200 kilometers and will be leased mainly to local government bodies and fleet customers.

All new Subaru Impreza coming at end of 2011

Similarly to what Mag-X claims (earlier post), BC has published an article stating that the new Subaru Impreza will be launched at the end of this year (most likely in December).

The new-gen boxer engines will be fitted, e.g. FB20, which will enable the new Impreza to achieve a much better fuel efficiency (11.5 km/L). In terms of dimensions, it will be bigger with the most noticeable difference being the width, which will increase to 1,820mm.

New Honda CR-V coming this autumn

The current-gen CR-V was introduced in 2007 and following a cycle of almost 4 years, the new model will be introduced in October this year. BC's article mentions that a 2.4L engine, delivering 170 PS, will be used for the JDM version, achieving a fuel efficiency of 12.0 km/L (10.15 mode).

In terms of styling, the specific rendering suggests that the new CR-V will have a coupe-like roofline, similar to the BMW X6. Now, this can't be good...

Lexus readies new IS - hybrid version to achieve 25.0 km/L!

The all new Lexus IS is coming in September, ready to compete with the new BMW 3 series. As you can easily guess, there is going to be a hybrid version as well, which will be fitted with the 2.5 L V6 engine, and it will achieve a fuel efficiency of 25.0 km/L under the 10.15 mode!

As with the current gen mode, a convertible version will be available but this time it will get also the "F" treatment!!! It will be a bit challenging in terms of naming though... IS C-F perhaps?!

New Toyota Corolla coming in June 2011

The current model is struggling and Toyota plans to bring out a much sharper Corolla, which of course will be better in terms of fuel efficiency. Again, as in the case of the new Auris, the use of a 1.5 L turbocharged petrol engine is very likely and also, a hybrid version will be added. The platform of the new Corolla will be used for the new compact SUV (earlier post).

BC claims that the new model will be revealed, in Japan, in June 2011 with the hybrid version coming a few months later. 

If the rendering is accurate, then I really look forward for the new Corolla. Otherwise, I won't be suprised since I have been used to the "Corolla = boring to death" practice.