マイブログ リスト

2016年7月22日

New Toyota Century to be introduced in 2017

A new Toyota Century (トヨタ・センチュリー) is under development and it should be introduced in Japan next year. Improvements will be made to the 5.0-liter V8 engine (2UR-FSE) and an electric motor will be added. The engine is expected to deliver 394 ps, while the electric motor should deliver 224 ps. Of course, the powertrain will be coupled to a 4WD system.

The exterior design will be very close to the FS prototype that was presented back in 2012, a modern evolution of the existing design. The Toyota Century is handmade by skilled craftsmen and it is produced mainly for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota's flagship car within Japan. Production of the Century began in 1967 and the model received only minor changes until a redesign in 1997. So, you can easily understand that its design “represents” Japan.

In contrast to other luxurious cars, the Century has not been positioned and marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Marketing literature states roughly that, "the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit."

2016年7月21日

Lexus UX SUV coming in 2019

Mag-X magazine has published information about the new CT-based SUV, which will be badged as Lexus UX, coming in January 2019. The new UX (internal code 100B) will be based on the next-gen CT model. The UX dimensions are likely to be 4400 × 1800 × 1560 mm and it will compete with Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1. 

The article mentions the UX 200 name, suggesting the use of 2.0-liter engine, but a UX 250 and UX 250h are also going to be available. The hybrid version though may use a smaller engine such a s a 2.0-liter one.

Source: くるまン

2016年7月19日

Toyota Soarer 2.0 (GZ10) Red scale model






Yet another beautiful model arrived today straight from Japan! This is a Toyota Soarer 2.0 (GZ10) Red model in 1/43 scale by ignition model (IG0366)! The specific model has lowered suspension, 14" wheels, front lip spoiler, dual muffler and BOX TSX-10 rear speaker!

As background info, The Toyota Soarer (トヨタ・ソアラ) was a luxury GT coupé sold by Toyota in Japan from 1981 to 2005. The third generation (Z30 series 1991 - 2000) is more commonly known as Lexus SC 300/400, while the fourth generation (Z40 series) as Lexus SC 430.

2016年7月12日

Toyota Crown Athlete G TRD Sportivo scale model... in pink colour!!!




Now that's a truly special model! This is a Toyota Crown Athlete G TRD Sportivo model in pink colour, definitely one of the most impressive models in my collection (!!!) which now consists of more than 285 models :-)

Nissan Fairlady Z (Z32) / 300ZX scale model!




My first ignition model was a Nissan Skyline 2000 GTS-R R31, bought last year, and I was really amazed by the quality and finish of the actual model. Also, it was very difficult to find the R31 and back then, it was the only model missing from my Skyline collection.

A few days ago, I came across with this beautiful version of the Fairlady Z (Z32) by ignition model, and although I already did have the Z32 in my collection (earlier post), I couldn't resist...! I am very glad that I bought it as it is truly a fantastic model!!!

2014年9月6日

Subaru Legacy Outback








When it comes to cars, I have to admit that I am fed up with all the "premium" German models that promise to be near perfect, but fail in so many areas... I really miss my Honda Civic FD1!

The only car that really excites me is the new Lexus NX, but due to the lack of a diesel engine (the hybrid comes with a 2.5L engine which is not a good idea due to the taxes involved), I started looking for a all-wheel drive car with some off road capabilities. 

I checked out the new Nissan X-Trail and although it's a great value of money, it just doesn't work for me. It lacks any excitement and I decided that it is not my cup of tea. Then I started wondering which cars I used to like a lot as a kid. Well, it was the Mitsubishi Galant and Subaru Legacy. And then it came to me... Legacy + off road capabilities = Outback!!!

I visited my local Subaru dealer this week and it didn't take long to decide. If I could afford buying a new car, it would be the one!!! Nice presence, simple yet elegant design, good quality, good ergonomics and it does feel very robust. It's difficult to describe it, but it has been a long time since the last time I sat in a car and I had the feeling that this is a well made car!

I really respect Subaru for choosing their own path when it comes to engineering. That makes me wanting a Subaru even more, as I would definitely like to try the boxer diesel engine coupled to the Lineartronic gearbox :-)

2014年4月27日

Lexus LS L-Select program: Escape Journey






There many beautiful items produced in Japan that unfortunately are not available outside the country. The same implies for the L-Select customization program available for the Lexus LS.

As part of the L-Select program (more info), there are six ‘worlds’ from which to choose the look and feel of your interior. Those "worlds" are the Presidential Suite, Escape Journey, Japanese Modern (my personal favourite), Royal Therapy, Wild Beauty and Passionate Spirit. The most distinct ones are definately the Escape Journey and the Passionate Spirit and although they may seem as extreme at first glance, the craftmanship and colour combinations are simply amazing.

The Escape Journey (more info) in particular conjures the image of a Mediterranean style yacht. The Marine Blue (マリンブルー) leather on the dashboard is spread in such a way that reproduces the scene of a steering cruiser aiming at the horizon (Kajiwokiru 舵を切る)! The aluminium trim also conjures the image of how the water reflects light.


Source of photos: Luxury TV

Source of price list: kotakunのページ