Lexus LFA's carbon fibre weave method

A rather unsual paint job by ARTIS (アルティス)!!!

Now, that's an unusual paint job! This 3D hologram of eeer... scratches really looks cool and it was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The company responsible for this paint job is called ARTIS.

New 2011 EUDM Honda Civic - launch of every Civic variety within weeks of each other!

So far, we have seen spy shots of both JDM and EUDM Civics, and Honda has even presented two concepts of the USDM 9th-gen Civic at Detroit. The USDM versions will go on sale in April, and apparently, every Civic variety will be launched within weeks  of each other, according to John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda!!!

Quattroruote magazine has came up with this 'photoshoped' image, giving an impression of how the EUDM model (earlier post) could look like. Well, judging by the spy shots, the overall shape won't change much and it makes sense, since after the "revolutionary" design of the current-gen model, Honda has decided to play it safe.

According to the article, the engines are expected to be the same, meaning that the 2.2 L diesel engine will be on offer, along with the 1.8 L petrol (R18A1) one. I suspect that once again, the hybrid version will be made in Japan and thus Europe will get the JDM Civic Hybrid.

I would like to thank my dear friend, Dimitris, for providing me with this magazine scan!

Mazda to unveil Minagi concept at Geneva previewing CX-5

A couple of Mazda sketches have leaked prior the intended release date, January 19, showing an SUV concept due to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The concept is called Minagi and it previews the upcoming CX-5 (earlier post). Although we don't know when it goes on sale, expect the production version to be shown at the IAA in September.

Behind the scenes of the 2011 Lexus "The Hard Way" - Chain commercial

2011 Lexus "The Hard Way" - Chain commercial

Subaru considering production of Trezia STi concept

Subaru is considering the possibility of producing the Trezia STi concept, fitted with a number of STi parts (aero kit, STi tuned suspension and light weight wheels), which was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. 

Apparently, visitors' reaction was very positive and Subaru has hired also an external company in order to conduct a research and then decide whether to make it available in the domestic market.

Mitsubishi to reveal Global Small Concept at Geneva

Following the official sketches of the upcoming global small car (earlier post), published by Mitsubishi, it has now been confirmed that the actual concept will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show. The production version is expected to be launched in March 2012, when the new plant in Thailand will start operating.

The engine is expected to have a displacement between 1.0 and 1.2 L, coupled to a CVT gearbox, and in combination with an energy recovery system and a stop/start system, it will be able to achieve an emission level of around 90 g/km.

It's still unknown whether the new small car will replace the Colt in Europe or not.

New Skyline Coupe / Infiniti G Coupe coming in 2012

A while back, Autocar reported that the new Nissan Skyline (earlier post), aka Infiniti G, has already been shown to the management. Now, a Japanse magazine has published the rendering shown, claiming that a hybrid version will be available, along with diesel engines supplied by Mercedes-Benz.

The new model is expected to launched either at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, or at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show.

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

New Fairlady Z Z35 (390Z) coming in 2013!

In the "A glimpse of upcoming Prius V, Fit Wagon & facelifted Fairlady Z (370Z)" post, I mistakably wrote that on the cover of the latest BC issue, the facelifted Fairlady Z (Z34) was shown.

Well, the particular rendering is BC's impression of the all-new Fairlady Z (Z35), which will go into production in 2013.

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

Toyota FT-86 in GT5!

Now those are some wicked shots!!!!! Absolutely amazing!

[Source: Facebook (FT-86 concept)]

GRMN iQ Racing Concept in action!!!

Detailed info about Ariel Atom Mugen

The Ariel Atom Mugen (earlier post) was unveiled at the 2011 British Autosport Show and it's a special edition for the celebration of Ariel's 10th anniversary. Ariel, that has built 1,000 Atoms, will build just 10 of those special ones powered by the Honda K20Z Type R engine.

According to the press release, each Atom Mugen engine is stripped, measured and fully blueprinted at Mugen Europe’s Northampton headquarters. The engines are reassembled with high performance, higher compression pistons, high lift camshafts and new valve springs. A longer freeflow inlet manifold is fitted with a bigger diameter throttle body together with race grade spark plugs.  The engine also features a full baffled sump and is finished with a carbon fibre Mugen cover. 

After assembly, each engine is tested on the Mugen dynamometer and carefully run in prior to full power test. After 7 days of work on every engine they are bore scoped and inspected prior to sign off. A lightened balanced flywheel is fitted together with a limited slip differential to the close ratio Honda 6 speed gearbox prior to installation in the Atom.

More info and photos after the jump!

Nissan Elgrand Rider Premium Concept

One JDM model that I really like is Nissan's Elgrand (エルグランド) and those are some photos of the Elgrand Rider Premium Concept presented at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon.

More photos after the jump!

First production Lexus LFA

On December 15, 2010, production of Lexus LFA began at the Motomachi factory (earlier post). The LFA is produced by a total of 170 people, including the CFRP (earlier post) manufacturing staff. According to the press release, the CFRP technology, which was developed in-house, will be used in future Toyota and Lexus models!

The LFA is assembled by hand and consists of around 15,000 parts (a "normal" Lexus model consists of around 12,000 parts). Each LFA built will have over a 3,500-page work journal. This will be kept at Lexus and will be utilised for future reference in the case there will be an inquiry after the delivery of the vehicle.