Honda about to end Civic (FD) production in Japan

Honda will end the production of the Civic Hybrid in Japan, as sales have dropped and a hybrid version of Fit (Jazz) has also been launched. Production will end in December.

Production of the JDM Honda Civic Type R (FD2) was ceased at the end of August (earlier post) and also, the "normal" Civic equipped with the R18A1 engine is no longer available either. However, production in overseas markets (e.g. US) will continue.

I really do like the JDM Civic, but the current model has reached the end of its life cycle and a successor is underway (earlier post)... sadly!

Nissan Leaf wins 2010 Good Design Gold award

Nissan Leaf (earlier post) has won the "Good Design Gold Award 2010" hosted by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization. This award was not given only based on the actual design of the car, which employs a design concept called "Smart Fluidity", but also for Nissan's overall holistic approach to design "Life with EV".

Minor updates for Nissan Skyline Coupe and Crossover

Nissan has updated in Japan the Skyline Coupe (aka Infiniti G Coupe) and the Skyline Crossover (aka Infiniti EX). The changes are minor and for the Skyline Coupe (earlier post) include a different front bumper, with a sportier design, and a new alloy wheel design. Also, two new colours have been added, a shining blue (シャイニングブルー) and a dark metal grey (ダークメタルグレー), with the total number of available exterior colours now being seven.

In terms of the updates for the Skyline Crossover, those are limited only to the exterior colour selection, where the dark metal grey has been added and also, a ceramic blue (セラミックブルー) and a framboise red (フランボワーズレッド) are also available. The total number of exterior colours has now gone up to six.

Sony NEX-3... Santa, can you hear me?

So, yesterday I decided to go to a shopping mall in order to have dinner at Wagamama. On my way out, as I was passing by a Sony Center, I saw a really cool camera in red... the NEX-3!!! After taking a look at the specs, I have to admit that it's a very impressive piece of kit and you can read a review by dpreview.com here.

The NEX-3 is basically the same as the NEX-5, but without the smaller magnesium alloy body, the infrared remote receiver and the 1080i AVCHD movie recording capability.

To be honest, I was a big Sony fan (having owned various Sony products such as a Vaio Pocket etc.), but my last Sony camera, a Cyber-shot DSC-P10, died one day in Munich as the screen where the images are usually viewed went white. When I asked what was wrong and how much a repair would cost... I got the answer that it's better to buy a new one.

At the moment I have a Canon PowerShot A640 camera and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it, but I really do want now this NEX... Santa Clause, can you hear me...?

First official shot of Nissan's Murano CrossCabriolet

I really like the Nissan Murano, which is part of Nissan's Premium Factory range in Japan, but I never believed that a cabriolet version would go into production. It seemed so strange to me. Anyway, the new Murano CrossCabriolet is real and it will be presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show with sales starting in the US at the beginning of 2011. No plans for Europe yet and nothing has been said for Japan either.

According to Nissan, "The world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways. With room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a premium level interior, the Murano CrossCabriolet represents a breakthrough in concept and design. Set to go on sale in early 2011."

MY11 NISSAN GT-R 0-100 km/h time is... unbelievable! (Part 2)

MY11 NISSAN GT-R 0-100 km/h time is... (Part 1)

Gran Turismo 5 confirmed for Wednesday 24th November

‘Chotto Matte’ is a Japanese expression for ‘wait a little’ and it’s a phrase that has been expressed a few times in relation to Gran Turismo over the last few weeks. Finally, today has been officially confirmed that Gran Turismo 5 will be released in the PAL markets on Wednesday 24th November. Please, don't change it again...