Toyota launches FJ Cruiser (FJクルーザー) in Japan

The Toyota FJ Cruiser, which is being sold in the US since 2006, has been introduced today in Japan, with sales starting on 04 December. The FJ Cruiser is a two-door 4WD off-road vehicle equipped with a V6 4.0 L engine. Prices start from 3,140,000 ¥ and of course, a lot of accessories will be available in order to enable buyers to customize their car to their liking. You can read Toyota's press release here.

Gran Turismo 5 North America launch trailer

5000 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs produced to date

Mitsubishi has already manufactured 5,000 i-MiEVs as of 23 November, which are produced at its Mizushima plant. Production for PSA (Peugeot & Citroen) is not included. The production of the small EV vehicle started in June 2009 and more than 3,000 vehicles have been sold in Japan. Euro-spec i-MiEV production started in October 2010 and is steadily proceeding with global rollout.

J's Racing S2000 photography

[Source: Face of Minds]

New Nissan Tiida to come with MR16DET engine

The fact that Nissan will fit the MR16DET engine in the new Nissan Tiida (aka Versa) is no surprise. The Juke also comes with this turbocharged DiG-T engine and so far, the critics about it are good. However, this scan, published by a Japanese magazine almost one month ago, shows a really beefed up Tiida, which is far from what we have seen so far (earlier post). 

It makes me wonder whether the Chinese version, called Sunny, will be different from what we will get. In the past, I read that Nissan plans to go head to head with the VW Golf and Ford Focus, but in order to do so, the new model has to be way better than the current model. So, judging from the photos of the upcoming Chinese Sunny, it's definitely not the car for this job... hm, maybe we will get something different...

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

New Suzuki Swift Sport launch postponed

The launch of the new Suzuki Swift Sport was intended for spring 2011, but according to a report from a Japanese magazine, it has now been postponed until next autumn. The reason behind this has to do with engine improvements, as Suzuki aims to achieve 30% improvement in the fuel consumption. The engine will also feature a stop/start system and a decision regarding gearboxes has been made yet (manual or CVT).

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

Amazing CarbonDry Protec wheels!!!

I am not really into after market bits and pieces, but those CarbonDry Protec wheels certainly caught my attention.

Those GT-R wheels were shipped to CarbonDry Japan (カーボンドライジャパン), which they were then refinished in carbon fiber (4 layers!!!) with the company's dry carbon Protec system. The result of course in not only aethetic, as it does improve the strength and it barely adds any weight.

The results below are from a strength test on a 80mm piece of aluminum that is 20mm thick.

	Force withstood	Strength increase
No coats	60 kg	0%
1 layer	86 kg	43%
2 layer	180 kg	300%
3 layer	296 kg	493%

I have to admit that it's an amazing job... just take a look at the details! You can also watch a video at this link.

Nissan sets up special Leaf support team in US

Introducing an EV vehicle to the market is not as simple as someone may thing, mainly due to consumer's anxiety. It's something totally new after all. Therefore, Nissan has decided to set up a dedicated support team of thirty technicians and ten engineers trained in the Leaf’s drivetrain. The team will be visiting customers who experience issues with the car.

A similar support system is being introduced in Japan. 

[Source: Automotive News]