New Suzuki MR Wagon officially launched

Suzuki has officially launched the new MR Wagon, targeting young buyers. The new model adopts a newly developed platform and a lot of work has been done in terms of packaging in order to offer a roomy interior. Power comes from the new R06A engine (earlier post), which is coupled to a CVT gearbox and 2WD models achieve a fuel efficiency of 25.5 km/L.

Three different trim levels are available (G, X and T) and all of them are available as either FF or 4WD. G and X models get a naturally aspired version of the new engine delivering 54 hp, while the T models get a turbocharged version with a power output of 64 hp. Monthly sales target is 3,000 vehicles and prices start from 1,131,900 ¥.

• G:1,131,900 ¥ (FF) /1,249,500 ¥ (4WD)
• X:1,215,900 ¥ (FF) /1,333,500 ¥ (4WD)
• T:1,393,350 ¥ (FF) /1,510,950 ¥ (4WD)

First three production LFAs arrived in US - Part 3 of 3

More photos after the jump!

First three production LFAs arrived in US - Part 2 of 3

More photos after the jump!

First three production LFAs arrived in US - Part 1 of 3

On January 18, the first three production LFAs arrived in the US! As you can imagine, transporting the cars from Japan must be done in a special way. Each car arrives in its own container, which after going through the customs, is then delivered to a special facility in order to be unboxed.

Of course, the preparation needs time since wood chocks have to removed, the pallet has then to be taken out with the use of a forklift, and there are also other measures keeping the LFA secure, such as wheel straps which of course need to be removed.

After the car is carefully checked, it is loaded to a transporter in order to be delivered to the dealer.

Below are some facts as published by Kaizen Factor:

• Each LFAs are tested and driven by a Motomatchi Quality Control Engineer to ensure the highest quality compliance. A certificate is placed in each car with the engineer’s signature.
• Each LFA ships in its own clean container with a pink painted metal pallet designed specifically to secure the car during transport.
• Each LFA pallet is sent back to Japan after use to transport the next shipment of cars. 5 can be stacked at one time.
• The LFA is not covered in exterior plastic during transport. This is to ensure proper paint curing from the time it leaves the Motomachi Plant to its final destination.
• It takes about 7-10 days (weather permitting) for an LFA to ship from the port in Japan to the Port of Long Beach.
• All US bound LFAs will only go through Toyota’s facilities at the Port of Long Beach for de-vanning of the shipping container.
• Each LFA will be delivered by a special Lexus transporter to the new owner’s preferred Lexus dealer.
• This is the only Lexus or Toyota product that is delivered in this manner.
• LFA10 is the chassis code for the Lexus LFA. LFA10L is the designation for left hand drive models.
• Mobil 1 5w50 is the official oil for the Lexus LFA.

I have came across with some amazing photos of the three LFAs (via Kaizen Factor), so stay tuned for more posts coming!

More photos after the jump!

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.