Next-gen Daihatsu Copen coming in 2014!

Following the scoop on the next-gen Copen (earlier post), now it's time for some more info. It was a long time since Daihatsu displayed the OCF-1 concept and the possibility of a Copen successor was under consideration, but it seems that Daihatsu decided that it will not stop it, as it is boosting its image in the small car segment. The new Copen will make its debut in March 2014, according to Mag-X, and it will use the same platform with the Move.

The new two-cylinder engine will feature direct injection, along with a turbocharger, and it is expected to produce 64 ps and 10.1 kgm of torque. Of course, the problem of vibration with two-cylinder engines is something that Daihatsu engineers are confident that can solve with modern material technology.

More photos of new Honda Fit Shuttle!

The upcoming wagon version of the Fit, called Fit Shuttle (フィット シャトル), is nothing new since a lot of leaked photos have been published. The new model is heading for a domestic launch in March, and in the latest Mag-x issue, there a lot of photos and detailed info (even the trim levels are listed)!

More photos after the jump!

How to buy a Japanese car!!!

INVADER L60... a mighty mean Lexus LX 570

INVADER L60 is a eeer… tuned Lexus LX 570 coming with a wide bodykit, a supercharger boosting power to 600 ps, a performance exhaust system, lowered suspension and a heavy-duty breaking system. The company responsible for this modification is Japanese and it is called INVADER (インベーダー). Of course, the interior is highly customized as well.

Although it's not my cup of tea, the L60 won't be a car that you will easily spot, since only 100 of them will be built, which will be primarily sold in the UAE.

More photos after the jump!

Nissan to sell Mazda 5 (プレマシー) variant in Japan

In many occasions, there are agreements between Japanese manufacturers for selling rebadged versions in Japan, but this time I think it's a bit bizarre. There was an announcement yesterday that Nissan will sell its own version of Mazda's 5 model (aka Premacy プレマシー). Although Nissan claims that its version will be clearly differentiated, I am really curious to see what will happen to the Nagare-inspired waves that stretch across Mazda's 5 side...

HKS GTR with 890ps at Fuji!

Rendering of Daihatsu e:S

This is Mag-X's impression of the upcoming Daihatsu e:S (earlier post). No surprises really since the actual production model is expected to look very close to the prototype.

[Source: Makoto Garage Illustration]

Lexus LFA with blue interior!

This photo is showing a different colour scheme, which I find very nice, and apparently there is no navi and  remote touch controller.

[Source: Lexus via The Lexus Enthusiast]