New Daihatsu Move on its way

Daihatsu is going to present the new Move soon, but unfortunately is going to be sold in Japan only. 

[Source: 頑張れ！三菱自動車 応援ブログと株日記]

LFAs spotted at Fuji Speedway

Two shiny LFAs were spotted at FSW by 7tune. What exactly was going on is a mystery and the only thing said by Toyota was... that it's a "test". The cars did occasional flying laps and for sure Toyota's engineers are fine tuning the car before the production starts in December. There are also rumours that a number of different grades will be available.

Anyway, no matter what exactly Toyota was testing, both cars look amazing...

Nissan's "New Mobility" concept for the future

Nissan presented today the "New Mobility" concept, a two-seater 100% electric vehicle. Tiny cars will become essential in the future since cities are getting more crowded.

A wicked Skyline HR31 from Australia!!!

I am not really into tuning - you know... "the fast and the furious" type of guy - but as I was passing by a kiosk, I saw the  latest issue of Banzai magazine with a really nice 240Z on the front cover. Anyway, I bought it and the article I liked the most was about a Nissan Skyline R31 (HR31 to be precise) from Australia.

The Skyline R31 generation is among my favourites and this particular car used to be a GTS-X. Now, after Nick Green took great care of it, it is powered by a tuned RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC 24V R6 turbo engine from Skyline GT-R R32 and produces... 528 bhp! Great work mate!!!

Subaru to launch Trezia in Japan

Subaru is about to launch the Trezia, a compact MPV, in Japan which will compete with Toyota's new Ractis (Verso-S in Europe).

I think there are a lot to expect from Subaru during the next couple of years, such as a better Impreza and the FT-86 (earlier post)...

First drive of Ken Okuyama's K.O 7!

You may be aware of Ken Okuyama, a Japanese designer worked as Pininfarina's design director responsible for the Ferrari Enzo, Maserati Quattroporte, and Maserati Birdcage concept, but it is likely that you have not heard of the K.O 7.

The K.O 7 is basically a roadster designed by Ken Okuyama himself, inspired by TAG Heuer watches, and it uses a Lotus Elise R platform and a Toyota engine. The 2ZZ-GE engine used has a 2.0L capacity and produces 210 hp, enabling the K.O7 to reach 60 mph in 5 seconds. The main materials used for the exterior are polished aluminium and carbon fibre. According to Okuyama, "we might be using a Lotus monocoque chassis, but we have pretty much redesigned the whole car". 

So, Motor Trend got the chance to interview Ken Okuyama and took also a K.O 7 out for a spin! The article doesn't say much, except from the fact that "the roadster turns in superbly with perfectly weighted steering, while the larger 17-inch Dunlop rubber delivers loads of grip under acceleration".

For the future, a Cosworth engine is planned and even a Honda S2000 powertrain may be used. Also, a coupe version, the K.O 8 (see photos below) will be built. As for the price, it costs around 20,000,000 ¥.

According to the article, Ken Okuyama is working also on a secret motorcycle project.

GT-R spotted... I just love it!

OK, it's not the first time I see a GT-R on the streets and I have been even overtaken by one, but every time I see one, I just admire it. I want one truly, madly, deeply...

Anyway, as I was going out yesterday night, I saw one parked and I immediately pulled over and took those shots. Just a standard GT-R, but that will do for me... Sorry for the bad photos, they were again taken with my mobile phone.

Next-gen Honda Accord/Inspire to get PHV version

According to Honda's president, Takanobu Ito, a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) system for medium sized vehicles has been developed and it will be sold in the States in 2012.

The next-gen Accord (Inspire in Japan) will be the first model to get a PHV version, which will use the engine in order to power the batteries. The system will be similar to the one of the Toyota Prius PHV and GM's Volt. It is likely that a 1.5L petrol engine will be used.

The next-gen Accord will also be available with a number of petrol engines (e.g. 2.4L R4 and 3.5L V6) and a "normal" hybrid version will also be introduced.