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...

Mazda RX-7 Type R Bathurst X (FD3S) scale model by Kyosho

The "Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) Type R Bathurst X 1995" scale model by Kyosho has been re-released, in white, and I will try to get it in order to complete my RX-7 collection (earlier post). My next order should arrive at the beginning of December.

Actually, Kyosho will re-release a number of models, including the following:

• Nissan Fairlady 300Z (Z32)1989 (White)
• Nissan Fairlady 300Z (Z32)1989 (Yellow)
• Nissan Silvia (S13) K'S (White)
• Toyota Soarer (Z30) 2.5GT Twin Turbo L (Pearl White)
• Toyota Soarer (Z30) 2.5GT Twin Turbo L (Dark Blue Mica) 

 

If you want to stay up to date with the future releases by Kyosho, then this is a blog in order to do so. Future releases of Ebbro scale models are announced on their website.

Mitsuoka redesignes flaghip model Galue

Mitsuoka has redesigned its flagship model, called Galue (ガリュー), and I have to admit that I like it. For sure, Mitsuoka's designs are not everyone's cup of tea... but they are definitely very special. Oh, and if the rear lights look familiar to you, that's because they come from Fiat's 500 model!

The basis is Nissan's Teana (日産ティアナ) model and the car comes with two petrol engines. A 2.5L R4 engine and a 3.5L V6 engine. Both engines come coupled to a CVT gearbox, although a six-speed manual gearbox is available with the 3.5L engine. A 4WD version is also available with the 2.5L engine.

Sales start on 12th November and prices start from 3,680,000 ¥.

Toyota going electric with RAV4 and compact EVs

Toyota will show the RAV4 EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show which will be "powered by Tesla". Toyota will pay Tesla around $60 million to develop the parts for the new RAV4 EV. Toyota owns a $50 million stake in Tesla with a goal of collaborating in batter-powered vehicle production. It's still unknown whether an EV version of Vanguard (ヴァンガード) will be offered in Japan.

However, this is just the beginning as Toyota will introduce a compact EV in Japan in 2012. This model will compete with Nissan's LEAF and Chevy's Volt.