Nissan introduces Leaf in Japan

Nissan announced today the launch of Leaf, which goes on sale December 20th in Japan. It will be followed by the United States, also in December, and in select European markets in early 2011. Release in other global markets is set for 2012.
 

The Leaf, on JC08 mode, achieves a driving range of 200 km. Prices start from 3,764,250 ¥, including the consumption tax. Since customers in Japan are eligible to receive up to 780,000 ¥ through government EV incentives for fiscal year 2010, the consumer's net price starts from 2,984,250 ¥. 

To help ensure comfortable, convenient and safe use of the new EV, Nissan offers a "Nissan zero-emission Support Program" for individual customers. The program which includes EV-IT communication charge, maintenance support such as regular inspections and the first car safety inspection, charging at Nissan dealers, discount service for Nissan Rentacar and emergency support in case of trouble - at the monthly rate of 1,500 ¥. For corporate customers, Nissan provides "Nissan EV Fleet Maintenance Service."

Nissan dealers nationwide also provide "one-stop service" - from vehicle purchase to arranging for the preparation of a charging environment for detached houses. In addition, 200-volt normal charging is available at about 2,200 Nissan dealers nationwide. About 200 of these dealers are equipped with quick chargers that can charge the battery up to 80% of its full capacity in about 30 minutes. At least one quick-charge unit is available within a 40-kilometer radius throughout the country for the convenience of Leaf drivers.

Be aware Germans, mighty Lexus GS-F on its way!

An "F" version of Lexus' GS model is on the works and according to R&T, the GS-F will come with a 5.0L V8 engine (a V10 engine has been speculated in the past) producing 465 hp! It is estimated that it will hit 100 km/h in less than 4.5 sec. The mighty Lexus should therefore be able to challenge the Germans, BMW's M5 and MB E63 AMG.

But performance doesn't come only from a powerful engine, low weight is also crucial. Thus, Lexus aims to achieve a weight of around 1700 kg by incorporating aluminium and carbon fibre parts. The GS-F won't hit the markets any time soon, but it could make its appearance as early as 2012.

[Source: Road&Track]

New 2011 Toyota Vitz / Yaris to get Japan's best fuel efficiency

Toyota announced today that the JDM version of the redesigned Vitz (aka Yaris), which will be equipped with a 1.3L petrol engine and a Stop & Start system, will achieve Japan's best fuel efficiency.

The new Vitz, scheduled for launch in Japan at the end of this year, will have a fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/L under the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), thus exceeding by more than 25% the mandatory level required under the 2010 national standards.  Also, under MLIT's newer JC08 test cycle, the vehicle will have a fuel efficiency of 21.8 km/L.

Aston Martin One-77 unveiled in Japan!!!

One car that I really admire is the One-77 and it has landed in Japan!!! You can check out the posts by Atlantic Cars Limited below.

• アトランティックカーズのアストンマーティンブログ: Aston Martin One-77

• アトランティックカーズのアストンマーティンブログ: お披露目 

Some info on Aston's One-77 can be found also by clicking on this link

Lexus LFA Challenge video!!!

Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 diecast model arrived

My Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 model (earlier post) just arrived today! It should look nice next to the FT-86 G Sports Concept model... when that arrives.

Takayanagi Miluira: An electric Morgan made in Japan...

Today, Takayanagi revealed a micro EV (I have no idea how to describe it really) called Miluira (ミルイラ). The car has been developed in Hamamatsu and it could be used for renting it to tourists. In rural areas, where many petrol stations have closed and the bus service cost is high, a micro EV could be a good alternative.

The frame is made out of aluminium tubes and uses double-wishbone suspension. It is hand made of course, and the estimated sales price is 6,300,000 ¥. It's definitely one the weirdest "cars" I have ever seen...

[Source: Response]

Lexus LFA using JSR adhesive for CFRP

Lexus LFA's chassis and bodywork are constructed using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), supplied by Toho Tenax, and bonding is achieved by using JSR's polyurethane adhesive. Despite the high cost, CFRP not only enables the car to have a much lower weight, but also provides high strength and rigidity. As a result, there is a very positive impact on the car's crash safety performance.

JSR's polyurethane adhesive has been selected for bonding due to its fatigue and impact resistance characteristics, as well as its peeling off adhesive power. Since the material can be selected to suit the application, ranging from soft to very hard, it contributes to design flexibility. This bonding method allows stress distribution and therefore, it provides high structural strength and improved durability.

[Source: Response]