New Lexus LS arrives in 2017

The all-new Lexus LS should be introduced in May 2017 and it is going to use the new FR platform that the new LC 500 has first adopted. Based on that, it is expected that the new LS will be wider than the current model. Changes are also coming in terms of the powertrain, as Lexus is downsizing from the current 5.0-liter V8 engine with hybrid drive to a 3.5-liter V6 one, again with hybrid drive. The gasoline only LS is also likely to come with a smaller engine, but it is not certain yet, based on the info leaked.

An F Sport version will also become available and this time, Lexus is planning to use a turbocharged V8 engine in order to compete with Mercedes’ S63 AMG. During the second half of the model life, a new powertrain will be added. Scheduled to be released in 2020, a hydrogen fuel cell version will hit the markets, but the biggest surprise will be the introduction of the LS 250t. Power will come from a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rumors suggest that Lexus is going to use cameras instead of door mirrors, as they are now legal in Japan (since June 17). The LF-FC concept showcased this technology and Lexus will definitely try to introduce it with the new LS.

Specifications:
■ Expected announcement date: May 2017
■ Total length x total width x height: 5,100 x 1,915 x 1,470 (mm)
■ Engine: 3.5L V6 + hybrid drive

Source: Mag-X via Car Sensor

All-new Toyota 86 coming in 2020

The  recent facelift is going to keep the current 86 for four more years on the market, until August 2020 when the next-gen 86 will be introduced. The new model is going to be slightly shorter than the current model, measuring 4,195 x 1,775 x 1,290 mm, while power will come again from a natural aspired boxer engine. The engine will have a displacement of 2.4-liters and according to Mag-X, the power output will be increased by 31 ps (238 ps), while the torque will go up by 4.4 kgm (26 kgm).

Source: Mag-X

Lexus LC-F is on the works with 600 ps!!!

Best Car magazine has published today an image of how the new Lexus LC-F will look like, along with the information that it will be powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, capable of producing 600 ps! I shall get a copy of this issue soon, so more info coming :-)

Toyota Land Cruiser J70 2014 brochure!

The production of the Toyota Land Cruiser J70 stopped back in 2004, but in 2014, Toyota decided to put it into production for just one year! That was for celebrating the 30th anniversary of the model and I have to admit that it was very nice move from Toyota!!!

I wish I could get on of those, but since it was not possible, at least I was lucky enough to get hold of one of the brochures...!

You can see the complete brochure after the jump (click on 続きを読む »)!

New Toyota Century to be introduced in 2017

A new Toyota Century (トヨタ・センチュリー) is under development and it should be introduced in Japan next year. Improvements will be made to the 5.0-liter V8 engine (2UR-FSE) and an electric motor will be added. The engine is expected to deliver 394 ps, while the electric motor should deliver 224 ps. Of course, the powertrain will be coupled to a 4WD system.

The exterior design will be very close to the FS prototype that was presented back in 2012, a modern evolution of the existing design. The Toyota Century is handmade by skilled craftsmen and it is produced mainly for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota's flagship car within Japan. Production of the Century began in 1967 and the model received only minor changes until a redesign in 1997. So, you can easily understand that its design “represents” Japan.

In contrast to other luxurious cars, the Century has not been positioned and marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Marketing literature states roughly that, "the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit."

Source: 新型車情報2016

Lexus UX SUV coming in 2019

Mag-X magazine has published information about the new CT-based SUV, which will be badged as Lexus UX, coming in January 2019. The new UX (internal code 100B) will be based on the next-gen CT model. The UX dimensions are likely to be 4400 × 1800 × 1560 mm and it will compete with Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1. 

The article mentions the UX 200 name, suggesting the use of 2.0-liter engine, but a UX 250 and UX 250h are also going to be available. The hybrid version though may use a smaller engine such a s a 2.0-liter one.

Source: くるまン

Toyota Soarer 2.0 (GZ10) Red scale model

Yet another beautiful model arrived today straight from Japan! This is a Toyota Soarer 2.0 (GZ10) Red model in 1/43 scale by ignition model (IG0366)! The specific model has lowered suspension, 14" wheels, front lip spoiler, dual muffler and BOX TSX-10 rear speaker!

As background info, The Toyota Soarer (トヨタ・ソアラ) was a luxury GT coupé sold by Toyota in Japan from 1981 to 2005. The third generation (Z30 series 1991 - 2000) is more commonly known as Lexus SC 300/400, while the fourth generation (Z40 series) as Lexus SC 430.

Toyota Crown Athlete G TRD Sportivo scale model... in pink colour!!!

Now that's a truly special model! This is a Toyota Crown Athlete G TRD Sportivo model in pink colour, definitely one of the most impressive models in my collection (!!!) which now consists of more than 285 models :-)

Nissan Fairlady Z (Z32) / 300ZX scale model!

My first ignition model was a Nissan Skyline 2000 GTS-R R31, bought last year, and I was really amazed by the quality and finish of the actual model. Also, it was very difficult to find the R31 and back then, it was the only model missing from my Skyline collection.

A few days ago, I came across with this beautiful version of the Fairlady Z (Z32) by ignition model, and although I already did have the Z32 in my collection (earlier post), I couldn't resist...! I am very glad that I bought it as it is truly a fantastic model!!!

Subaru Legacy scale models!

Some very nice Subaru Legacy models, among other goodies, arrived today straight from Japan!!!

Subaru Legacy Outback

When it comes to cars, I have to admit that I am fed up with all the "premium" German models that promise to be near perfect, but fail in so many areas... I really miss my Honda Civic FD1!

The only car that really excites me is the new Lexus NX, but due to the lack of a diesel engine (the hybrid comes with a 2.5L engine which is not a good idea due to the taxes involved), I started looking for a all-wheel drive car with some off road capabilities. 

I checked out the new Nissan X-Trail and although it's a great value of money, it just doesn't work for me. It lacks any excitement and I decided that it is not my cup of tea. Then I started wondering which cars I used to like a lot as a kid. Well, it was the Mitsubishi Galant and Subaru Legacy. And then it came to me... Legacy + off road capabilities = Outback!!!

I visited my local Subaru dealer this week and it didn't take long to decide. If I could afford buying a new car, it would be the one!!! Nice presence, simple yet elegant design, good quality, good ergonomics and it does feel very robust. It's difficult to describe it, but it has been a long time since the last time I sat in a car and I had the feeling that this is a well made car!

I really respect Subaru for choosing their own path when it comes to engineering. That makes me wanting a Subaru even more, as I would definitely like to try the boxer diesel engine coupled to the Lineartronic gearbox :-)

Lexus LS L-Select program: Escape Journey

There many beautiful items produced in Japan that unfortunately are not available outside the country. The same implies for the L-Select customization program available for the Lexus LS.

As part of the L-Select program (more info), there are six ‘worlds’ from which to choose the look and feel of your interior. Those "worlds" are the Presidential Suite, Escape Journey, Japanese Modern (my personal favourite), Royal Therapy, Wild Beauty and Passionate Spirit. The most distinct ones are definately the Escape Journey and the Passionate Spirit and although they may seem as extreme at first glance, the craftmanship and colour combinations are simply amazing.

The Escape Journey (more info) in particular conjures the image of a Mediterranean style yacht. The Marine Blue (マリンブルー) leather on the dashboard is spread in such a way that reproduces the scene of a steering cruiser aiming at the horizon (Kajiwokiru 舵を切る)! The aluminium trim also conjures the image of how the water reflects light.

Source of photos: Luxury TV

Source of price list: kotakunのページ

Scoop: Lexus NX

The new Lexus NX will go head to head with BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. It is expected to revealed in autumn, during Tokyo Motor Show, and sales should start at some point in 2014 for an estimated price of 3,500,000 yen.

Power is expected to come from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, badged NX 200t, and a 2.5-liter engine coupled with Lexus' hybrid system, badged NX 300h.

New Honda NSX Concept GT Car Debut!

Scoop: New Honda Fit (Jazz)

Mag-X has released a rendering of the upcoming new Honda Fit (Jazz). Of course, a hybrid version will be available and according to the same source, it will achieve a fuel economy of 36.5 km/l.

Scoop: Updated Nissan GT-R & new Skyline

It is well known that Nissan is working on an updated GT-R, as the R36 is 4-5 years away, and Skyline successor. Best Car has came up with those two renderings showing how the new cars could look like when entering production. 

Mazda MX-5 successor rendering

This is the latest rendering of the MX-5 successor coming from Best Car and according to the article, power is going to come from an 1.4-liter petrol engine.