マイブログ リスト

2016年8月21日

Ken Okuyama Cars presents kode57












Ken Okuyama Cars, the only carrozzeria in Japan, has unveiled the "kode57" at the Quail. All "kode" models (kode7, kode8, kode9) that have been revealed in the past were beautiful, unique and an expression of Ken Okuyama's superb design skills, but his latest creation is perhaps the finest example out of all. Below you can read more details from the official press release.

"Sitting on a highly rigid aluminum chassis, the kode57 is propelled by one of the world’s most powerful V12 engines mounted directly behind the front axle in a front mid-ship configuration. It is a limited edition car whose body has been meticulously styled to deliver a breath-taking visual experience and supercar driving pleasure. 

Ken Okuyama Cars guarantees you will be able to appreciate the high level of passion and commitment in all facets of this one-off model, built in a Japanese state-of-the-art facility focusing on specialist handmade techniques. 

The name kode57 pays homage to the year 1957, an iconic year in which many legendary cars were born and motor racing gained a strong worldwide following. 

As part of its exhaustive weight-saving efforts, the kode57 incorporates an aluminum space frame and carbon fiber body panels. With its low-cut windscreen and long side proportions, the roofless coupe achieves an open-air feeling not seen in today’s high performance supercars. 

kode57 features a driver-oriented cockpit with bespoke individual color themes defining each seat. Its handmade leather and ultra-suede (Toray) interior combination exudes an air of elegance and style while the rear-hinged scissor-type doors give the car a super sporty look. Electrically-adjustable seats, air-conditioning and an adjustable steering wheel add comfort and enable the pilot to find their ideal driving position. 

The V12 engine and suspension settings can be tuned to suit the owner’s tastes thanks to a collaboration with German specialist Novitec Rosso. This partnership allows the front ride height to be adjusted by up to 45mm using a dedicated switch to assist during parking and other driving situations. Specially selecting the tires to deliver both performance and comfort, Pirelli P-Zero 295/25ZR21) were fitted to the front while P-Zero 335/25ZR22 were shod at the rear."

2016年8月19日

Toyota Soarer 3.0 GT Limited (E-MZ20) model





Last month, Mark released the Toyota Soarer 3.0 GT Limited (E-MZ20) 1987 model in two versions (Super White Ⅱ & Crystal White Toning). I chose the first version and it just arrived from Japan! It will really look nice next to the Soarer 2.0 (GZ10) model by ignition model (会社概要) I already got (earlier post)!!!

2016年8月11日

Lexus LFA model by Mark




I already have three LFA models, made by Ebbro and Kyosho, as part of my collection, but I was really tempted in buying another one when I saw this version by Mark (Mark43). This is an LFA (RHD) in Pearl Grey colour made out of resin. A very beautiful model indeed!

Tomica Toyota Century model




One of the latest additions to my collection is this little model, a Toyota Century in 1/64 scale (LV-N105d), part of the Limited Vintage Neo series by Tomica. The model came in a different box, than the rest of the Tomica models I already got, making it more special. 

Tomica Toyota Crown Deluxe model


Another Tomica Toyota Crown model arrived (earlier post), this time a Crown Deluxe - gen. 1 (LV-148b)!

2016年8月10日

More Lexus UX renderings


Following the info Mag-X already published last month (earlier post) about the new baby Lexus  SUV, this time it's Best Car magazine that came up with new renderings. Those renderings are very different and I have to admit that I like this version better. The Lexus UX is expected to be launched in 2019.

2016年8月7日

Tomica Toyota Crown models







Those are my first ever Tomica models, part of the Limited Vintage series, in 1/64 scale. They are very nicely made and I am very pleased with the level of detail for such small model cars! The models you see are:
  • Crown Owner Deluxe - gen. 3 (LV-118b)
  • Crown 2600 Royal Saloon - gen. 5 (LV-N83)
  • Crown 2000 Eclair - gen. 6 (LV-N74b)

2016年8月2日

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