Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Japanese firms working to make carbon fiber mainstream]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/japanese-firms-working-to-make-carbon-fiber-mainstream/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/japanese-firms-working-to-make-carbon-fiber-mainstream/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/japanese-firms-working-to-make-carbon-fiber-mainstream/#commentsFiled under: , ,



On the surface, carbon fiber sounds like a wonder-product which can replace much of the heavy metal, especially steel, that makes up the vast majority of nearly every automobile's structure. Dig a bit deeper, however, and there are a few flies in CF's ointment that make it very difficult to use in vehicles: price, supply and the time it takes to mold a the weaved material. Japan's big three carbon fiber producers are tackling each of these issues in a number of ways. First, the price of CF is expected to become more competitive as both carbon cloth goes down and rolled sheet steel goes up. What's more, as additional CF producing plants come online in the coming years, both the price and availability should improve. Third, new molding processes are being developed which could reduce the time it takes to produce a CF part from hours to minutes.

Carbon fiber is expected to ease the transition to more fuel efficient vehicles as it weights a fifth of what steel does for a part of roughly the same strength. As Automotive News points out, the overall weight of any given vehicle could be halved by replacing major structural steel components with CF, so expect to see CF move down market from the exotics to more mainstream models in the next decade or so.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>carboncarbon fibercarbon fibrecarbon-fibercarbon-fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibrecf2008-05-12T18:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[Subaru Exiga heading to production, teaser leaks out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/subaru-exiga-heading-to-production-teaser-leaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Subaru Exiga.

We received word from a little birdie last week that Subaru was gearing up to release its brand-new Exiga into journalist's hands in Japan. Coincidentally (or not), a teaser shot of Subaru's new pseudo-CUV popped up on the NASIOC forum over the weekend and it's clear from the darkened profile that many of the elements from the show car have migrated over to the production model.

The Exiga, which appeared at last year's Tokyo Motor Show as a lightly veiled concept, will likely form the basis for the new Outback, slotting in between the Legacy and the Tribeca CUV. However, it's doubtful that when the Exiga (or Outback) makes the trek across the Pacific it will be sporting seven full seats. Its closest competitor here in the States is the forthcoming Toyota Venza, which aims to define a new segment between wagon and crossover, but in reality, both vehicles own their inspiration to the AMC Eagle, the original wagon on stilts.

Gallery: Subaru Exiga Concept


[Source: NASIOC via Straightline]

 

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]]>breakingcrossovercuvexigasubarusubaru exigaSubaruExigasuvtoyotatoyota venzaToyotaVenzavenza2008-05-12T13:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: Super GT Rd. 3 Results]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/spoiler-alert-super-gt-rd-3-results/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/spoiler-alert-super-gt-rd-3-results/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/spoiler-alert-super-gt-rd-3-results/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a huge, high-res gallery of Rd. 3 of the '08 SuperGT season.

After previous incarnations of the Nissan GT-R ran away with successive JGTC titles, Japan's GT Association decided to inflict "success ballast" on race winners in an attempt to level the playing field (i.e give Toyota and Honda a chance).

As the current GT-R race car is built to 2009 Super GT specifications, the GT-A handed it a weight penalty of 50kgs added right from the start of the season. After winning Round 1 in Suzuka car number 23 had to carry an additional 50kgs at Round 2 in Sugo, which it promptly won anyway. Then thanks to also setting numerous fastest laps and other speeding offenses it was deemed that Benoit Treluyer and Satoshi Motoyama's ride would have to port an massive 200ks (440lbs) of ballast at this weekend's race at Fuji Speedway.

That presents a couple of problems. Firstly, where the heck do you safely stow 200kgs of lead? And would the car meet GT-A regulations even if Nissan found a way to do it? The ruling body's compromise was to give the car a 115kg penalty and fit a stifling restrictor to the GT-R's air intake. That knocked 30kph off the GT-R's maximum velocity at the end of Fuji's 1.5km straight, and in the words of Benoit, "Gives us no chance at all."

Follow through the jump to find out if he was right, and to find out how Lightning McQueen faired in GT300 after qualifying on pole yesterday.

Gallery: 2008 Super GT - Round 3

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Super GT Rd. 3 Results

 

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]]>fjui speed wayFjuiSpeedWayfuji speed wayFujiSpeedWaygt-rlightning mcqueenLightningMcqueennsxsc-430super gtSuperGt2008-05-05T09:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the Otti and the Moco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-otti-and-the-moco/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-otti-and-the-moco/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-otti-and-the-moco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the Nissan Otti and Moco

Kei cars. To know them is to love them, or to tower over them in Gulliver-like wonder. Both the iridescent colored Moco and Otti feature the 0.66-liter engines common to the Kei class, meaning each also boasts 54 thundering mares beneath their ridiculously tiny hoods. Once up to speed, they run nicely, and they're pretty quiet. But these are not cars to take when you're late for anything.

They have lots of room inside and enough controls to operate them on public roads. They are both fine cars. The Otti adds to that with a chic little IP featuring good looking materials and colors, a power rear sliding door on the passenger side that you can open from the driver's seat, a seriously neat set of cupholders, and the world's smallest tailpipe.

Regarding the Moco, a rebadged Suzuki MR Wagon, Nissan says "the current generation model features a stylish exterior and interior." The Otti is Nissan's version of the Mitsubishi eK Wagon. It's described as a minicar "for daily living," and "has experienced extremely strong sales in the Japanese market." Yes. What they said.

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on all the vehicles in Nissan's lineup. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the Otti


Gallery: Nissan 360: the Moco


Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

 

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]]>keikei carsKeiCarsmoconissannissan 360nissan moconissan ottiNissan360NissanMocoNissanOttiotti2008-04-30T12:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the Cube]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-cube/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-cube/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-cube/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Cube.

Let's just get this out of the way right now: this blogger is going to buy one of these cars when they come to America. And I'm a die-hard 385-plus-horsepower sports car owner for years now. And I live in LA. But the Cube is just that great. So Nissan, don't pull a bait-and-switch, please...

The Cube is basic, and makes no attempt to dress it up. In fact, not only is the car not gussied up, but the entire interior of the car I drove was beige. And it was still hot. It's basic done completely right, with tons of cubbies and comfort in an enormous (relatively speaking) cabin and a unified design theme inside and outside that ties it all together.

The 1.5-liter, 107-HP engine has got the giddy-up-and-go, and the car is so much fun to drive that you'll cackle like an old hen every time you throw it around a corner. I admit I won't be buying one in sky blue, and it won't have the third row -- that row is more than a bit optimistic -- but I will have no problem showing everyone I know that "cool" is now spelled "cube."

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on all the vehicles in Nissan's lineup. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the Cube



Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

 

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]]>cubekei carKeiCarmicro carmicrocarnissannissan 360nissan cubeNissan360NissanCube2008-04-29T19:25:00+00:00<![CDATA[GT-R SUV that never was, nor will be]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-suv-never-was-nor-will-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-suv-never-was-nor-will-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-suv-never-was-nor-will-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Thankfully we can officially report that the humongously ugly rendering of a GT-R based SUV, which appeared in Best Car's early February edition, has no basis in reality. Reliable sources, both at Nissan's HQ in Tokyo and at the company's development center in Zama, who typically answer questions with non-committal "can neither confirm nor deny" statements, were adamant that no such project exists.

With the GT-R snatching the Porsche 911's crowns left, right and center, and the upcoming new hardcore Z rumoured to be a Cayman eater, Porsche can relax in the knowledge that the Cayenne, at least, is safe for now.

 

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]]>gt-rgt-r suvGt-rSuvnissansuv2008-04-28T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[GT-R Promotes Smart Driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-promotes-smart-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-promotes-smart-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-promotes-smart-driving/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If we were in charge of Tokyo's inner city expressway we probably wouldn't use the Shutoko racer's favorite weapon of choice to promote safe driving. Scratch that, we probably would, but we're amazed that the owners of the Wangan got themselves a new GT-R to publicize their current Tokyo Smart Driver Campaign.

If the fact that this R35 will spend its life pootling along the highway at 80km/h doesn't make you sick to the bottom of your stomach, the Tokyo Smart Driver website certainly will. Truly vomit worthy.

Thanks to PLR of Le Blog Auto for the tip!

 

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]]>bayside routeBaysideRouteGT-RShutokotokyotokyo smart driverTokyoSmartDriverWangan2008-04-28T09:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version R Special: Now with SUPER STIFFNESS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-version-r-special-now-with-super-stiff/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-version-r-special-now-with-super-stiff/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-version-r-special-now-with-super-stiff/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Colt Ralliart Version R Special.

Alex and I share an unbridled lust for the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version R. We've imagined a death match between the souped-up Colt and the Honda Fit, but Mitsu insists that there's no market for a flickable fuel miser here in the States. They're wrong.

Regardless, since its introduction two years ago, the Ralliart Colt has already been kitted out by Recaro and now, they've decided to send out an even more limited edition that's boasting a 10-percent stiffer body through the use of some extensive seam welding. Aside, from that, not much has changed. It's still powered by the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four, sending 154-hp to the front wheels through a Getrag five-speed manual. To drum up a bit more enthusiasm about the limited run of 300 Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version R Specials, Mitsubishi set out to break the 1:10 mark at the Tsukuba circuit in Japan. That's enough to make Skylines, NSXs and all manner of JDM exotica chuckle underneath their burbled exhausts, but as any true pistonhead knows, driving slow cars fast has a perverse appeal that even the most high-powered uber-whip can't match.

You can check out three Japanese-language videos of the Colt at Tsukuba after the jump.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version R Special


[Source: Mitsubishi, JPCN]

Continue reading Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version R Special: Now with SUPER STIFFNESS

 

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]]>coltmitsubishiMitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version R SpecialMitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version R SpecialsMitsubishiColtRalliartVersionRSpecialMitsubishiColtRalliartVersionRSpecialsralliartspecialversion rVersionR2008-04-24T08:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Honda develops walking assist device to aid elderly/disabled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/honda-develops-walking-assist-device-to-aid-elderly-disabled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/honda-develops-walking-assist-device-to-aid-elderly-disabled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/honda-develops-walking-assist-device-to-aid-elderly-disabled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image to see more pics of Honda's Walking Assist Device

While Honda is known primarily for its cars and motorcycles, the company's engineering prowess extends into many other areas, as well. You may be aware that Honda also makes a jet and the ridiculously advanced robot known as Asimo. It appears that after reliably getting Asimo to walk on its own, Honda is phasing some of its robotics technology into other worthwhile endeavors, namely an experimental walking assist device for disabled individuals. Honda's Fundamental Technology Research Center will be showcasing the device at the International Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled, which will be held at Intex Osaka, Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2008. Available in three sizes, the device uses brushless DC motors powered by lithium ion batteries that allow up to two hours of walking assistance per charge. I'm just glad that my grandmother will soon be able to throw her old fashioned walker in the air, and wave it like she just don't care.

Gallery: Honda Walking Assist Device


[source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda develops walking assist device to aid elderly/disabled

 

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]]>hondahonda walkerhonda walking assist devicehonda-walkerHondaWalkerHondaWalkingAssistDevicewalkerwalking assist devicewalking-assist-deviceWalkingAssistDevice2008-04-22T14:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mitsubishi developing RWD subcompact world car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/mitsubishi-developing-rwd-sub-compact-world-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/mitsubishi-developing-rwd-sub-compact-world-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/mitsubishi-developing-rwd-sub-compact-world-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mitsubishi's president, Osamu Masuko, addressed the assembled masses in Beijing to inform them of plans to create a new subcompact car destined for Europe, China and Southeast Asia. The new platform will fit the standard dimensions of a Kei car in Japan (no more than 11.2-feet long and five-feet wide) and will come equipped with either the Japanese-mandated 660cc engine or, in markets outside of Japan, a 1.0-liter engine. Power will be sent to the rear wheels and the architecture will be flexible enough to be sold in several other markets. Masuko didn't mention the possibility of exporting the model to North America, but our friends abroad will be able to purchase the new subcompact in 2010.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i Turbo - Live in NY


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>compactmitsubishimitsubishi compact world carMitsubishiCompactWorldCarworld carWorldCar2008-04-21T08:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Takuma Sato Gets New Seat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/takuma-sato-gets-new-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/takuma-sato-gets-new-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/takuma-sato-gets-new-seat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At first glance this could be Super Aguri's latest F1 contender. It's not like they need any bodywork for all their sponsors' stickers...

But no, it is a limited edition Takuma Sato Play Seat that can be parked in front of your TV for just 60,900 cents/Yen (around $600 USD). There goes that precious living room square footage freed up by last year's purchase of an ultra thin widescreen plasma display. Play Seats are comaptible with PS2s, 3s, Wiis and X-Boxes, and we're just aching to give one, or preferably two, a test drive. Fortunatley, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue came out yesterday and a few of us have it in hand, though we're not sure how we're going to convince AOL that a Play Seat is a required business expense for reviewing the game.

Source: Auto Gallery via Le Blog Auto

 

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]]>ConsoleGamePlay SeatPlaySeatTakuma SatoTakumaSato2008-04-16T18:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Subaru to stop making Kei Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/subaru-to-stop-making-kei-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/subaru-to-stop-making-kei-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/subaru-to-stop-making-kei-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last week's announcement that Toyota wants to raise its stake in Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries looked to have no down side. Subaru gets $300 million with which to build a new factory, Toyota gets greater access to FHI's high tech batteries for hybrids, and both get to build the affordable RWD/AWD coupe that we're all waiting for.

But the bean counters in Toyota City have noticed that Subaru's kei car division spends a fortune on developing quirky micro cars such as the supercharged Vivio that Colin McRae campaigned in his first rally (above), the worlds smallest four-seat convertible (below) and the fabulous R2D2. The trouble is, profit margins on such marvels of engineering are wafer thin, and that is not the Toyota way. So, come the next decade, Subaru will only sell OEM kei cars made by another member of the Toyota family, Daihatsu.

Most analysts think this this is a good idea, but this one ain't so sure. Eighteen years ago I bought a rear-engined rear-wheel-drive Subaru Sambar. It was such a hoot to drive that I traded up to a Rex, then an RX-R, then a WRX and I now drive a Forester STI. In all likelyhood, my next car will be an Impreza STI.

Will rebadged Daihatsus garner such brand loyalty from young buyers in 2010?

 

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]]>daihatsuk carsKCarskei carsKeiCarssubarutoyota2008-04-16T10:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[It's no West Wing: Japanese drama debuts about woman car salesman in '70s]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/its-no-west-wing-japanese-drama-debuts-about-woman-car-salesma/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/its-no-west-wing-japanese-drama-debuts-about-woman-car-salesma/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/its-no-west-wing-japanese-drama-debuts-about-woman-car-salesma/#commentsFiled under: ,

All you vintage Japanese automotive fans, we may have found your show. It's called "Top Sales" and is being broadcast in Japan by the government-funded NHK media giant. Apparently (we don't speak Japanese, so we are taking someone's word on this), the plot has to do with a young woman's journey through the male-dominated automotive sales industry at a fictional company called "Omiyake Motors." As success often happens so readily on television shows, she starts out on the car lot in sales and quickly works her way up to president of the company. We'll admit that doesn't sound overly exciting, but the show is set three decades ago - this means a lot of thinly-disguised 70's-era Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas zooming around. See if you can name some of the classics in the screen shots... Thanks for the tip, catgirlshyla!

Gallery: Top Sales Japanese Car Show


[Source: Auto-Otaku]

 

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]]>DatsunHondaJapanese TelevisionJapaneseTelevisionNissanOmiyake MotorsOmiyakeMotorsToyota2008-04-15T19:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Super GT 2008: XANAVI NISMO GT-R starts season with two consecutive wins]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/super-gt-2008-xanavi-nismo-gt-r-starts-season-with-two-consecut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/super-gt-2008-xanavi-nismo-gt-r-starts-season-with-two-consecut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/super-gt-2008-xanavi-nismo-gt-r-starts-season-with-two-consecut/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery of Round Two of SuperGT.

The second round of the SuperGT Championship wrapped up over the weekend, and for the first time in ten years, one team sat atop the podium for two consecutive wins. The XANAVI NISMO GT-R, piloted by Benoit Treluyer and Satoshi Motoyama, took the GT500 class win in Okayama, despite being saddled with a 100 kg weight penalty after winning the first race of the season. The last time a team was able to land first place two races in a row was in 1998 when the another Skyline GT-R won the first and third race of the season (the 2nd race was cancelled due to poor weather).

In the GT300 race, the No. 43 team running the ARTA Garaiya took its first win with a new chassis design, followed by the Yunker Power Taisan Porsche and in a surprise 3rd place finish, the No. 77 Cusco Dunlop Subaru Impreza made its first appearance on the podium after struggling with reliability issues after utilizing a new all-wheel-drive system.

The top three race results in both the GT500 and GT300 classes are posted after the jump and we've assembled a gallery for your perusal below.

Gallery: 2008 SuperGT Round 2 - Okayama

Continue reading Super GT 2008: XANAVI NISMO GT-R starts season with two consecutive wins

 

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]]>okayamasupergtxanavi nismo gt-rXanaviNismoGt-r2008-04-14T15:37:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Mazda6 coupe, convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/rendered-speculation-mazda6-coupe-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/rendered-speculation-mazda6-coupe-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/14/rendered-speculation-mazda6-coupe-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Mazda's 6 is having a tough time finding love in its home market where it goes by the Atenza moniker. 7Tune is reporting that Mazda's going to flip the script and introduce three new variants of the Atenza; a coupe, a convertible, and a high performance version called the Mazdaspeed Atenza for JDM consumption. Mazda looked to the holy-grail BMW 3 series for inspiration, though that car is rear-wheel-drive, and hopes to achieve the same build quality with its Atenza line.

The vehicles in 7Tunes renderings are more conservatively styled than the current 3-Series, though that's hardly a bad thing. We think the renderings are easy on the eyes, with clear RX-8 influences, though all suffer from a basket-handle spoiler tacked on to the trunklid. It's tough to imagine the Mazdaspeed Atenza amounting to anything other than a tasty snack for the monstrous M3, though we're sure the Mazda will comport itself sportily. If any of this conjecture rings true, it's tough to go wrong benchmarking the icon of the segment.

[Source: 7tune]

 

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]]>atenzaatenza convertibleatenza coupeAtenzaConvertibleAtenzaCoupejdm mazdaJdmMazdamadza jdmMadzaJdmmazda 6mazda 6 cabrioletmazda 6 convertiblemazda 6 coupeMazda6Mazda6CabrioletMazda6ConvertibleMazda6Coupemazdaspeedmazdaspeed6renderingspy shotsSpyShots2008-04-14T12:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Drifting now family-friendly, thanks to Toyota Estima]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/video-drifting-now-family-friendly-thanks-to-toyota-estima/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/video-drifting-now-family-friendly-thanks-to-toyota-estima/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/video-drifting-now-family-friendly-thanks-to-toyota-estima/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Video after the jump

Think drifting's just for the kids? Silly grown-up, didn't you know that it's also something you can do with your kids? At least that's the impression we get from this vid, which features an older-gen Toyota Estima (that's "Previa" in USDM English) out shaking a tail feather with some of the more traditional drifter fare. Odd choice? Yes, but still awesome. So buy yourself a couple of these, throw the youngsters in back, and make getting sideways a family affair. It's totally responsible. No, really. Follow the jump to watch.

[Source: JPCN]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drifting now family-friendly, thanks to Toyota Estima

 

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]]>driftdriftingestimaestima driftingEstimaDriftingminivan driftingMinivanDriftingpreviaprevia driftprevia driftingPreviaDriftPreviaDriftingtoyota estimatoyota estima driftToyotaEstimaToyotaEstimaDrift2008-04-09T16:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[Subaru/Toyota coupe sketch surfaces]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/subaru-coupe-sketch-surfaces/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/subaru-coupe-sketch-surfaces/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/subaru-coupe-sketch-surfaces/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

AutoCar procured a sketch of the oft-rumored and all-but-confirmed lightweight coupe that's being jointly developed between Subaru and Toyota, and their sources confirm that the final design will be signed off in July. According to the Brit pub, both automakers will have their own version of the rear-wheel-drive, two-door, powered by Subaru's own 175 hp, 2.0-liter boxer engine. A 2.5-liter, turbocharged version is also being considered, which might send power to all four wheels in a nod to the historic Celica GT4. Sales are expected to begin in Japan, the UK and North America in 2010. Here's hoping they can keep it under the $20k mark when it hits U.S.shores.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>ae86subarutoyota2008-04-09T11:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan <strike>Intima</strike> Teana brochure leaked out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/nissan-strike-intima-strike-teana-brochure-leaked-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/nissan-strike-intima-strike-teana-brochure-leaked-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/nissan-strike-intima-strike-teana-brochure-leaked-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Nissan Teana brochure.

The Scoopers of Cars have gotten their hands on a scanned brochure of the production version of the Nissan Intima concept, and it seems that in addition to getting a mass-market makeover, it will also be sporting a Teana badge when it goes on sale in Japan. The transition from concept to production has been uncharacteristically kind to the Teana, with the tightly drawn headlamps, plummeting C-pillar and elongated tail lamps surviving, but the suicide doors and 22nd century interior must have been scrapped due to feasibility issues. We'll get our first official taste of the Teana when it's finally revealed on April 20th at the Beijing Motor Show.

Gallery: Nissan Teana Brochure Scans


Gallery: Nissan Intima concept


[Source: Carscoop]

 

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]]>beijingbeijing auto showbeijing motor showBeijingAutoShowBeijingMotorShowintimanissannissan intimanissan teanaNissanIntimaNissanTeanateana2008-04-07T14:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Tokyo Metropolitan Police urges elderly drivers to give up their licenses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/tokyo-metropolitan-police-urges-elderly-drivers-to-give-up-their/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/tokyo-metropolitan-police-urges-elderly-drivers-to-give-up-their/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/tokyo-metropolitan-police-urges-elderly-drivers-to-give-up-their/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police have begun a campaign urging elderly drivers to "have the courage to give up your license," according to a message on its website. This effort is in response to the mounting accident rates of Japan's rapidly aging population. Over the past six years, the overall number of accidents has declined in Japan by 20 percent while accidents involving drivers over the age of 70 have skyrocketed by 35 percent. Elderly drivers are being offered various discounts and perks from over 30 different businesses if they are willing to relinquish their licenses.

We can't count the number of times we've heard someone complain about elderly drivers, and if they are willing to hand in their keys or feel as if they may be a hazard, this could be a winning solution. On the other hand, this movement could present an additional problem to the already sagging auto market in Japan, as older drivers make up a large chunk of new car buyers.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd., Reuters]

 

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]]>elderlyelderly driversElderlyDriversjapanoldolderolder driversOlderDriverstokyo policeTokyoPolice2008-04-02T20:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2010 Acura NSX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-2010-acura-nsx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-2010-acura-nsx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/31/rendered-speculation-2010-acura-nsx/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We've known for quite some time now that the Acura NSX replacement would feature a V10 engine likely at the front of the vehicle and possibly powering all four wheels via a version of the brand's SH-AWD. Now that Nissan's amazing new GT-R has set a new standard for what a Japanese supercar can be, the next NSX had better be something impressive indeed, and rumors are that it will be just that. What we still don't know is what this car will look like, so we're very interested in what Japanese car-buff-mag Best Car claims is a rendering of the new NSX. If this is an accurate portrayal, we're glad that Acura stylists found a way to leave off the big metal triangular grill that is plaguing the rest of its lineup, as it just doesn't seem befitting for a sportscar. Although the only rendering offered is an angled shot from the drivers-side front, this coupe still seems a little generic to our eyes, but at least looks better than what we saw from the Advanced Sports Car Concept last year in Detroit.

Fans of Acura's first generation NSX, including all of us at Autoblog, are going to have a tough time waiting until 2010 for the next version to bow, but we're sure to have an endless stream of spy shots and a perpetually overactive rumormill to keep us busy till then.

[Source: Best Car via World Car Fans]

 

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]]>2010 nsx2010-nsx2010Nsxacuraacura nsxacura-nsxAcuraNsxhonda nsxhonda-nsxHondaNsxnew nsxnew-nsxNewNsxnsx2008-03-31T14:29:00+00:00