Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Buick, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's Episode #150 of the Autoblog Podcast, and we raided the crypt to give you your buck-and-a-half's worth. Former podcast staples John Neff and Chris Paukert have been unearthed and join Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth for this milestone occasion.

A review of the Tokyo Motor Show starts things off, and then we drill down to talk more specifically about both ends of Toyota's sports spectrum: the Lexus LFA and the Toyota FT-86 concepts. Other Tokyo standouts like the Honda CR-Z and Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept weave into the conversation before we turn to the next-generation Honda Civic, rumored to be lighter and smaller. From there, things devolve entirely before this week's big crew wraps it up.

We'll hit your questions again next time around, keep them rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com. We appreciate you filling our survey with data, and remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening! You can also leave us a message at our new Google Voice number 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Who knows... we might even play it on the podcast!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition

Autoblog Podcast #150 - Tokyo Motor Show Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #149

Dan Roth — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Budget, Hybrid, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Electric, Lancia

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #149 of the Autoblog Podcast, the first frost edition, has arrived. The Tokyo Motor Show is coming up, and there have been a couple previews of what to expect there. The Toyota FT-86 concept has had everyone abuzz with its heralding as the spiritual successor of the much-beloved AE86 of the 1980s. Also building excitement for Tokyo is Subaru's Hybrid Tourer concept. Moving on from Asia, we touch on Lancias being rebadged as Chryslers before wrapping up with Chrysler and Fiat's collaboration on an electric car. Very last, we hit up some questions before calling it a night and going to sleep off our ailments. Keep the feedback rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, thanks for filling our survey with data, and we'll see you soon for #150! Remember, if you get lonely, there's always Joystiq and Engadget. Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #149

Autoblog Podcast #149 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Formula for Disaster: Ferrari Hyabusa Trike on display in Tokyo

Noah Joseph — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:22:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari, Motorcycle, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above to view more of the Ferrari Hyabusa trike

There have been countless attempts to translate the Ferrari spirit from four wheels to two, ranging from sport bikes to choppers and everything in between. But this is the first we've seen with three wheels. That's right, in case your eyes couldn't adjust from the endless see of crimson contours, what you're looking at is a Ferrari trike.

Mirroring the "styling" of a Scuderia Ferrari F1 car, this one-off trike was spotted at the banzai Tokyo Auto Salon by the same people who brought us the no-less-bonkers Lamborghini ATV. Based around a 1.3-liter Suzuki Hayabusa engine and frame, this (thankfully) unique example was built by Trike Japan in order to showcase what they can do. We certainly hope the rest of their portfolio is a bit more tasteful than this showpiece, but we won't be holding our breath. If you're feeling a little masochistic today, have a look in the gallery below and the pair of videos after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari Trike

[Source: Carzi]

Continue reading Formula for Disaster: Ferrari Hyabusa Trike on display in Tokyo

Formula for Disaster: Ferrari Hyabusa Trike on display in Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Embrace your inner child with a Lambo ATV

Alex Nunez — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Lamborghini, Motorcycle, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for gallery of the Liberty Walk Lambo ATV

The 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon was loaded with the usual assortment of wild and wacky tuner fare - same as always. But tucked among the cars are hidden treasures like the wee beastie shown above. Liberty Walk/LB Performance are Japanese Lamborghini tuners, and in addition to showcasing a selection of the supercars they've worked on, they also showed off a couple of ATVs they re-bodied to look like super deformed little Murcielagos. Miniaturized dimensions, big alloys, low-profile tires - this is what Power Wheels would look like if they made 'em for grown-ups and cost $20,000. Dad, can we have one? Pleeeeeeeeeeease?

Gallery: Liberty Walk Lambo ATV

[Source: Carzi]

Embrace your inner child with a Lambo ATV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen NSX RR

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Supercars, Acura, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mugen NSX RR

With the NSX successor officially cancelled, Honda tapped long-time motorsports partner Mugen to create a one-off coupe to commemorate the everyday supercar that ended production in 2005. The Mugen NSX RR is stretched to 177.95 inches (almost four inches more than the '94-05 model), and widened by 5.5 inches and features a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum body panels. A set of upgrade brakes and GT-style body kit, join a new rear wing, hood-scoop and diffusers, while the stock 3.0-liter V6 remains and is mated to a revised six-speed manual gearbox. Mugen hasn't released any power figures, but informed speculation pegs output between 350 and 380 hp.

While it's highly-doubtful that Honda or Mugen will sell the NSX RR in the States, there's a good chance that the tuning firm will acquire some low-mileage NSX-Rs in Japan to produce a limited run of the RR, similar to the NISMO R34 GT-R Z-Tune Nissan produced at the end of the Skyline's production run.

UPDATED with live images.

Gallery: TAS 2009: Mugen NSX RR

2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen NSX RR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon 2009: The best from TAS, but first...

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Tuners, Japan, Nissan, Suzuki, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for a gallery of the NATS GT-K

With the Detroit Auto Show finally winding down, we can turn our attention to the east (or west, depending on your continental perspective) to take in the motoring madness and engineering wizardry coming out of the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Each year, Japan's top tuners descend on the Makuhari Messe to show their wares to the public and press, and with over a year to develop, modify and produce components for the Mitsubishi Evolution X, Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the new darling of the aftermarket scene - the Nissan GT-R - this year's show had the potential to trump anything we've seen out of Tokyo in the last decade. By many accounts, it did, and with the help of Autoblog Chinese and some of our favorite JDM-obsessed sites, we'll be bringing you the best TAS has to offer.

Since we'll be focusing almost exclusively on the products that make you go faster and stick harder, we'll get the weird out of the way right now. Behold the NATS GT-K. Captured by our friends at LeBlogAuto, the GT-K is based on the Suzuki Cappuccino, and aside from the GT-R duds, the Kei car features a modified version of the 657cc DOHC inline-three equipped with a larger turbo and intercooler, along with a coilover suspension, upgraded brakes and a set of gloriously hideous 18-inch chrome wheels. We were able to keep our dinner down long enough to look at NATS' 911-inspired Cappuccino, at which point we grabbed the nearest trash can and heaved away. Ambition: 1. Execution: 0. More to follow. Stay tuned...

Gallery: NATS GT-K

Tokyo Auto Salon 2009: The best from TAS, but first... originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup

Alex Nunez — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept and friends

Detroit's not the only auto show kicking off on January 11. The annual Tokyo Auto Salon (think "Japanese SEMA") also kicks off this Sunday, and Honda has announced the vehicle lineup it'll display at Makuhari Messe. The two headliners are the Sports Modulo S2000 and Fit concepts. The former is a somewhat ghastly take on Honda's two-seat sports car, with a face that belongs in an aquarium and side cladding straight from a '90s Pontiac stylist's wildest fantasies. Inside, the Sports Modulo S2000 Concept is actually very nice, with swanky brown leather adorning a variety of surfaces. It still doesn't atone for that clock-stoppingly ugly body kit, though. Read on for some brief commentary on a pair of other concepts headed to the show, and check out the gallery below for the complete model rundown.

Gallery: Honda at Tokyo Auto Salon 2009

Continue reading Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup

Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for a high-res image of the Mazda RX-8 Circuit Trial

Traditionally, Mazda has a large presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and the 2009 show won't be any different. Mazda will have 13 vehicles on hand in January to showcase the automaker's continued commitment to its "zoom-zoom" philosophy, along with concepts carrying the theme (and we quote) "Driving-oriented environmental technologies for endless driving pleasure." Mkay.

Headlining the show will be three "Circuit Trial" models, including an RX-8, Demio and Atenza (Mazda6), along with the all-new Mazda Roadster (MX-5) kitted out in NR-A trim and packing Bilstein dampers along with other race-ready parts. Mazda hasn't released any details on what the Circuit Trial models will consist of, but its safe to assume that reworked suspensions, brakes, fascias and engine components will be part of the package.

The other featured model this year is the Mazda Biante people mover, which benefits from production accessories provide by Wagonist, Rota, DAMD, Kenstyle and others. Mazda also plans to show of its Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept and will be exhibiting the new 2010 Mazda3 in Japan for the first time. The show gets underway January 9th and runs through the 11th. Check the press release below the fold for all the details.

Continue reading Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon

Mazda bringing Circuit Trial RX-8, Demio and Atenza to Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS-F racer actually a 2004 Opel Vectra DTM car?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Lexus

Remember that luscious Lexus IS-F racer study that received its fair share of unrequited attention the Tokyo Auto Salon? According to AutoBild, it turns out the car isn't an IS-F racer at all -- well, at least not beyond the hood and fact that it has four doors. The German paper reports that the car is actually a Lexus reskin of a 2004 Opel Vectra DTM racer (above, top). Even the engine is from the Opel DTM car, and not a Toyota V8. This could explain why no one at the Lexus stand at the salon would say a word about the car.

So Lexus might get away with never claiming it was a Lexus... cough, cough... but it's a bit odd that they would let Winding Road get the idea that it's the pet project of the IS-F's chief engineer, designed to show the true potential of Lexus' hot sedan and "something of what a full race IS-F might just feel like." Perhaps what a full-race IS-F might look like. Unless Lexus really intends for a full-race IS-F to feel like a 4-year-old Opel.

Thanks for the tip, Georg!

[Source: AutoBild]

Lexus IS-F racer actually a 2004 Opel Vectra DTM car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: More models from Japan

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Tokyo Auto Salon

How could we possibly (remotely) cover an auto show without providing some shots of the lovely ladies that adorn the manufacturer booths? We can't, so Autoblog Chinese stepped up and snapped off some of the fresh faces found on the floor of the Tokyo Auto Salon for your viewing enjoyment. Enjoy.

Gallery: 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: More models from Japan

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: More models from Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen Type-RR Experimental Spec

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Japan, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click the image above for a high-res gallery.

One of the other concepts that graced Mugen's stand in Japan at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon was the Civic Type-RR, which in addition to the obvious replacement of the entire front clip with carbon fiber pieces, also includes a K20A engine that's been bored out to 2157 cc to create a more tractable powerband and an even higher redline. 260 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque is sent to the six-speed gearbox and down to the front wheels through a LSD. Naturally, the brakes and suspension have been upgraded to handle the extra grunt, while carbon fiber was used inside to beef up the structure. Mugen also added a system dubbed I-TCMS, or Intellligent Tire Condition Monitoring, which keeps tabs on the tire's air pressure and temperature. The dash mounted instrument cluster might be a big impediment to forward visibility, but we're sure it's nothing compared to the price.

[Sources: LeBlogAuto, Nihon Car]

Gallery: Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR Experimental Spec

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen Type-RR Experimental Spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Honda Fit F154SC concept by Mugen

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click the image above for a gallery of live pics and a few high-res press shots.

The Honda Fit has established itself as a viable platform for tuners in Japan and with the apparently minimal amount of love being heaped upon the new Civic Type-R, aftermarket firms are focusing more attention on the Civic's younger brother.

Mugen's close ties to Honda have yielded yet another concept that takes the Fit to the next level. Typical for the Fit and Mugen, the F154SC has a supercharger slapped onto the L15A that boosts the power of the 1.5-liter four to 150 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. Everything that could have been modified has, including a full coilover suspension, exhaust, intake and upgraded brakes, along with the prerequisite body modifications that widen the track and feed more air into the engine bay.

Autoblog Chinese grabbed some shots of the F154SC on the show floor and we've added a few press pics to the gallery, thanks to our friends at LeBlogAuto.

Gallery: Mugen Honda Fit F154SC

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Honda Fit F154SC concept by Mugen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F racer unveiled

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above for high-res images of the IS F Racing Concept from TAS

Lexus quietly trotted out its IS-F Racing Concept last week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but despite the official unveiling, more questions than answers remain about the future of the DTM-inspired sedan.

According to Winding Road, the racer was the brainchild of the IS-F's chief engineer, Yukihiko Yaguchi, who wanted to create a vehicle that further expanded the credentials of the IS-F. Unfortunately, when Peter Nunn questioned the Toyota folks about what plans it had for the concept, he was met with resounding silence.

Rumors are swirling that this particular concept is nothing more than a design study, with no intention of campaigning a similar IS-F competitively. However, Lexus is supposedly working on an IS-F to campaign in the SuperGT GT300 series in Japan, with the SC430-based racer soldiering on in the GT500 class. More surprising is that the IS-F currently being developed by the Japanese Bandoh team might be sporting a mid-engine configuration. We're not sure if that's going to sit well with SuperGT officials, but testing of the race car is expected to begin at Suzuka towards the end of February and we'll know more then.

Autoblog Chinese snapped off a handful of images of the IS-F Racing Concept in person while at the Tokyo Auto Salon and you can check them out in the gallery below.

[Source: Winding Road]

Gallery: Lexus IS F Racing Concept

2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus IS-F racer unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon: Mitsubishi Evolution X gets tuner love in Japan

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click the image above for more shots of Tokyo Auto Salon's assortment of Evos.

There were three main show pieces gracing the halls of the Makuhari Messe over the last few days: the GT-R, the new Subaru Impreza STI and Mitsubishi's Evolution X. Autoblog Chinese snapped off a random assortment of pictures showing several different interpretations of the Evo X from a variety of tuners.

From what we can see, some of the aftermarket firms weren't able to get parts fabbed up before the show, but several of the companies featured revised suspensions, strut tower braces, new intake and exhaust components and a few other choice bits. We're sure next year's Tokyo Auto Salon will be far more important to the aftermarket and its customers.

In the meantime, we were able to find out that ARC brought a modified Evo X to the show fitted with a new intercooler, a complete coilover suspension and upgrade brakes. The team of HKS and Camp featured an Evo with an exposed carbon fiber splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser, but, more impressively, Camp integrated its new Computerized Automobile Multi Player, which acts similar to the GT-R's dash-mounted screen that displays a variety of engine parameters in lieu of a row of analog gauges.

Finally, Team Orange's D1 Evo X was on the show floor and at a Mitsubishi Ralliart shindig. The team's all-wheel-drive drifter came sporting a full carbon fiber body kit and wing, a new set of Enkeis and Lord knows what else.

Check the gallery below for more live shots from the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Evolution X at the Tokyo Auto Salon

Tokyo Auto Salon: Mitsubishi Evolution X gets tuner love in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon 2008: Nissan GT-Rs gone wild

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above to view more modded Nissan GT-Rs from the TAS

The Tokyo Auto Salon opened up last week and our comprehensive coverage has been slightly delayed due to the madness known as Detroit. We've partnered up with our friends from Autoblog Chinese to bring you as many live shots of the show as we can procure.

There was only one car to kick off the coverage and that's Nissan's new R35 GT-R. Blitz, HKS/Kansai, Fujitsubo, Power Enterprises, Amuse and MINE'S all had vehicles on display, most of which were sporting some free-flowing intakes, wheels and a few aero pieces, including front splitters and wings.

We know that Amuse already has its R1 Titan exhaust strapped onto its shop GT-R, along with a massive carbon fiber rear wing and trick C.F. lip. MINE'S will begin selling its VX-ROM that can eliminates the top-speed limiter and tweak the ECU depending on fuel octane. According to MINE'S, they've dynoed a GT-R fitted with its VX Pro Titan II exhaust and VX-ROM, and output at the flywheel increased to 530 hp. MINE'S will allow owners to send in their ECU to be fitted with the VX-ROM at a cost of 126,000 yen (around $1,150). And they say they can supply the VX-ROM worldwide. MINE'S is also offering springs, slotted rotors and an Esta Full Spec coilover kit with remote reservoirs developed with Sachs.

We've assembled some of the shots from Autoblog Chinese in the gallery below.

Gallery: Nissan GT-Rs at TAS

Tokyo Auto Salon 2008: Nissan GT-Rs gone wild originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan's JGTC GT500 GT-R officially unveiled in Tokyo

Drew Phillips — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click the image above for a gallery of pics.

We got an early look at an un-liveried version of the Nissan GT-R GT500 race car testing at Suzuka back in October. Nissan has finally revealed the final version today at the Tokyo Auto Salon complete with its all-new paint scheme that will be featured across all of Nissan motorsport in 2008. The design is a result of close cooperation between Nissan and NISMO with some input from a NISMO enthusiasts club. The red signifies Nissan's passion for racing while the black symbolizes the extreme performance of the GT-R.

Technical details and specifications have yet to be released, but we should be getting the official numbers by the end of the month. For now, check out the new photos in the gallery below or follow the jump for a video of the GT-R race car on track and the press release from Nissan.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: Nissan GT-R GT500 Race Car

Continue reading Nissan's JGTC GT500 GT-R officially unveiled in Tokyo

Nissan's JGTC GT500 GT-R officially unveiled in Tokyo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots, Tokyo Motor Show edition: Amuse and Top Secret taking on the GT-R

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Supercars, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon

The impending Nissan GT-R extravaganza in Japan is about to get underway. Unfortunately, the Tokyo Auto Salon runs right up against our coverage of the North American International Auto Show, so we're stuck covering the event from our couch and hotel rooms. When will they learn?

Regardless, through the power of the Web, we're able to get a sneak peak as to what some of the top tuners in Japan will be doing with the Nissan GT-R in the coming months. Amuse brought out its own GT-R to a Time Attack event at Tsukuba sporting a new rear wing, carbon-fiber front splitter, revised exhaust and a new pair of seats. We're sure there's more, but we don't have the details yet (check out Auto Otaku for pics). The car was tested by Mr. Tanabe around Tsukuba and even the old man himself clocked a lap time of 1:01.332. Color us impressed.

Top Secret, the high-powered dominators of the Tokyo tuning scene, will have another GT-R (see right) gracing its show stand, this one fitted with new wheels, a revised front splitter and God knows what else.

We're getting excited at the prospects and will be sure to keep our eye out for anything and everything of interest while battling the throngs in Detroit.

[Sources: zerotohundred.com, Auto Otaku via Kultivate]

Spy Shots, Tokyo Motor Show edition: Amuse and Top Secret taking on the GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda releases two images of updated RX-8 RS, many more leaked

John Neff — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

click above for more images of the Mazda RX-8 RS

According to World Car Fans, the vehicle you see above is the JDM-only RX-8 RS that's scheduled to be unveiled this week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan's version of our own aftermarket SEMA Show. In advance of the car's debut, Mazda was nice enough to release two images of the RX-8 RS with its fresh face and updates, some of which we may see in a few days on the standard RX-8 at the Detroit Auto Show. The rest of the 25 images we have in our gallery came from Motor Authority, higher-res versions of which are likely forthcoming from Mazda as soon as the car officially debuts.

The RX-8 RS features larger air intakes on the front fascia that now incorporate a set of flush-fitting fog lights. There's also a chin spoiler that flares out near the edges to divert air up and into the intakes. New taillights can be seen on the car's rear, as well as a spoiler we're not likely to get on garden-variety RX-8. We probably won't see those new 19-inch wheels either, but wouldn't mind if we did.

Mazda did not divulge any information with the two images it officially released, so we can't tell you what's under the hood of the RX-8 RS, whether the engine is an update of the current Renesis motor or an all-new one. The Detroit Auto Show starts on Sunday, at which time all will be revealed.

[Source: World Car Fans, Motor Authority]

Gallery: Mazda RX-8 RS

Mazda releases two images of updated RX-8 RS, many more leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus IS-F Racing Concept coming to Tokyo Auto Salon

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:51:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Lexus, Tokyo Auto Salon

Lexus is gearing up for next week's Tokyo Auto Salon and has released a teaser image on its preview site showing the Super GT SC430 and the IS-F Racing Concept. Lexus hasn't released any details about the DTM-esque racer, but from the looks of its massively flared wheel arches, comically large diffusers and righteous wing, it's all business with a side of flash. Where Lexus might campaign such a vehicle is open to speculation and we'd encourage you to do just that in the comments below.

[Source: Lexus via World Car Fans]

Lexus IS-F Racing Concept coming to Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autobacs bringing 14 cars, Speed Racer replica to Tokyo Auto Salon

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Etc., Tokyo Auto Salon

During our recent trip across the Pacific to cover the Tokyo Auto Show, we got word that our flight out of Narita was going to be delayed for 23 hours. The first thing that jumped into our jet-lagged minds was how much trouble it would be to catch a ride to the nearest city so we could revel in the JDM parts bonanza that is Super Autobacs. Think Kragen/Pep Boys/AutoZone, but with 20-times more new and used parts that don't completely suck. We never made it, but Autobacs presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon might make up for it when it hosts 14 different vehicles on its show stand, including a replica of the Mach 5 from Speed Racer and the SuperGT winning GT500 ARTA NSX. We're hoping that photos from the Autobacs booth are forthcoming, and when we get them, they'll be uploaded post haste.

[Source: GT Channel]

Autobacs bringing 14 cars, Speed Racer replica to Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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