Autoblog

VIDEO: The Fastest Yellow and Red - Best (and most ambitious) stop-motion diecast car film ever?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST

Fastest Yellow and Red -- Click above to watch video

It took just one minute and 13 seconds into this video for us to scream "Epic!" In fact, we're not sure there's enough epic epicness in that single word to properly describe the epic proportions contained therein.

This 1970's JDM homage has got it all: A yellow Pontiac Trans-Am of the Screaming Chicken era, a race-prepped red Nissan GT-R police car, a yellow Datsun Fairlady 280ZX and lots of meddling trucks. As if that weren't enough, there are little green army men and a special effects regime that could have been overseen by Michael Bay. And it has a really odd name. Luxe37, we have no idea who you are, but we salute you. Follow the jump to watch the stop-motion mayhem.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Fastest Yellow and Red - Best (and most ambitious) stop-motion diecast car film ever?

VIDEO: The Fastest Yellow and Red - Best (and most ambitious) stop-motion diecast car film ever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi's new sub-CUV will be called RVR in Japan... what will it be called when it hits the US?

Dan Roth — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi RVR - click for high-resolution gallery

Mitsubishi is dusting off and old name for its new compact crossover. The new RVR that will be released in Japan next spring is nothing like past Mitsus wearing the moniker, a model we knew here as the Expo LRV. The RVR shares the Mitsu family's nose and physique, though the compact body is being described by officials as lightweight.

When it launches in Japan, the RVR will carry a 1.8 liter four-cylinder, and the MIVEC engine figures to keep the appetite for fuel in check. Mitsubishi is staggering the RVR's rollout, so its spring 2010 arrival in Japanese showrooms will be first, but North American sales are promised eventually. From where we sit, the RVR and Colt are two bits of triple-diamond excitement to look forward to in the coming year, especially if the company goes all Ralliart-crazy on both. Official press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: Mitsubishi RVR

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi's new sub-CUV will be called RVR in Japan... what will it be called when it hits the US?

Mitsubishi's new sub-CUV will be called RVR in Japan... what will it be called when it hits the US? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Accord Crosstour, JDM Odyssey, or JDM Accord Tourer - Which would have been your pick?

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Honda

While we were in Japan last week for the Tokyo Motor Show, at least two American Honda officials expressed interest in bringing the automaker's Fit-based Freed MPV to the U.S. market. However, as we strolled the streets of Tokyo's Ginza district, another thought occurred to us when a JDM Odyssey passed by. Back in the Nineties, the original Odyssey was sold in Japan and the U.S. as Honda's first crack at a minivan. For the second generation, the Nippon and U.S.-market cars diverged as Honda realized American buyers wanted something larger, so the original model continued to evolve in Japan, eventually resulting in an all-new model for 2008.

During the time since Honda's original Odyssey departed American showrooms, the North American market has also evolved, with the crossover segment emerging as an increasingly sizable piece of the pie. Enter the 2010 Accord Crosstour. While most people have only seen photos of the new Crosstour to date, the lion's share of the public's reaction has been charitably categorizable as "less than favorable." To be fair, however, we won't know if Honda made the right call until the model's sales results begin to come in.

Lest we forget, in addition to the JDM Odyssey, Honda also offers a more traditional Accord Tourer (read: "wagon") available overseas, and it's a model that many commenters on both this website and Honda's own Crosstour Facebook page have noted and expressed a preference for. In the case of the Odyssey, the JDM vehicle has arguably become more like a CUV than a minivan, what with its four traditionally-hinged doors and a lower roof than past iterations. The front end styling draws directly on the FCX Clarity, another car-based design cue.

Although it would be premature to judge the value of a model before consumers get the chance determine its success or failure, it sounds like many of you are already wondering whether Honda made the right decision. If you have some initial thoughts, drop your fellow commenter a line and be sure to take our poll after the jump - and we'll keep an eye on sale figures!

Continue reading Accord Crosstour, JDM Odyssey, or JDM Accord Tourer - Which would have been your pick?

Accord Crosstour, JDM Odyssey, or JDM Accord Tourer - Which would have been your pick? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Chris Paukert — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST

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

2010 Toyota Mark X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back when Toyota actually offered rear-wheel drive cars? Sure, a production version of the FT-86 concept is on the way, and yes, you can get a Toyota-branded truck or plump for a Lexus that routes its power out back - but when was the last time Americans could get a proper rear-driver from the Japanese automaker? It had to be back in 2005 when the third-generation MR2 petered out. And for something with four doors? Let's just say it's been a lot longer.

For Japan's Toyota faithful, however, the rear-drive picture has stayed altogether brighter. Since 2004, the brand has offered the Mark X, a sedan that has shared much of its architecture with the Lexus GS and IS - including its rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. For 2010, the Mark X has come in for a freshening, and the conservatively handsome model has us wishing that Toyota would reconsider offering the model Stateside more than ever.

Sadly, we can't get too excited just yet, because Toyota isn't exactly coughing up all of the key dynamic details. Oh, we know that the second-generation Mark X will be available with either a 2.5-liter or a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. But Toyota isn't talking much in the way of power or performance metrics, although it does admit that the smaller-engined model will still hit 62 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Further changes beneath the reworked skin include a tweaked suspension with lower-friction parts and beefed-up locating arms. An optional "sports type model" also adds a computer-controlled suspension, different power delivery settings (Sport, Snow, and Eco modes), paddle shifters, as well as variable-ratio electric power steering - a feature we don't normally associate with this class of vehicle. Did we mention the tinted head- and tail-lamps for added sports aggression?

Of course, it wouldn't be a JDM press introduction without some suitably improbable press release verbiage, and the Mark X doesn't disappoint. Toyota's design theme for the new model is "glam tech" which duals "the visual glamour conveyed by the vehicle with the 'high-tech' expression of its modern and precise feel." Not ambitious enough? The lux-oriented "Premium type" model features "refined velour-moquette seat covers... treated with mite-suppressing agent that also prevents static electricity."

"Mite-suppressing agent?" Toyota, even after all these years, you still know the way to our hearts...

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Mark X

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent"

Tokyo 2009: Rear-wheel drive Toyota Mark X had us at "mite-suppressing agent" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R

Chris Paukert — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Without much fanfare (okay - zero fanfare), Nissan has rolled a tweaked version of its home-market GT-R onto the show floor here at the Tokyo Motor Show.

While you're not likely to notice any exterior differences, JDM buyers should appreciate that Nissan has fettled the suspension, fitted higher-flow cats to the exhaust system for improved low- and mid-range response (as if this were a problem before), and they've also added a next-generation hard-drive based navi system that includes iPod connectivity.

On the suspension end of things, the rear suspension radius rod bushings have come in for a stiffening, and the front shocks and springs have been tweaked for increased "accuracy" (no, we're not entirely sure what that means either).

Perhaps the only modification that will be visible to passers-by is the inclusion of rear diffuser cooling ducts across the range - previously these were only fitted to the SpecV model.

Speaking of SpecV, the higher-performance model also gets new rear shock settings and standard Dunlop tires - Bridgestone loyalists, fear not - those shoes are also still available by request.

The updated GT-R hits JDM dealers on December 7, but Godzilla-crazed performance fans in the rest of the world will have to wait until spring to get one of their very own. Check out our galleries below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: Nissan GT-R "New Spec"

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R

Tokyo 2009: Godzilla Refined - Nissan shows revised GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's o-kei! Suzuki Palette SW introduced in Japan

Alex Nunez — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Japan, Suzuki

2009 Suzuki Palette SW - Click above for image gallery

You're Japanese. You have a family. You need a minivan. But minivans are freaking huge, Japan's streets are crowded, and you want something that's a lot smaller and can dart between lumbering dekotora lit up like Vegas. So, you look to a kei minivan because it's teeny tiny. Suzuki's got your back with the Palette, the micro-mini minivan it introduced back in early 2008. It's totally neat in that way all Japanese kei cars are, as its compact size belies interior storage capacity capable of swallowing up literally hundreds of packs of Dentyne, several vintage Super Famicoms, and that box of priceless Chevy Astro brochures you overpaid some American pack rat for on eBay.

One problem: the regular-edition Palette's a bit vanilla to look at. Suzuki has apparently gotten the memo and spiced things up in the traditional manner: a new fascia and more letters in the nomenclature. Hence, we have the Palette SW, which wears a more mischievous anime face, as apposed to the docile-looking, doe-eyed standard grade Suzuki Palette. The other change introduced with the SW is a two-stage CVT that allows drivers to manually select lower or higher pre-programmed gear ratios to place an emphasis on either better acceleration or improved fuel economy. That way, they can wring out every last bit of punch or efficiency the little juice box on wheels can offer.

Gallery: Suzuki Palette SW

[Source: Suzuki (translated)]

It's o-kei! Suzuki Palette SW introduced in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Japan, Mazda

20th Anniversary Mazda Miata -- Click above for high-res image

Japan gets to celebrate the 20th birthday of the Mazda MX-5/Miata with a special edition for JDM buyers only. The Crystal White Pearl Mica roadster comes in two varieties: an RS soft-top with a 6-speed manual, and a VS hardtop with a 6-speed automatic. Both cars get red-and-black heated Recaros, extra cabin padding, clear front fog lights, a strut tower brace, and (of course) the requisite splash of 20th anniversary badging. You can read about it in the press release after the jump, and check out a high-res photo by clicking the image above.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful

Mazda releases 20th Anniversary Edition Miata for JDM faithful originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota unleashes 2010 Prius Modellista aero kits

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius Modellista kits - Click above for an image gallery

To coincide with the official launch of the 2010 Toyota Prius in its home market of Japan, the automaker has unleashed a whole slew of styling and performance upgrades available through Modellista, its in-house tuning arm. There are three separate body kits available that offer varying levels of flair: Modellista Versions 1 and 2 and an Aero Tourer Kit. We're not so sure the exterior bits from the Aero Tourer kit actually improve the car's looks any, but perhaps they improve its already stellar aerodynamics somewhat.

Questionable aesthetics aside, there's also a few aftermarket bits that could potentially improve the car's handling performance, like optional 16-inch alloy wheels and a new set of springs that lower ride height by 20 millimeters. At this point, it's not expected that Toyota will import any of these kits outside of Japan, but, if you're really interested, there's always eBay.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius Modellista kits

[Source: Modellista via Le Blog Auto]

Toyota unleashes 2010 Prius Modellista aero kits originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JDM Subaru Legacy unveiled. Wave "hi" to the wagon from afar...

Alex Nunez — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Japan, Subaru

2010 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon (JDM) - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Subaru has unveiled the all-new Legacy in JDM form, and on paper, it pretty much looks the same as the U.S.-spec car. The 2.5- and 3.6-liter boxer engines you'll find underhood when the new Legacy arrives at your local Scooby store are now in the cars across the Pacific, replacing the 2.0-liter engines that motivated their predecessors. So, basically, not much new to see... unless you're a wagon lover. How come? Well, in Japan, drivers can still opt for the standard Legacy Touring Wagon (with purple paint, even!) in addition to the jacked-up Outback. Sadly, here in the U.S., if you want the added utility, the Outback remains your only option. You can check out the new Legacy wagon in the gallery below, but if you want to buy one, you're outta luck.

Gallery: 2010 Subaru Legacy Wagon B4 (JDM)

JDM Subaru Legacy unveiled. Wave "hi" to the wagon from afar... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Insight first-ever hybrid to become Japan's #1 selling auto

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Budget, Hybrid, Green, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a historic move that's sure to irk their archrivals in Toyota City, Honda's new Insight has become the first-ever hybrid vehicle to top the sales charts in Japan. By shifting some 10,481 units last month, the teardrop-shaped model became Nippon's best-selling car in April, a feat no gas-electric car has managed previously. That's according to the Japan Automobile Dealer's Association, which tracks vehicle sales (in the interest of full disclosure, the group's findings exclude 660cc "kei" cars).

Those 10,481 units vaulted the Insight from its slot as Japan's 21st best-selling model in March, a major jump that's likely down to production ramp-up and increased consumer awareness (Honda launched the car on February 2). The Insight, which starts at 1.89 million yen ($19,190) outpaced its brother, the Honda Fit/Jazz hatchback, while Toyota's Vitz (Yaris) finished in third, Ironically, Toyota's Prius rung up in 21st place, but the third-generation model isn't expected to go on sale until May 18, and Toyota has already cut the iconic model's base price in order to be more competitive with Honda's upstart. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda Insight first-ever hybrid to become Japan's #1 selling auto

Honda Insight first-ever hybrid to become Japan's #1 selling auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EX Phone Home: Nissan rebadges Infiniti EX as Skyline Crossover for JDM

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan

Nissan Skyline Crossover - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Enthusiasts couldn't help but be disappointed when Nissan let slip that plans for a new Infiniti flagship sedan based on the all-conquering GT-R wouldn't see the light of day. What you see here is just the opposite: an Infiniti re-labeled as a Skyline.

Truth be told, although the previous Skyline GT-R was one model, the two nameplates have been separated for years now in the Japanese domestic market: The Japanese domestic market Skyline is what we know as the Infiniti G37 coupe and sedan (like the G35 before it). What you see here, then, is just more of the same: the Nissan Skyline Crossover, an exercise in badge engineering to bring the niche model Infiniti EX crossover back home.

Nissan has released little in the way of details, but don't expect any big changes over the Euro-spec EX37, with the latest VQ37VHR version of the company's highly-rated V6 offering up 310 horsepower. So if you've ever woken up in a cold sweat wondering what an Infiniti EX would look like with a Nissan badge on its grille, check out the pair of images below, along with the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan Skyline Crossover (JDM)

Gallery: Review: 2008 Infiniti EX35

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading EX Phone Home: Nissan rebadges Infiniti EX as Skyline Crossover for JDM

EX Phone Home: Nissan rebadges Infiniti EX as Skyline Crossover for JDM originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota reportedly expects 40,000 pre-orders for new Prius

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Green, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The well-publicized battle for hybrid sales supremacy between Honda and Toyota has taken yet another intriguing turn. According to Japan's Nikkei newspaper, Toyota is saying that it expects to take 40,000 preorders in Japan for its new 2010 Prius hybrid ahead of its official rollout in May. For the sake of comparison, the Japanese automaker sold a total of 73,100 Prius hybrids in all of 2008.

More importantly, rival automaker Honda managed to sell about 18,000 copies of its latest Insight hybrid in its first month on sale. By all accounts, Honda was delighted to move that many Insights - the automaker had predicted that it would only sell about 5,000 units for the first month the hybrid was available in Japan.

A few months ago, Honda made a big splash by pricing the smaller, slightly less fuel efficient Insight a few million yen (or a few thousand dollars) below the starting price of the standard-setting Prius. In response, Toyota announced it would keep the previous generation Prius around for at least another year and dropped that model's price to match the Insight.

But that wasn't enough for Toyota - earlier this month, the automaker set the starting price for the new 2010 model at 2.05 million yen ($20,750), which is just about the same as the mid-level Insight. The next chapter: U.S. pricing for the 2010 Prius has yet to be announced. Let the games continue.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius - First Drive

[Source: Reuters]

Toyota reportedly expects 40,000 pre-orders for new Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan reportedly pondering $3,000 green car stimulus program for consumers

Chris Shunk — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Hybrid, Green, Japan

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

The U.S. automotive market is in a rut the size of the Grand Canyon, but it's not alone. Most nations are experiencing lackluster sales, and the Japanese car market is experiencing its own free fall. As a direct result, Reuters is reporting that government authorities are looking at steps to help its domestic industry with a range of consumer subsidies for the purchase of efficient vehicles. Up to 300,000 yen ($3,000 US) in breaks are available for buyers of electric or hybrid vehicles, along with gas and diesel engines that reach certain clean air and efficiency standards.

Among the monetary incentives on the table is a 100,000 yen ($1,000 U.S.) subsidy for the purchase of a kei-class mini vehicle with a 660 cc or smaller powerplant. Larger vehicles that qualify under the plan would receive twice that amount. Car buyers in the Land of the Rising Sun would also eligible to receive an additional 100,000 yen if they turn in a 13-year-old (or older) vehicle for a vehicle that applies under the plan. Japanese officials are reportedly looking to institute the subsidies by summertime, with the assistance available through March 2010. The initiative will reportedly be announced as part of a larger Japanese stimulus package later this April.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Reuters]

Japan reportedly pondering $3,000 green car stimulus program for consumers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota reportedly cutting Prius price to match Honda Insight in Japan... will U.S. follow?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Japan, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Toyota may have gotten used to being the leader in the hybrid sedan segment, but the Japanese auto giant didn't get to where it is today by failing to see the writing on the proverbial wall. With arch-rival Honda having priced its new Insight hybrid lower than the current Prius, Toyota is responding in kind by dropping its domestic market sticker price on the upcoming new Prius to match.

According to reports coming out of Japan, Toyota recently notified its JDM dealers that the price for the new Prius would be set at 2.05 million yen, which equates to about $20,750 in U.S. Dollars. On this side of the Pacific, the Honda Insight went on sale last month with a starting price of $20,470, putting the two on equal footing price-wise, while the Prius arguably brings more to the table with more space and better fuel economy. A fully-loaded new Prius can quickly reach above $30k, indicating that Toyota hopes to lure away buyers with the low sticker price in the hope that they go for pricey options. But in a double-pronged attack, Toyota intends to keep the outgoing Prius on the Japanese market at a significantly reduced price of 1.89 million yen ($19,130). Pricing for the United States has yet to be announced, but if Toyota follows the same model here as it reportedly has in its home market, the fight could get very aggressive.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Toyota Prius

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Toyota reportedly cutting Prius price to match Honda Insight in Japan... will U.S. follow? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan GT-R Wagon spotted in Nagoya?!

Chris Paukert — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Wagon, Japan, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a gallery of the Nissan GT-R "wagon"

Let's get this over with right now: This isn't really a Nissan GT-R wagon. That said, it is a decidedly artful conversion of the Japanese automaker's M35 series Stagea wagon, a JDM load-lugger it produced from 2001 to 2007. Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive with a variety of V6 powerplants, the now-dead Stagea has been called the "GT-R Wagon" by many enthusiasts.

Spotted at Nagoya Auto Trend this weekend, this particular Stagea looks to be a super-clean conversion, with a well-integrated R35 GT-R front-end that's been carried through along the bodysides, with factory-like rocker panel indents and modestly rear quarter panels to keep the theme.

While we don't have information about what lurks underneath, the folks at GTRBlog speculate that the wagon could have something interesting like a stroked VQ-series V6 with a twin-turbo kit. Given the apparent high level of finish on the outside, we would hope for nothing less. Check out the galleries below for more shots of both the GT-R and Stagea wagons... and if you find any additional information on this particular car, drop us a tip!

Gallery: Nissan R35 GT-R Wagon

Gallery: 2001-2007 Nissan M35 Stagea Wagon

[Source: n-autotrend via GTRBlog]

Nissan GT-R Wagon spotted in Nagoya?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota to sell decontented current Prius alongside new model in Japan

Chris Shunk — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota

The current generation Prius has been a big hit in the US and Japan, and the tried and true second-gen. model could live on in Japan after the new hybrid goes on sale this spring. According to reports out of Japan, Toyota will sell a de-contented version of the old Prius to better compete with the new Honda Insight on price. The current Prius is rumored to be getting a cheapening on the inside, giving Toyota the ability to price it at ¥2 million mark, or about $22,000 US.

Toyota isn't responding to questions surrounding the rumors, as it says it doesn't comment on future product. We're not sure why questions about the current Prius could be considered "future product," but that's Toyota's story and their sticking to it. Inside Line points out that having two different models called the Prius could be a bit confusing, and we tend to agree. Our web-writing friends are all for a "Prius Classic" designation, while we're rooting for "Prius Lite."

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Toyota to sell decontented current Prius alongside new model in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Honda

Click above for more shots of the leaked 2009 Honda Insight brochure

As is so often the case these days, some early details regarding Honda's upcoming Prius-fighter have leaked out before the hybrid's official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show. Included among the surprises is a Modulo-trimmed Insight featuring a full set of body mods from Honda's accessory catalog in Japan. We can't be sure if any of those bits will come Stateside (we're not betting on it), but it wouldn't be surprising if we got three trim levels similar to what's slated to be available in Honda's home market of Japan. We could get a base DX trim along with an up-level LX edition and a sportier EX model with such tasty bits as a paddle-shifted CVT automatic transmission and navigation system with 7-inch screen.

With just 88 horses underhood along with an additional 14 from the hybrid's electric motor, don't expect the Insight to be a tire scorching performer, as its true calling with be in delivering the best fuel economy possible. In Japanese testing, the Insight has scored over 70 miles-per-gallon, which may be lower than what the Prius was able to register, but the Insight is also expected to cost several thousand dollars less than its rival.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight leaked JDM brochure

[Sources: Temple of VTec, Insightman via Carscoop]

Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: The new Nissan Cube! (JDM, with U.S. tease)

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:14:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above for high-res gallery of the US-market Cube. Click here for the JDM car.

Here it is. It's "tomorrow" in Japan, and Nissan has unleashed the motherlode of new Nissan Cube photos - including three showing the U.S.-Spec version that'll be rolled out at the LA Auto Show tomorrow. There's no accompanying press release at the moment, but the Japanese media is running their stories as we speak. JDM Cubes are equipped with a 107-hp/109 lb-ft 1.5L four-cylinder mated to a CVT transmission. Front- and four-wheel-drive versions are available. We'll get a different engine with more power that should deliver fuel economy in the Versa neighborhood. More on that tomorrow from our team in LA.

The three shots of the U.S.-market bodywork show, as expected, the reverse of the JDM car. Kudos to Nissan for doing a second body for left-hand drive markets. Inside, the simple appointments of the current Cube are updated with better shapes and, hopefully, a bigger, more upscale mix of materials. The bench seat returns in the JDM car, and there's no reason to believe we won't see it here as well. A water-droplet theme introduced in that silly teaser video we showed you last week is present in the cupholders and also available as ceiling trim inside the passenger compartment. Check out the galleries below for photos of just about everything, including the Japan-specific Lifecare (disabled access) and Autech Rider versions.

Come back tomorrow, when the gang in LA will deliver live coverage of the U.S. car's debut. We liked the JDM version, and we're really looking forward to trying out the Cube again now that it's been engineered for our market's needs.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Cube (JDM)

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube (US Model)

[Source: Nissan]

Officially Official: The new Nissan Cube! (JDM, with U.S. tease) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Nissan Cube breaks cover in Japan

Alex Nunez — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above for a photo gallery of the JDM Cube in the wild

The redesigned 2010 Nissan Cube will be unveiled in the U.S. tomorrow at the LA Auto Show, but Nissan's boxy little wagon is already making its way to Japanese showrooms, as evidenced by these shots of a transporter loaded with them. What you see here is what you'll see in LA tomorrow, only with one major difference: we'll get a reversed version of the car's asymmetrical layout. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Cube Spy Shots (JDM)

[Source: Newcar-News via TTAC, Motive]

2010 Nissan Cube breaks cover in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda reveals all-new JDM Odyssey

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Japan, Honda

Click above to view a massive, high-res gallery of the JDM Honda Odyssey

Honda's JDM Odyssey - not to be confused with the U.S.-market people mover that shares the same name - has been hailed as one of the best handling minivans in Japan. For 2009, Honda has taken everything good about the outgoing third-generation model and made it better, beginning with a sleeker exterior that pulls a few cues from the Honda FCX Clarity.

Underneath the new, slightly stretched sheet metal lies a reworked chassis sporting double wishbones at all four corners, optional all-wheel-drive and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC powerplant putting out 171 hp in standard guise and 203 hp in the range-topping Absolute model.

The interior is adorned with all the techy tidbits that made previous generations a hit with family-toting geeks, including a sci-fi inspired dash and a new multi-positioned camera system that allows drivers to get a bird's eye view of the vehicle. Similar to the Fit sold in the States, the seating can be arranged in a multitude of ways, including folding flat to create something resembling a bed. We'd like to scam one out of Honda during our next trip to Japan so we can post on the move and don't have to worry about heading back to our hotel - which is traditionally only slightly smaller than the new Odyssey.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Odyssey (JDM)

Honda reveals all-new JDM Odyssey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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