Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Honda drops full details about incredibly adorable N-One]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/honda-drops-full-details-about-incredibly-adorable-n-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/honda-drops-full-details-about-incredibly-adorable-n-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/honda-drops-full-details-about-incredibly-adorable-n-one/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Honda N-One in white - front three-quarter studio view

Honda Japan has dropped all of the savory details about its new Kei car, the cute 'n cuddly N-One.

The N-One builds on the JDM-only N line for the automaker, which already produces an N Box and N Box+ for Japanese consumers. The boxy Kei car will offer two powerplants displacing 660cc each, one naturally aspirated and one turbocharged, as well as both front- and all-wheel- drive configurations. All N-One models rely on a continuously variable transmission. Honda isn't giving up the goods in terms of output figures for the N-One engines, save to say that the turbo will have performance "equivalent to a vehicle in the 1.3L class."

We are, of course, super jealous of all Kei car experiences, but that's particularly true here, as the N-One's pert, rounded-box looks bring Honda's N360/N600 styling cues up to date, and the city car's funky interior treatment make us positively green with envy. Take a closer look at our extensive gallery of images, and don't miss all the full details in the press release below.

Continue reading Honda drops full details about incredibly adorable N-One

Honda drops full details about incredibly adorable N-One originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda n-onehondahonda n1jdmkeikei carmicro carmini carn box+n-onen1Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20369340/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/02/honda-drops-full-details-about-incredibly-adorable-n-one/20369340/article-detail.xml 20369340 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/000-honda-n-one-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/000-honda-n-one-628.jpg <![CDATA[Daihatsu D-R concept looks like a Copen successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/daihatsu-d-r-concept-looks-like-a-copen-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/daihatsu-d-r-concept-looks-like-a-copen-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/daihatsu-d-r-concept-looks-like-a-copen-successor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Daihatsu D-R concept - front three-quarter view, studio image

Daihatsu, everyone's seventh-favorite Japanese automaker, is making big waves at the Indonesian Motor Show this year. Typically writing a sentence like that one would preclude such news to follow from, well, being newsworthy here in the U.S., but we've always been such fans of Daihatsu's cheeky Copen convertible Kei car that we couldn't resist reporting on the model's spiritual successor.

Called D-R, this sprightly concept droptop is obviously heavily reminiscent of the Copen, though more modern, with an oversized front fascia, Audi-style aluminum windshield frame and a leather-lavished interior that has a zero-percent chance of making it to production. It's also 100-percent more endearing than the similarly sized D-X Concept that was shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

We're told that the D-R showcar has replaceable resin body panels - fit to be switched out when the conceptual owner requires a freshened visage. Inside, a central touchscreen does most of the heavy lifting in terms of driver controls, while an LCD screen has taken the place of a traditional instrument binnacle.

The fully functional D-R concept is powered by a 600cc turbocharged two-cylinder engine. Get all of the Daihatsu details from the company's official press release.

Continue reading Daihatsu D-R concept looks like a Copen successor

Daihatsu D-R concept looks like a Copen successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copend-rd-r conceptdaihatsudaihatsu d-r conceptindonesian auto showkeikei carTue, 25 Sep 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332653/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/daihatsu-d-r-concept-looks-like-a-copen-successor/20332653/article-detail.xml 20332653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/000-daihatsu-d-r-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/000-daihatsu-d-r-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda's versatile little N Box+ hits the scene]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/08/hondas-versatile-little-n-box-makes-the-scene/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/08/hondas-versatile-little-n-box-makes-the-scene/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/08/hondas-versatile-little-n-box-makes-the-scene/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Honda N Box+

Last November, Honda introduced the N Box, an all-new kei car, and it has been a great success to date. Less than a year on and with nearly 100,000 sold, the automaker has introduced the N Box+, an evolution showcasing the additional possibilities of the microvan.

Putting the "plus" in the N Box+ are the Universal Bridge and the Multi-space System. The former is an integrated aluminum loading ramp in the cargo floor that can be extended, U-Haul style, to ease loading. The latter is a set of panels that can break the cargo bay into different configurations, from shifting the height of the floor to creating a full-length bed once the two rows of seats are lowered.

The N Box+ comes in all kinds of configurations and paint schemes, from ¥1,350,000 ($16,948 U.S.) for the front-wheel, naturally aspirated drive G trim, to ¥1,870,000 for the four-wheel-drive, two-tone G Package Turbo with with paddle shifters. All N Box+ models have 660cc engines (per kei car regulations) and a CVT. Scroll down for the press release and get a load of the funkiness in the attached photo gallery.

Continue reading Honda's versatile little N Box+ hits the scene

Honda's versatile little N Box+ hits the scene originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda n boxjapankeikei carn boxn box +n box plusn box+Sun, 08 Jul 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20273396/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/08/hondas-versatile-little-n-box-makes-the-scene/20273396/article-detail.xml 20273396 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondan-boxplus_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondan-boxplus.jpg <![CDATA[Honda N600-derived retro city car revealed?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/honda-n600-derived-retro-city-car-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/honda-n600-derived-retro-city-car-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/honda-n600-derived-retro-city-car-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mystery retro Honda kei car - patent drawing?

A spate of images depicting what looks like a new kei car from Honda have jumped online. The diminutive five-door looks to have borrowed its lines from the N Concept 4 that the Japanese automaker first showed off at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. That funky little machine lifted design elements from the much-loved Honda N360/N600 of the late 60s and early 70s.

This development comes as no surprise, as Honda officials told us in November that the concept's warm reception would lead to a production model. These black-and-white shots look to be lifted from patent filings, though there are no solid details available. That hasn't stopped the web from guessing about everything from final dimensions to what's under the hood. Japan has strict regulations governing what can actually be considered a kei car, which means this retro-looking creation will almost certainly be no more than 133 inches long and 58 inches wide.

Also in-line with kei-class regulations, the vehicle will likely boast a 660cc VTEC four-cylinder engine good for around 64 horsepower, though we won't know for certain until Honda reveals the official details on the finished product. Don't expect to see this machine on our shores, however. With its diminutive size and output, odds are this one will stay reserved for the Japanese market.

Honda N600-derived retro city car revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda n concept 4honda n600keikei carn concept 4n360n600patentpatent drawingrenderingThu, 05 Jul 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270911/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/05/honda-n600-derived-retro-city-car-revealed/20270911/article-detail.xml 20270911 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-honda-kei-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-honda-kei-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[New Mazda Flairwagon offers nothing of the sort]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/new-mazda-flairwagon-offers-nothing-of-the-sort/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/new-mazda-flairwagon-offers-nothing-of-the-sort/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/new-mazda-flairwagon-offers-nothing-of-the-sort/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

New Mazda Flairwagon - pink - front three-quarter view

Joining the AZ-Wagon, AZ-Offroad, Carol and delightfully named Scrum Wagon, Mazda has completed its micro-mini line-up with this, the Flairwagon. Underneath the badging this is actually a Suzuki Palette, a five-door, four-seater kei car introduced in Japan in 2008.

It appears Mazda has maintained most of the Palette's option sheet, so depending on trim the Flairwagon is available with either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 660-cc VVT engine, front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive, keyless entry and pushbutton start, Hill Hold Control and Stop/Start, a cold storage glove box, folding rear seat, and a power sliding rear door on the left. The only transmission on offer will be a CVT.

That's the top tier IS Limited Edition trim pictured above, and even it looks like it keeps its flair on the inside - which probably isn't such a bad thing. Scroll down to read a press release with more info on it.

Continue reading New Mazda Flairwagon offers nothing of the sort

New Mazda Flairwagon offers nothing of the sort originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flairwagonkeikei carmazdamazda flairwagonpalettesuzukisuzuki palettesuzuki palletWed, 27 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20266877/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/27/new-mazda-flairwagon-offers-nothing-of-the-sort/20266877/article-detail.xml 20266877 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mazdaflairwagon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mazdaflairwagon.jpg <![CDATA[Daihatsu Copen, Japan's last kei convertible, ending production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/daihatsu-copen-japans-last-kei-convertible-ending-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/daihatsu-copen-japans-last-kei-convertible-ending-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/daihatsu-copen-japans-last-kei-convertible-ending-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Daihatsu Copen

You may not have ever heard of a car called the Daihatsu Copen, but it's ending production and we're sad to report it. The Copen is (or was) made by the budget Toyota brand and stands as the only convertible kei car - those being the whimsical little cars that zip around Japan - still on the market.

A tiny two-seat roadster with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Copen was a favorite among customers for being just downright fun. But apparently after ten years of production, there just aren't enough of those customers left to justify its continued production.

As a result, Daihatsu is reportedly discontinuing the line, with no apparent plans to replace it. Before it does, however, a 10th anniversary edition is reportedly in the works, with production limited to just 500 units. But with only 2,000 Copens sold last year, that represents a full quarter of production.

Daihatsu Copen, Japan's last kei convertible, ending production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copendaihatsukeikei carFri, 06 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20209188/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/06/daihatsu-copen-japans-last-kei-convertible-ending-production/20209188/article-detail.xml 20209188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/daihatsu-copen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/daihatsu-copen.jpg <![CDATA[No longer o-kei, Subaru steps away from minicar production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/no-longer-o-kei-subaru-steps-away-from-minicar-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/no-longer-o-kei-subaru-steps-away-from-minicar-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/01/no-longer-o-kei-subaru-steps-away-from-minicar-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Subaru Pleo

Subaru is walking away from minicars. According to Just-Auto.com, parent company Fuji Heavy Industries is looking to concentrate its efforts small and mid-sized vehicles moving forward. While Japan still enjoys a thriving kei car market, the vehicles aren't as profitable as their larger counterparts and require the same level of engineering commitment. Fuji will focus on the company's drivetrain development as well as improving vehicle safety with the cash it saves from creating new minicars.

Nissan and Mitsubishi, meanwhile, have committed to a joint venture to create a new kei car that should hit the market sometime soon, and Honda routinely uses its minicar segment as a testbed for large vehicle technologies.

Will the pint-sized Subaru models be missed? Our heart strings are still ringing over the loss of the Justy here in the states.

No longer o-kei, Subaru steps away from minicar production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuji heavy industrieskei carkei carsminicarssubaruThu, 01 Mar 2012 09:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181755/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/01/no-longer-o-kei-subaru-steps-away-from-minicar-production/20181755/article-detail.xml 20181755 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/subaru-pleo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/subaru-pleo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda to cut Japanese production in half over next decade]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/honda-to-cut-japanese-production-in-half-over-next-decade/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/honda-to-cut-japanese-production-in-half-over-next-decade/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/honda-to-cut-japanese-production-in-half-over-next-decade/#commentsFiled under: , ,

honda badge

Last year, 34 percent of all Honda vehicles sold around the globe were produced in Japan, but that number could change drastically over the next decade. Reuters reports that Honda CEO Takanobu Ito told Japan's Asahi newspaper that the automaker will drop its exports to 10-20 percent over the next 10 years.

The reason for the switch has everything to do with the ill effects of currency swings. To prevent this from continuing to hurt Honda's bottom line, executives reportedly plan to make 80-90 percent of its vehicles in the main markets where they are sold. But just because Honda plans to export fewer vehicles from Japan doesn't mean that the automaker will board up some of its home plants. Instead, Honda plans to keep production at about one million units, in part by bumping production of its popular 660cc kei cars.

Honda's decision to build more vehicles in-market comes as the yen hit a 10-year high against the euro. In fact, Reuters points out that the dollar is now worth only 77 yen, which is down from 85 yen in April.

Honda to cut Japanese production in half over next decade originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asahihondahonda productionkei cartakanobu itoThu, 06 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20074924/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/06/honda-to-cut-japanese-production-in-half-over-next-decade/20074924/article-detail.xml 20074924 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/25civicsihppreview2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/25civicsihppreview2010.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota launches Pixis Space; first kei cars are Daihatsus in drag]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/toyota-launches-pixis-space-first-kei-cars-are-daihatsus-in-dra/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/toyota-launches-pixis-space-first-kei-cars-are-daihatsus-in-dra/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/toyota-launches-pixis-space-first-kei-cars-are-daihatsus-in-dra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Daihatsu Move

Toyota has announced that it will unveil its first-ever kei car to be sold under its recently launched Pixis sub-brand. The vehicle, called the Pixis Space, will make its official debut in late September. Based on the Daihatsu Move Conte, the Pixis Space will be sold at Toyota dealerships through what the automakers calls "Pixis stations." Yes, seriously.

After Toyota's version of the Daihatsu Move Conte makes its debut, the Japanese automaker will launch a Pixis-badged Daihatsu Hijet truck and microvan in December. By the end of 2012, Toyota says it will launch a Pixis version of the upcoming Daihatsu e:S - a vehicle that returns 70.6 miles per gallon (U.S.) as measured under Japan's JC08 test cycle.

In case you weren't aware, Daihatsu - Japan's oldest manufacturer of automobiles - operates under the control of Toyota. In other words, these Pixis machines are simply badge engineering at the kei level.

Toyota launches Pixis Space; first kei cars are Daihatsus in drag originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daihatsujapankeikei carpixispixis spacetoyotatoyota pixistoyota spaceFri, 09 Sep 2011 16:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039045/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/09/toyota-launches-pixis-space-first-kei-cars-are-daihatsus-in-dra/20039045/article-detail.xml 20039045 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/daihatsu_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/daihatsu.png <![CDATA[O Kei, Go! Honda Beat revival rumored anew]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/honda-beat-kei-successor-osm-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/honda-beat-kei-successor-osm-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/honda-beat-kei-successor-osm-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2008 honda osm concept
Honda OSM concept at 2008 British Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rumors have swirled for some time that Honda has been looking to revive its diminutive Beat. The Japanese Domestic Market kei car was produced from 1991 through 1996, and featured a tiny 650cc (that's 40 cubic inches to us 'Muricans) three-cylinder engine that produced 63 horsepower (Japan's power cap for the kei class). The engine was mounted in the middle, and sent all that fury to the rear wheels. Combine that powertrain layout with the droptop, and two passengers could have a lot of fun for short money. Now, we're once again hearing rumblings that Honda is readying a Beat for a new generation.

According to AutoExpress, Honda is working on a new Beat that will utilize technology found in some of the company's motorcycle offerings. The Beat would shift gears by way of a dual-clutch transmission, which would be a first in a Honda car. The cogswapper, borrowed from a VFR1200F, could be mated to a 1.3 or 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine.

The rumor mongers also tell us that the Honda Beat could ride on the same platform as the CR-Z. The body length would be chopped down, and with a reduction in front and rear overhangs, the car could somewhat resemble the OSM concept shown in London back in 2008.

O Kei, Go! Honda Beat revival rumored anew originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beathondahonda beathonda keihonda osm conceptkeikei carMon, 20 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19971332/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/20/honda-beat-kei-successor-osm-concept/19971332/article-detail.xml 19971332 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/honda-osm-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/honda-osm-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Kia mystery box spotted testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/spy-shots-kia-mystery-box-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/spy-shots-kia-mystery-box-spotted-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/spy-shots-kia-mystery-box-spotted-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mystery Kia spy shots
Mystery Kia spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Every once in a while, a set of spy photos comes through that makes us stare at our computer screens like we're looking for the secret image inside of a Magic Eye stereogram picture. This is one of those cases, as we simply aren't sure what to make of this diminutive Kia prototype.

Our best guess is that this is a new kei car for the Japanese market, as its uber-boxy dimensions and teeny-tiny wheels are fitting of the small MPVs that roam the streets of Japan. However, because we can't get a good feeling for how big this car actually is, there's a chance that Kia could be working on a sub-Soul two-box. But from where we sit, those wheels simply way look too small for consumption here in the United States (imagine hitting a Detroit-spec pothole with those tiny tires), so we're thinking that whatever this prototype blossoms into, we likely won't see it on our shores.

Our shooters note that the rear doors differ from side-to-side, with the left side offering a conventional front-hinged door and the right side opting for a slider, giving it an MPV-like quality. Either way, this mystery box looks rather far along in development, so we'd expect to see it in production sooner rather than later, perhaps with a 2013 model year.

Have a look at the spy shots in our high-res gallery below, and wager your best guess as to what's lurking under the camouflage in Comments.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Mystery Kia Hatchback

Spy Shots: Mystery Kia HatchbackSpy Shots: Mystery Kia HatchbackSpy Shots: Mystery Kia HatchbackSpy Shots: Mystery Kia HatchbackSpy Shots: Mystery Kia Hatchback

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Kia mystery box spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box carcube carkei carkiaspy photosspy picsspy shotsWed, 16 Feb 2011 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19846284/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/16/spy-shots-kia-mystery-box-spotted-testing/19846284/article-detail.xml 19846284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-mystery-kia-spy-shots630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-mystery-kia-spy-shots630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Translogic visits Japan's Dream Factory Blow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/14/video-translogic-visits-japans-dream-factory-blow/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/14/video-translogic-visits-japans-dream-factory-blow/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/14/video-translogic-visits-japans-dream-factory-blow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Translogic at Dream Factory Blow
Translogic at Dream Factory Blow - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Translogic crew is still bumming around Japan. For the show's third episode in the island nation, host Bradley Hasemeyer heads to Sagamihara to tour Dream Factory Blow.

No, it's not a cocaine supercenter. The customs shop specializes in laying unique fiber-reinforced polymer bodywork over the sheet metal of the lowly kei-car - the 660cc-engined machines that make up the lowest rung of the automotive food chain. Dream Factory Blow specializes in tweaking the aesthetics of the pint-sized cars to create miniature interpretations of classic American iron like a 1972 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck or a 1985 Chevrolet van.

But Dream Factory Blow isn't just bolting on body panels. For that sweet little Chevy pickup, the fabricators started with a Suzuki Lapin, hacked off half of the rear body work and crafted an entire pickup bed. It's too awesome for words. Of course, dismantling a substantial portion of a vehicle's body structure does have an impact on frame stiffness, and to that end, Dream Factory Blow has to have its vehicles tested by the Japanese government for safety. Hit the jump to check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic visits Japan's Dream Factory Blow

Video: Translogic visits Japan's Dream Factory Blow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car culturedream factory blowjapanjapanese car culturekei carkei-cartranslogicTue, 14 Dec 2010 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19759850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/14/video-translogic-visits-japans-dream-factory-blow/19759850/article-detail.xml 19759850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/translogic-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/translogic-630.jpg <![CDATA[Oh, Kei Go: Toyota set to enter JDM minicar market?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/oh-kei-go-toyota-set-to-enter-jdm-mini-car-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/oh-kei-go-toyota-set-to-enter-jdm-mini-car-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/oh-kei-go-toyota-set-to-enter-jdm-mini-car-market/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota LogoToyota is looking to get bigger... by going smaller. The Japanese automaker is looking to enter the kei car market, a popular segment in its homeland. Kei cars are small vehicles with restrictions on length (11.15 feet), width (4.86 feet), engine size (660 cubic centimeters) and power output (63 horsepower). Currently, Toyota is the only Japanese automaker not producing vehicles for this segment, but that is set to change, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

Thanks to its relationship with Daihatsu, Toyota can jump right into the kei car game. Daihatsu is one of the largest producer of kei vehicles and it is currently owned by Toyota.

Although kei cars are restricted in terms of size and power, they are not restricted by technology. Automakers utilize different drive configurations, powertrains and amenities to keep their cars fresh. Daihatsu and Toyota plan to work together to produce Toyota-branded kei cars. The two companies will utilize Toyota's knowledge of electric and hybrid systems to produce efficient little vehicles for the Japanese market.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Oh, Kei Go: Toyota set to enter JDM minicar market? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daihatsudaihatsu kei carkei carkei carstoyotatoyota kei carFri, 01 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19653937/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/01/oh-kei-go-toyota-set-to-enter-jdm-mini-car-market/19653937/article-detail.xml 19653937 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/toyota-250-1284582917_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/toyota-250-1284582917.jpg <![CDATA[Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mitsubishi-i-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mitsubishi-i-quick-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/mitsubishi-i-quick-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mitsubishi i - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're looking at a long, nearly straight, almost totally traffic-free downhill. We'd climbed up to the base of the Palm Springs to Idyllwild Ariel Tramway. Our goal was to see how fast Mitsubishi's tiny i could go. We're on the gas, and the teensy, turbocharged 660cc three-banger is giving us all its got. The speedometer ticks upwards, now cresting 100. In front of us is nothing but inviting tarmac. Deeper and harder we push and the numbers keep ticking up. 119, 120, 121 and then finally hitting 122. We felt we left a little on the table and could have probably achieved a terminal velocity of around 130. Maybe. 125 for sure.

Before you crime and punishment types climb upon your soapboxes, we should mention that the right-hand drive, JDM-only i reads out in kilometers per hour. Meaning that our top speed was almost 76 mph. And we stand by our assertion that we totally could have hit 80 mph.


Gallery: Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name

Quick Spin: Mitsubishi i is a good car with a bad name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredii MiEVIMievKeiKei CarKeiCarMiEVMitshsubishi iMitshsubishi i MiEVMitshsubishiIMitshsubishiIMievMitsubishiquick spinQuickSpinTue, 15 Dec 2009 11:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19276494/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/15/mitsubishi-i-quick-spin/19276494/article-detail.xml 19276494 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/mitsubishiiqd_01_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/mitsubishiiqd_01_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu e:S plays small ball]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-daihatsu-e-s-plays-small-ball/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-daihatsu-e-s-plays-small-ball/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-daihatsu-e-s-plays-small-ball/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Daihatsu e:S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Daihatsu didn't just bring out its big little guns, it had a couple of tiny guns there as well, such as this, the Volvo C30-esque e:S. Called "a new eco-car that reveals the future role of mini vehicles," it focuses earnestly on environmental impact and "embodies the roles that mini vehicles should play." We aren't sure what that means, but it has a 660-cc engine, a total length of just over seven feet, is claimed to be able to "accommodate four adult passengers," and the whole shebang weighs 1,540 pounds. That combination will yield 70.5 mpg. Whether you wish to pay the price for that economy, well, that's for you and your bones and joints to decide. You can have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below -- it shouldn't take long...


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu e:S


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu e:S plays small ball originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Daihatsudaihatsu e:sDaihatsuE:se:Se:S conceptE:sConceptkeikei carKeiCartokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowWed, 21 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19203624/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-daihatsu-e-s-plays-small-ball/19203624/article-detail.xml 19203624 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/06_daihatsu_es_tokyo_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/06_daihatsu_es_tokyo_opt.jpg <![CDATA[It's o-kei! Suzuki Palette SW introduced in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/its-o-kei-suzuki-palette-sw-introduced-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/its-o-kei-suzuki-palette-sw-introduced-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/its-o-kei-suzuki-palette-sw-introduced-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jdmkeikei carKeiCarpalettesuzukisuzuki palettesuzuki palette swSuzukiPaletteSuzukiPaletteSwswSat, 19 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19164408/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/19/its-o-kei-suzuki-palette-sw-introduced-in-japan/19164408/article-detail.xml 19164408 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/palettesw_630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/palettesw_630.jpg <![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.

Nissan 360: the Cube originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cubekei carKeiCarmicro carmicrocarnissannissan 360nissan cubeNissan360NissanCubeTue, 29 Apr 2008 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1181237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/04/29/nissan-360-the-cube/1181237/article-detail.xml 1181237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/nissan_360_cube_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/nissan_360_cube.jpg <![CDATA[New York 2008: The Mitsubishi i is A-OKei]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/new-york-2008-the-mitsubishi-i-is-a-okei/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/new-york-2008-the-mitsubishi-i-is-a-okei/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/22/new-york-2008-the-mitsubishi-i-is-a-okei/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click image for a high-res gallery of the turbocharged Mitsubishi i

I'm the resident kei car obsessive here at Autoblog. That means I'm the guy who actually thinks, "That is awesome," when he reads the (Google translated) announcement of yet another Suzuki Wagon R variant. Hell, I did two posts on the one-off Hello Kitty Mitsubishi i. Keis are cool. So, you can imagine how happy I was to see that Mitsubishi brought along a small fleet of its i minicars to the New York Auto Show this year.

Foreground: i MiEV, Background: i TurboMitsubishi's focus at the show was squarely on the the all-electric i MiEV, which goes on sale in Japan next year and will be tested in North America this fall. The gasoline-powered version was on hand, too, though. I drove the i MiEV for AutoblogGreen, and was a passenger in a black i Turbo. Head over to AutoblogGreen for driving impressions of the i MiEV, and note that many of the observations there apply to both the electric and gasoline-powered cars.

The i Turbo you see here is powered by a 660cc 3-cylinder that delivers around 64 horsepower. It's got around half the torque of the electric i MiEV and it's buzzier-sounding (obviously), but it felt just as well-suited to city driving in New York as its battery-powered counterpart. It can comfortably transport four adults and a bit of cargo, too. Try doing that in a smart.

Mitsubishi is monitoring public reaction to the cars this week, so if you go to the show and like what you see, make sure to let them know. Me? I'll happily take one in black -- with a DAMD kit for optimum not-exactly-badassedness.

Head to AutoblogGreen for a full i MiEV review and video.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i Turbo - Live in NY


Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - Live in NY


All photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

New York 2008: The Mitsubishi i is A-OKei originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog greenautobloggreeni mievIMievkei carkei carsKeiCarKeiCarsmievmitsubishi iMitsubishiInew yorknew york 2008NewYorkNewYork2008nyiasnyias 08nyias 2008nyias08nyias2008Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1146563/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/22/new-york-2008-the-mitsubishi-i-is-a-okei/1146563/article-detail.xml 1146563 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/i_turbo_nyias_lv03_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/i_turbo_nyias_lv03_450.jpg <![CDATA[Japan: Subaru hits STI partsbin for Stella Custom RS S-Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/japan-subaru-hits-sti-partsbin-for-stella-custom-rs-s-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/japan-subaru-hits-sti-partsbin-for-stella-custom-rs-s-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/japan-subaru-hits-sti-partsbin-for-stella-custom-rs-s-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for photo gallery

We love it when the Japanese auto manufacturers take the box of Alpha-Bits, empty it onto the floor, and then make a car name out of the resulting clutter. Subaru is the current world champion in this regard, having produced the tongue-twistingly wonderfully named WRX STi Spec-C Type RA-R last year. This week, the automaker got busy again, releasing an update to its home-market kei car: the Stella Custom RS S-Edition.

No, it's not compatible with Google Reader. It's really just a new dress-up trim level for the Stella Custom RS. The tall microwagon gets a shot of color inside and some STI-sourced appearance upgrades. It ends there, since upping the performance would take it out of kei car specification. The RS S-Edition is limited to 500 units and includes the following:
  • STI chin and roof spoilers
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
  • STI logo on shifter
  • Sport pedals
  • Carbon fiber interior trim
  • HID low-beam headlamps
  • 14" gunmetal aluminum wheels
We have no doubt whatsoever that this will sell out in limited-edition-obsessed Japan. And truthfully, it's kinda cool anyway.

[Source: Subaru]

Gallery: Subaru Stella Custom RS S-Edition (JDM)

Japan: Subaru hits STI partsbin for Stella Custom RS S-Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keikei carKeiCarstellastella customstella custom rsstella custom rs s-editionStellaCustomStellaCustomRsStellaCustomRsS-editionSTIsubaru stellaSubaruStellaTue, 10 Jul 2007 15:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/936566/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/07/10/japan-subaru-hits-sti-partsbin-for-stella-custom-rs-s-edition/936566/article-detail.xml 936566 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/stells_sus_rs-s001lo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/stells_sus_rs-s001lo.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi i confirmed for sale in the UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/mitsubishi-i-confirmed-for-sale-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/mitsubishi-i-confirmed-for-sale-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/15/mitsubishi-i-confirmed-for-sale-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image to view high-resolution gallery of the Mitsubishi i

Beginning on July 1st, Brits will be able to purchase the iconic i kei car from Mitsubishi. The i is a big hit in Japan, having won numerous awards for its futuristic styling and clever engineering while racking up big sales in the home market. Mitsubishi has spent the last year shopping the i around Great Britain at the Badminton Horse Trials, the British Motor Show and some select Mitsubishi dealerships, and the response from the public was positive enough to convince management to sell the car on the Queen's isle. It will be available only in one configuration powered by the JDM spec 660cc turbo three-cylinder engine producing an economical though not entirely thrilling 64bhp. Initially, however, only 300 units will be made available for sale at the price of £8,999 ($17,577 USD).

With the success of the MINI Cooper and the impending arrival of the smart fortwo in the U.S., we wonder if there are talks within Mitsubishi to bring the i to the U.S. They'll no doubt be watching sales of the fortwo closely. Check out the official press release after the jump and a high-resolution gallery of the Mitsubishi i.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Gallery: Mitsubishi i

Mitsubishi i confirmed for sale in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaingreat britainGreatBritainikeikei carKeiCarmitsubishi iMitsubishiIU.K.UKThu, 15 Feb 2007 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/754815/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/02/15/mitsubishi-i-confirmed-for-sale-in-the-uk/754815/article-detail.xml 754815 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/52275-c-mit_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/52275-c-mit_450.jpg -1 2