Autoblog

Honda drops full details about incredibly adorable N-One

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

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.

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Daihatsu D-R concept looks like a Copen successor

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style, Daihatsu

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.

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Honda N-One brochure scans reveal cute-as-a-bug city car

Zach Bowman — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Design/Style

Honda appears to have finally put a version of its crushingly cute N Concept 4 into production. The retro-styled hatchback has shown up in Japanese dealership literature for the first time, according to CarScoop. Behold the N-One, a minicar designed to take on the Fiat 500 at its own game. The street-worthy machine ditches the LED lighting arrays of the original concept in favor of more traditional units, and designers chose to adorn the back hatch with a large chrome accent bar below the rear glass as well. We could do without that change.

Step indoors, and Honda looks to have abandoned the retro styling of the N Concept in favor of a parts-bin raid on the N Box +. The move is fitting considering both kei cars ride on the same platform. Under the hood, buyers can expect to bask in the glow of a 660-cc three-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Power can be shuttled to either the front wheels or an all-wheel drive system depending on trim. Honda hopes the addition to the company's lineup will help boost minicar sales to 280,000 units per year. Don't expect to see this N360-influenced creation show up on our shores any time soon, however.

Honda N-One brochure scans reveal cute-as-a-bug city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's versatile little N Box+ hits the scene

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Japan, Honda

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.

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Honda N600-derived retro city car revealed?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Japan, Hatchback, Honda

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.

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New Mazda Flairwagon offers nothing of the sort

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Mazda

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.

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Daihatsu Copen, Japan's last kei convertible, ending production

Noah Joseph — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Japan, Daihatsu

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.

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Honda N Box is done with mirrors [w/video]

Chris Paukert — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Wagon, Japan, Videos, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Design/Style

Honda is redoubling its Kei-class effort here at the Tokyo Motor Show, and the opening salvo of its new N Series is this square-rigged model, the appropriately named N Box. The N Box is actually launching in two versions, the standard model and the Custom, which includes showier head- and taillamp modules and a unique grille.

The N Box rides atop a new minicar architecture that employs a new 660cc engine and a center-mounted tank not unlike that of the larger Fit. As is typical for this class of car, there's a surprising amount of space inside the N Box thanks to its rectilinear proportions and dining chair-like seating. In fact, there's plenty of room for six-foot adults, save a slightly pinched footwell and limited elbow room because of the car's narrow dimensions. The rear seat is even more generous, with limo-like legroom and a flip/fold feature that allows for the storage of bulky objects in the passenger compartment. Unfortunately, the rear chairs don't actually side forward to accommodate more space in the cargo hold, though the seatbacks will fold forward for larger objects.

One of the N Box's most unique features is its blind spot mirror array, which functions as sort of a poor man's version of a side view camera system. Basically, a pair of convex mirrors mounted to the inside of the A-Pillar reflect onto a convex mirror mounted on the front of the door-mounted side mirror, allowing the driver to parallel park with ease. There's also a large convex mirror mounted inside of the rear cargo hatch on the same assembly with the center high-mount stop lamp that doubles as sort of an inexpensive backup camera. Check out our Short Cut video after the jump for a closer look.

Continue reading Honda N Box is done with mirrors [w/video]

Honda N Box is done with mirrors [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EV-STER rear-wheel drive electric sports car looks to recapture Honda's sporting spirit

Chris Paukert — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda, Design/Style

Honda has whipped the sheets off of its EV-STER, a rear-wheel drive electric roadster not dissimilar in size and scope to the late, lamented Beat kei car. If you're looking for a successor to Honda's S2000 or a Mazda MX-5 Miata rival, this isn't it - the EV-STER is significantly smaller than those cars, and with a pure electric drivetrain, this showcar is more suited to top-down fun in the city than the open road.

Purely a concept for the moment, the EV-STER offers a 160-kilometer range, a 0-37 mph (60kph) time of 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph, though Honda isn't offering much in the way of hardware specifications.

Attractive in both general form and detail, we could admittedly do without the yoke-style steering interface employed here and in Honda's other Tokyo Motor Show concepts. Steering wheel aside, we hope Honda finds a way to bring something like the EV-STER to market... and we wouldn't mind if it weren't a EV, either.

Continue reading EV-STER rear-wheel drive electric sports car looks to recapture Honda's sporting spirit

EV-STER rear-wheel drive electric sports car looks to recapture Honda's sporting spirit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota launches Pixis Space; first kei cars are Daihatsus in drag

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota, Daihatsu

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.

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O Kei, Go! Honda Beat revival rumored anew

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Honda, Rumormill

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.

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Videos: LS1-powered Suzuki Mighty Boy does insane snarly donuts

Chris Shunk — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos, Suzuki

Suzuki Mighty Boy with LS1 V8 power - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

The JDM kei-sized Suzuki Mighty Boy from the 1980s weighed about 1,100 pounds and typically packed no more than 30 horsepower. What happens, then, when the only extra weight you add to the mix are a pair of fat rear tires and a General Motors LS1 V8? A lot of smoky burnouts, that's for sure.

Beyond the jump are three videos of the Mighty Boy crop-dusting fans in the stands. They may not be the newest, but we've never seen them before, and hopefully you haven't either. The first clip is a minute long and every ounce of the Mighty Boy's massive rear tires is shredded clear off the wheels. The second clip is two minutes, and you can expect more burnouts with a bunch of donuts mixed in. The last clip is only 27 seconds long, but six tire-smoking burnouts in that time-frame look like they're taking place in a video game. We can almost smell the rubber from here. Hit the jump to watch for yourself.

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading Videos: LS1-powered Suzuki Mighty Boy does insane snarly donuts

Videos: LS1-powered Suzuki Mighty Boy does insane snarly donuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda to abandon clean diesel development, focus on hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda, Diesel

Regular readers know we tend to be big fans of modern diesel engines. All the past demons that had plagued oil-burners over the years have been exorcised, including rough running, nasty smells, loud operation and narrow power bands. But sadly, modern clean diesel powerplants have never taken hold in the United States.

According to the Nikkei in Japan (via Reuters), we can add Honda to the list of global automakers that have abandoned plans to move further into the diesel realm. Instead, Honda will continue to puts all of its eggs in the hybrid basket, developing a new system for use in larger vehicles. Currently, Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology is used in the Civic Hybrid and the Insight.

We can only hope that Honda's next hybrid system will expand on its current IMA tech, which has been unable to match the fuel efficiency and performance of rival Toyota, by being able to operate on the electric motor alone for longer stretches.

In addition to halting development of clean diesel tech, Honda has also put the brakes on the new microcar plant in Japan that was to build future Kei cars for the automaker's home market.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Honda to abandon clean diesel development, focus on hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Electric, Quick Spins

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

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.

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Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu's Deca Deca concept is the most popular "super box" in the world

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Design/Style, Daihatsu

Daihatsu Deca Deca concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Daihatsu has a way with words: the company calls its Deca Deca concept a "super box," and we'll call it a super super box. A funky little piece of chunk, the Deca Deca has a flat floor - and a flat everything else -- along with pillarless doors that render the interior absolutely cavernous. The abyss inside has been tastefully appointed with slim, movable fold-up seats, a table, and an LCD television in case you want to "work inside the vehicle or stow large items."

Interestingly, the car was so popular that we couldn't get close to it until the second day -- there were camera crews around it constantly. But for all that, and with Japanese rents what they are, it might make a fine place to live - after all, it was "designed with leisure use in mind," and how could anyone complain about living in a super box?

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Deca Deca

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu's Deca Deca concept is the most popular "super box" in the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu e:S plays small ball

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Daewoo

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

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.

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Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu to go little in a big way with Basket, Deca Deca, and others

Alex Nunez — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Military, Design/Style

Daihatsu Basket Concept - Click above for image gallery

There may be a bunch of conspicuously absent automakers missing from this month's Tokyo Motor Show, but the thing about the Japanese show is that a lot of the really neat stuff comes from the hometown guys, anyway. Take Daihatsu, for instance. Rather than try to wow everyone with fairy-dust tech in concepts that will never see the outside of an exhibition hall, The D is keeping things simple, small, and real. Even the concept cars look like they're not that far removed from reality. Let's start there.

The coolest rig at the Daihatsu stand will doubtlessly be the Basket concept, shown above, which lets you get more in touch with nature via a removable hard roof panel and fabric top for the rear seat. We want one. Badly. The Decca Decca concept (shown at right) is described as a "Super Box" by the automaker, with massive swing-out doors on the passenger side that lead to a nifty, multi-configuration interior. The van's driver's side has one standard door only. Aft of that is a solid panel broken up by a high window. Again, very cool.

The e:S concept looks production-ready, and we'd guess something just like it will be in showrooms before long. It's a kei car built on a shortened, existing platform, with a white Mini Cooper-style roof for added flair, plus weight reduction and a stop/start system for increased efficiency. Those three concepts are joined by the Tanto Exe and Exe Custom, which are production-bound, lightweight, restyled variants of the Tanto micro-minivan. Daihatsu's press release is posted after the jump, along with full image galleries of each car. Check 'em out.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Basket Concept

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Deca Deca Concept

[Source: Daihatsu]

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu to go little in a big way with Basket, Deca Deca, and others

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu to go little in a big way with Basket, Deca Deca, and others originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:01:00 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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eBay Find of the Day: The coolest two-cylinder Subaru microtruck Ferrari never built

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Auctions, Suzuki, Ferrari

Click above for a gallery of the Subaru Sambar-turned-Ferrari microtruck

You're too late to buy it, but it's never too late to find out about these things. The Subaru Sambar was evidently the first kei truck in Japan. It could also be the first kei truck to be completely restored, customized, and fitted entirely with Ferrari badging in America. However, it's about as far from Ferrari spec as you could imagine: a 660 cc, 2-cylinder, 2-stroke engine sits way back in the rear, with a pickup truck bed where you'd normally find the powerplant in an F430. It does have a ball shifter and Momo pedals, though. Even though the bidding's over, the truck didn't meet reserve (which is somewhere north of $12,800) so you can start saving for its eventual relisting. And did we mention all those Ferrari badges? Check 'em out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Subaru Sambar II Ferrari micro truck

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: The coolest two-cylinder Subaru microtruck Ferrari never built originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AZ-Wagon: Mazdaspeak for "Suzuki Wagon R"

Alex Nunez — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Mazda

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Mazda AZ-Wagon

Late Sunday night, Mazda issued a press release from the mothership in Japan touting the arrival of the new home-market AZ-Wagon kei car. Those of you who paid attention to Autoblog last week may be experiencing twinges of deja vu as you look at the enclosed photos. Yes, you have seen this car before: the new Mazda AZ-Wagon is simply a rebadged version of the new Suzuki Wagon R, just like it was before. The regular AZ-Wagon is the standard Wagon R, while the AZ-Wagon Custom Style (above) is the Wagon R Stingray. We'd happily sign up for one, but alas, Mazda's Stateside rebadge-o-rama is limited to the Tribute and B-Series.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda AZ-Wagon

[Source: Mazda]

AZ-Wagon: Mazdaspeak for "Suzuki Wagon R" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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