Autoblog

Nissan gets racy at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Minivan/Van, Performance, Japan, Crossover, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon, Specialty, Design/Style

Nissan is headed to this year's Tokyo Auto Salon with a spate of custom hardware, including tweaked versions of the company's Juke, Note, Fairlady Z and GT-R. Even the humble Leaf EV and hefty NV350 have received a little love from designers and engineers. The Juke Nismo will share the stage with creations like the Leaf Nismo Performance Package and the GT-R Nismo GT3. That last beast debuted in 2012 and boasts more engine output and enhanced aerodynamics while still complying with FIA GT3 regulations.

But our favorite of the bunch has to be the NV350 Caravan Rider Transporter. Custom-built for TAS, the commercial van was penned to toe the line between a hard-working commercial van and a luxurious leisure machine. We dig it.

Nissan is also showing off a number of race cars, including the Motul Autech GT-R of Super GT fame and the company's wild DeltaWing. Check out the full press release and videos below for more information, and be sure to take a look at the full gallery for a glimpse of the models in attendance.

Continue reading Nissan gets racy at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]

Nissan gets racy at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TAS 2010: Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid concept packing 400-hp 3.3-liter V6, AWD [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Japan, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept - Click above for image gallery

Back in November, the rumormill was set ablaze when reports began to surface that Toyota was working on a new MR2 packing hybrid power. Today, those rumors have been laid to rest... kinda.

In addition to the G Sport Series FT-86 and Prius, Toyota trotted out a concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon based on the third generation MR-S (ZZW30). Although the MR2 was nixed in the U.S. in 2005 (and in Japan in 2007), Toyota and its partners at Gazoo saw fit to resurrect its midship drop-top by fitting a 3.3-liter V6 where the old 1.8-liter four-cylinder used to reside and an electric motor mated to a THSII hybrid system up front. That's right, the MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept is all-wheel drive, and between the two mills, it's churning out over 400 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

But despite its boosted output, the 2,800-pound concept is a bit on the porky side compared to its 2,200-pound predecessor. Toyota claims it can run to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds - still better than the stock ZZW30, but at what a cost to the MR2's supreme chuckability? While there's no chance of Toyota putting the MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept into production, this could point the way for things to come - for better or worse. Make the jump for a promo video.

Gallery: Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid

[Source: Gazzo via Carscoop]

Continue reading TAS 2010: Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid concept packing 400-hp 3.3-liter V6, AWD [w/video]

TAS 2010: Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid concept packing 400-hp 3.3-liter V6, AWD [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen NSX RR

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATED with live images.

Gallery: TAS 2009: Mugen NSX RR

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

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

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

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

Click above for a gallery of the NATS GT-K

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

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

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

Gallery: NATS GT-K

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

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen Type-RR Experimental Spec

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

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

Click the image above for a high-res gallery.

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

[Sources: LeBlogAuto, Nihon Car]

Gallery: Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR Experimental Spec

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

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2008 Tokyo Auto Salon: Honda Fit F154SC concept by Mugen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Mugen Honda Fit F154SC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Mitsubishi Evolution X at the Tokyo Auto Salon

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

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Tokyo Auto Salon 2008: Nissan GT-Rs gone wild

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Nissan GT-Rs at TAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: World Car Fans, Motor Authority]

Gallery: Mazda RX-8 RS

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

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Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Fit Luxe'ster

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above for more images of the Honda Fit Luxe'ster

The Tokyo Auto Salon is almost upon us, and as is the case each year, manufacturers have show cars ready for what is essentially the Japanese version of SEMA. Tuned and accessorized cars are the focus, and Honda has a few items ready to go. We'll start with the Fit Luxe'ster. This is what you get when you take a JDM Fit RS, throw on a set of 15" Modulos and wrap the seats, door panels, steering wheel, shift knob and a healthy portion of the IP in dark tan leather. For good measure, throw in a set of matching fabric mats. Of course, "Honda Fit" and "Luxury" are terms that are pretty much at odds with each other, but anything goes at the TAS.

[Source: Carview]

Gallery: Honda Fit Luxe'ster

Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Fit Luxe'ster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan bringing GT500 GT-R and 16 other cars to Tokyo Auto Salon

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Tokyo Auto Salon

Nissan and its motorsports arm, NISMO, will be partnering with its affiliates at Autech to blow out this year's Tokyo Auto Salon with 16 different cars being spread across three show stands.

On display at the Nissan booth will be the Skyline Coupe Aero Sports Concept and a hopped-up version of the X-Trail, dubbed the Extremer Package Concept. The Autech team will be showing off the Dualis Premier Concept along with Rider Performance versions of the Elgrand, Serena and Note. And to top it all off, Nissan will be bringing out the GT500 GT-R, due to start its campaign in SuperGT next year.

[Source: GTChannel]

Nissan bringing GT500 GT-R and 16 other cars to Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon: Suzuki Swift X Concept

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Japan, Hatchback, Suzuki, Misc. Auto Shows

Among the other tunerific surprises that lined the booths of the Nippon Convention Center during the Tokyo Auto Salon, Suzuki displayed their Swift X Sport Concept. Of all the vehicles in Suzuki's lineup, the Swift is the one we'd love to see Stateside post haste, especially benefiting from some of its rally heritage. Although in standard guise, it's little more than a subcompact with all the sporting pretenses that the name implies, this concept brings a little bit of WRC flavor to the party.

Continue reading Tokyo Auto Salon: Suzuki Swift X Concept

Tokyo Auto Salon: Suzuki Swift X Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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