Japanese Cars Archives 4

2008 Honda S2000 Type S Unveiled

It's still up in the air if Honda is ever going to release an all-new S2000, but that isn't stopping the automaker from releasing special versions of the current car.

Nissan GT-R V-Spec Will be Released in 2009...It's An Even Hotter Version

Hot on the heals of the official release of the Nissan GT-R it is being reported that an even hotter version the V-Spec will be released sometime in 2009.

All-New 2008 Nissan GT-R Officially Unveiled

Following the massive leaks of photos and specs last week, Nissan has finally released official photos and specs of the all-new GT-R.

More Photos of the All-New Nissan GT-R Unveiled Thanks to Inside Line

Well today has been a fun day. This morning Motor Authority posted a scanned photo of the next issue of Motor Trend which has the all-new GT-R on the cover. Motor Trend is now requesting that those photos be taken down (see my previous post). AutoWeek also decided to post photos of the car, which you will have to check out on your own. Now Inside Line has jumped on the bandwagon and released their own official photos of the car.

VIDEO: When Toyota RAV-4 Owners Become a Little Too Obsessed with Their SUVs...

Would you really do this just to drive the Toyota RAV-4?

Honda CRX Successor Coming to Tokyo?

For years there have been rumors that Honda is going to one day release a successor to the Honda CRX. Well that day may finally be coming a reality. It is being rumored that Honda is going to unveil a successor to the small two seater at the Tokyo Auto Show this month.

Video: Check out the All-New 2008 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan in Action

Carscoop has posted two separate videos of the recently unveiled 2008 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan. Click through to see both videos and the photos of one of the most anticipated new 2008 models.

Suzuki is Going to Unveil the Kizashi Concept Sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Next month Suzuki is going to unveil a new mid-level sedan concept car labeled the Kizashi. A production version of the sedan is expected to be released by 2010.

Honda Remix Concept Gives us a Hint of the New 2009 Honda Hybrid

Last week Honda announced that they are going to start production of the Honda FCX fuel-cell vehicle in 2008. The automaker also announced that they are going to release a mass-market hybrid that will be cheaper than the current Civic Hybrid.

The Spiritual Successor to the Toyota Supra (Toyota FT-HS) will be Released in 2009

According to Automobile, the Toyota FT-HS is going to be released in 2009. The hybrid sports car has been given the green light.

Japanese Cars Archives 3

Honda OSM Concept Unveiled

Honda has officially unveiled its Open Study Model (OSM) concept at the British International Motor Show, at ExCeL, London.

Toyota Kills Plans for New Supra and Next-Gen FJ Cruiser

According to the Automotive News Toyota has dropped the successor to the Supra from its product plans due to the high mpg requirements in the US.

Honda's Prius Fighter Will be Here in April 2009 and for Less than $19K

Honda is hard at work on its 5-door hybrid hatchback that is aimed squarely at the Toyota Prius.

Lexus Delays LF-A and GS-F but Other Vehicles Are on the Way

According to reports Lexus has delayed the introduction of the LF-A supercar and high performance GS-F sedan.

Acura May be Planning a New Four-Door Coupe Before the NSX in 2010

Honda is desperately trying to change Acura's image into a "Tier 1" brand. This year the automaker is redesigning all three of its current sedans. A new NSX is also in the works, but according to execs another all-new vehicle is going to be released before the NSX in 2010.

Honda Confirms that the Acura NSX will Return by 2010

There has been so much speculation about the release date for the next Acura NSX, since Acura unveiled the Advanced Sports Car Concept.

Mazda's New CX-5 Crossover may Share its Platform with the MX-5 (Miata)

It was rumored a while ago that Mazda is working on yet another small crossover to add to its existing lineup, the CX-5.

Japanese Cars Archives 02

Geneva 09': Infiniti Essence Hybrid Concept Unveiled with 592HP

Infiniti hit the Geneva Motor Show head on today with the unveiling of the Essence Concept, which combines sexy coupe bodywork with a "green" drivetrain.

The Essence Concept is a front-engined, two-seater. It features a 3.7L V6 engine mated to an electric motor that has been dubbed the 3D Motor. The combined output is 592 horsepower ( 434 from the V6 and 158 from the electric motor).

The styling of the Essence Concept draws cues from the current Infiniti lineup, but in a much sexier way. The assymetrical two-seat interior features a driver focused interior with two distinct cocoons. The driver's side is black, while the passenger's "cocoon" is an earthy red.

Honda Reveals its 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Lineup

Honda has unveiled its lineup for the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon, which is basically similar to SEMA. The show kicks off at the same time as the Detroit Auto Show, this Sunday.

The two main vehicles at the show will be the Sports Modulo S2000 and Fit Concepts, but check out the gallery to see the other models.

Ford Surpasses Honda In Initial Quality and Ties Toyota

Ford has released a new study today that claims that the automaker's initial quality is better than Honda and that it is now in a tie with Toyota.

According to the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) survey conducted quarterly for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Ford is now statistically tied with Toyota at the top of the industry in initial vehicle quality.

The survey measured two things, the number of things gone wrong and customer satisfaction with vehicle quality over the first three months of ownership.

Ford's initial quality has improved five percent over last year.

It's Official! Honda S2000 Dead at the End of this Year

Honda has officially announced that 2009 will be the final model year for the Honda S2000.

The S2000 was originally introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model.

"The S2000 is a sports car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It raised the bar for all future roadsters, and it's already considered a classic by many Honda fans."

So sad....

LA 2008: Honda Shows off the Insight's "Eco-Friendly" Dash

Honda's theme at the LA Auto Show this year was "green" vehicles with the Insight concept, CR-Z concept and FC Sport all taking the stage.

In addition to unveiling the FC Sport, Honda also provided more details about its next hybrid, the Insight. The Insight is going to feature a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist). The system gives the driver feedback on how she or he is driving and provides real-time guidance on environmentally responsible driving. It basically tells you how "green" you are driving through the economy scoring function.

A green "ECON" button on the dash also activates the ECON mode which optimizes the control of the transmission, engine and other elements to optimize fuel economy.

Ford also recently introduced a eco-type dash in its 2010 Fusion and Milan hybrids.

The production version of the Insight will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show with sales starting in April 2009.

Toyota Developing a Prius Coupe Dubbed the MR2 to Compete with the Honda CR-Z?

According to Auto Express the once loved MR2 is making a comeback, but not as the small mid-engined roadster like the last generation. Instead Toyota is going to apply the MR2 name to a new performance hybrid that would be similar to the upcoming Honda CR-Z.

The small coupe would feature rear-wheel-drive, a paddleshift gearbox and a specially developed version of the Prius’s hybrid powertrain.

Toyota executive vice president Masatami Takimoto recently told Auto Express: “We are aware of the fondness with which the MR2 is held in the UK and Europe, and are developing a small hybrid sports car.

“We have set a tough price point (expected to be around £20,000), as it will be easier to sell if it is affordable. It has to be fun to drive, too, which means the hybrid set-up must be different to the Prius’s, with greater responsiveness.”

It's also rumored that the revived MR2 hybrid will draw styling cues from the Toyota FT-HS sports car concept.

Nissan GT-R SpecV Finally Unveiled!

Nissan has finally unveiled the GT-R SpecV after months of speculation.

The special edition GT-R SpecV features a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a carbon fiber grille, and carbon fiber brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body color and the inside features a unique two-seat interior that has Recaro carbon fiber bucket seats.

There is only one main engine modification, a new high gear boost controller that increases the amount of compressed oxygen entering the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 to deliver more torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges.

Sales begin in Japan at seven pre-selected dealers, with pricing set at 15,750,000 yen. There is no word yet on if the car is headed to our shores.

LA 2008: Honda FC Sport Design Study Unveiled....Honda Shows that "Green" Can be Fun

Honda surprised the crowd today by unveiling the Honda FC Sport Design Study at the LA Auto Show.

The Honda FC Sport Design Study is hydrogen-powered three seat sports car. It uses the V-Flow fuel cell stack and electric drivetrain from the recently introduced FCX Clarity. The fuel-cell stack is located between the rear seats and the electric motor is mounted just forward of the rear axle. Inside the driver sits in the middle of the car, while the two rear passengers sit directly behind the driver on the left and right side of the vehicle. The doors also open upward from the rear.

"The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."

Japanese Cars Archives 01

Upcoming Toyota/ Subaru Coupe Loses 40 HP

There have been so many rumors about Toyota/ Subaru's upcoming RWD coupes. The latest reports are claiming that the 086A coupe is going to get a significant power drop to make it more economical with lower emissions and to be be branded as an "eco car" in Japan.

The 2.0L boxer four-cylinder is now expected to put out around 160 hp, which is 40 less than earlier reports. Even though the engine's power is being downgraded, Toyota and Subaru have managed to cut the vehicle's weight, boosting the power-to-weight ratio. Subaru no longer sells the 2.0L boxer engine in any of its US-spec models, so hopefully the US-spec 086A will also be powered by the 2.5L instead of the de-powered 2.0L.

The coupe is expected to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this fall, but these latest reports now make it seem like the "green" movement has stepped in and the overall buyer demographic is now going to be older than originally planned. Toyota and Subaru have reportedly revised their marketing plans to target the 30-50 year old target market. Many people in this age range will probably remember the old AE86 Corolla.

The production version is expected to be released by the end of 2011.

Toyota May Revive the Celica Name for its Upcoming RWD Coupe

Toyota recently unveiled a concept version of its new rear-wheel-drive coupe in Tokyo. The production version that is the result of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru is expected to go on sale some time in 2012. Toyota hasn't announced what the official name will be for the coupe, but according to Autocar, the coupe could be named the Celica.

The concept is currently badged FT-86, but the latest rumors are suggesting that Toyota is currently evaluating the Celica name since it has a long history.

Photos of Toyota's FT-86 Concept

Here are some more photos of Toyota's FT-86 Concept, thanks to ft86club that is set to debut in Tokyo.

Honda Releases Interior Photos of the 2010 Accord Crosstour

Honda has released interior photos of the controversial 2010 Accord Crosstour.

Honda describes the interior of the Accord Crosstour as "versatile" with its one touch lever, which is used to fold the rear seats from the cargo area and under floor hidden storage area. The dashboard is pretty much right out of the sedan version.

Does the interior help you like this car any better than before?

In addition to the release of more photos, Honda has confirmed that the Accord Crosstour will come standard with a 3.5L V6 with 4-wheel-drive being optional. Honda has yet to release the final specs, but the vehicle will be on sale in November.

Honda's CEO Says "Hyundai is Awesome"

Honda's CEO Takanobu Ito recently stated that he sees Hyundai as a major threat to the Japanese automakers.

"Hyundai is awesome," said Takanobu. "They are undoubtedly a threat because their products are cheap, and the quality is improving."

Hyundai's sales have been improving, while many of its other competitors have seen its sales decline in the last year. Obviously new products like the Genesis are changing the perception of the brand and it's no longer seen as the throw away car brand of the 80's.

VIDEO: Honda Has Sure Come a Long Way Since 1972

Kinda hilarious. It's a little hard to tell what she is saying throughout the whole commercial.

Tokyo 09' Preview: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon...Ok?

Subaru is going to unveil the Impreza WRX STI Carbon at the Tokyo Motor Show next month, but some of the details of the car make you wonder...why? The WRX STI is supposed to be the halo performance car for the Impreza brand, so when Subaru decides to put a carbon fiber roof on this edition, we say..great! It will lower the total weight and center of gravity, which means better performance. But wait... Now for some reason Subaru has decided to add a 5-speed automatic to this version...why?? An automatic? Really?? That makes no sense at all! Also who really cares about suede seats?

Tokyo 09' Preview: Mazda to Debut Next-Gen SKY Powertrains and Kiyora Concept

Mazda has released official images of its next-generation SKY powertrains and the Kiyora concept that will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

The SKY-D' diesel engine, SKY-G' direct injection gasoline engine and SKY Drive' high-efficiency automatic transmission define "Mazda's approach to developing next-generation powertrains that will significantly improve the eco-friendliness and dynamic performance of all Mazda vehicles."

In addition to the new more efficient engines and transmissions debuting at the show, the Kiyora concept is Mazda's newest take an an eco-friendly, but fun to drive car. It's powered by the next-generation Mazda SKY-G 1.3 engine mated to the new six-speed Mazda SKY-Drive automatic transmission. The Kiyora concept achieves fuel economy numbers of 32 kilometers per liter and its compact body weighs 100 kilograms less than Mazda's current mass production model in the same segment.

Lexus Announces the Pricing for the 2010 Lexus RX450h and the IS Convertible

Lexus has announced the pricing for the 2010 Lexus RX450h and Lexus IS250C and IS350C.

The RX450h hybrid starts at $41,660 for the FWD model and the AWD starts at $43,250. The RX 450h is powered by a 3.5L Atkinson V6 engine mated to a hybrid system that puts out a total 295 horsepower. The FWD model achieves 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway while the AWD achieves 30 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The convertible version of the IS is powered by the same 204-hp 2.5L V6 and 306-hp 3.5L V6 as the sedan. It features a three-panel roof that opens in 20 seconds. The IS250C starts at $38,490 with the six-speed manual, the IS250C with the six-speed automatic transmission starts at $39,660 and the IS350C starts at $43,940.

The IS250C and IS350C will be available in late May and the RX450h will be available in mid-summer.

Korean Cars Archives 01

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Debut in Super Bowl XLIII Ads

Hyundai has announced that it is going to debut its the 2010 Genesis Coupe in two Super Bowl ads during the Super Bowl on February 1, 2009.

Both commercials share a common theme, "The Epic Lap." The first commercial will feature the Genesis Coupe being driven by Rhys Millen with background music provided by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The second commercial will feature different driving footage and music.

The 2010 Genesis Coupe is powered by either a 210 horsepower turbocharged 2.0L engine or a 306 horsepower 3.8L V6. Both engines put the power to the ground via the rear wheels.

2010 Hyundai Sonata Shots Keep Leaking Out...

More shots of the 2010 Hyundai Sonata have hit the internet before its official launch in South Korea.

The all-new Sonata ditches its conservative styling for a more curvaceous body with a longer nose and coupe-like roofline. Hyundai claims that the all-new Sonata expresses Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language.

Stay tuned for the official launch in Korea on Sept 10th. The US should receive the new Sonata sometime next year as a 2011 model.

Hyundai Releases Teasers of the New Tucson

Hyundai is set to unveil the ix35 aka Tucson and a revised Santa Fe at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. We've seen spy photos of the new Tucson, but now Hyundai has officially released two renderings of it before its official unveiling.

The new Tucson was designed at Hyundai's design center in Frankfurt and embodies Hyundai's new design language "fluidic sculpture." Although the Tucson is officially being dubbed the ix35 in Europe, the Tucson name will continue in the US when the next-gen launches early next year.

2012 Hyundai Veloster to Get 140 HP and Drive Like a 4-Pass Honda CRX

It has been previously announced that Hyundai is working on a replacement for the Tiburon that will be sold alongside the rear-wheel-drive Genesis. In a recent interview with Inside Line, Hyundai's President and CEO John Krafcik gave more details about the upcoming coupe.

According to Krafcik the final version will look 70-80 percent like the Veloster concept and will feature a "surprise body style."

"It might be doors or a unique roof or something with the hatch. But it won't be like anything out there before in the small car segment."

Krafcik also stated that the coupe is about the same size as the Accent. "Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX," he said. "It'll be a little car you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage. Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio."

The coupe is also expected to be powered by a direct-injection 1.6L with 140 horsepower that also returns over 40 mpg.

The official name of the coupe is still being decided.

New York 09' Preview: Hyundai Nuvis Concept Hints at a New Crossover

Hyundai is remaining very tight lipped on the Nuvis concept that is going to be shown at the New York Auto Show next week. Besides showcasing the brand's cutting-edge capabilities it also hints at a possible design direction of a future crossover...

The Nuvis concept is the 11th concept car designed at the Hyundai's California Design Center in Irvine, California.

Hyundai BLUE-WILL Concept Headed to Seoul Motor Show

Hyundai is going to unveil the BLUE-WILL concept car at the Seoul Motor Show next week.

Hyundai's new plug-in hybrid concept car features a 1.6L direct-injection engine, which is mated to a CVT and a 100kw electric motor. The concept also features lithium-ion batteries that are located under the rear seat.

The concept also features dye-sensitive solar cells, which can generate power for the batteries without impeding visibility.

Kia Releases More Teasers of the 2010 Sorento

Kia has released two more teaser photos of the 2010 Sorento following last week's teaser.

The 2010 Sorento is going to move from a body-on-frame design to a unit-body design. It's overall look is much sportier than the current generation and features some of the same design cues as the new Kia Forte. It is expected that the Sorento will be powered by either a four-cylinder or the 3.8L Lambda V6 engine.

The 2010 Sorento will be officially unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show in April.

Detroit 09': Kia Soul'ster Concept Attempts to Appeal to "Active People"

The Kia Soul'ster concept immediately recalls such fun "open-air" cars like the old Isuzu Amigo and Jeep Wrangler (although this concept could never hit the trail like a Jeep).

The Kia Soul'ster concept is based on the new Kia Soul, but with only two doors and a two-piece canvas roof. There are no frills in this concept either, which means no power windows and a manual gearbox.

Kia describes the concept as a “fun, affordable convertible for active people who like to share good times with friends.”

The concept is powered by either a 120 horsepower 1.6L or a 140 horsepower 2.0L engine. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30 mpg.

The Kia Soul will be in dealerships this spring, it's not known if Kia is actually going to produce the Soul'ster. It could be just what Kia needs to make the brand more appealing to 20-somethings.

2010 Hyundai Equus Sketches Unveiled

Hyundai has released two official sketches of its 2010 Equus sedan. The Equus is a large luxury sedan that is sold in South Korea, Europe, China and the Middle East.

The 2010 Equus is expected to be powered by either a 420 horsepower 5.0L Tau V8 or a 4.6L Tau V8. Both engines will put the power to the ground via the rear wheels. Hyundai's new eight-speed automatic transmission is also expected to be offered.

The next-generation Equus is expected to also feature a Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety Seatbelt System, and LED-equipped headlights and taillights.

The 2010 Hyundai Equus is expected in South Korean dealerships next month. Don't expect it to hit U.S. shores anytime soon, since it could cannibalize Genesis sales.

GM is Out...But Hyundai Might be the Next Chrysler Suitor

Last week it was reported that GM had suspended all talks with Chrysler about an apparent merger after the U.S. treasury denied GM's request for aid to buy Chrysler. Now it're being reported that Hyundai may be interested.

According to Reuters, Hyundai and Chrysler's owners, Cerberus Capital Management, have been in talks about Hyundai acquiring the Jeep brand. Both automakers have not released an official statement about the discussions.

Hyundai Street Concepts Genesis Coupe to be Unveiled at SEMA

Hyundai has partnered with Street Concepts to create a modified Genesis Coupe for the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The Street Concepts Genesis Coupe will debut at the SEMA show on November 4, 2008 alongside other coupes designed by Rhys Millen and HKS.

LA Auto Show: Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe Unveiled!

Hyundai unveiled the Concept Genesis Coupe at the LA Auto Show today.

American Cars Archives 5

New 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500KR...The Best Mustang Ever?

Ford and Shelby Automobiles announced today the launch of the new 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500KR. This is the most powerful Mustang ever produced and it is inspired by the 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500KR.

VIDEO: Lamborghini Murcielago Reaches 219 MPH on a Freeway in Arizona!

This video is pretty insane. These guys managed to push their Lamborghini Murcielago to 219 mph on a regular freeway in Arizona.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Street Legal Track Car Unveiled

Dodge has unveiled an even more insane version of the Dodge Viper.

2008 Dodge Viper Has 600HP and it Starts at $83,145

Dodge's supercar is getting a bump in horsepower for the 2008 model year. The Dodge Viper SRT10 will have 90 more horsepower than the 07' version thanks to a bigger displacement engine (8.4L V10), improved airflow and variable valve timing.

2009 Lincoln MKS Officially Unveiled...Will Lincoln's New Design DNA Work?

Lincoln has released the first official pictures of the upcoming 2009 MKS, which will be officially unveiled at the LA Auto Show this week.

Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Race Concept Unveiled

Pontiac has unveiled the newest concept version of the current Pontiac Solstice. The Potiac Solstice SD-290 Race Concept is meant to bring back memories of the early competition race cars.

2009 Corvette ZR1 Caught at Laguna Seca...It's the Most Powerful Corvette Ever!

There has been speculation for quite a while about a new 600-700 horsepower "Blue Devil" Corvette. Well yesterday the car hit the track at the Laguna Seca Raceway for a few quick laps (take a look at the video).

2009 Chevrolet Traverse Crossover Caught on Video!

Thanks to the guys over at Edmunds we have a video of the upcoming 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.

Ford Quality is on Par with Toyota and Nissan?

Apparently Ford's quality is now on par with Toyota and Nissan, according to a new report released today. The RDA Group has released a report on the quality of 2007 model year vehicles. The group concluded that Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles have the same quality levels as Toyota and Nissan in the first-quarter 2007 model-year Global Quality Research System report.

2008 HUMMER H2 Tries to Fill the Void Left by the Defunct H1

Right ahead of its release at the New York Auto show next month, photos of the 2008 HUMMER H2 have surfaced. The super-sized SUV has a revised interior, exterior and an upgraded engine.

Aston Martin May Finally Have a New Owner

Ford is close to announcing the sale of Aston Martin. According to reports the racing firm Prodrive is the likely new owner. The deal is going to close for $870 million, which is half of what Ford hoped to get for the British car maker.