When Nissan fist unveiled the updated 2012 GT-R back in October, the Japanese automaker announced a total of six different models. Now you can add one more to that list thanks to the GT-R RC… that’s Racing Competition. Build by Nissan’s in-house NISMO motorsports division, this track-only model loses plenty of weight thanks to an...
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Mazda has just announced that starting next year it will begin leasing an all electric versions of its new Mazda2 sub-compact. Few details are available, but the EV will have a driving range of 200 km (124 miles) and the lease program will be offered to government agencies and fleet customers in Japan. This expansion...
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Suzuki has been struggling with its car division in North America, and sales in 2010 were particularly poor. However, in its home market of Japan, the brand does quite well, thanks to tiny run-abouts like this new MR wagon. The MR wagon fits under the kei-class category in Japan, which in English would mean, ultra...
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While it doesn’t get a lot of press, Infiniti has climbed up the luxury ladder to become the fourth largest luxury brand in the U.S. And over the past two years, the company has expanded globally as well. But with sales just half those of brands like Lexus, BMW and Mercedes, Infiniti is missing something,...
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[vs-jwplayer movieid=”Woi6jm_nfIA” width=”640″ height=”385″ autoplay=”0″] After 13 years on the market, Toyota has finally decided to expand the Prius name into a complete lineup of vehicles, starting with the Prius V. And why not; the Prius has already grown into a brand, described by Toyota Division VP and General Manager Bob Carter as being synonymous...
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The future of Mitsubishi in America is tied very closely to its production facility in Normal, Ill. Having suffered significantly in the market over the past several years (sales for 2010 were just 55,683 units compared to 345,111 in 2002), the Japanese automaker is planning a shakeup. According to Automotive News, Mitsubishi will build vehicles...
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Due to overwhelming demand, not to mention lackluster sales for the original hybrid version, Honda will bring to market its CR-Z turbo model, possibly as early as this year. Facing new competition from the Hyundai Veloster, and aiming to offer something in line with higher-performance versions of the MINI Cooper, the CR-Z turbo will reportedly...
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In a bid to capitalize on the publicity surrounding this year’s Australia Grand Prix Formula 1 event, Lexus will hold the world’s first hybrid only race. The field will be made up exclusively of CT200h models, just as Lexus introduces the car to the Aussie market. Aiming to change the perception that hybrids are only...
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Hardly the most attractive car on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the TES Concept T-Sports might be one of the most exciting for regular folks in search of an affordable sports car. Since the first introduction of Toyota‘s FT-86 Concept, rumors have surfaced that the cost of development of the car has risen and...
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First debuting at the Australian International Auto Show, Lexus rolled out the CT200h F-Sport model as part of its display at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon. Unlike the IS-F Club Performance Accessory or the IS-F CCSR, this F-Sport model is confirmed for production. Taking the new Lexus hybrid hatchback to a more dynamic level, the...
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If you’re looking for the VIP section at the Tokyo Auto Salon, this is it. The RH9 Club, is a loose network of tuner shops that have built Nissan GT-Rs that can run a 9 second quarter mile or faster. As the legend goes, the shops all meet and discuss tuning ideas and even build...
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Honda is selling their proving grounds in the Mojave Desert, and if you’re the type that likes to invest between 7 and 8 figures in real estate, then this might be a real treat. With just under 3,800 acres of land, the big draws are a 7.5 mile oval course, a 4.5 mile road course...
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Over in Japan, the Lexus GS is sold as the Toyota Mark X, meaning that you can get the rear-drive sedan at a more affordable price. While not exactly the most dynamic diver’s car, the folks at Goodyear Racing though it would be perfect for their new race car – if you can consider the...
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Subaru will finally reveal its version of the Toyobaru rear-drive coupe at the Geneva Auto Show this March. The automaker has confirmed that it will display a concept dubbed the ‘Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept.’ As the name suggest, however, it will be a concept and we don’t expect to see a production...
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Nissan/Infiniti tuner Impul chose the Tokyo Auto Salon to make the public debut of its new 651S tuning package for the new Infiniti M luxury sedan. While some of the aerodynamic modifications aren’t to out taste, thankfully Impul isn’t just some plastic-fantastic shop. They actually offer a full line of modifications. Shown on this car...
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One of the premiere tuners for Honda and Acura vehicles, J’s Racing is known for building parts for those who want to get out on the track. On display at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the J’s Racing team brought along fully modified versions of the Civic Type R and the new CR-Z. Both models feature...
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Hybrids are increasingly becoming the car of choice in Japan and as a result the country that’s responsible for popularizing electrified motoring is also the Mecca for hybrid tuning. Yes, some performance shops are working on adding more power to hybrid systems, but as with the rest of the auto industry, the majority of tuning...
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It’s not even for sale in North America yet, but over in Japan they’re already hard at work modifying the all-new Toyota Vitz – sold here as the Yaris. A marked improvement on the current model in the style department, the G Sports team at Gazoo Racing have customized this little hatch with a selection...
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Love the Nissan Juke? OK, you probably don’t, but that’s most likely because you haven’t driven one. Criticized from Tokyo to Tampa Bay, the Juke is a front-runner for ugliest car ever, but it’s also a seriously fun package with a turbocharged 4-cylinder and a sophisticated AWD system. Targeted at young urbanites, Nissan is looking...
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Ever wonder what would happen if you let a high-performance tuning company run wild on a minivan? Well wonder no longer, as Nissan‘s NISMO division has just debuted a version of the new Elgrand (sold as the Quest in North America) at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon. Already an imposing beast of a van, the...
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You’d be forgiven for thinking that Lamborghini’s designers had gotten a hold of the Honda CR-Z. Despite its matte-black paint and wild bodywork the TS-1X Concept has nothing in common with the Reventon supercar. Based on the new hybrid sports car, the TS-1X gets a fighter-jet inspired aero kit that actually seems to work with...
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The Acura (or Honda) NSX has been out of production since 2005, but icons are always worth revisiting. That, apparently, is the thought behind the new Sports Modulo NSX. Unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan, Honda’s in-house Sports Modulo tuning division has just release a new selection of parts for the legendary Japanese...
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Arguably the best part about Japan’s Super GT racing series is that when it comes to running a car, there appear to be about as many rules as a monkey knife fight. Often teams will run mismatched engines and bodies, simply using a certain shell for better brand marketing. That being said, Subaru‘s Legacy racer...
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With the Nissan Leaf now finally on sale here in North America, the Japanese automaker is already exploring electric car concepts for the future. Unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Nissan Leaf Aero Concept looks at future EV styling with a low-slung aero kit and some custom wheels that keep air moving around...
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