Japanese Honda Accord Receives the Mugen Treatment

It's only been a day since Honda launched the new Accord in Japan but that was more than enough time for Mugen to release details on its new sport package for both the sedan and Tourer (station-wagon) wagon variants of the car. The Japanese tuning company that was started by the son of Honda founder, Soichiro Honda, offers all sorts of cosmetic enhancements that can be bought as a kit or 'a la carte'. On the outside, there's a full bodykit that includes front and rear under spoilers, 'aero' bumpers, side sills, a TSX-like bunny-tooth grill and a huge rear wing to prevent the Accord from... taking off.
 

Buyers can also choose from four different alloy wheel designs that are available in two sizes, 18- and 19-inches. Under-the-hood upgrades concern a sport suspension, high-performance brake pads and rotors, and a sport exhaust system.
 
In Japan, the new Accord (essentially the same car as the North American market Acura TSX), is offered exclusively with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with power channeled to the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission.

 

The Ultimate Gaming Machine: Japanese Tuner Rigs Playstation onto a BMW M3 E30 Racer

What a better place for bimmer enthusiasts to play Sony's acclaimed Gran Turismo video game than inside a BMW M3 E30 racer? Paraphrasing the Bavarian firm's well known motto, 'The Ultimate Gaming Machine' is the work of Studie AG, one of Japan's leading BMW tuning specialists. The specially rigged M3 is on display along with many other uber cool items such as the chess set with pieces made out of bolts, nuts and spark plugs at the company's Yokohama shop. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. More photos after the break.

Source / Pictures: Gawa , Via: Vwvortex

2011 Toyota Vanguard: Minor Facelift for JDM RAV-4 LWB SUV

Before we tell you what's new about the JDM Vanguard, allow us to clarify that the latest generation Toyota RAV-4 is available in two wheelbase versions, with Europe and Japan getting the SWB variant and North America, the LWB model that is also sold in its home market with a different nose job under the name Vanguard.
Now to the updated Vanguard that was launched in Japan today. For 2010, the Vanguard benefits form a few minor cosmetic tweaks that include the restyled grille and front bumper, the new alloy wheel designs and fresh body trim.
Inside, Toyota added new standard features and redesigned the steering wheel together with the paddle shifters that are said to be more ergonomic.
Finally, the Japanese firm's engineers made a few changes to the Vanguard's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Classic Japanese Cars at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

Together with their new production cars and concept studies, some domestic automakers also brought along with them a handful of Japanese classics to display at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show floors. First up is the 1980 Mazda Familia hatchback which was essentially the Mazda3's forefather. Toyota had a 1981 Toyota Soarer Coupe and the GT HYBD, a gas-turbine hybrid concept version of its first production sports car, the Sports 800 that went on sale in 1965.
Mazda displayed the 1970 500cc rotary-powered RX-500 Concept while Mitsubishi exhibited Japan's first series production automobile, the 1917 A Model which was based on the Fiat Tipo 3. Finally, Honda showed off a first generation (1976-1981) Honda Accord CVCC three-door hatchback.

2009 Subaru Forester Breaks Cover on Japanese Magazine

One of our Japanese readers sent us a few links earlier today pointing out sites that feature the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester. While we’ve already shown you the two spy images that surfaced on the net today (click here), we hadn’t seen this cover of a Japanese car magazine. Although the image resolution isn’t high enough for us to make any final conclusions, from what we’ve seen up to now, it sure looks like it’s the real thing. -Continued
Link: nagai

Japanese-Spec 2010 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon Teased

In about a month's time, Subaru will proceed to the launch of the Japanese domestic market (JDM for short) version of the new Legacy that made its first global appearance at the New York Auto Show last week. For the time being, Subie has released a teaser shot of the JDM 2010 Legacy Touring Wagon which is essentially a USDM 2010 Outback without the raised ride height, roof rails and fancy-pansy plastic body cladding. Just for the record, the Legacy Touring Wagon will not be offered in the States. From what we can tell by comparing the teaser photo of the JDM Legacy Touring Wagon to the US-spec Legacy, the Japanese version will also feature restyled exterior mirrors, a different headlight assembly and larger air intakes at the corners of the front bumper.
However, what we're all really interested in finding out is what will be hiding under the hood of the JDM Legacy and in particular, if Subaru will be revealing any details and photos on the STi versions of the sedan and estate variants of the model.

Japanese Sleeper: 1985 Toyota Celica GTS with LS1 5.7-Liter V8

Sleepers or as Brits prefer to call these type of automobiles, Q-cars, is a term used to describe standard looking vehicles with extensive mods under the hood. This custom-made 1985 Toyota Celica GTS fits the description perfectly as the owner of the Japanese coupe swapped the rear-wheel drive Celica's humble four-pot with a brawny LS1 5.7-liter V8 from a fourth-generation 2001 Camaro that produces around 325 horsepower.
It goes without saying that these kind of engine swaps demand the replacement and/or modification of various other mechanical components. Among other changes, the LS1-powered Celica features a Z06 clutch, a front swaybar from a 1992 Iroc Z and a custom-made radiator.

Japanese Magazine Spins out New Mazda RX-7 Rendering

Another day, another artist's impression of a fourth-generation Mazda RX-7 model. This time, the speculative rendering comes from Japan's Motor Magazine with the artist taking a more 'wedgy' approach to the design that incorporates all the usual styling cues from Mazda's latest production and concept models like the 'smiley' front grille, the pronounced front wheel arches and the sharp-angled headlights.
It's not our style to create stories out of nowhere, so we must say that both officially and unofficially, our Mazda sources have yet to confirm the return of the RX-7 in the Japanese automaker's car range. Plus, with the current global economic downturn and dire predictions for the near future, we gather that like any other automaker, Mazda will be cautious in its spending preferring to invest in the development of its core models rather than in niche cars like the RX-7.
Via: Motor Magazine - Thanks for the scan JK!

Japanese Mag Speculates on Hardcore Toyota FT-86 "F" Variant

Another edition of Best Car, another rendered speculation. In its latest edition, the Japanese magazine features a story on a more hardcore version of Toyota's forthcoming rear-wheel drive sports coupe which it names the "FT-86F".
Being that the article was written in Japanese, details are limited, but we assume that the magazine suggests the "F" version would fit between the standard FT-86 and the track-ready "G" model that was previewed in concept form at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon in January.
The speculative renderings show a more aggressive outfit for the FT-86 "F" with a new hood, massive air-intakes on either side of the new front bumper, side air vents, a large rear wing and center-mounted exhaust tail pipes.
Via: Best Car

Paris Show 2011 Honda Civic gets Minor Updates

Honda presented the 2011 model year version of its UK-built, European-market Civic hatch in Paris this week. The Japanese automaker's Golf rival benefits from some minor updates, mostly limited to the grille, interior fabrics and alloy wheel designs on some models.
More specifically, the Perspex grille is gone on the 5-door hatchback and it has been replaced with the same mesh grille used on the three-door Civics. A new color has also been introduced to the range: Ionized Bronze.
Inside, the base Civic gets seats trimmed in a combination of cloth and alcantara, while the special edition GT gets half leather and Alcantara as standard. The GT model also gets unique 17-inch alloy wheels, further differentiating it from the standard models.

Nissan GT-R Racers Unveiled at FIA GT1 Launch in Paris

Sumo Power GT and Swiss Racing Team displayed their FIA GT1-spec Nissan GT-R race cars in final livery for the first time at a press conference that was held at the Automobile Club de France in Paris for the launch of the new-for-2010 FIA GT1 World Championship.
Both racing teams have participated in pre-season testing with Sumo Power GT attending the FIA official test at France's Paul Ricard and also conducting a private test in Spain while Swiss Racing Team have been to two FIA official tests, at the Algarve Circuit and at Paul Ricard.
The first race of the 2010 season will take place at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi on April 17th. The inaugural FIA GT1 World Championship then visits another nine countries.

2010 BMW 5-Series Sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo Spied together in France

One of Carscoop's readers stumbled upon a whole convoy of 2010 BMW 5-Series prototypes this morning as he was heading for his morning chores in the centre of St Remy de Provence in the south of France. Martin O'Connor was quick to snap these photos depicting the whole 2010 BMW 5-Series 'familia' that consisted of the four-door sedan, the station-wagon Touring and of course, the 5-door liftback-thingamajig that the Bavarian's call Gran Turismo. It is expected that BMW will perform the world debut of the production 5-Series Gran Turismo (see the concept here) at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September with the sedan and touring variants following suite in a major car show in 2010. Sales of all three body-styles will begin next year.
Powertrain options for the new 5-Series range will consist of naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines including the revamped 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six with 326HP and the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 408HP, plus the usual turbo diesels.
At the top of the range buyers will find the M5 sedan and Touring models powered by a new twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering well over 500HP that will make its first appearance on the X5 M and X6 M replacing the current M5/M6's 507HP V10.

Once Upon a Time, this Heap of Metal was a Ferrari 458 Italia...

We know; aside from the alloy wheels, it's hard to imagine by looking at these pictures that the heap of crumpled metal was once a Ferrari 458 Italia. Little is known about the accident other than it reportedly took place somewhere in France after the supercar's V8 engine caught on fire. If true, it is not the first time that this has happened as another example of the 458 Italia -again in France - went up in flames earlier this month. More photos after the break.

Photo Source: Wreckedexotics

Citroen C4 BioFlex: European Debut For Citroen's First Flexfuel Vehicle

Citroen’s launching its first flexfuel vehicle in Europe, the C4 BioFlex which is fitted with a 1.6-litre engine generating 112 Hp that’s designed to run on normal unleaded fuel (RON 95 or 98), on bioethanol with up to 85% ethanol content (E85), and on a mix of the two containing between 0 and 85% ethanol. According to the French company, although the C4 BioFlex consumes more fuel than the petrol only C4 1.6i, it’s considerably cheaper to run as in France, it costs 7.84 euro cents per km (with E85 fuel at €0.80 a litre) compared to the conventional model’s 9.23 euro cents per km (with SP95 petrol at €1.30 a litre). Sales of the 5-door C4 BioFlex will start in September, first in France and Sweden, and latter on in other European countries. -Continued after the jump
CITROËN C4 BIOFLEX
A new environmental model
Citroën is launching the C4 BioFlex in September 2007. The C4 BioFlex is a flexfuel vehicle using regular fuel and ethanol. It will be launched first in France and Sweden, and soon after in other European countries. Most of these countries have attractive policies for these new fuel types. The C4 BioFlex is the Marque’s first flexfuel vehicle in Europe. Citroën already sells flexfuel cars in Brazil, where this kind of vehicle accounted for 65% of the brand’s sales in 2006, and more than 80% since the start of 2007. With this offering, Citroën is present on a new market in this world region. E85 fuel pumps are beginning to appear in France. Some 500 pumps are expected to be up and running by the end of the year.
Fitted with a 1.6-litre engine generating 82 kW, the C4 BioFlex benefits from all the equipment on offer in the C4 range, with the same trim levels. It contributes to greenhouse gas reduction by cutting CO2 emissions by 5% over a combined cycle and also reduces fossil-fuel dependency by using renewable energy. From field to wheel, emissions are reduced by up to 40%. Available as a 5-door hatchback, the C4 BioFlex ships at the same price as the petrol 1.6i 16V models, at €18,650 for the Pack version, €20,000 for Ambiance, and €22,150 for the Exclusive model.
C4 BioFlex: an excellent environmental scorecard
Bioethanol is an alcohol produced by fermentation of sugar from plants such as beetroot or starch from cereals such as wheat and corn. The use of bioethanol has several environmental advantages:
Unlike fossil fuels, the greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) produced by cars running on biofuels are to a large extent absorbed by the growth of plants used to produce bioethanol. This process of absorption also concerns the CO2 emitted by other sources. From field to wheel, emissions are reduced by up to 40%.
Because this type of biofuel contains oxygen, it also helps reduce other pollutants, particularly carbon monoxide (CO). E85 fuel is also sulphur-free. Lastly, unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are renewable energies. The C4 BioFlex thus initiates a virtuous cycle of reducing and absorbing greenhouse gas emissions.
C4 BioFlex: an impressive economic scorecard
The economic scorecard of biofuel vehicles varies according to country and tax policy. At about €0.80 per litre, current E85 prices in France make the C4 BioFlex particularly competitive. In addition, biofuel use is encouraged by certain tax systems:
50% or total exemption – depending on the region – from the pro-rata tax on car registration fees,
Exemption from the tax on company vehicles for 2 years,
Exceptional amortisation of company cars over a period of 12 months, instead of 5 years,
80% recovery of VAT on fuel.
E85 is already widely used in Sweden. The country has 650 E85 fuel pumps and more than 13% of vehicles sold in 2006 were Flexfuel models. Numerous fiscal incentives (tax, tolls and parking) favour the use of biofuel. Over a combined cycle, the C4 BioFlex consumes 9.8 l/100 km and emits 160 g of CO2 per km, compared with 7.1 l/100 km and 169 g of CO2 per km for the standard 1.6i 16V model.
Although the C4 BioFlex consumes more fuel, it is considerably cheaper to run. In France, it costs 7.84 euro cents per kilometre, with E85 fuel at €0.80 a litre, compared with the conventional model’s 9.23 euro cents per kilometre, with SP95 petrol at €1.30 a litre.
C4 BioFlex: technological advance for real results
The C4 BioFlex powertrain was designed and developed to run on normal unleaded fuel (RON 95 or 98), on bioethanol with up to 85% ethanol content (E85), and on a mix of the two containing between 0 and 85% ethanol.
Developing the C4 BioFlex required work in two key areas. First, all components and parts had to tolerate contact with ethanol. Second, the engine had to function optimally regardless of the proportion of alcohol in the fuel.
Imported from Brazil, the engine features several modifications already applied to engines used locally, mainly concerning parts that come into contact with the fuel, such as rings and valve seats.
Changes were also made to the fuel circulation system, involving the tank, fuel gauge and pump module, pipes and fuel filter. Finally, the engine software has been adapted to include new settings that adjust automatically to the alcohol content in the fuel. Each time the tank is filled, an analysis is made of alcohol content in order to select the best operating curve. During the analysis, the engine functions with “protection” settings compatible with all authorised fuel blends containing between 0 and 85% ethanol content.
Performance has been boosted in E85 mode, with maximum power of 82 kW (or 113 bhp DIN, compared with 80 kW/110 bhp DIN) still at 5,800 rpm – for a 2.5% improvement – and maximum engine torque of 153 Nm (up from 147 Nm), still at 4,000 rpm, for a 4% improvement. Running on standard unleaded fuel (SP95), the engine performs practically identically to the 1.6i 16V version.
The adaptation is completely transparent for the customer, apart from the maintenance plan, with services every 20,000 km for the French market.

Audi RS6 Avant 'White Power' with 700HP and 211mph by AVUS Performance

The new Audi RS6 Avant by AVUS Performance may not look as aggressive as other tuning proposals, but it sure packs a mighty punch under the bonnet. Not that the standard RS6 with its 580HP and 650Nm ( 479.35 lb/ft) V10 actually needs more power, but the Berlin-based tuner believes that there's space for improvement. That translates to a new high performance exhaust system with a diameter of 70mm (2.7''), racing catalysts and a new ECU software resulting to an output of 700HP and 800Nm or 589.97 lb/ft of torque.
With these upgrades the Audi RS6 White Power sprints from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in a blistering 3,9 seconds, to 200km/h (124mph) in 12.1 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 340km/h or 211.27mph. The 'standard' RS6 Avant accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaches an electronically limited maximum speed of 250km/h or 155mph.
Additional modifications include a new set of springs that lower the car by 40mm or 1.6'', massive 22-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and carbon fiber front lip spoiler and rear diffuser.

Tesla Roadster Test Drive Turns into 100MPH Crash Test in France

Since there aren't many Tesla Roadsters out on the roads, whenever one of them is involved in an accident, its headline news. What makes this Tesla Roadster crash story even more intriguing is the fact that, according to the crash-happy crew over at Wreckedexotics, the man behind the wheel of the all-electric sports car was a sales director for Tesla. The man took an unnamed passenger for a demonstration drive somewhere in southern France on Wednesday, October 29th. It is reported that he was going around 100mph or 160km/h when he tried to make a turn that ended up in what you see here.
Aside from the speed factor, wet roads and poor visibility are said to have contributed to the accident. As you can from the pictures, the crash was pretty serious with the passenger being ejected from his seat upon impact. Miraculously, both managed to escape this horrid accident alive, with the sales director suffering a broken hand, some minor bruises and a lot of explaining to do while the passenger was recently released from hospital.








Source: WreckedExotics

Chatenet CH26: Weird MINI - Alfa Romeo Like Micro Car from France

The first thought that leaped into mind upon seeing the CH26 was something like - "oh, another MINI - Alfa Romeo Mito potpourri baked in China". We could be wrong, but from what we gather, China has nothing to do with the tiny city car that is the work of a French company called Chatenet. Measuring just over 3 meters (3,065mm to be precise), the CH26 is 370mm or about 4-inches longer than the second generation Smart Fortwo.
We're not sure if it's a typo or not, but the French company says on its 'Spartan' website that the two-seater micro car is powered by a 523cc two-cylinder diesel engine that 'spits out' a mere 5.4 horsepower at 3,200 rpm. The CH26 is said to weigh in at 349kg or 769 pounds and according to Chatenet, it can reach a top speed of 45km/h or 28 mph with an average fuel consumption of 3.15 lt/100km or 75mpg US allowing to travel around 500 km (310 miles) on a single tank of fuel.
Chatenet did not release prices on its website, but from a quick search that we performed on the net we found new examples of the CH26 being offered for sale in France at the ridiculous price of €13,600 that comes to around $19,000 at the current exchange rates.

Toyota India unveils the Etios & the Liva

Finally the much awaited Toyota's made for India Sedan ETIOS is launched. Work of 4000 engineers for last 4 years being showcased to the world, for the first time.

Mr Yoshinori, Chief Engineer behind ETIOS explained how an extensive market research which lead to the design of the new sedan. The research revealed that India is a very cost conscious but image conscious also. Mileage, Price and Style the 3 important factor for the Indian buyer. Toyota decided to leverage on their strong point of Quality and then attack the cliche of being a premium market product company, that Toyota is associated with.

ETIOS stands for Spirit and Principle.

All new design for India and then for the world, its a true Sedan design not a hatch redesigned to be a sedan. Spacious inside and compact outside, smiling front, flat rear floor pan, side skirts, smooth C pillars, chrome boot guard etc

Dash design inspired from aircraft design. Interesting to note that the design won the Good design award in Japan in 2010.
 

ARAI rating of 17.6 KMPL should be music to ears for the Indian customer.

Specific for Indian conditions, points to note are the: anti corrosion steel, Rocker mould (thats the ruff thingie on the running board), protection for fuel and brake lines.  

• Dealership increased from 97 in Dec 09 To 150 by Dec 2010
• Brand ambassador AR Rahman
• USP Premium product at affordable price
• Hatchback planned for launch in April 2011. LIVA depicting Full Of Life.
• TV commercial being aired starting tomorrow
• Booking open today @ 50k and delivery by Jan 2011.

The 1.5-liter gasoline-powered Etios sedan will cost Rs. 496,000 ($10,870) for the base variant at showrooms in New Delhi. The top-end version will cost 686,500 rupees. Suzuki's Swift Dzire sedan costs 488,558 rupees for the base model, while Tata Motors Ltd.'s Manza sedan is priced at 512,732 rupees.

Toyota's decision to make the global launch of the Etios in India, where rising incomes of the country's estimated 300 million middle class is fueling demand for new vehicles, reflects the importance of the world's second-fastest growing major economy for auto makers.

The Toyota team posing with the car.

70% of parts for the Etios are sourced from vendors in India.

Toyota will also introduce the Liva, a hatchback version of its Etios sedan, in India next April.

The hatchback will help Toyota tap small-car buyers, the biggest segment of India's auto market, and compete with Suzuki, which controls about half of the country's car market with its eight small car models.

Nearly two-thirds of the cars sold annually in India are small cars, which has encouraged other auto makers such as Ford, Volkswagen and Nissan to start selling their small cars in the country.

Honda, which currently sells the Jazz hatchback, is expected to introduce its newly-developed Brio hatchback model in India in 2011.

Huge boot 590 liters