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LIVE from Tokyo: Subaru BRZ, sister of the prom queen

December 5, 2011 at 9:45 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, International News, Subaru

The Toyota GT 86 is undoubtedly the star of Tokyo Motor Show 2011, the belle of the ball. And while the Subaru BRZ (stands for Boxer engine, Rear-drive, Zenith) is essentially the same car, with the same flat-four engine, it didn’t generate as much ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as the new hachi-roku. Understandable, since it’s not the one with the evocative name.

But the compact body goes quite well with Subaru blue, I think, and FHI had a fetching matte white BRZ on display, too. Other differences from the Toyota include the addition of a funky spoiler and the lack of the 86 logo at the base of the A-pillar, replaced by a generic vent. Subaru is also mighty proud of its trademark Boxer engine, which is compact, light and with a low centre of gravity, ideal for a small sports car.

This “Proud of Boxer” statement will be seen on the race BRZ that Subaru will campaign in next year’s Super GT GT300 category, as well as the team’s overalls. Subaru’s many fans will be wishing for a “STI version” with turbo and AWD, but will Toyota allow its prom queen be overshadowed and outperformed by her sister?

Enjoy these live shots of the BRZ from Tokyo Big Sight, including interior shots and the GT300 racer. Click here for live pics and a video of the GT 86.

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BMW and Toyota diesel engine supply deal officially inked

December 1, 2011 at 9:27 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News, Toyota

You have probably heard of some chatter about a possible partnership between BMW and Toyota in regards to environmentally-friendly technologies.

Well looks like there was substance behind the rumors after all and both companies have announced a collaborative effort today. A memorandum has been signed between the two auto brands which will see BMW supply Toyota’s European division with the company’s 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel powerplants in 2014.

“It is a great joy and a thrill to enter into this mid-to-long-term collaborative relationship with BMW, a company with its own culture and history from its many years of car manufacturing in Europe, and a company that makes cars that are fun to drive. In the spirit of contributing to furthering the development of the auto industry and society, both companies will bring their wide-ranging knowledge-starting with that concerning environmental technologies-to the table and make ever-better cars,” said Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s president.

BMW’s Chairman of the Board of Management Norbert Reithofer said, “Toyota is the leading provider of environment-friendly series technology in the volume segment and the BMW Group is the most innovative and sustainable manufacturer of premium automobiles. We are now joining forces to further develop environment-friendly technologies and to expand our innovation leadership in each of our segments.”

“Supplying Toyota with our fuel efficient and dynamic diesel engines represents another important step in the planned expansion of our sales activities for engines and powertrain system,” he added. This deal is part of a memorandum which covers collaborative research into next generation environmental friendly technologies, such as lithium-ion battery technology.

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LIVE from Tokyo: Audi A1 Samurai Blue for the footie fans

December 1, 2011 at 1:24 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Audi, Cars, International News

Most people in Japan drive Japanese cars, but in trendy Tokyo, driving a Continental car is a status symbol and a way to stand out – even better if it’s a left hand drive unit! Now, here’s one even more rare specimen, a one-off model called the A1 Samurai Blue. Part of profits from this Japanese national football team edition car will go to a charity.

Based on the 122 hp 1.4 TFSI three-door hatch, the Samurai Blue is one for the hardcore Blue Samurai fan, and besides the unique paintjob, every customisable part of the A1 interior gets a matching job, from the plastic seatbacks and door cards to the base of the centre console and air con vent rings. Adidas is the kit sponsor for JFA, and their logo is peppered around the A1, too.

Too bad we’re too small a market for an “A1 Harimau Malaya edition”. Wait, that one will end up looking like Bumblebee!

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Tokyo 2011: Live photos of the Suzuki Regina concept

December 1, 2011 at 12:07 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Suzuki

We are reporting live from the Land of the Rising Sun and this is the Suzuki Regina concept which could point to a new global compact car from the Japanese brand. Little has been revealed about the car but we do know that it is powered by an 800cc petrol engine that is also turbocharged.

The small engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission or CVT and there is brake energy regeneration and an engine start/stop function. It weighs only 730 kg and has a drag coefficient at least 10% lower than that of current models in Suzuki’s line-up.

This allows the Regina to deliver a fuel economy reading of 3.76 liters per 100 km which is rather impressive. The concept which measures 3,500 mm long and 1,600 mm wide was produced using a new manufacturing process that helps reduce the number of parts required.

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Tokyo 2011: Toyota shows off the Fun-Vii concept

December 1, 2011 at 11:36 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Toyota

This is one of Toyota’s latest concept cars. Called the Fun-Vii, it is currently being presented at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and according to Toyota, the three-seater Fun-Vii “heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked”.

The interesting thing about this concept is the fact that you can alter the content that is displayed on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. You can practically change the body colour of the vehicle and display messages on it!

The interior “mood” can be altered and it comes with features such as a navigation system that is displayed via augmented reality. Also in the list is a remote function, which allows most of the concept’s functions to be controlled remotely via a smart phone.

Other features include a network update system to ensure the latest software update is in place, the ability to connect with friends who are nearby and it can also detect other potentially hazardous vehicles such as vehicles in blind spots in advance. No information on the powertrain just yet, but it is likely electric-powered.

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LIVE from Tokyo: Nissan Juke Nismo Concept is no joke

December 1, 2011 at 11:25 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, International News, Nissan

No GT-R engine here, but Nissan’s wacky Juke went through a Nismo transformation, and has emerged beefier in both looks and performance.

Besides the expected aesthetic treatment, the Juke Nismo gets a lowered and stiffened chassis, while the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine has been uprated to deliver more power, although no numbers were given.

Inside, there are changes to the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, shifter knob and door trims, while leather-trimmed bucket seats have been added. Also, the tachometer dial and needle are illuminated in red, and shiny surfaces have been given a matte finish. More details in our previous post.

Like or loathe, this is the sort of design boldness that has been lacking in Japanese cars, which are normally severely toned down for production. Hats off, but still not in love with that face, though.

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LIVE from Tokyo: Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept stands out in a sharp suit

December 1, 2011 at 10:53 am By Danny Tan Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, International News, Subaru

Those who dig wagons (like me) will love it here in Japan, where the estate body is popular. We’ve seen so many wagon version of cars that we never knew existed, alongside more familiar ones like the Honda Accord Tourer and Subaru Legacy Wagon. Here’s what the Subaru could look like in the future, as previewed by the Advanced Tourer Concept from Tokyo 2011.

You’ve already seen it featured here yesterday, but here are some live shots from Tokyo Big Sight. Sharp lines, muscular proportions, a bold face and outrageous wing doors, the Advanced Tourer is quite a sight.

However, if you use your imagination to replace the doors with conventional items and delete the showcar bling, it could be quite feasible. Click here for more details.

In a sea of organic Tokyo concepts, the sharp lines of the Subaru stand out. We like what we see!

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Tokyo 2011 live: Fourth-generation Honda CR-V SUV

November 30, 2011 at 3:20 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, Honda, International News

Here’s some live shots of the new 2012 Honda CR-V, the fourth-generation of Honda’s popular SUV. The new CR-V has just been launched in Japan in both 2.0 and 2.4 litre form.

As the CR-V is available in Malaysia in 2.0 litre guise only, let’s take a look at what’s changed. The R20A i-VTEC SOHC engine looks very similar to the 3rd-generation’s – the specs sheet shows that peak power remains the same at 150 PS, but torque is now 191 Nm compared to 190 Nm before. Honda has increased the compression ratio slightly from 10.5:1 to 10.6:1.

The biggest change is that in Japan, the 2.0 litre CR-V now uses a CVT gearbox as opposed to a 5-speed automatic, which the 2.4 litre model continues to use. The 2.4 litre model’s K24A engine produces 190 PS and 222 Nm of torque.

This is not the first time we’ve featured the new CR-V, so we won’t go into too much details – you can read Anthony’s previous story from this morning for more details. The live photo gallery will speak to you the exterior and interior changes – after all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

One thing that we found pretty cool is the new one-touch lever that folds the 60:40 split rear bench down – just pull it once and the rear bench folds down flat in a pretty neat way – the bottom seat folds forward and then the backrest folds down in its place. Watch the video below to see it work.


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Tokyo 2011: Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept debuts

November 30, 2011 at 2:59 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, International News, Subaru

Over at Subaru, the Advanced Tourer Concept has made its debut at the TMS. The company describes it as a new generation sports wagon, and the 4.58 metre-long B-pillarless vehicle combines a horizontally-opposed Boxer engine linked to a hybrid system.

The 1.6 litre turbo engine includes direct fuel injection and showcases technology that will guide the brand’s future engine strategy. Mated to a Lineartronic CVT gearbox, Subaru says the mill drastically improves combustion efficiency at practical driving speeds.

A single-motor hybrid system, with attendant lithium-ion battery, is used for its simple structure and light weight – the system has an Electric Vehicle mode that allows All-Wheel Drive motion using only the motor at start-up and low speed. When decelerating, the regenerating mechanism uses the motor as a power generator.

Unique features include a roof made of glass to add to the vehicle’s spacious cabin feel, as well as a large monitor built into the steering wheel, which allows access to maps, television and the Internet.

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Tokyo 2011: Audi A1 Samurai Blue slices its way in

November 30, 2011 at 2:32 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Audi, Cars, International News

Not all the fun and games belong to the Japanese, despite Tokyo being home ground. Audi has snuck in a premiere of its own at the TMS, and this one is a unique A1 called the Samurai Blue.

The three-door A1 wears the blue and white colours of the Japanese national soccer team, accentuated by the red of the Japanese flag, and the exclusive polygonal design 18-inch wheels are likewise painted red. The vehicle even takes its name from the team’s Blue Samurai nickname.

The interior equipment of the 122 hp 1.4 TFSI hatch is in black, with contrasting stitching in blue and corresponding colourful accents for the air vent nozzles, inlays, center console and floor mats.

Audi plans to sell the Samurai Blue as a one-off model and donate part of the profit to a charity. The company does plan to come out with an A1 Limited Edition next year, with its design based on the Samurai Blue. All the better to slice you with, I guess.

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