Motor Authority - blog Tag: JDM

Mitsubishi has introduced a new range of updates for its Japanese-spec Lancer Evolution X as part of the car’s mid-cycle update. Although the changes are limited to the Japanese market they could preview some planned revisions for the North American models as well.

Coming in for the 2010 model year, the car picks up thicker side skirts and a redesigned bumper that’s 3.3-pounds lighter than the current version. The weight saving comes from the use of lighter plastics up front.

The changes continue inside with a new color LCD screen installed in between the speedo and rev-counter. Mitsubishi has also added new interior trim...

Mitsubishi has introduced a new range of updates for its Japanese-spec Lancer Evolution X as part of the car’s mid-cycle update. Although the changes are limited to the Japanese market they could preview some planned revisions for the North American models as well. Coming in for the 2010 model year, the car picks up thicker side skirts and a redesigned bumper that’s 3.3-pounds lighter than the current version. The weight saving comes from the use of lighter plastics up front. The changes continue inside with a new color LCD screen installed in between the speedo and rev-counter. Mitsubishi has also added new interior trim options, with more padding and insulation installed to improve cabin ambience. Finally, the range-topping GSR Premium Edition loses the five-speed manual gearbox option, which means it’s now offered exclusively with the six-speed twin-clutch SST. Read More

Re-badging has stereotypically been the domain of U.S. carmakers, especially when crossing national borders, but Nissan/Infiniti are engaging in a bit of their own shell game with the Infiniti EX. Sending the vehicle to Japan as the Skyline Crossover, the car receives almost nothing in the way of updates or modifications save a Nissan badge.

Packaging the vehicle as a Skyline Crossover is almost a slap in the face to fans that had hoped for an Infiniti version of the GT-R, rumors concerning which were recently laid to rest. It does make sense, however, given that the G37, with which the EX shares much of its styling and underpinnings, is... Re-badging has stereotypically been the domain of U.S. carmakers, especially when crossing national borders, but Nissan/Infiniti are engaging in a bit of their own shell game with the Infiniti EX. Sending the vehicle to Japan as the Skyline Crossover, the car receives almost nothing in the way of updates or modifications save a Nissan badge. Packaging the vehicle as a Skyline Crossover is almost a slap in the face to fans that had hoped for an Infiniti version of the GT-R, rumors concerning which were recently laid to rest. It does make sense, however, given that the G37, with which the EX shares much of its styling and underpinnings, is called the Skyline in Japan. When the re-branded EX rolls into Japanese dealerships on April 18, it will be sporting the same 3.7L VQ37HR engine found in other-market Nissan and Infiniti vehicles including the G37, 370Z and especially the European-market EX37, which is its virtual doppelganger. It will also get the standard 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. Expect emissions to be tweaked to suit Japanese requirements, and exhaust noise may be reduced slightly, but otherwise the vehicle should remain the same. Pricing for the Skyline Crossover hasn't yet been announced, but for those with Japanese language skills, the company has launched a mini-site dedicated to the re-badge.Nissan Skyline Crossover Read More

In most markets, the best Toyota sedan you could buy would be a Camry or Avalon but in Japan (and a few other select markets) you could step into one of several luxury flagship saloons based around Toyota’s Crown platform. The Crown is sold in a variety of models including a hybrid version and the top-end Century and Majesta, and in its home market it’s held in a similar league to cars like the Mercedes Benz S-Class and BMW 7-series – at least in terms of technology.

Toyota has launched a redesigned Majesta today, the first iteration of the car and the safest and most comfortable yet. The new Majesta is powered by a 4.6L... In most markets, the best Toyota sedan you could buy would be a Camry or Avalon but in Japan (and a few other select markets) you could step into one of several luxury flagship saloons based around Toyota’s Crown platform. The Crown is sold in a variety of models including a hybrid version and the top-end Century and Majesta, and in its home market it’s held in a similar league to cars like the Mercedes Benz S-Class and BMW 7-series – at least in terms of technology. Toyota has launched a redesigned Majesta today, the first iteration of the car and the safest and most comfortable yet. The new Majesta is powered by a 4.6L V8 engine, which sends drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. An AWD version is also available but is only offered with a six-speed auto. Key changes to the outgoing model is an additional 75mm in the wheelbase, as well as a bevy of safety features including Toyota’s latest Front-side Pre-crash safety system, Pre-crash seatbacks and a rear-seat center airbag. Electronically controlled air suspension has also been added as standard, and now works in conjunction with Toyota’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability system. Finally, Toyota has added a pedestrian detection system with infrared night view mode. Inside, the car comes with wood trim on the steering wheel, shift knob and ornament panel, as well as multiple LCD display panels in the front dash and a hard-drive satnav system. Rear-seat passengers are treated with a 9in LCD panel mounted to the roof and the entire cabin benefits from a stereo system with a 19-channel amplifier and 20 speakers. Read More

Art imitates life, they say, though with video games getting so lifelike they look like playable movies, it's getting harder to tell which is life and which is art. Zele International has added to the confusion, showing off a new Gran Turismo edition body kit for the Infiniti G37, or Nissan Skyline Coupe as it's called in Japan, taken straight from the screens of Gran Turismo 5.

The striking kit crosses the pixel-reality border surprisingly well, though the currency conversion isn't friendly: pricing in Japan starts out at ¥382,600 ($4,160) for the full kit. What comes in the kit? A grille, front and rear bumpers, a side skirt set, rear... Art imitates life, they say, though with video games getting so lifelike they look like playable movies, it's getting harder to tell which is life and which is art. Zele International has added to the confusion, showing off a new Gran Turismo edition body kit for the Infiniti G37, or Nissan Skyline Coupe as it's called in Japan, taken straight from the screens of Gran Turismo 5. The striking kit crosses the pixel-reality border surprisingly well, though the currency conversion isn't friendly: pricing in Japan starts out at ¥382,600 ($4,160) for the full kit. What comes in the kit? A grille, front and rear bumpers, a side skirt set, rear diffuser, and a wing - all in carbon fiber. The 20in Rays wheels seen in the picture are apparently priced separately. Pricing so far is Japan-only, though, and the company hasn't said if it will be selling to overseas customers, or if they'll have to pay a price premium. The Gran Turismo G37 itself was originally designed by Polyphony Digital, the Sony-owned video game development company that has done the entire blockbuster Gran Turismo video game series. To see more of what Zele is capable of, check out their work on the 370Z and the GT-R.Zele International Infiniti G37 Gran Turismo edition Read More

Released just a few weeks ago, the Nissan GT-R SpecV promises to be an even more hardcore track-focused weapon than the original. Fans that had feared the SpecV might end up a JDM-only variant need fear no longer, as a left-hand drive model has been spotted in the wild, indicating foreign-market sales are at least being seriously considered.

Captured from the frames of a Best Motoring DVD, the images reveal that LHD models will be headed to certain markets, though the U.S. isn't yet confirmed to be one of them. In fact, rumors have been circulating that the SpecV may wait until 2010 or 2011 if it makes it to the U.S. at all.

Europe and the... Released just a few weeks ago, the Nissan GT-R SpecV promises to be an even more hardcore track-focused weapon than the original. Fans that had feared the SpecV might end up a JDM-only variant need fear no longer, as a left-hand drive model has been spotted in the wild, indicating foreign-market sales are at least being seriously considered. Captured from the frames of a Best Motoring DVD, the images reveal that LHD models will be headed to certain markets, though the U.S. isn't yet confirmed to be one of them. In fact, rumors have been circulating that the SpecV may wait until 2010 or 2011 if it makes it to the U.S. at all. Europe and the Middle East are no doubt clamoring for their own, however, and the sight of this LHD model leaves the door open for those markets. Official power specifications and acceleration figures for the SpecV haven't yet been released, but with a price roughly double the standard GT-R's price in its home market, the SpecV is expected to offer something besides carbon fiber bodywork and unique paint schemes. For more official data on the 2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV, check out our original coverage here. Via: GT-R Blog2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV Live shots Read More

Combining the 2.5L turbocharged powerplant from the WRX STI with the Forester's roomy platform, the Forester XTI show car is one of the highest-performance SUVs this side of a Cayenne. Due for debut at the 2008 SEMA next week, the Forester XTI also lays claim to a 0-60mph (96km/h) time of less than 5 seconds.

A cat-back exhaust system from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) catalog boosts power by 15hp (10kW) and 10lb-ft (13Nm) over the stock STI's rating. Beyond the 315hp (235kW) and 300lb-ft (406Nm) of torque thanks to its rally-bred turbocharged boxer four-cylinder, the XTI also offers a host of custom appearance and performance... Combining the 2.5L turbocharged powerplant from the WRX STI with the Forester's roomy platform, the Forester XTI show car is one of the highest-performance SUVs this side of a Cayenne. Due for debut at the 2008 SEMA next week, the Forester XTI also lays claim to a 0-60mph (96km/h) time of less than 5 seconds. A cat-back exhaust system from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) catalog boosts power by 15hp (10kW) and 10lb-ft (13Nm) over the stock STI's rating. Beyond the 315hp (235kW) and 300lb-ft (406Nm) of torque thanks to its rally-bred turbocharged boxer four-cylinder, the XTI also offers a host of custom appearance and performance accessories. Built in conjunction with Practically Wicked, the Forester XTI features what Subaru calls "the full STI treatment", meaning the entire STI drivetrain, including the Driver controlled Center Differential, 18x8" wheels shod with super sticky Yokohama Advan Neova tires, an adjustable coil-over suspension, Brembo brakes and Super Sport ABS and electronic brake distribution. The appearance mods include a custom 'Atmospheric Re-Entry' paint scheme, front lower spoiler and sport mesh grille from the Subaru accessory catalog, plus a JDM body kit that includes side skirts, rear fascia and a gate spoiler. Inside, the XTI gets leather and Alcantara sport seats, a unique instrument cluster, custom front dash and center console, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.Subaru Forester XTI SEMA show car Read More