Honda will begin sales of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May 30, 2008. This new model fuses an easy-to-use and spacious cabin with stylish design. Special mobility assistive versions—Freed with side lift-up seat and Freed with passenger lift-up seat, also go on sale May 30, 2008—while a Freed wheelchair-accessible model will go on sale June 20, 2008.
Developed under the concept of "Freedom to create the perfect lifestyle," the Freed features Honda’s original low-floor and low-center-of-gravity technology, to achieve a compact body size that makes it easy to maneuver through city streets as well as a spacious cabin that enables adults to sit comfortably in all three rows. Honda developed this vehicle with the goal of creating a minivan that is comfortable and easy-to-use for every passenger and that offers new value by enabling customers to fully and freely utilize this vehicle in activities that meet individual lifestyles ranging from daily transportation to leisure time trips.
Three different versions are offered: the first seven-passenger vehicle in its class featuring captain’s seats in the second row; the first eight-passenger vehicle in its class; and a five-passenger type which offers a large, best-in-class cargo space. Moreover, for the first time in a registration-class Honda vehicle, wheelchair-accessible models are offered in addition to versions with a side lift-up seat and passenger lift-up seat. With the addition of these mobility assistive models, Honda positions Freed as a vehicle which fulfills the diverse needs of a wide range of customers.
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Honda will unveil next week, on May 29, a new model for the Japanese market. Called Freed, the future model will take the wraps off the all-new Jazz / Fit based minivan.
Earlier reports suggested that the Freed will be able to accommodate eight passengers in three rows of seats. As for the engine range, don’t expect any surprises as the Freed will most probably be offered with the same units found in the new Jazz – Fit. Sales of the Freed will begin in Japan shortly after its public unveiling.
Subaru Japan today launched a new special edition, the Legacy STI S402 Sedan and Station Wagon that will go on sale starting June June 27. The Subaru Legacy STI S402 price starts at 5,491,500 yen for the station wagon version and 5.355 million yen for the sedan.
The STI S402 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine that delivers 282Hp at 5,600 rpm and torque to 392 Nm (available between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm). The engine is mated by a six-speed manual gearbox.
The special edition STI S402 features SI-DRIVE (SUBARU Intelligent Drive) system, BILSTEIN suspension, Brembo brakes, carbon-fiber front spoiler and 18-inch BBS alloys wheels. On the interior the S402 features a black and dark gray color scheme, leather front bucket seats, MOMO steering wheel and "S402" plates.
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Sold exclusively on the Japanese automarket, the Honda Airwave received a new tuning kit from the well-known Japanese tuner, Mugen. The Mugen Airwave body kit consists in: a front sports grille, a front under spoiler which includes 2 stylish fog lamps, side skirts, rear under spoiler featuring an air diffuser with integrated stainless steel exhaust, rear wing spoiler, a Mugen side quarter emblem, ventilated visors, 15” aluminium wheels NR available in three different styles.
At the interior, Mugen added also a side brake cover, shift knob cover, under door garnish and aluminium sport pedals.
Newing, a well respected Japanese tuning company known for the stylish bodykits built especially for Vw cars. Newing unveiled its latest masterpiece baset on the
Vw Golf GTI, the GTI RSR. The RSR bodykit consists in a nice set of 20” alloy wheels, carbon front lip, rear roof spoiler, double exhaust system and new suspension kit. Also, the side skirts of the car include side sills built in order to cool the rear brakes. For the interior the tuner choosed new custom sport buckets that add a plus of sportivity to the car.
More photos if you click on the picture gallery link below
Maybe not all of you folks know about the Japanese tuner ASI. Well, ASI is a tuning company specialized in customizing Bentley cars established in Japan. Bentley range received recently a customization program from the Japanese tuning company, a program that not only modifies the interior of the car, but also the exterior and the engine.
The vehicles received custom 22” alloy wheels, an aggressive bodykit but also an engine upgrade from 560hp to 640hp as well as brake and suspension kits in order to deliver better handling.
ASI is preparing another customized Bentley, called „Tetsu”. The „Tetsu”, with the help of ECU chipping, exhaust modifications and transmission upgrades, will deliver 800hp an will be limited to only 29 units, each at a price of US$600,000. If anyone wants to order their customized Bentley, you have to know that in the USA the cars will be sold through Platinum Motorsport dealer, based in California. Stay tuned, ASI said that it will announce more details at the end of this month.
Although the Japanese automaker hoped that their new Nissan GT-R will remain as previously built and not be modified, the „Godzilla” raised the interest of some tuners like Amuse and Mines who recently set new lap records on the Tsukuba Circuit in Japan.
Today, another tuner revealed its tuning program for the GT-R. Garage Defend, a well-known tuner unveiled their kit for the new Nissan. This kit contains custom carbon-fiber canards, which according to the manufacturer are fated to improve cornering stability and braking performance, a carbon-fiber grille replacement and maybe the most visible feature, the Voltex GT wing which helps improve the downforce of the car.
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The eco-friendly Lexus LS600 has undergone a makeover. JOB Design, a Japanese-based specialist for Toyota and Lexus is the make-up artist for this one. And I’m not very sure where the application of this vehicle is going to be or whom this one is made to impress.
Custom front wheel vents, a lowered suspension and new front & rear bumpers are the additions. It appears pretty odd from the side angle though. By the looks of it, one might assume a few extra horses were extracted, but no, under-hood elements remain the same, and the interiors too, are left untouched.
Lowering any long-wheelbase car blindly changes its look and makes it pretty frightful and unappealing for pedestrians. This one won’t fit in the race track either as a hybrid sedan owner who visits the local circuit to put in a few eventful laps is non-existent.
Maybe JOB is trying to create a new set of custom upmarket luxury hybrid sedan racers? Tough one that.
To serve the rich and royal individuals in Asia, Ferrari has announced it will be opening its first fully owned subsidiary in April this year. The subsidiary will be located in Japan and will help customers in the Asian market to acquire their favorite supercar.
Japan has been the No.2 market for Ferrari for many years after the United States. This move by the Italian supercar maker is a sign of gratitude towards Japan. Ferrari’s Asian chief Marco Mattiacc, stated, “The Japanese market is still going for a long time to represent the largest market in Asia,”. “This is a market that has almost 1.2 million high net worth individuals, one of the highest concentrations of wealth in the world, so there’s plenty of opportunity. The key factor is to keep being exclusive,” Mattiacci elaborated.
Ferrari recorded a massive increase in sales last year and thats actually become a matter of concern. The profits are pleasing but the exclusivity factor takes a beating. The carmaker sold a total of 6,465 vehicles last year and with the launch of this new subsidiary, expect those numbers to multiply.
Mazda launched today the all-new Atenza (Mazda6) in Japan. It will come in three body styles - Sedan, Sport (5-door hatchback), and Sport Wagon. Developed in line with Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom evolution concept, the all-new Mazda Atenza’s design theme is "Bold & Exquisite."
The new Atenza is powered by a newly developed MZR 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, mated to five-speed and six-speed automatic transmissions which are newly combined with Active Adaptive Shift (AAS) control.
One of the safety features found in the new Atenza is Japan’s first rear vehicle monitoring system. When driving at speeds over 60 kilometers per hour, this system uses radar to detect vehicles approaching from behind and alerts the driver.
The new Mazda Atenza price starts at 2,070,000 yen for the entry level Mazda Atenza Sedan and goes up to 2,670,000 yen for the Mazda Atenza Sport Wagon.
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