Author Archives: Ben Hsu
Mitsubishi teases next Delica ahead of Tokyo reveal
This year the theme of the Japan Mobility Show (formerly Tokyo Motor Show) for several companies seems to be historic models that represent their respective brand identities. For Mazda, it’s all about the Miata. For Honda, it’s the City. For … Continue reading
Mazda teases next-gen Miata’s rear end
As we near the event formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show (now rebranded as Japan Mobility Show), Japan’s carmakers are releasing teasers of what they’ll be showing off. It’s Mazda’s turn, and they’ve announced that the theme for the … Continue reading
Daihatsu Vision Copen is gloriously retro and rear-wheel-drive
The original Daihatsu Copen was a decent enough kei car. By the time it was introduced in 2002, the Bubble Era craziness that spawned the Mazda AZ-1, Honda Beat, and Suzuki Cappuccino had faded. Those were legit kei sports cars … Continue reading
Posted in Tokyo Motor Show
Tagged concepts, copen, daihatsu, me:MO, Osanpo, Tokyo Motor Shoiw, Uniform
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Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser takes FJ40 heritage to other worlds
If you had to take one production vehicle on an extraterrestrial expedition, the Toyota Land Cruiser would be a pretty solid pick. The designers at CALTY, Toyota’s southern California studio, seem to agree. As part of their 50th anniversary celebration, … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged Baby Lunar Cruiser, calty, fj40, land cruiser, Lunar Cruiser, toyota
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Never before seen Toyota concepts mark 50 years of first southern California design studio
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of CALTY Design Research, Toyota’s southern California design studio. Today, almost every non-US auto company has a studio in this mecca of car culture, but Toyota was the first. To mark … Continue reading
Honda City modernized for Tokyo Motor Show and it comes with a small bike
The Tokyo Motor Show is about to kick off, and Honda is first to the gates with a retro-modern concept. The Sustaina-C looks like a modern Honda City, and it was even revealed with a new bike, the Honda Pocket, … Continue reading
QotW: What would you put in a Mitsubishi theme park?
We recently learned that Mitsubishi is opening a theme park in Japan. While not automotive-themed, we do hope that they include at least some nods to their automotive division’s long history. Why not include a Pajero jungle cruise, Lancer Evolution … Continue reading
The Mazda RWD straight-six sports sedan might not be dead yet
Hallelujah! The on-again, off-again Mazda FR straight-six sports sedan might not be completely dead yet. A new report out of Japan says that Hiroshima might be proceeding with the project, which was slated to be the next Mazda 6. Last … Continue reading
Posted in News
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QotW: What automatic transmission JNC makes a great driver’s car?
My wife knows how to drive a manual, but isn’t confident and doesn’t want to deal with it in traffic. Right now she sees driving as mostly an unavoidable chore, but my hope is that if we start off with … Continue reading
Posted in News
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American Honda Collection Hall officially opens at Honda HQ in Torrance, California
In Japan carmakers proudly display their wares at their company headquarters, but that’s not always the case for their American subsidiaries. For years, Honda kept their US heritage collection in a warehouse — a nice one — but one that … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged Accord 1G, acura, American Honda Collection, ATC90, CA78, cb160, cb750, CBR600F2, CBR900RR, CBX1000 Super Sport, Civic 1G, Civic EA, CL77 Scrambler, CR-V 1g, CR750, CRX EF, Cuby, EM1, Express, generators, Gold Wing, honda, Honda N-Series, imsa, Indycar, Insight 1g, Integra 1G, Integra DC, Integra Type R DC2, lawn mower, Legend 1G, MBB5, mdx, NR750, nsx, Prelude 3g, Prelude BB6, RC30, RC51, Rune, s2000, S500/S600/S800, scca, super cub, VF750F Interceptor
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Chairman Akio Toyoda gives thumbs up from behind the wheel of a Honda
If you needed further proof that Akio Toyoda is the most delightful car executive in the world, look no further. The former president of Toyota recently charmed Japan’s netizens when he was spotted at a rally event in Japan driving … Continue reading
Posted in News
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Nissan Hardbody nameplate to be revived, likely with D21 3-spoke block wheels
Nissan dropped a mysterious little teaser Thursday centered around the delightful D21 Hardbody. The no-nonsense compact pickup embodied the notion of form following function, and there was a minimalist beauty in its simplicity. We aren’t naive enough to think that … Continue reading
Toyota Century SUV design sketches show longer, wider body
The dust is still settling from Toyota’s Century SUV bombshell, and strong opinions will continue to reverberate for some time. In the meantime, thanks to some design illustrations we can glimpse what those who worked on the car originally imagined. … Continue reading
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The Toyota Century SUV is here
At the time Toyota was developing the original Century, the most luxurious cars available in Japan were foreign made. Kiichiro Toyoda wanted to build a Japanese car that could go head-to-head with them, but Toyota’s experience in building passenger cars … Continue reading
QotW: What Honda model is the most Honda?
Honda has made some fantastic vehicles in its 75 years as a company. But if you had to pick just one car to represent the distilled essence of Honda, what would it be? From the humble Civic CVCC to the … Continue reading
How Toyota recreated its long-lost first race car from scratch after 70 years
At long last Toyota has revealed the full story of how they recreated their first race car, the 1951 Toyopet Racer. News of the car’s existence was only made public last year, and after 71 years lost to history no … Continue reading
The Toyota Century SUV sure looks like it’s happening
Toyota has released a teaser showing a white-gloved chauffeur hand resting on the door handle of a tall and upright black vehicle. What else could this be but the rumored Century SUV? It was rumored to arrive before the end … Continue reading
