Category Archives: News
NEWS: No Nissan-Mercedes collab on new Z, new claims of 2019 production debut
The rumor last week that Nissan — looking on forlornly as rival Toyota joined hands with BMW on the new Supra — would turn to Mercedes to co-develop the next Z has sparked another round of gossip. This time, the Mercedes partnership is debunked, while other theories … Continue reading
NEWS: Here’s Japan’s most delicious service area food
The food at Japan’s service areas is so good that NEXCO East, the expressway management company for eastern Japan, holds a contest to determine which one has the most tasty lunch. The Grand Prix winner this year was just announced, … Continue reading
NEWS: Next-gen Nissan Fairlady Z rumored to be co-developed with Mercedes-Benz
Should we be worried? The Axis Powers seem to be getting a bit uncomfortably close with their technology sharing. The latest rumor is that Nissan is preparing a seventh-generation Fairlady Z, one that is being co-developed with Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz.
NEWS: This is the new Toyota Supra
The last Toyota Supra is one of those rare cars that became a legend in its own time, but it’s been 16 years since it was discontinued. At the Geneva Motor Show this morning, the next generation of this venerated nameplate was … Continue reading
NEWS: Heavy snow hits Tokyo, disrupts road, train and air travel
A heavy snow storm struck Tokyo Monday, dumping 9 inches of powder on the capital city. According to NHK about 50 cars were stranded on Tokyo’s iconic Rainbow Bridge. The weather interfered with Tokyo’s train schedules as well, and according to Reuters 250 … Continue reading
NEWS: The return of Mazda’s rotary engine
It’s official, Mazda’s rotary engine is making a comeback, but perhaps not in the way sports car enthusiasts hope. Rather than powerful, turbocharged powerplants in a new RX car, the new rotary will serve as range extenders on a fleet of self-driving … Continue reading
NEWS: Honda’s 1970 Z360-inspired CR-Z
Images of Honda’s show cars have surfaced weeks ahead of the Tokyo Auto Salon in January. The custom car exhibition showcases the latest trends in Japan’s car scene, and wild modifications are no exception. One of the oddest, though, is a Honda CR-Z factory … Continue reading
NEWS: Mazda starts Miata Roadster restoration program
On December 13 Mazda began accepting applications for its Roadster Restore program. Announced back in August, the program will revive first-generation NA Eunos Roadsters at classic centers throughout Japan, and reproduce about 150 select parts for sale.
LA Auto Show: Mazda’s “north-star” offers a beacon of hope
If the Tokyo Motor Show was bleak, LA was a Blade Runner dystopia of crushing inhumanity. The cars unveiled weren’t autonomous pods so you didn’t get the sense that Skynet was taking over, but nearly every new model was a crossover. It’s as if … Continue reading
NEWS: Nissan’s NISMO Heritage parts program launches
Nissan has begun its NISMO Heritage program, which manufactures parts for its iconic cars. The program kicks off with 74 parts for the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, but there could be more in the future.
NEWS: Mitsubishi unveils a hideous tribute to its first car
Mitsubishi began work on its first car, simply named the Model A, in 1917. That was 100 years ago, and so to celebrate this momentous occasion Mitsubishi Motors North America commissioned a recreation of it. Sadly, the Re-Model A, as it is called, it … Continue reading
NEWS: Daihatsu’s retro concepts for the Tokyo Motor Show
This year’s Tokyo Motor Show might see the revival of some legendary models — Supra, Z, S2000, Evo — but it might be Daihatsu that takes the cake for the most charming heritage concepts this year. The compact car specialist has revealed a … Continue reading
NEWS: Mazda’s Tokyo sedan concept to set next generation of design, looks rear-wheel-drive
Mazda has revealed some teasers for two concepts that will headline its Tokyo Motor Show display later this month. One is almost certainly the next-generation Mazda Axela (known stateside as the 3). The more far-out one is a sedan concept the Hiroshima carmaker … Continue reading
NEWS: Toyota will introduce a new Century for only the third time in 50 years
Toyota has released images of the third generation Toyota Century ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show. This is notable, because in the Toyota flagship sedan’s entire 50 year history, there has been only one complete redesign, until now. While minor … Continue reading
NEWS: More images of Mitsubishi Evo concept revealed
Mitsubishi has revealed two new images of its next Evolution model. Called the e-Evolution, it is said to combine the automaker’s greatest strengths — all wheel drive, electrification, and off-roading prowess.
NEWS: Honda to debut S2000-esque concept at Tokyo Motor Show
Honda has released a teaser image of an upcoming concept to be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. Called the Honda Sport EV, it appears to be a sports coupe with rear-wheel-drive proportions, with a flowing hood similar to that … Continue reading
NEWS: Mitsubishi adds a next-gen Evo concept to Tokyo Motor Show lineup
Mitsubishi has released a teaser image of what it calls an “all-new flagship concept car” to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The company promises 4WD and a “low-slung aerodynamic” shape, but also an all-electric powertrain and … Continue reading
What is Toyota’s Gazoo Racing?
Toyota has launched a new performance line in Japan. Called GR, it offers performance parts and complete cars, with six models offered at launch. Four more will follow and hit the roads of Japan by spring 2018. Toyota hopes to “gradually” bring the … Continue reading