Day: September 8, 2022

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    The curtain rises on the 40-year history of the Nissan March! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit can compete! 4 memorable models of super long-established compact cars .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan “”March”” 40 years of history! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit can match it! Four Memorable Models of the Super Venerable Compact Car

    A look back at Nissan’s long-established March compact car brand, which lasted 40 years and four generations.
    　At the end of August 2022, several newspapers and other media reported the end of production of the Nissan March.
    　
    　The March is a long-established brand with a 40-year history, which is significantly longer than any other Japanese compact car, and has lasted for four generations. Let’s take a look back at the successive generations.

    Image] Only four generations in 40 years: “”Which one is your favorite? A look at the 68 photos of the “”March”” of past generations that bring back too much nostalgia.

    In 2002, just as the Carlos Ghosn administration was beginning, Nissan’s third-generation (K12) March (2002-2010), with its distinctive rounded styling and wide variety of colors, attracted a lot of attention, especially among female users.

    First-generation “”MARCH”” [K10 model / 1982-1992]

    　The first-generation March, launched in October 1982, made a spectacular debut as a hatchback model in the liter car class (referring to models with an engine displacement of around 1 liter), smaller than the “”Sunny”” and “”Pulsar”” compact cars of the time.

    　In addition, Nissan solicited car names from the general public in advance, and used the top idol of the time, Masahiko Kondo (nicknamed “”Match””), as its image celebrity to market the model as “”Match’s March””. Nissan put a lot of effort into this model.

    　At first, only a 1-liter 3-door model debuted, and later a 5-door model was added. The March Super Turbo, a double-charged model equipped with a supercharger and turbocharger, and other variations were added to the lineup.

    Second-generation “”MARCH”” [K11 model / 1992-2002]

    　The second generation March, which underwent its first full model change in 10 years in 1992, was developed with the aim of expanding sales not only in Japan but also in the European market, a fierce battleground for compact cars.

    　In addition to winning several awards, including the Japan Car of the Year Award and the Good Design Award, it was the first Japanese car to win the European Car of the Year Award, and has been highly acclaimed in Japan and Europe.

    　In addition to the three-door and five-door body types, the March lineup includes the March Box, a wagon body, and the March Cabriolet, a convertible model, as well as the March Bolero, a retro-design custom model by Autec Japan (now Nissan Motor Sports & Customization). The “”March Rumba”” was also actively developed as a variation of the original model.

    　Like the first generation, this model was produced for approximately 10 years, and has become a long-seller, maintaining even more stable sales volume than the first generation.

    Third-generation “”March”” (K12 model / 2002-2010)

    　The third-generation K12 March, which was introduced in 2002 after the business alliance with Renault, was based on the jointly developed Alliance B platform.

    　It was characterized by its distinctive rounded design, and attracted much attention as a model that symbolized the new era of Nissan under the soon-to-be-appointed Carlos Ghosn administration.

    　From its debut, it has been available in a wide range of colors, with colorful new colors added with each product improvement, and has been a topic of conversation for a long time, attracting support mainly from women.

    　Following the second generation, the retro-masked “”March Lafite”” and “”March Bolero”” were added, as well as the “”12SR,”” a sports model with a tuned engine, and the “”Micra C+C,”” an open model with a hard-top roof, and many other derivative models were born.

    The end of the 40-year history of the Nissan March! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit could match it! Four Memorable Past Models of the Super Venerable Compact Car

    End of sales in Japan with the 4th generation? However, there was a “”5th generation”” for Europe!
    The 4th generation “”MARCH”” [K13/2010-2022]

    　The 4th generation, which underwent a model change in 2010, combined a newly developed V-platform with a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder engine with an idling stop system.

    　The most significant news was that it was the first model to be produced overseas. The Japanese version was made at Nissan’s Thai plant.

    　Production continued for 12 years until 2022, making it the longest-selling March model of all time.

    　The “”March NISMO,”” a full-fledged sports model that replaced the previous generation’s 12SR, and the retro-style “”March Bolero”” are also derivatives of the March, as they have been for many years.

    The first-generation (K10) Nissan March made its debut with much fanfare and promotion, partly because it was a “”liter car,”” a new genre of car.

    　Although the March’s production has been discontinued as reported by newspapers, as of early September 2022, there has been no official announcement from the manufacturer. On Nissan’s official website, the March is still being sold.

    　However, a small note on the website states, “”Some specifications, grades, and colors may not be available due to production reasons,”” suggesting that something will be done in the future.

    　It is expected that the company will continue to sell the product for a while until the pre-produced inventory runs out.

    The car is expected to continue to be sold for a while until the pre-production stock runs out.

    　Although the March is reportedly discontinued in Japan, its successor, the 5th generation (K14 model), was launched in 2017 as a car exclusively for Europe.

    　While both successive models have inherited the March’s character with their cute styling, the 5th generation is characterized by sharp styling starting with the V-motion grille. The wide and low form gives it a unique sporty image.

    　It is interesting to note that in Europe, the March has been consistently referred to as the “”Micra”” rather than the “”March”” since the first generation.”

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    The predecessor “Vezel” has evolved independently and emphasized black!Honda’s new SUV “VE-1 Magic Knight” specification announced in China!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The previous generation “”Vezel”” has undergone a unique evolution, emphasizing the black color! Honda’s New VE-1 Magic Night SUV Specification Unveiled in China!

    　On September 1, 2022, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, Guangqi Honda Automobile, announced the 2023 VE-1 SUV. The “”Magic Night Edition”” and “”Magic Night Deluxe Edition”” special editions are said to be available, but what kind of model is it?

    Even the emblem is black! New VE-1 Magic Night Edition SUV in 29 images

    The VE-1 Magic Night Edition was unveiled by Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

    　The VE-1 is an SUV-type EV jointly developed by Honda R&D (China) Co. and Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

    　The exterior design is based on the design of Honda’s first-generation “”Vezel”” and incorporates unique design features in the front and rear, including a front bumper with a powerful design that stretches from side to side.

    　The new “”VE-1 TA”” model launched this time has an extended cruising range on a single charge. The new “”VE-1 TA”” extends the range of the latest model in the VE-1 series, the “”VE-1+,”” from 470 km to 480 km, while consuming less than 14 kWh of energy per 100 km.

    　The specifications of the on-board motor are maximum output of 120 kW (approx. 163 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm. Four driving modes are available: Comfort mode, Sports mode, Regenerative Strong mode + Comfort mode, and Regenerative Strong mode + Sports mode, which can be selected according to driving conditions.

    　The interior is newly equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD display that allows the driver to check the charging status as well as navigation and multimedia functions. In addition, red and blue ambient lights with nine levels of brightness adjustment are available.

    　Tires with excellent rolling performance and quietness have been adopted to enhance the quietness of the cabin.

    　In addition, it is compatible with WOW STATION, an online service linked to smartphones. The application allows users to check the vehicle status and remotely control the air conditioning.

    　As for body and interior colors, white and emerald green have been added as new colors, as well as yellow and blue leather accents for the interior.

    　The price of the new VE-1 TA will be set at 174,800-184,800 yuan (about 3.02-3.19 million Japanese yen).”

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    World premiere!Toyota’s president makes a surprise run with a “two-wheeled hydrogen engine vehicle” based on the “Ninja H2”! Towards the first step in initiatives that transcend the barriers between motorcycles and automobiles.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “World premiere! Toyota President Makes Surprise Ride in Ninja H2-Based “”Two-Wheeled Hydrogen Engine Vehicle””! The first step in an initiative that transcends the boundaries between two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles

    Kawasaki and Toyota Working on Hydrogen Society! Off-Road Four-Wheeled Vehicles for Research Unveiled
    　On September 3, 2022, Kawasaki Motors unveiled a research off-road four-wheel vehicle (hereafter ATV) equipped with a hydrogen fueled direct injection engine for motorcycles at the Super Taikyu Series Round 5 in Motegi, Japan.
    　
    　The unveiling was a surprise, with ROOKIE Racing’s Morizo (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) driving the vehicle during a demonstration run.

    Transcending the Boundaries of Manufacturers! Dream motorcycle hydrogen engine car is so cool! See the real car!
    Kawasaki Motors unveiled a research off-road vehicle equipped with a hydrogen fuel direct injection engine for motorcycles.

    　The engine unveiled is based on the 998cc inline four-cylinder supercharged engine used in Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 and has been modified with direct hydrogen fuel injection.

    　The body is based on an ATV sold in North America and other markets, but the layout has been significantly modified to accommodate a hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system.

    　The exterior is striking with its silver body color, blue wheels, and suspension.

    　In terms of the actual research and development, Yoshimoto Matsuda, deputy general manager of Kawasaki Motors’ Technology Division, said, “”We are very pleased with the new engine for motorcycles, and we are very proud of it.

    The reason why the Ninja H2 engine was mounted on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), despite the fact that it is a motorcycle engine, is because it is a research and development project, and we had to cut the frame of the Ninja H2 engine and mount it on the ATV in order to accommodate the various testing equipment.

    　In the process of development, we have only just begun to develop the abnormal combustion, but when we first found abnormal combustion, we were unexpectedly happy.

    　However, we are overcoming issues such as control of abnormal combustion, fuel supply at high RPM range, high temperature of various components, as well as safe operation due to handling of hydrogen, with technical support and parts supply from companies and organizations that are leading in their respective fields.””

    　TOYOTA GAZOO Racing President Tsuneji Sato also had the following to say about the unveiling.

    We have been trying to understand the load placed on hydrogen engines in the passenger car domain,”” he said.

    　Passenger cars use a wide range of engines, from low to high RPM. On the other hand, commercial vehicles use low RPM engines, and motorcycles use high RPM engines.

    　For this reason, the development of hydrogen engines will be promoted by being able to cover the phenomena that occur in hydrogen engines regardless of whether they are two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles and regardless of the genre of the engine.

    　I think the unveiling of the motorcycle hydrogen engine is a big step forward in our efforts to realize a hydrogen society and carbon neutrality.

    Kawasaki Heavy Industries President Hashimoto and Morizo (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) A surprise demo run immediately following this!

    * * *

    　Kawasaki Motors, Suzuki, Denso, Toyota, Honda, and Yamaha will use this baby carriage as one of the research materials for the “”hydrogen fuel engine for motorcycles and other small mobility vehicles”” to achieve carbon neutrality.

    　Morizo’s drive was conducted without the knowledge of anyone involved. Morisso’s “”Can I take a look?”” led to a surprise demo run as he sat in the driver’s seat.”

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    Full throttle with Toyota’s “fastest specification”! The amazing new “GRMN Yaris” A dream showdown that makes professionals smile!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota’s “”Fastest Specs”” in Full Throttle! The new “”GRMN Yaris”” is still amazing! A dream matchup that brings smiles to the faces of professionals!

    Pros Blast Off on the Circuit in the New GRMN Yaris!
    　On September 2, 2022, during the practice day of “”Super Taikyu Series Round 5, Motegi,”” professional drivers had a slugfest using the new “”GRMN Yaris,”” a fully tuned model of Toyota’s “”GR Yaris.
    　
    　What kind of model is the new GRMN Yaris, Toyota’s fastest specification?

    Limited to 500 units… See the real-life images of Toyota’s fastest spec “”GRMN Yaris,”” which is too rare!

    Toyota’s “”Fastest Specification””! What is so amazing about the new “”GRMN Yaris””?

    　The GR Yaris is a model that has been trained and developed under extreme conditions by participating in various motorsports events such as the Super Taikyu series and the All Japan Rally Championship.

    　The GRMN Yaris, which made its world premiere on January 14, 2022, was born from Morizo’s (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) desire to “”deliver to our customers a car that evolves speedily and in accordance with their needs in the field of motor sports. The new car was born from the desire of Akio Morizo (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) to “”deliver to our customers a car that evolves speedily and in accordance with people in motorsports.

    　The features of this car are the various trial-and-error customizations that he learned from his motorsports experience, such as strengthening the rigidity of the body, reducing the weight by approximately 20 kg, lowering the center of gravity by reducing the vehicle height by 10 mm, and improving aerodynamics by widening the overall width by 10 mm.

    　The car is also equipped with a mechanical LSD that has been repeatedly broken and repaired to improve performance, a cross gear-ratio transmission, and a set of low final gears.

    　In addition, professional drivers have driven this model to improve braking power, grip, cornering, and tracking performance, making it “”a car that can be driven faster with greater peace of mind.

    　The GRMN Yaris, available in a limited edition of 500 units, comes in two types: the “”Circuit Package”” and the “”Rally Package.

    　The ROOKIE Racing team (Sasaki and Ishiura) that competes in the “”Super Taikyu Series”” and the No. 7 team (Lopez and Kobayashi) and No. 8 team (Hartley and Hirakawa) that competes in the aforementioned WEC will battle it out in the “”GRMN Yaris”” this time. The project was to battle it out using the GRMN Yaris.

    　Morisso explained the background of this project as follows.

    The WEC teams are active around the world, and ROOKIE Racing is active in Japan, so the fans are divided into two categories.

    　So, what if we use the same car and have a showdown so that each fan can understand the other? Wouldn’t that be fun? That was the idea.

    　The actual car used was the GRMN Yaris Circuit Package, with a carbon fiber (twill weave CFRP) rear spoiler, side skirts, and lip spoiler.

    　The suspension features BBS 18-inch wheels exclusively for the GRMN, 18-inch brakes, and Bilstein damping force-adjustable shock absorbers, all designed with an awareness of how fast the car can run on the circuit.

    　As for the actual project, the ROOKIE Racing team (Sasaki and Ishiura) won the race, but despite their various handicaps, each driver enjoyed the showdown itself and the driving of the GRMN Yaris, while also enjoying the serious competition that they were not afraid to lose.”