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    Revolutionary Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 Concept Unleashes Thrilling Power

    Excitement is building as Toyota enthusiasts eagerly await the official debut of the highly anticipated “GR Yaris Rally2 Concept.” Recently, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT teased fans with an image of this powerful rally machine on their official social media accounts, hinting that the aero specification will be unveiled soon.

    The GR Yaris Rally2, currently in its final stages of development, is set to make waves in the Rally2 category, joining the ranks of commercial car-based rally machines developed by automakers such as Ford, Citroen, Volkswagen, Skoda, and Hyundai. This machine is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to the world of rallying and motorsports.

    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT’s official SNS posted an image of the “GR Yaris Rally2 Concept” on December 5, 2023, signaling the culmination of extensive development and testing throughout various rally scenes in 2023. The Rally2 category, featuring machines based on commercial cars, has gained popularity globally, and the GR Yaris Rally2 aims to be a competitive force in this arena.

    Having made its world debut at Rally Japan 2022 in November, the GR Yaris Rally2 is poised to take on the All Japan Rally in 2023, driven by the skilled duo of Norihiko Katsuta and Yusuke Kimura. Additionally, Jari-Matti Latvala, the representative of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT, showcased the GR Yaris’s capabilities by winning the All-Japan Rally “Rally Hokkaido” in September 2023.

    The released images on social media provide a sneak peek into the high combat power of the GR Yaris Rally2, featuring distinct elements such as front and rear fenders that protrude more than the commercially available GR Yaris, a large opening duct on the bonnet, a roof spoiler, and a rear wing. These features emphasize the performance and aerodynamics of this rally machine.

    Accompanying the images was a comment from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT stating, “The development stage of the GR Yaris Rally2 Concept has ended, and we are getting closer to its official debut.” The anticipation is palpable as fans eagerly await the announcement of the final form of this formidable rally machine.

    Moreover, the team revealed exciting news about the GR YARIS Rally2 participating as a zero car at the upcoming Rallye du Devoluy in France. This marks another step towards the official unveiling of the GR Yaris Rally2 Concept, providing enthusiasts with a real-world glimpse of its capabilities.

    As testing and development continue, the countdown has begun for the GR Yaris Rally2’s official debut. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling addition to the Rally2 category, promising speed, power, and aero specifications that will leave enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

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    Toyotas 5th Gen Prius Stuns with Cool Shakotan Style Kit Unveiling 1st Time at Osaka Motor Show

    In a dazzling display of automotive innovation, Toyota’s latest iteration of the iconic Prius made a grand entrance at the “Osaka Motor Show,” held from December 8th to 11th, 2023. The spotlight was on the 5th generation Prius, revealing its powerful specifications and introducing a mesmerizing dedicated aero design known as “shakotan style.”

    Among the exhibitors at the event, KUHL JAPAN stole the show by showcasing their exceptional aero kit tailored for the new Prius. KUHL JAPAN, renowned for its comprehensive custom manufacturing based in Nagoya, boasts an impressive lineup of parts for various Toyota vehicles, including the Crown, Corolla, and Lexus RC. Additionally, the company extends its expertise to brands such as Nissan GT-R and Honda N-BOX.

    However, the highlight of the event was undeniably the unveiling of the aero kit for the 5th generation Prius, marking the first public appearance of these striking enhancements. Despite the already acclaimed visual appeal of the new Prius, KUHL JAPAN’s aero kit takes it a step further, adding a touch of coolness and a stronger sporty impression.

    Maintaining the same vehicle height as a standard Prius, the aero-enhanced Prius promises a captivating visual experience without compromising practicality. The company ensures easy accessibility for customization enthusiasts by allowing each aero part to be individually purchased. This user-friendly approach facilitates convenient packaging and shipping directly to the customer’s doorstep, making installation a seamless process that can even be undertaken by the customers themselves.

    Reactions from visitors have been overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the enhanced sporty aesthetics and the ease of customization. According to the official website, the complete car is priced at 3,990,000 yen, with optional parts totaling 1,052,920 yen. For those who have been eagerly awaiting a unique and personalized Prius, KUHL JAPAN’s aero kit offers an exciting opportunity to elevate their driving experience.

    As a global hybrid car icon, the Prius, manufactured by Toyota since 1997, has continuously evolved over the years. The 5th generation, released in January 2023, follows the main concept of “Hybrid Reborn,” focusing on a design that captivates at first sight and a driving experience that leaves a lasting impression. With accolades such as “good,” “innovative,” and “emotional,” the Prius continues to be a symbol of sustainable driving and cutting-edge automotive technology.

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    Unveiling the Eighth Generation Toyota Hilux Revolutionizing Durability and Safety

    Toyota Hilux 2015 Toyota HToyota Hilux 2015ilux 2015 2024.10.12 (Toyota Hilux ) by RAI STAR       Since its inception in 1968, the Toyota Hilux has carved out a reputation as one of the most durable and reliable pickup trucks on the market. With over 55 years of continuous production, the Hilux has become…

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    Toyota Prius Dominates with 3rd Consecutive Victory as Japan’s Car of the Year

    In a triumphant moment for hybrid vehicle enthusiasts, the Toyota Prius has once again claimed the coveted title of “Japan Car of the Year.” This marks the third time in 14 years that the pioneering hybrid vehicle has received this prestigious award, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the automotive industry.

    The Prius, which made its debut in 1997, was the first hybrid vehicle to hit the market, revolutionizing the automotive landscape. The first-generation model earned the “1997-1998 Japan Car of the Year” title, and the third-generation Prius, introduced in 2009, secured the “2009-2010 Japan Car of the Year” accolade. Now, with its fifth-generation model, the Prius has once again clinched the top spot as the “Car of the Year.”

    The executive committee of the Japan Car of the Year praised the Prius for its groundbreaking advancements in hybrid technology. The committee noted that the Prius has transitioned into a new phase with its fifth generation, moving beyond being merely a symbol of hybrid innovation. The development team’s passion and commitment to creating a beloved vehicle were highlighted, as they aimed not only for a clean car but also for one that would be cherished by drivers.

    A notable transformation in the Prius’s design has been observed, departing from the previous emphasis on aerodynamic performance. The latest model showcases a stylish monoform design, with a slightly inferior Cd value compared to its predecessor. However, by reducing the frontal projected area, the Prius has successfully maintained the CdA value at the same level as the conventional model.

    Critics and enthusiasts alike have applauded the Prius for its lower center of gravity and longer wheelbase, contributing to a significant improvement in dynamic performance. The result is the most agile and accurate Prius to date, providing a sporty driving experience that sets it apart from its predecessors.

    In addition to the Toyota Prius winning the “Japan Car of the Year” award, other notable recognitions were bestowed upon outstanding vehicles. The Import Car of the Year went to the BMW X1, the Design Car of the Year was awarded to the Mitsubishi Delica Mini, and the Technology Car of the Year went to the Nissan Serena.

    The top 10 cars of the 2023-2024 Japan Car of the Year were also announced, featuring a diverse selection of vehicles, including the Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Nissan Serena, and Honda ZR-V, among others.

    The Toyota Prius’s latest triumph reinforces its position as a leader in hybrid technology and a beloved choice among environmentally-conscious drivers, marking another milestone in its illustrious history.

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    Revolutionary 2024 Suzuki Fronx: 10 Incredible Features of This Compact SUV

    Suzuki will release a new compact SUV, the Fronx, in the fall of 2024. We had the chance to test drive the new Fronx on a closed course. The conclusion is that it is a compact SUV that drives very well.

    What Kind of Model is the New Fronx?
    The car has been developed as Suzuki’s global strategic vehicle, which means it has been tailored to perform on European roads, where the average speed is incomparably higher than in Japan, including highways and mountain roads.

    When I actually got behind the wheel, I found that the car had good footwork and could comfortably and safely drive through the test course, which was full of deep corners and ups and downs, almost like a mountain road.

    Even though it’s an SUV, you don’t feel the high center of gravity, which is impressive and makes you want to keep driving it forever.Suzuki’s driving is well known for its solid handling even in the “Swift”, a very ordinary compact car, and I was able to confirm that the new Fronx, which shares the same platform, has also inherited those merits. I was a little surprised that it would run so well.What gives you a sense of security is the car’s stable behavior and ability to trace the cornering line exactly as intended.

    However, compared to the Swift, the nimbleness when starting to turn is slightly subdued, while the movement when cornering feels solid, and as a result, the new Fronx gives the impression of driving a larger car that is more stable.By the way, even when switching from FF to 4WD, there is not much difference in handling. This is probably because 4WD is a viscous coupling type, so it runs as FF except when there is a difference in rotation between the front and rear wheels.

    However, compared to FF, 4WD vehicles tend to feel a bit more jolts over bumps in the road, so if you’re considering buying a 4WD, it might be best to check this out on a test drive first.

    As far as I could tell from driving on the test course, the ride quality of the FF was quite good, and the 4WD was only a little noticeable compared to that. Overall, I’d like to point out that the ride quality of the 4WD is by no means bad.

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    Introducing the new “X-Trail” with luxurious sofa specifications! The tan color and luxury feel is amazing… What happened to the comfort of the 3rd row seat car?

    “New XTRAIL with a luxurious sofa! Tan color and luxury feel… What happened to the comfort of the 3rd row seat car?

    The New XTRAIL has an amazing luxury feel…but what happened to the 3-row seat cars?
     The new Nissan Extrail, which went on sale on July 25, 2022, has undergone a full model change to its fourth generation and has evolved in many areas.
     
     Some grades of the new Nissan XTRAIL continue to offer “”3-row seat vehicles,”” but what about their comfortability?

    This looks like a “”luxury sofa””! The new XTRAIL, now a luxury SUV! See the interior and exterior in the real car!
    The new XTRAIL has a more luxurious and comfortable feel, but… how comfortable are the three-row seats that continue to be used from the previous generation?

     The XTRAIL is a global model that has sold more than 6.3 million units since its first generation (2000), second generation (2007), and third generation (2013).

     The exterior of the new model features a square body that successfully combines the toughness of the first and second generations with the stylishness of the third generation.

     Compared to the previous generation, the body size is 4660 mm (-30) in length × 1840 mm (+20) in width × 1720 mm (-20) in height, and the wheelbase is almost the same at 2705 mm (±0).

     In addition, the interior space comfort has been further evolved. In particular, the rear seat packaging has been optimized and thin seats have been adopted to increase head and knee room.

     In addition, a new Nissan-developed “”TailorFit”” material is used for the higher grade seats, and tan-colored “”Nappa leather”” is available as an option. This is a high-grade genuine leather tanned with chrome and characterized by its suppleness and soft touch.

     The ease of getting in and out of the car has been improved with wider door openings and a rear seat sliding mechanism (260 mm, up 20 mm from the previous generation), which also enhances comfort.

     In this context, the previous generation’s “”3-row seat vehicle”” was available in some grades, with dimensions of 2555 mm (interior length) x 1535 mm (interior width) x 1220 mm (interior height) to 1270 mm (interior height).

     In more detail, the previous generation (third-row seat vehicle) first-, second-, and third-row seat lengths respectively are as follows: first row (495mm), second row (480mm for left and right seats/430mm for center seat), and third row (440mm).

     In contrast, the interior dimensions of the new EXTRAIL (third-row seat model) are 2530mm-2545mm interior length x 1540mm interior width x 1255mm interior height.

     The respective seat lengths of the first, second, and third rows were slightly shorter: first row (490.7 mm), second row (459 mm for left and right seats/427 mm for center seat), and third row (411 mm).

     Comparing the two seats, I did not notice any significant difference, and I could feel the roominess of the expanded sliding mechanism of the second-row seat. (If we put aside the comfortability of the second row).

     In fact, the staff at the Nissan dealership explained that the third-row seat in the previous generation model was “”for emergencies only, and is only suitable for a child to sit in.

     On the other hand, the aforementioned staff member explained that “”even in the new Extrail, we cannot say that the third-row seats are significantly more comfortable. The third-row seats have a strong emergency element, so they are designed for ‘situations where relatives come over and use it a few times a year’.

     The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a sibling to the Outlander, also offers a third-row seat, but the seat shape and cushion material differ in terms of comfort.

    * * * *

     The new EXTRAIL’s three-row seating is only available in the “”X e-4ORCE,”” but it seems that most of the display and test-drive vehicles actually placed at dealerships are the second row, so users who actually want to see a vehicle with a third-row seat should check with a nearby store.”

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