Author: Chathura Chanuka

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    6 million yen Toyota new “bZ4X” finally announced! Eliminate purchase anxiety with “subscription only”! What will happen to the grade and delivery time?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New $6 Million Toyota bZ4X Finally Unveiled! The “”subscriber-only”” model eliminates purchase anxiety! What will be the grade and delivery time?
    4/13 (Wed.) 7:10

    Toyota’s new bZ4X is finally official! What will it look like?
    　Toyota has announced the official launch of the new “”bZ4X,”” an SUV-type EV, on April 12, 2022, and that it will go on sale on May 12 of the same year.
    　
    　It will be sold to individuals through the “”KINTO”” sub-subscription service and leased to corporations.

    Finally! The new novel Toyota SUV “”bZ4X”” is amazing! Compare it with the “”Solterra”” in a real car!

    Toyota’s new “”bZ4X”” is getting a lot of attention, and some people are saying, “”I can’t wait to get my hands on it!””

    　The new bZ4X is Toyota’s first full-fledged BEV and will be launched sequentially as one of the options toward CN (carbon neutrality), based on the situation in North America, Europe, China, and other global regions.

    　In Japan, BEVs will be sold on a subscribe or lease basis, as the company aims to alleviate users’ concerns about BEVs and contribute to CN by managing all batteries and promoting the 3Rs.

    　Applications will be accepted from May 12 for 3,000 vehicles as the first phase. The second phase will begin in early fall, and applications will be accepted sequentially thereafter, with production and sales of 5,000 units planned for the first year.

    　The new plan exclusively for the new bZ4X is the “”Maximum 10-Year Plan,”” which guarantees battery performance (10 years, 200,000 km/70% battery capacity) during the contract period, and after the fifth year of the 10-year period, the monthly fee will be reduced in stages each year.

    　In this way, the longer the vehicle is driven, the more reasonable it becomes, while at the same time supporting the user’s flexible car life by setting the mid-term cancellation fee to zero after the fifth year.

    　The new bZ4X is available only in the “”Z grade,”” with a choice of 2WD or 4WD drive system and 18-inch or 20-inch wheel size.

    　A total of 11 exterior colors are available, and two interior colors, light gray and black, are available.

    　In addition, “”18-inch x standard roof,”” “”18-inch x panoramic moonroof,”” “”20-inch x standard roof,”” and “”20-inch x panoramic moonroof”” are available as a package of popular options.

    　As for the process of using the system, after selecting a package, it seems that the contract can be made through the prescribed screening process on the website or through the dealership.

    　In addition, through the “”KINTO FACTORY”” service, which reflects software and hardware functions and items in a timely manner in accordance with technological innovations and age-related deterioration, the latest safety equipment, etc., will be installed each time, and the company will take on the challenge of “”evolving”” the new bZ4X even after it has been delivered to the user. Toyota also plans to continue to develop the new bZ4X after it is delivered to users.

    　In addition, Toyota plans to expand its recharging infrastructure by installing quick rechargers at Toyota dealerships nationwide by 2025, taking into account the future spread of BEVs, and by 2022, Toyota plans to install them sequentially, focusing on areas with high demand for BEVs.

    　KINTO also explains the timing of vehicle delivery as follows: “”Basically, we deliver BEVs to customers in the order in which they sign up for them.

    Basically, we will make arrangements for production in the order in which contracts are signed. Please check with your dealer for a detailed delivery schedule after signing a contract.

    　Please note that the delivery date is not immediately fixed after signing the contract, but it will take a certain period of time.

    　For the first phase, we will accept applications up to the number of vehicles that can be delivered by December 2022, so for the time being, the latest delivery date will be in December 2022.

    * * *

    　For the new bZ4X, the monthly usage fee includes automobile insurance, automobile tax, maintenance fees, and costs associated with the use of connected services.

    　The details of the monthly fee and the application fee at the time of contract will be announced on May 2, prior to the launch. The manufacturer’s reference price is 6,000,000 yen for the 2WD model and 6,500,000 yen for the 4WD model.

    Kuruma News Editorial Department”

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    Toyota’s new 10-seater “Hiace Premio” announced! Appeared as a nun with “16-seater Hiace” .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New 10-Seater Toyota “”Hiace Premio”” Announced! The new 10-seater “”Hiace Premio”” and the 16-seater “”Hiace”” are now available at Nuns’.
    Tuesday, April 12, 20:10

    16-Seater “”Hiace Commuter”” Also Improved
    　Toyota’s Indonesian subsidiary (Toyota Astra Motor) has announced an improved version of the Hiace Premio on April 8, 2022.

    New 10-Seater Toyota Hiace Premio Unveiled! A different and bombastic face! View in Pictures .

    Toyota’s New “”Hiace Premio”” Unveiled in Indonesia

    　In the Indonesian market, the annual sales volume of the Hiace series (in 2021) reached 2253 units. The category’s market share is 97.87%, and it has gained the support of users.

    　In addition, the Hiace series includes a semi-bonnet type (300 series) that has not been released in Japan, and the Hiace Premio is this semi-bonnet type. In Japan, a passenger model based on this model is lined up as the “”Gran Ace.

    　The improved Hiace Premio in Indonesia features electrically retractable outer mirrors and LED fog lamps on the exterior. The interior features a 7-inch audio display and four USB charging terminals to allow passengers to enjoy their time in the vehicle. The vehicle has a seating capacity for 10 passengers.

    　The 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine mounted on the car meets the Euro 4 (Four) automotive emission standards. It delivers a maximum output of 176.8 horsepower.

    　In the Indonesian market, the “”Hiace Commuter”” is also available as a cab-over type Hiace (200 series), which is familiar in Japan, but it too has undergone engine improvements. This model has a seating capacity of 16 passengers.

    　Susumu Matsuda, president of Toyota Astra Motor, commented, “”We have improved the performance of the engine and several features to meet a variety of needs.”

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    Porsche’s EV worldwide sales, Taycan surpasses 911 in the first quarter of 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Porsche EV Global Sales, Taikan Surpasses 911 in Q1 20222022, Sun, Apr 17, 2022, 06:15 PM

    On April 14, Porsche announced global EV sales results for the first quarter of 2022 (January-March). Total sales were 9,470 units. Compared to the same period last year, sales were up 4.4%.

    The 9470 unit sales figure is the total of the “”Taikan”” and “”Taikan Cross Turismo. The Taikan Cross Turismo is a derivative of the Taikan and is a crossover EV with an emphasis on off-road taste.

    The Taikan Sport Turismo was also added to the lineup. This vehicle is based on the Taikan Crossturimo. The off-road-oriented parts have been removed to emphasize the on-road orientation. The 9,470 units sold by the Taikan series exceeded the 9,327 sold by the 911 series, Porsche’s flagship sports car.

    Porsche is currently developing the upcoming Macan, a full EV, as the first Porsche built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The car is expected to debut in 2023.

    Porsche’s global EV sales for 2021 are 41,296 units. This is more than double the previous year’s results.”

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    Good sound affects work . Toyota Hiace Part 2 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Good sound affects my work…Toyota Hiace Part 2 [Car Audio Newcomer] April 16, 2022, 4:30 p.m.

    Mr. Ishizuka added a DSP and power amp to improve the sound quality of his work vehicle, a Hiace. He ordered more detailed adjustments from Arc Ride in Chiba Prefecture, and was amazed at the perfection of the sound. He says that the quality of the Hiace’s sound even raises the quality of his work.

    Upgrading with additional DSP and power amps
    Further DSP tuning to look at higher stages
    The owner, Mr. Ishizuka, installed Focal’s 165KX3 speakers. He had built a simple system using a Diatone Sound Navi as a music player and DSP to drive the front 3-way via a passive network, but decided to upgrade the system to achieve an even higher level of sound. The next target was a Helix DSP PRO MkII and a Zapco Z150.6AP 6-channel power amp, which would raise the sound level by adding a stand-alone DSP and power amp to increase control and drive power. The first time I saw it, it was a very good idea to use it.

    Around this time, Mr. Ishizuka acquired a Vel-Fi in addition to his main car, the Hiace, which he also uses for work. Having experienced the good sound of the Hiace, he immediately decided to upgrade the audio system in the Vellfire as well. First, he headed to Arc Ride to install speakers and a power amplifier. At that time, we decided to order another set of DSP adjustments for the Hiace. This would be the beginning of a new audio experience.

    By boiling down the DSP adjustments, we were able to achieve clear localization and
    A stronger sense of sound spaciousness
    I had the DSP adjusted at Arcryde. Then the sound changed drastically from what it was before. I felt as if I was being bathed in sound, and I was very satisfied. I was also very pleased with the way the sound came right in front of me, and it was very comfortable. After listening to that sound, I realized anew the importance of DSP adjustment.

    The owner learned that the DSP adjustment can be improved by a step or two by communicating with the store about the exact direction of the sound he or she prefers. After completing the sound adjustment to fit his needs, he felt that he was able to enjoy audio in a whole new way.

    The good thing about Arc Ride is that they answer even the most detailed questions. I didn’t have much knowledge about audio at the beginning, so whenever I had a question, I would immediately ask Mr. Otsuka, the representative of Arc Ride. As he answered my questions, I became more knowledgeable. The more I learned about audio, the more I enjoyed it. I was also able to determine what direction I wanted to take with my audio system.

    In addition to boosting your spirits when you go to work
    High-quality audio for cooling down on the way home
    The Hiace is used exclusively for work, and the owner has gradually continued to upgrade the system to achieve a sound that he is satisfied with.

    Every morning when I go to work, I get really excited when I hear a good audio system in the car. I think it’s the perfect environment to start the day.

    Since the Hiace is a vehicle used for daily work, he says that the quality of the audio system affects his work as well. He says that good sound is also effective in preparing his mind for the journey to work. He also feels that audio is useful in a different way on the way home from work.

    He says, “”The music I listen to at the end of the workday is also very good. During the workday, compressors and other machines are running at high volume, and it is a very noisy environment. In contrast, when I get into the Hiace and listen to calm and soothing music, it really sinks in. On the other hand, when I am tired and sleepy, I play music at a very loud volume to wake me up. It is also good to be able to use a power amplifier for powerful playback at those times.

    Ishizuka has upgraded his audio system to a high level by upgrading his system in one fell swoop. He is now planning to upgrade his system to a higher level.

    I’m thinking of upgrading the power amp even further. I would also like to try other brands of speakers. Eventually, I would like to improve the sound to the level of a store’s demo car. That is my immediate goal.””

    Mr. Ishizuka is completely fascinated by the evolution of audio system upgrades and sound. He plans to continue his pursuit of sound in the direction he likes in order to make the ride to and from work more comfortable.

    Yasuhiro Tsuchida｜Writer
    After working as an engineer involved in digital audio, he moved on to become an editor at a publishing company. He worked in the editorial department of a motorcycle magazine and a 4WD magazine. Since becoming independent, he has been involved in writing for car audio, cars, wristwatches, mono-related, interior, and outdoor-related magazines, and was also contracted to serve as editor-in-chief of a car audio magazine. Currently, he is still active in writing mainly for car audio magazines.”

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    The second form of the Prius “Cross” is completed! … Evolved into a more powerful body .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Prius “”Cross”” Form 2 Completed! …Evolves into an Even More Powerful Body April 16, 2022, 10:00 AM

    With all the attention paid to the “”Age-kei”” (a type of “”Age”” in Japanese), we thought, “”If we don’t have it, let’s make it! The project started with the concept of customizing a Toyota “”50 Prius”” as a demo car, and now the second phase of the project has finally been completed.

    For an ordinary passenger car, the first vehicle inspection is conducted after three years from new, followed by inspections every two years thereafter. When the first form was completed, there was about half a year left for the inspection, and there was something I wanted to do but could not. That was to make “”structural changes”” to the car. To be more specific, the aero kit from Car Style (Kyoto, Japan) has over fenders, but the fenders are wider than 20mm, so the structural modification is required. The structural modification itself can be done at any time, but the remaining period of vehicle inspection will be reset, so the cost will be wasted. Therefore, the poor man’s gut feeling was to wait until the time of inspection to install the over fenders, so the project was postponed until now.

    I am waiting for the first time in my life that the car inspection is coming.
    The reason why I was eagerly waiting for the moment
    Although it is good that the structural change has been done, it is not good
    What has changed in numbers and appearance?
    Installed a muffler to give the rear more power
    After much deliberation, I chose the 4-way model!

    Go to the main text (Mycar-life) https://www.mycar-life.com/article/2022/04/12/24304.html”

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    Audi’s global EV sales increased 66%, “Q4 e-tron” performed well. First quarter of 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Audi’s EV global sales up 66%, strong Q4 e-tron sales in Q1 20222022 Apr 16, 2022, 06:15 PM

    Audi e-tron SportbackAudi e-tron
    On April 14, Audi announced the global new EV sales results for the first quarter of 2022 (January-March). Total sales were 24,200 vehicles. This is a 66.2% increase over the same period last year.

    Audi is accelerating its electrification strategy, aiming to expand the number of electric models to approximately 30 by 2025, of which more than 20 will be EVs. 2021 alone will see the e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, and Four new EV models are counted.

    Audi’s global new EV sales in the first quarter of 2022 were 24,200 units, up 66.2% year-on-year. The Q4 e-tron electric SUV and the Q4 Sportback e-tron electric SUV coupe sold a total of 30,300 units in the first quarter, contributing to the 66.2% YoY growth.

    The e-tron electric SUV and the e-tron Sportback electric SUV coupe also sold a total of 10,300 units. Audi plans to use only EVs for new models to be launched after 2026. The company will continue to accelerate its electrification strategy.

    Audi’s global new vehicle sales of EVs in 2021 will be 81,894 units. This is a 57.5% increase over the previous year.”

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    Nissan Skyline GT-R, Displacement Up Kit … Upgraded HKS

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Newly released “”RB26 2.8L Kit STEP2 BCD Type”” for Skyline GT-R (BNR34, BCNR33, BNR32) with larger displacement
    Upgraded version based on the proven 2.8L STEP2 kit combined with lightweight and highly rigid forged BCD pistons

    Customized Customized New Product Information Tuesday, April 12, 2022
    Two-layer coating reduces friction. Piston kit with bridge structure for light weight and high rigidity

    Friction is reduced by a two-layer coating. Piston kit for RB28 STEP2 with nickel-plated pistonsAdditional nickel-plated piston kit for RB28 STEP2
    with bridged structureShortened piston pins to reduce weightOil lubrication is enhanced by reducing the number of oil holes in areas with high thrust loadsDecreased thickness around pin bosses to reduce weightDecreased thickness of skirt section to reduce weight and Lightweight crankshaft made from specially forged material that directs oil from the oil ring to the piston pins for lubrication.
    The “”RB26 2.8L Kit STEP2″” displacement upgrade kit for the Skyline GT-R (RB26DETT) sold by tuning parts manufacturer HKS (HKS) has a new upgraded version “”BCD Type”” combined with lightweight and high rigidity forged BCD pistons. Sales began on March 16.

    The products will be sold as a three-part product line (piston kit, crankshaft, and connecting rods) and as a full kit.

    The “”BCD Piston Kit STEP2″” is made of A2618 material, which is strong at high temperatures and has a thin wall. In addition to increased rigidity through the use of a bridge structure, the skirt height has been shortened to reduce weight by optimizing the profile, and the boss section has been lightened by shortening the piston pin, resulting in a piston weight of 334g. A two-layer fluoropolymer and molybdenum coating also reduces friction.

    The “”lightweight forged crankshaft”” is 77.7 mm in length and made of specially forged material, and its full-counter design improves rotational balance and enables higher rpm. The pin journal and the center of the crankshaft have been stripped to reduce weight and improve response.

    The “”H-section connecting rods”” are made of specially forged material and have an H-shaped cross section to withstand the enormous force of the explosion. The surface is WPC treated to improve fatigue strength.

    The existing “”RB26 2.8L Kit STEP2 (standard type, 955,900 yen including tax)”” will also remain on sale.

    RB26 2.8L Kit STEP2 BCD type
    Full kit: ¥979,000 (tax included)
    BCD Piston Kit STEP2: ¥245.300 (tax included)
    H-section connecting rods: ¥352,000 (tax included)
    Lightweight forged crankshaft: ¥572,000 (tax included)
    Piston pin set: ¥15,180 (tax included)

    Target engine: RB26DETT (displacement: 2,771, type: ⌀87-21, boring and honing process: required, full flow process: not required, compression ratio: 8.7)

    Inquiries: HKS Ordering Center tel. 0544-29-1235

    “

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    Toyota Hiace improved new wheel … Modellista renewed lineup .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Wheels for Toyota Hiace Refined Model…Modellista Revamps LineupFriday, April 15, 2022, 10:00 AM

    Hiace Modellista Version IHiace Modellista Version II 15-inch Aluminum Wheel & Tire Set: KOSEI Bear Rock BISON [Black] & Falken W1115-inch Aluminum Wheel SetKOSEI Bear Rock BISON [Black] 15-inch Aluminum Wheel set KOSEI Bear Rock NOVE〈Black, Polished
    Toyota Customizing & Development has added Modellista-brand customized parts to its lineup for the upgraded Hiace, and has begun selling them through Toyota vehicle dealers nationwide.

    While the existing products such as aero kits and interior items are still included in the lineup, the wheel lineup has been renewed in line with the partial improvement. The new KOSEI Bear Rock Bison (black) creates a sporty, awesome, and dynamic image, while the KOSEI Bear Rock Nova (black and polished) stands out for its simple stylishness.

    In addition to aero parts and interior parts, the new wheels are added to the lineup to further enhance the presence of the Hiace.”

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    Toyota Yaris Cross wins 2022 World Urban Car Award . New York Motor Show 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota Yaris Cross Wins 2022 World Urban Car Award…New York Motor Show, April 14, 2022, 3:00 PM

    Toyota Yaris Cross (European specifications)
    The World Car of the Year (WCOTY) organizer announced on April 13 that it will award the 2022 World Urban Car of the Year to the Toyota Yaris Cross at the New York Motor Show 2022, which opened in the United States.

    This is the sixth time the World Urban Car of the Year has been awarded. The World Urban Car of the Year award was established six years ago in recognition of the fact that more than 50% of the world’s population is concentrated in urban areas, and the award is given to the car that best suits the urban environment.

    The three finalists for the 2022 World Urban Car of the Year are as follows

    Opel Moca
    Toyota Yaris Cross
    Volkswagen Taigun

    From these three models, Toyota’s Yaris Cross won the 2022 World Urban Car of the Year award.

    The first World Urban Car of the Year was the BMW i3, the second was the Volkswagen Polo, the third was the Suzuki Jimny, the fourth was the Kia Soul EV, and the fifth was Honda’s new Honda e EV.”

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    Harmonic drive kit for Toyota Yaris Cross from Largs — 32 steps of damping force adjustment .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Ralguss launches new SpecS coilover kit for Yaris Cross/Yaris Cross Hybrid
    Ralgus, a manufacturer of dampers and suspensions, has released a new “”SpecS coilover kit”” for TOYOTA Yaris Cross/Yaris Cross Hybrid (MXPB10/MXPJ10), which has been on sale since April 7.

    Customized Customized New Product Information Monday, April 11, 2022

    SpecS coilover kit for Yaris Cross/Yaris Cross HybridSpecS coilover kit installed on: Yaris Cross Hybrid
    Ralgus, a manufacturer of dampers and suspensions, has released a new “”SpecS coilover kit”” for TOYOTA Yaris Cross/Yaris Cross Hybrid (MXPB10/MXPJ10), which has been on sale since April 7.

    The “”SpecS Ride Height Adjustment Kit”” is a full-length ride height adjustable suspension kit that has been developed with optimal settings to match the characteristics of the corresponding vehicle model. With 32-level damping force adjustment, the kit can be used in a wide variety of driving situations, and the mono-tube shock absorbers provide precise and stable damping force linearly, allowing the driver to enjoy a lowered ride without worrying about ride comfort. It also offers high performance for sports driving.

    The “”SpecS coilover kit”” is compatible with more than 300 models of vehicles. The kit is compatible with more than 300 models of vehicles, including a wide range of core models and out-of-print vehicles that are not available from other manufacturers. For circuit users who want to fine-tune their settings, the lineup includes replacement direct-wound springs and RS springs for easy handling, as well as a conversion spring seat that can be replaced with ID65 springs.

    The product comes with a 2-year warranty with reliable support and unlimited mileage, and can be used with confidence for a longer period of time through the sale of detailed repair parts and shock replacement or overhaul services. In addition, to ensure that the products can operate properly under severe conditions, they are coated with a rust-preventive coating that has passed a 120-hour spray test in 5% neutral salt water, which is higher in concentration than seawater.

    SpecS coilover kit [01011209131-qq]
    Price: ¥91,080 (tax included)
    Applicable models: TOYOTA YARIS Cross (MXPB10 2020/8~) / YARIS Cross Hybrid (MXPJ10 2020/8~)
    Down amount: Front -75mm~+3mm / Rear -63mm~0mm

    “