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    Suzuki Jimny gets a retro Mercedes-Benz G-Class makeover

    ByPawani

    Suzuki’s “”Jimny”” gets a retro Mercedes-Benz “”G-Class”” makeover! Super stylish new “”little G. TRADITIONAL”” debuts!Jimny reminiscent of the first G-Class of the 1980s
    　On January 13, 2023, DAMD unveiled the “”little G. TRADITIONAL”” custom car for the Suzuki Jimny Sierra at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 held at Makuhari Messe in January 2023.The retro face is too cool! Suzuki Jimny “”little G. TRADITIONAL”” transformed into the first “”G-Class”” in 96 images.A new body kit transforms the compact four-wheel drive Suzuki Jimny Sierra into a famous traditional European SUV.

    DAMD’s new body kit “”little G. TRADITIONAL”” displayed at Auto Salon 2023.DAMD is a custom parts manufacturer that develops and manufactures body kits and other aftermarket parts for vehicles made by various automakers, including Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Mazda.At the DAMUDO booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, five demo cars with new body kits and full of individuality were on display.

    　Among them, the “”little G. TRADITIONAL”” Jimny Sierra custom car, which made its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, has the atmosphere of a traditional European SUV.DAMED has already developed the “”little G.”” body kit that transforms the Jimmy Sierra into a vehicle that looks like a second-generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W463 model).

    　The little G. TRADITIONAL is an expansion and evolution of the little G. lineup.The little G. TRADITIONAL is described by Damdo as “”a long-loved traditional and noble form converted into a Jimmy Sierra with a new retro design in the style of Damdo and finished with a classical atmosphere.At the front, a tough-looking bumper with a front mask that includes a resin grille and square-eyed fogs is installed, as well as a hood cover that transforms the impression of the front face.

    　On the side, over fenders that look sharper than the genuine parts, side steps, and large truck-like mirrors are installed, giving a rugged and retro impression reminiscent of the early model (W460) called the “”Gelendewagen”” and the W461 for professionals. The rear of the car has a lot of straight lines.The rear of the car is equipped with a classical-looking bumper with many straight lines, and mud flaps are installed under the feet to make it clear that this is a full-fledged off-roader.

    　DAMD designer Mr. Tokuda commented on the car as follows.This little G. TRADITIONAL is a homage to the first G-Class, and is a very DAMD-like car that we really like. It’s not just an homage, but a body kit that we created to be accepted by Jimny fans as a part that has never been seen on a Jimny before, by introducing square-eyed fog lights and offsetting the license plate.”DAMED is currently working on marketing this body kit.

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    The Ultimate New Toyota HILUX is Here!

    ByPawani

    The “”Ultimate”” New Toyota “”HILUX”” is Here! The intense red body and strong-looking equipment are cool! What is the “”Extreme Off-Road Concept Hilux?

    New Concept Model “Extreme Off-Road Concept Hilux”” with Enhanced Adventurousness
    　On January 12, 2023, Toyota’s Indian subsidiary, Toyota Kirloska Motor, displayed a variety of vehicles at Auto Expo 2023 near Delhi, India, including the new Inova Hiross, which was most recently unveiled.Too strong! The new “”Extreme Off-Road Concept Hilux,”” the ultimate adventure-spec Hilux new “”Extreme Off-Road Concept Hilux”” in 53 images.

    　Among them was a Toyota “”Hilux”” painted in bright red and made into a full-fledged off-roader. What kind of car is it?The Extreme Off-Road Concept Hilux on display at Auto Expo 2023.Toyota Kirloska Motor displayed more than 10 vehicles at Auto Expo 2023 at its booth, including the new Inova HiLux, the Urban Cruiser High Rider, which is not sold in Japan, and the Corolla Cross H2 Concept.

    　Among them was the new concept model “”Extreme Offroad Concept Hilux.The Extreme Off-Road Concept Hilux is a modified version of Toyota’s Hilux pickup truck, which is also available in Japan, that is capable of full-scale off-road driving.Toyota Kirloska Motor describes the vehicle as “”a completely new lifestyle vehicle that combines tough performance, power, and sophisticated design.

    　The exterior is heavily lifted to enhance driving performance, and features a front bumper with a strong pre-runner guard combined with large-diameter lamps and antennas, large door mirrors, over fenders, snorkel intake, roof carrier, and sports bar to This enhances the toughness of the vehicle.

    　Large off-road tires are assembled underfoot, but since they protrude far beyond the over fenders, it can be inferred that it would be difficult to obtain a vehicle inspection in Japan.The body is painted in bright red with stripes and tribal pattern stickers, enhancing the aggressive impression.

    　There is no official word on what the Extreme Off-Road Concept Hilux will look like in the future.Social networking posts introducing the car have received praise, with comments such as “Cool! It’s really great!” and other comments of praise.

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    Unveiling the Toyota Alphard Truck: 5 Spectacular Moments that Left the Crowd Amazed

    ByPawani

    The world premiere of the Toyota “”Alphard Truck”” with an amazing presence! The huge 6.6m long x 2.4m wide truck is getting a lot of feedback! What are your impressions of the finished product?All who see it will be amazed…Toyota’s “”Alphard Truck”” World Premiere!Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture on January 13, 2023.

    　There, the “”Alphard Truck”” based on the Toyota “”Alphard”” was unveiled.6.6m long and 2.4m wide “”Alphard Truck”” unveiled for the first time! See the real vehicle with a badass presence! This is amazing! Finally, a world premiere! Alphard Super Dury””, an Alphard Truck created by NATS students The Tokyo Auto Salon is a place where a variety of custom cars and tuning cars are exhibited, and the custom cars created by the students of the customization course at the Nihon Automobile College (commonly known as NATS) in Chiba Prefecture are always a hot topic of conversation.

    　Among the exhibits by automakers and customizers, NATS created a Super Dury Truck based on the Alphard.The term “”duty truck”” refers to a four-wheeled pickup truck with two wheels on each side of the rear wheels, a customization that can be seen in North America.The concept was named “”Alphard Super Dury,”” and the student who was in charge of the project said, “”What if an American builder customized a Japanese family car? The student who was in charge of the concept said, “”What would happen if an American builder customized a Japanese family car?

    　The blue body color of the Alphard can be seen from the front, but from the side and rear, the Alphard has been converted into a truck.The cargo bed is made by combining panels from Toyota’s “”Hilux”” pickup trucks, and while the conventional sliding rear doors are used, this Alphard truck has been customized to open like a Mazda “”RX-8″” or “”MX-30″”.The body size is 6.6m in length and 2.4m in width, which is equivalent to a full-size pickup truck in North America and other countries.

    　The students explained the process of creating the Alphard Truck as follows.The idea to build a duty truck came from a group of members who were interested in truckin’ (sporty truck customization) and American cars.When choosing a base vehicle, we decided on the Toyota Alphard because we wanted to draw attention to the unexpectedness of using a familiar Japanese vehicle as a base.I am certain that this will be a one-of-a-kind custom car.

    　The following is a description of the difficulties encountered in the process of customizing the car.First of all, we had a hard time finding the right combination of strength and weight (in order to obtain official certification) by extending the body of the car, so we had to make sure the car was sturdy.Also, the customization of the sliding doors to be double-sliding was more difficult than we had imagined, and we had to work hard to make the doors fit well when closed.

    　The cargo bed was completed with the help of the Chiba Toyota Group, which sponsored the production of panels for the current Hilux, as well as various parts makers.

    　Regarding the degree of completion and the response from visitors, he said, “”I think it turned out exactly as I had initially imagined in my sketches. Also, people who had seen it on YouTube or the news came to see it and told us that it was completed and that it was very impressive,”” said a student.In addition, many visitors to the NATS booth were overwhelmed by the power of the Alphard truck.The Alphard Truck won the Excellence Award in the “”Tokyo International Custom Car Contest Minivan/Wagon Category”” held at Tokyo Auto Salon 2023.

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    Unbeatable Acceleration Toyota Prius New PHEV Hits 0-100 km/h in Just 6.7 Seconds

    ByPawani

    Acceleration as furious as a sports car! New rechargeable Toyota Prius PHEV to go on sale around March 2023! What model will it be? The new Prius PHEV has amazing acceleration! The new Toyota Prius was unveiled for the first time in the world in November 2022, and the hybrid version was launched on January 10, 2023.

    　Furthermore, as for the new “”Prius PHEV”” equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, it has been revealed that it will be released around March of the same year.Just like a sports car! New “”Prius”” rejuvenated at a stroke, and its high-quality interior is astonishing! Toyota’s new “”Prius PHEV”” to be released around March 2023

    　The new Prius is based on the concept of “”Hybrid Reborn”” and aims to be an emotional car with “”design that makes you fall in love at first sight”” and “”driving that captivates you”” in addition to high environmental performance, which is its conventional strength.

    　While retaining the iconic “”monoform silhouette”” of the Prius, the second-generation TNGA platform has been renewed with a low center of gravity and stylish proportions, and large 19-inch tires have been adopted to express “”emotion that resonates with the senses”” and “”universal beauty.In addition, the “”Island Architecture”” concept provides a spacious and comfortable cockpit that allows the driver to concentrate on driving without feeling oppressed. The interior space is intuitive to operate and enjoyable to drive.

    　As for powertrains, in addition to the 1.8-liter and 2-liter hybrids, Toyota offers for the first time a 2-liter plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that achieves significantly higher acceleration performance and quieter operation than the conventional model. The PHEV, in particular, combines a highly efficient Dynamic Force engine with a high-output lithium-ion battery for drive, achieving maximum system output of 223 hp (164 kW) and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds, while maintaining the same low fuel consumption as the previous model. This is close to the 0-100km/h acceleration of Toyota’s GR86 FR sports car (6.3 seconds).

    　Furthermore, the EV driving range has been improved by more than 50% compared to the previous model. The battery performance has been improved so that the car can cover most of its daily needs with EV driving alone. In addition, when the power switch is turned on during charging, a “”mild room mode”” is set to enable use of the air conditioner and audio system using power from an external power source, allowing the driver to spend a comfortable time in the car as if it were another room.

    　In addition, the battery pack, which was mounted in the space of the previous model, is now mounted under the rear rear seat, resulting in a lower center of gravity and increased cargo space, making the PHEV both sportier and more convenient to drive.

    　The PHEV is also equipped with a second-generation “”solar charging system”” that more efficiently converts sunlight into electricity, generating the equivalent of approximately 1,250 km of driving range in one year. When the car is parked, the generated power is charged to the drive battery, which supplies power not only for driving but also for various functions such as air conditioning. While driving, the power generated can be used to supplement the consumption of the auxiliary battery system.

    　It has been revealed that the price of the new Prius with hybrid specification will range from 2.75 million yen to 3.92 million yen, but the price of the PHEV specification has not been announced and is expected to be announced at the time of its launch around March 2023.

  • The new Prius is finally on sale

    ByPawani

    The new Prius is finally on sale! 1,000,000 yen difference between “”high-end”” and “”low-priced”” models! What is the difference in “”surprisingly few”” features?

    Four Variants of the New Prius: What’s the Difference in Price by 1 Million Yen?
    　On January 10, 2023, Toyota launched the new Prius, the fifth-generation hybrid car. It will start with the hybrid model first, with the PHEV model to be launched later this spring.
    　
    　There are four types of variations of the hybrid car to be released first, but what are the differences between the highest grade and the lowest-priced model?

    What are the differences between the “”high-end”” and “”low-cost”” versions of the new Prius? Check it out in photos .

    The new “”Prius”” released from the hybrid car

    　Toyota’s hybrid car “”Prius”” is positioned as the company’s flagship model and has been a pioneer of hybrid cars since its first generation model was introduced in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car.

    　The fifth-generation Prius, now in its fifth full model change, was developed under the concept of “”Hybrid Reborn”” with the aim of creating a car that combines “”a design that makes you fall in love at first sight”” and “”a driving experience that makes you fall in love with it.

    　The iconic “”mono-form silhouette”” of the Prius was retained, while a lower center of gravity and larger-diameter wheels were adopted. The interior also pursues driving enjoyment, and unlike the previous Prius model, it has been reborn as a sporty-oriented car.

    　The powertrains include a hybrid with a choice of a 2-liter or 1.8-liter engine, and a PHEV model scheduled for launch this spring.

    　The hybrid model was launched ahead of the other two models.

    　There are four grade offerings: the top-of-the-line “”Z”” model, the standard “”G”” model, the “”U”” grade exclusively for the “”KINTO”” subscription service, and the basic “”X”” grade for corporate customers.

    　Prices, including consumption tax, range from 2.75 million yen for the X to 3.7 million yen for the Z. The KINTO-exclusive U grade is offered from 16,610 yen per month.

    　The difference between the lowest-priced X and the highest grade Z is about 1 million yen, but what exactly are the differences?

    　First, the powertrains of these two grades are different.

    　The new Prius has two types of hybrid vehicles, one with a 1.8-liter engine that delivers up to 140 horsepower and the other with a 2-liter engine that boasts 196 horsepower.

    　First of all, the difference in powertrains is considered to be one of the factors that cause the price difference of approximately 1 million yen.

    　Then let’s look at the exterior.

    　On the exterior, the Z has glossy black paint on the front lower grille, lower rear bumper, B-pillars, and wheel arches, while the other grades have no glossy paint on the resin.

    　The LED accessory lamps extending from the side of the lower grille and the power back door are exclusive to the Z. They are not available as options on other grades, and the panorama roof is also available as an option.

    　Looking at the wheels, the Z and G grades come standard with sporty 19-inch wheels. On the other hand, the U and X grades have a basic look with 17-inch steel wheels and wheel caps.

    　Nevertheless, all models are equipped with full LED lamps, air spats, and a rear spoiler. If you are planning to customize your car with aero parts and aluminum wheels after purchase, you may not be too concerned about the minor differences in the exterior.

    The new “”Prius”” is finally on sale! 1,000,000 yen difference between “”high-end”” and “”low-priced”” models! Surprisingly few”” equipment differences

    Is the lowest-priced grade simpler?
    　While there are some minor exterior differences between the lowest-priced and highest-end grades of the new Prius, there are no major differences between them.
    　
    　So what about the interior?

    Is the low-priced grade of the new Prius sufficient?

    　The Z grade has synthetic leather seat upholstery, and the seats have a three-dimensional, sporty shape with raised side supports.

    　In addition, heated front seats and seat ventilation are standard equipment, allowing for a comfortable ride even in mid-summer. In addition, the driver’s seat has an electric adjustment mechanism.

    　The X model comes with standard fabric upholstery, and the seats are of a standard shape.

    　In terms of interior decorations, the Z has a soft pad on the top of the instrument panel and printed instrument panel decorations. The interior is also characterized by the use of chrome on the door handles, power window switches, and other small parts, giving the interior a more colorful appearance.

    　The X, on the other hand, seems to be designed for business use and omits this type of decoration.

    　In addition, let’s look at the differences in functionality and equipment.

    　The Z has a 12.3-inch display audio system as standard equipment and a wireless charger in the center console. In addition, the Z comes standard with an on-board ETC2.0 unit, air conditioning with nanoe, and illumination with a dori function that works in conjunction with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) to alert the driver with a light.

    　Standard driving safety support systems include emergency steering assist, front cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, and panoramic view monitor. Parking support braking also comes with rearward monitoring.

    　In detail, the side mirrors on the Z are heated to prevent fogging of the mirror surface, blind spot monitors, and panoramic view monitors.

    　The X does not have display audio itself, and the rearview monitor is non-equipped.

    　However, Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced driving support system that includes pre-crash safety and radar cruise control, as well as forward parking support braking, are standard equipment, which seems necessary and sufficient.

    * * *

    　The new Prius X, the lowest-priced model, and the Z, the highest-priced model, are differentiated in detail in terms of interior and exterior equipment and decorations, multimedia functions, etc., in addition to the powertrain.

    　However, even the X, which is considered a business-oriented model, is fully equipped with advanced driving support functions and other features.

    　The new Prius has only just gone on sale, but we cannot take our eyes off which grades will be the best sellers.

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    Subaru Levorg Unleashes Thrilling Driving Performance Upgrade with Powerful Enhancements

    ByPawani

    Subaru “”Levorg”” Driving Performance “”Updated””! Service to Rewrite Controls of Electric Damper Now Available Subaru Offers Update of “”Damper Program”” to Enhance Driving Performance of “”Levorg On January 13, 2023, at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 being held at the Makuhari Messe in Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Subaru announced the “”Subaru Active Damper e-Tune”” electronic damper control program update service for certain grades of the “”Levorg””. The service is available for certain grades of the Levorg.Limited to 500 units, the “”Strongest Levorg”” is amazing! See the “”Levorg”” STI Special Edition on Display at the Auto Salon.

    Subaru Launches Service to Update the Driving Performance of the Subaru Levorg Subaru has announced the Subaru Active Damper e-Tune, which updates the program of the electronic control damper available on the second-generation Levorg, which will go on sale in 2020.

    　The second-generation Levorg sports grade STI Sport, STI Sport EX, STI Sport R, and STI Sport R EX are equipped with the “”Drive Mode Select”” function that allows the driver to switch driving characteristics at the touch of a switch. Damping force of the electronically controlled damper, engine output characteristics, steering control, and gas pedal response can be selected from five modes.

    　By updating the damper control program with SUBARU Active Damper e-Tune, the “”Comfort”” mode provides a more relaxed ride, while the “”Sport+”” mode claims to deliver a sporty ride with enhanced handling stability.The Subaru Active Damper e-Tune is expected to go on sale in the spring of 2023 and will be available as a dealer-installed option at a price of 40,000 yen (including labor and excluding tax).

    　Subaru, together with its motorsports integration company Subaru Tecnica International, is exhibiting at the Tokyo Auto Salon, which will be held for three days from January 13, 2023.

    　At the booth, Subaru presented an STI parts-equipped prototype based on the new “”Impreza”” (Japanese specifications) prototype, which is being unveiled for the first time, and the “”Levorg STI Sport # (sharp)”” prototype, a special edition based on the “”Levorg STI Sport R EX””.Also on display will be the “”SUBARU BRZ GT300 2022,”” “”SUBARU WRX NBR CHALLENGE 2023,”” and “”SUBARU WRX RALLY CHALLENGE 2023,”” which are vehicles that compete in motor sports.

  • New Prius Modellista Specification Unveiled

    ByPawani

    Mochiyui Honda “”Cute!”” with the powerful aero version of Toyota’s new Prius Modellista’s Customization Unveiled at Auto Salon

    New Prius “”Modellista Specification”” Unveiled
    　Toyota Customizing & Development unveiled “”Modellista”” brand customized parts for the new Prius hybrid car at the “”Tokyo Auto Salon 2023″” to be held for three days from January 13, 2023.

    Ms. Mochiyui Honda also “”Cute! The “”Prius Powerful Aero Specs”” is really cool! Photos from the Auto Salon .

    　On the 13th, the new Prius was unveiled, and the celebrity Mochiyui Honda took the stage as a special guest.

    The new Prius equipped with Modellista parts and Mochiyui Honda unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon

    　The Modellista booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 displayed the new Prius, which will make its world premiere on November 16, 2022.

    　In addition, TV personality Mochiyui Honda was invited as a special guest.

    　Although this was the first time for Mochiyui Honda to participate in a car event, she said that she had recently obtained her driver’s license on her birthday in June and that she had been thinking “”I definitely want to get my license when I turn 18,”” and that she is beginning to develop an interest in cars.

    Mochiyui Honda said, “”This is my first time to participate in a car event.

    　At the booth, two types of vehicles equipped with customized parts were displayed to express Modellista’s design concept, “”Resonating Emotion: Creating a Sense of Resonance,”” in the new Prius.

    　The “”NEO ADVANCE STYLE,”” with its dynamic presence, features large LED illumination in the front section and a three-dimensional blackout.

    　Mochiyu Honda commented on the NEO ADVANCE STYLE, “”It shines! The front part is so cool,”” she said with interest. The customization looks great. I like matte, so the black parts are cool,”” and the blacked out points are her favorite.

    　Another style offered by Modellista, “”ELEGANT ICE STYLE,”” features chrome decorations that wrap around the body, emphasizing the high quality of the custom.

    　Ms. Nozomi Honda expressed her impression of the Elegant Ice Style compared to the Neo Advance Style, saying, “”It looks classy and gorgeous,”” and “”It has a different charm from coolness,”” and seemed unable to hide her surprise at the Prius’ glittering styling made possible by the customized parts.

    　Although this was her first event, Mochiyui Honda seemed to have no end of curiosity about the new Prius from start to finish.

    　About customization, she said, “”You can tell a lot about a person’s personality by looking at their car. It’s not just about the shape and color, but the customization process creates a car that is unique to the person and their personality,”” she said.

    　When asked whether he preferred the Neo-Advance style or the Elegant Ice style, he said, “”I’m attracted to cool cars, so I’m more attracted to the Neo-Advance style than the Elegant Ice style.

    Mochiyui Honda said, “”I am attracted to cool cars, so I was more attracted to this Neo Advance Style than the classy one.

    * * * *

    　Modelista released the customized parts on January 10, 2023, the same day the new Prius (hybrid model) went on sale.

    　The new Prius PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model is scheduled to go on sale around spring 2023.

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    Seconds to go before the new Jimny 5-door arrives

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Seconds to go before the new “Jimny 5-door” arrives! How do Jimny fans react to the new “Jimny 5-door”?

    The “5-door Jimny” is coming soon! Various opinions on social networking sites
    　The Suzuki Jimny series is renowned as a compact, full-fledged four-wheel drive vehicle. However, the series has been offered only as a 3-door model, and there have been many requests for a 5-door body model for some time.
    　
    　Recently, however, there have been reports of sightings of a prototype “5-door Jimny” overseas, and some users on social networking sites have been talking about its imminent arrival.

    When will it appear? Expectations are high for the long-awaited “Jimny 5-door”! See the “ruggedness” of the successive Jimny models that has continued from the first model

    How users’ expectations for the long-awaited “Jimny 5-door” are growing!

    　Since the first generation Suzuki Jimny was introduced in 1970, it has been a renowned vehicle with the compact body of a mini-car, a ladder frame, and part-time 4WD with an auxiliary transmission that is as good as the Toyota “Land Cruiser” and Mitsubishi “Pajero” series, which represent domestic four-wheel drive vehicles.

    　Since the end of the second generation model, which was sold from 1981 to 1998, the company has been offering a regular car model, the “”Jimny Sierra,”” with an enlarged body size and engine, in addition to the light car model, the Jimny.

    　The current model was introduced in 2018. While maintaining the same driving performance, the new model features a square design with rounded headlights and a classical atmosphere, as if returning to its origins, as well as safety features suitable for the modern age, such as Suzuki Safety Support, an advanced driving support system that includes collision damage reduction brakes and a false start suppression function. The new model has been a hit since its launch.

    　The car was so popular from the time of its launch that there was initially a two-year waiting list for delivery. The Jimny series became so popular that orders exceeded 15,000 units per month, compared to the monthly sales target of 3,000 units.

    　The Jimny series has been long awaited by many for a “”5-door body”” model with improved comfort, load capacity, and convenience.

    　Recently, however, a prototype Jimny with a 5-door body was spotted driving overseas, and it is predicted that its arrival is imminent.

    　Many Jimny fans have posted their opinions about this on social networking sites.

    I’ll definitely buy it! I wonder if it will be sold in Japan! I can’t wait for the Jimny 5-door to come out””, “”If it does, I’ll buy it! Many users who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 5-door model have voiced their approval, which can truly be described as joy.

    　On the other hand, since rumors and predictions about the appearance of the 5-door have been constantly circulating since the current model was introduced in 2018, there are some who are skeptical about this overseas sighting, and some users who do not believe in these information are also asking, “”Will it really appear? and some users do not believe these information very much.

    　Furthermore, some users who are satisfied with the current 3-door model are skeptical about the need for 5-doors, saying, “”I don’t see the appeal of 5-doors,”” and “”Isn’t the comfort level of the car just a fraction of what it used to be? and “”Why release a 5-door Jimny when even the regular Jimny won’t be delivered? Some were concerned that it is still taking a long time to deliver cars even after five years since its launch.

    The “”5-door”” is a new car that is not yet on sale.

    　Despite these various speculations about the Jimny, Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary announced in December 2022 that it will unveil “”two new SUVs”” at Auto Expo 2023, which is scheduled to be held in early 2023.

    　It has not yet been stated whether these two new SUVs are Jimny 5-door models, but based on prototype sightings overseas, they may finally be on their way.

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    Finally the Alphard Truck premieres

    ByChathura Chanuka

    Finally, the “Alphard Truck” premieres! Savannah GT & Bluebird are back! NATS students’ custom cars, including an 86 GT car, to be unveiled at TAS2023!

    Looking forward to the response! NATS Students’ Custom Cars to be Unveiled for the First Time
    　Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from January 13 to 15, 2023.
    　
    　The Nihon Automobile College, which exhibits custom cars that astonish visitors every year, will exhibit what kind of model in 2023?

    World premiere at last! This is the Alphard Truck! Plus more Savannah GT & Bluebird images!
    Finally, the world premiere of the NATS students’ best work! Let’s go to Tokyo Auto Salon 2023!

    　Among the various custom and tuning cars on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon each year, the customization department of the Nihon Automobile College (commonly known as NATS), located in Chiba Prefecture, has become the talk of the town for the custom cars created by its students each time.

    　In the past, the “COSMO VISION,” based on a Mazda Roadster, was a modern revival of the “Cosmo Sport,” and the “NATS R35 Road Star,” based on a Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster (Z33 model), was made to look like a GT-R (R35 model).

    　Various custom cars have also been produced, including Toyota’s 3rd generation “Crown (MS50)” with American lowrider specifications, and the “LM800T,” which was designed to look like the Lexus “LM300h.

    　In this context, several custom cars will be unveiled for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023.

    　Alphard Super Duty Truck

    　A super duty truck based on the Toyota Alphard will be produced, and it has been named the “”Alphard Super Dury Truck.

    　The term “duty truck” refers to a four-wheeled pickup truck with two wheels on each side of the rear wheels, and is a custom truck that can be seen in North America and other countries.

    　　The student in charge of the project said, “We came up with the idea of building a duty truck with members who are interested in truckin’ (sporty truck customization) and American cars. When choosing the base vehicle, we wanted to draw attention to the unexpectedness of the vehicle by basing it on a familiar Japanese vehicle, so we decided on the Toyota Alphard, which we believe will be a one-of-a-kind custom vehicle.

    　●”MAZDA RX3 CABRIOLET

    　Based on the Mazda Roadster (ND model), the “MAZDA RX3 CABRIOLET” has a distinctive design with four round eyes and a mesh grille that pays homage to the “Savanna GT” (imported name: RX-3) that Mazda once sold.

    　In addition to the headlights and grille reminiscent of the RX-3 (coupe/later model), the finished model will have a yellow body color accented with green lines and a convertible style that resembles a roadster.

    　The student in charge of the project said, “Old cars are becoming more and more popular and used cars are becoming more and more expensive. I want to buy an old car, but I feel that I have to pay a lot of money for it. Even the purchase price is high, and considering the cost of maintenance and upkeep, it is a dream come true for the average citizen to own an old car in today’s disparate society. We wanted to challenge ourselves to create a model case of an ideal car that looks like an old car but has the maintenance and upkeep costs of a modern car.

    　TOYOTA86 GT STANCE

    　This is a custom car based on the Toyota 86 in the style of the Toyota GR GT3 Concept.

    　In the final design released by NATS, the car’s headlights are designed with the GR GT3 Concept in mind, and front and side aero parts and large-diameter aluminum wheels will be installed.

    　The student in charge of the project commented, “To begin with, GT machines cannot be driven on public roads, but we wanted a GT machine that complies with safety standards to be driven on public roads, which is why we decided to create this car. This is a public road-going version of the GT3 concept car that was exhibited by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022. The silhouette is a tribute to the GT3, with a touch of originality.

    　Datsun Bluebird

    　While the previous models were customized versions of the base car, this Bluebird is a restored vehicle.

    　The second generation Datsun Bluebird (410 type) was introduced in September 1963, and evolved into the 411 type after a minor change in May 1965, with a new grille and rear design.

    　The student who was in charge of the project said, “”The demand for restoration is increasing, as well as the recent boom in old cars. So we aim to land on the 411 Bluebird’s looks with an air suspension setup. The difficult part is that it is not a modern car, so it is time-consuming to check the meaning of the shape and the structure of mechanisms and parts that we have never seen before,”” he said.

    　The production process of these models is shown on NATS’s official YouTube page, and it is breathtaking to see them steadily approaching completion day by day.

    　The completed models will be unveiled at the NATS booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023.