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    Luxury minivan “Alphard” is a rival!Why Mazda’s 3-row SUV “CX-8” is supported by families .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Mazda’s 3-row SUV “”CX-8″” is a Family Favorite Why Mazda’s 3-row SUV “”CX-8″” is popular among families

    Mazda, which withdrew minivans from the market, responded to the need for multi-passenger vehicles
    　Minivans are the most popular family cars in Japan, with a variety of models available from various manufacturers, including Toyota’s Alphard, Noah/Voxy, and Sienta, Honda’s Step Wagon and Freed, and Nissan’s Serena.

    As powerful as the Alphard, but more powerful! New “”CX-8″” Luxurious Interior and Exterior in 43 Photos

    The all-new Mazda CX-8 has undergone major improvements to give it a powerful new front face.

    　Minivans are favored mainly by households raising children because of their ability to seat multiple passengers and the convenience of sliding doors, but although Mazda once had minivans such as the MPV, Premacy, and Biante, all have now been withdrawn from the market.

    　Meanwhile, the CX-8, a three-row crossover SUV, debuted in 2017, partly in response to the need for a multi-seat alternative to minivans and partly to encourage existing users to continue choosing Mazda vehicles.

    　The CX-8 tends to be chosen by relatively young users, with many buyers in their 30s and 40s among them.

    　The most common model compared to the CX-8 is the Toyota Harrier, but the CX-8 also competes with the Toyota Alphard.

    　It is understandable for a luxury SUV like the Harrier, but it seems surprising that the CX-8 would be a competitor with the Alphard, a luxury minivan. But there seems to be a reason for that.

    　Mazda aims to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries in accidents to zero, and is developing its vehicles to ensure a higher level of rear-seat collision safety than is required by Japanese domestic regulations.

    　Specifically, Mazda has added the following unique standards: “”no fuel leakage in a full-wrap collision at 50 km/h,”” which exceeds the Japanese domestic standard, “”no fuel leakage in a 70% offset collision at 80 km/h,”” as well as “”ensuring survival space for the last seat”” and “”manually opening the rear seat door on the non-collision side. Unique standards were added.

    　Adoption of body structures such as the “”Straight Frame Structure,”” in which the rear frame is arranged in a straight line, makes it possible to protect the cabin by crushing the “”crushable thorns”” and absorbing energy in the event of a collision.

    　Ninety-nine percent of rear-end collisions occur at 70 km/h or less, and the standard of 80 km/h can cover almost all accidents.

    　Therefore, even if the CX-8 is rear-ended from behind while stopped in highway traffic, the CX-8, designed to high safety standards, can ensure the survival of passengers in the third row of seats.

    　People in their 30s and 40s, who account for more than 70% of CX-8 buyers, are of the child-rearing generation, and many of them place a high priority on safety when choosing a car.

    　They often carry their children, parents, friends, and other loved ones in the third-row seats, and the CX-8, with its ample safety features, has been chosen as a family car, which is in line with the CX-8’s concept of “”a three-row SUV that aims to create new value for multi-passenger vehicles,”” as it was originally introduced.

    　Of course, not only the rear, but also the front and sides are designed based on the same concept, and the same safety features are said to be ensured not only in the CX-8 but in all Mazda vehicles.

    　CX-8 users’ opinions include: “”It is a cool, popular SUV that can carry a lot of luggage, has three rows and good driving performance with full safety features,”” “”There is no three-row SUV of this size, and if I wanted to drive it, I had to get a foreign car, but finally a domestic manufacturer came out with it,”” “”It is for daily use, has a luxurious feel, and is also a comfortable powertrain. It is a dream car for fathers who want a comfortable and powerful car for everyday use.

    　In the domestic 3-row SUV market, the CX-8 ranked first in sales volume in the same category in 2018 and 2019. The CX-8’s appeal can be attributed to the fact that it is a multi-passenger vehicle that offers both driving performance and design, while also ensuring safety.

    * * * * * * * * * * *

    　In the product upgrade in December 2022, the CX-8 will undergo a major styling change incorporating the latest Soul of Motion design.

    　In addition, the grade system has been changed to broaden user choices, and the “”Grand Journey”” (special edition), which is active and has improved rough-road drivability, and the sporty and high-quality “”Sports Appearance”” have been newly introduced, while the top grade “”Exclusive Mode”” has evolved interior and exterior.

    　In addition to ensuring collision safety performance against rear-end collisions when occupying the third-row seat, the new model also features evolved “”Adaptive LED headlights”” and Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS), aiming to create a safe, secure, and comfortable vehicle for all occupants to travel in.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    What is the significance of the existence of the “original” hybrid car Toyota “Prius” in the era of “Even the Corolla is super fuel efficient!”

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Even the Corolla is super fuel-efficient! What is the raison d’etre of Toyota’s Prius, the “”original”” hybrid car in the age of “”low fuel consumption””?

    The world’s first mass-produced hybrid car “”Prius”” played a significant role
    　It will soon be 25 years since the debut of the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, the Prius
    　.
    　As hybrid cars have since become widely popular and “”fuel-efficient”” has become a commonplace value, we take a fresh look at the role played by the Prius, which is rumored to be undergoing a full model change.

    Its greatness will “”go down in history! A look back at the Toyota “”Prius”” from its first generation.

    The current Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, was born in December 1997, and the current model, which debuted in 2015, is the fourth generation of the Prius, which already has a history of nearly 25 years!

    　Introduced in December 1997 with the catchphrase “”Just in time for the 21st century,”” Toyota’s first-generation Prius was the world’s first dedicated mass-production hybrid car.

    　At the time of its launch, it was not inexpensive at 2,150,000 yen, which was comparable to the 2,188,000 yen price of the Camry Gracia (2.2 liter), a 3-number class sedan sold at the same time.

    　Considering the cost of the complex hybrid system, however, this price tag could be considered a loss, and it may be said that Toyota’s willingness to cut its own throat in pricing led to the widespread use of hybrid vehicles today.

    　It was the third-generation Prius, introduced in 2009, that became a big hit. The government’s “”eco-car subsidy”” of the time also helped it to top the annual sales ranking for fiscal 2009.

    　The following year, the model sold an overwhelming 315,669 units (compared to 185,439 units for the Fit, which came in second), cementing its unwavering popularity.

    　By this time, the “”Aqua,”” a new compact hybrid-only car, was introduced in December 2011, and other models were also available in hybrid grades, so the image of hybrid cars as something special had been completely dispelled, and they had become a part of our daily lives. In this sense, the Prius has become an integral part of our daily lives.

    　In this sense, the role played by successive generations of the Prius was significant.

    　However, as of 2022, hybrid vehicles have become so commonplace that the value of the Prius has diminished.

    Even the Corolla is super fuel-efficient! What is the raison d’etre of the Toyota Prius, the “”original”” hybrid car, in the age of the “”super fuel-efficient Corolla””?

    The latest “”Corolla”” marks ultra-low fuel consumption of “”30.2km/L””, equivalent to Prius
    　Looking at the latest “”Corolla”” series, which underwent minor changes in October 2022, the hybrid sedan models “”HYBRID X”” and “”HYBRID G”” (2WD models) have achieved an astounding 30.2 km/L (WLTC mode) of fuel economy in the catalog.

    　This figure is close to the 30.8 km/L of the current Prius mass-market grade “”S,”” the original hybrid car.

    The hybrid model of Toyota’s Corolla, which underwent partial improvement on October 3, 2022, now marks an ultra-low fuel consumption of 30.2 km/L, which is on par with Prius!

    　Indeed, the base grade “”E”” of the Prius is even more fuel efficient at 32.1km/L, but it is equipped with extremely simple specifications and is said to be a “”fuel efficiency special grade”” to achieve the record.

    　In terms of price, the Corolla Sedan HYBRID G is less expensive than the Prius S at 2,731,000 yen (including consumption tax, same below), while the Corolla Hybrid G is 2,570,000 yen.

    　If we are considering cosmetic performance, there is no doubt that the Corolla Hybrid has the advantage.

    　This may give the impression that the Prius has already become a “”wacon,”” but this is not the case.

    　To begin with, the current (4th generation) Prius was introduced in December 2015, almost 7 years ago.

    　The Corolla sedan, on the other hand, was fully remodeled into the current model in September 2019, just three full years after its debut.

    　It is no surprise that the later model has a better finish than the model that was sold until then.

    　The Corolla Hybrid was also developed by basically appropriating the Prius powertrain and the newly developed GA-C platform that was created when the fourth generation was introduced.

    　Without the current Prius, the Corolla Hybrid’s low fuel consumption would not have been easily achieved.

    　In other words, the Prius has always been a pioneering model that has been at the vanguard of hybrids of its time, and its advanced spirit, spirit of challenge, and pursuit of fuel efficiency and design will never fade away.

    Even the Corolla is super fuel-efficient! What is the raison d’etre of the “”original”” hybrid car, the Toyota Prius, in the age of the “”ultra fuel-efficient”” Corolla?

    Seven years after its debut! Will the Prius soon undergo a full model change?
    　The fourth-generation Prius, which debuted as the latest generation of hybrid cars, will soon be seven years old, and rumors of its next model are beginning to circulate.

    　In fact, a test car that appears to be the new Prius in camouflage has already been caught driving around Japan, and its image has become a hot topic on social networking sites.

    It will soon be seven years since the debut of the Prius, and rumors of a full model change have been heard. As the original hybrid car, it is likely that its stance of being at the forefront of the times will continue.

    　Looking at the diffused silhouette of the new Prius (or so we think) test car, it is clear that it is clad in a sharp “”sporty coupe”” style with a low ride height, which seems to have low aerodynamic drag.

    　There is no doubt that this is not merely a fashionable or advanced design, but is also intended to enhance aerodynamic performance and further improve fuel economy.

    　Rumor has it that the new fifth-generation Prius will also further refine its high driving performance, which was highly acclaimed in the fourth-generation model.

    　However, as of the end of October 2022, when the author (Koichi Kofuna) wrote this article, there was still no information about the full model change of the new (5th generation) Prius from Toyota, and we are still waiting for the official announcement.

    　At any rate, it seems certain that the new Prius will once again become the leading model of hybrid cars.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    “Lexus version Hiace” found in the city! Why do you dare to “different brand” .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “. A “”Lexus version of Hiace”” was found in the city! Astonished by its bizarre existence, but just an “”emblem”” replacement? Why do they dare to “”brand it differently””?

    Lexus emblem on Toyota’s Hiace?
    　Emblem tuning”” is the practice of attaching an emblem that is different from the original one to make the car look like a high-end brand or high-grade model.
    　
    　Although it is often thought of as a mere “”pun”” or a “”good look,”” there actually seems to be a deeper background to it.

    Is there really a “”Lexus version of the Hiace””? Lexus luxury minivan is real! See the real car! .

    Lexus version “”Hiace”” was found in the city! Actually, just “”emblem exchange””? What is the circumstance of daring to exchange them?

    　Emblems representing brand names, model names, and grade names are very important and inseparable from the car.

    　Because of the emblems, even those who are not so familiar with cars can easily determine what brand and what model the car is.

    　However, there are a few users who change the emblems that were originally installed on their cars and install different emblems.

    　For example, there are many examples that have become the topic of conversation on social networking sites, such as a Toyota Hiace with a Lexus emblem, or a minicar with a Mercedes-Benz emblem.

    　Most of these examples are done as a “”joke”” and are not intended to mislead people into believing that the car is a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz model.

    　On the other hand, there are some users who change their emblems with the obvious intention of misleading others.

    　This is what is known as “”emblem tuning,”” and examples include attaching a “”GT-R”” emblem to a Nissan “”Skyline”” or an “”AMG”” emblem to a Mercedes-Benz “”S-Class”” or the like.

    　In this case, unless you are quite familiar with cars, you may not be able to “”spot”” them at first glance.

    　In this sense, compared to the case of the Lexus emblem on the Hiace, it can be said that this is a more conscious attempt to mislead the people around.

    　Of course, changing the emblem itself is not against the law, as long as the car is not sold falsely as a model of a higher brand.

    　In addition, changing the emblem does not increase the appraisal value of a car at the time of trade-in or purchase, but rather, in many cases, it decreases it.

    　In this way, most emblem tuning is done for self-gratification, not for financial gain or performance improvement.

    　Since personal tastes and preferences differ from person to person, emblem tuning is one of the ways to enjoy a car, but why is the idea of changing emblems born in the first place?

    　A deeper look into this question reveals a glimpse into the history and trends of cars. A “”Lexus version of the Hiace”” spotted on the street? The strange presence is astonishing, but is it just an exchange of “”emblems””? Why dare to “”separate branding””?

    Lexus emblem on Toyota’s Hiace?
    　Emblem tuning”” is the practice of attaching an emblem that is different from the original one to make the car look like a high-end brand or high-grade model.
    　
    　Although it is often thought of as a mere “”pun”” or a “”good look,”” there actually seems to be a deeper background to it.

    Is there really a “”Lexus version of the Hiace””? Lexus luxury minivan is real! See the real car!

    Lexus version “”Hiace”” was found in the city! Actually, just “”emblem exchange””? What is the circumstance of daring to exchange them?

    　Emblems representing brand names, model names, and grade names are very important and inseparable from the car.

    　Because of the emblems, even those who are not so familiar with cars can easily determine what brand and what model the car is.

    　However, there are a few users who change the emblems that were originally installed on their cars and install different emblems.

    　For example, there are many examples that have become the topic of conversation on social networking sites, such as a Toyota Hiace with a Lexus emblem, or a minicar with a Mercedes-Benz emblem.

    　Most of these examples are done as a “”joke”” and are not intended to mislead people into believing that the car is a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz model.

    　On the other hand, there are some users who change their emblems with the obvious intention of misleading others.

    　This is what is known as “”emblem tuning,”” and examples include attaching a “”GT-R”” emblem to a Nissan “”Skyline”” or an “”AMG”” emblem to a Mercedes-Benz “”S-Class”” or the like.

    　In this case, unless you are quite familiar with cars, you may not be able to “”spot”” them at first glance.

    　In this sense, compared to the case of the Lexus emblem on the Hiace, it can be said that this is a more conscious attempt to mislead the people around.

    　Of course, changing the emblem itself is not against the law, as long as the car is not sold falsely as a model of a higher brand.

    　In addition, changing the emblem does not increase the appraisal value of a car at the time of trade-in or purchase, but rather, in many cases, it decreases it.

    　In this way, most emblem tuning is done for self-gratification, not for financial gain or performance improvement.

    　Since personal tastes and preferences differ from person to person, emblem tuning is one of the ways to enjoy a car, but why is the idea of changing emblems born in the first place?

    　A deeper look into this question reveals a glimpse into the history and trends of cars.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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    Mitsubishi’s new SUV “Outlander PHEV” to be sold in North America! Added to gasoline vehicles one year later than Japan .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Mitsubishi’s new SUV Outlander PHEV goes on sale in North America! Gasoline-fueled model to be added to the lineup a year after Japan

    PHEV Model Rolling Out One Year After Japan
    　Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that the company’s new Outlander SUV (PHEV model) will go on sale in two countries, Canada and the United States, starting in November 2022.
    　

    Mitsubishi’s “”handsome SUV”” Outlander is rugged! See the interior and exterior of the current model in 32 photos.

    Also coming to North America! Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV, Outlander (PHEV model)

    　The Outlander is a crossover SUV that has been on sale in Japan since 2005, and the current model, the third generation, was announced on October 28, 2021.

    Based on the concept of “”Bold Stride,”” the Outlander is the flagship model of Mitsubishi’s electrification and four-wheel control technologies.

    　The design is based on a new concept called “”Bold Stride. It also adopts the “”Dynamic Shield,”” which is the identity of Mitsubishi vehicles, and has a thick, horizontal design from front to rear.

    　The powertrain combines a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with a motor that delivers 40% more power than the previous model and a large-capacity 20kWh drive battery, enabling the car to run 87km in EV mode. All Japanese versions are 4WD and available in 5- and 7-passenger configurations.

    　In Japan, the current model is sold exclusively as a PHEV model, but in the U.S., a PHEV model has not been introduced since the gasoline model went on sale in April 2021, ahead of other markets.

    　On October 13, 2022, Mitsubishi’s U.S. subsidiary announced specifications for the PHEV Outlander.

    　All seven grades are available with three-row seating and seven-passenger specifications. Prices will range from $39,845 to $49,995 (approximately 5.88 million yen to 7.37 million yen).

    　The car will also be sold in Puerto Rico in December. Starting with the launch in New Zealand in March 2022, which was the first overseas launch of the current Outlander PHEV model, the global rollout is gradually underway.

    * * *

    　The Outlander was the world’s first SUV-type PHEV vehicle, and expectations are high for its future development to see how much its sales volume will increase as the greatly redesigned model continues to be rolled out worldwide.”

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    Toyota’s “new type taxi” is super cool! What is the appearance of the “bZ4X taxi” that will be released in Germany?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota’s New Taxi is Super Cool! What is the “”bZ4X Taxi”” to be unveiled in Germany?

    A Taxi that’s Too Cool and Spacious Inside!
    　Toyota’s German subsidiary has created a cab model of the SUV-type EV “”bZ4X”” (hereafter referred to as “”bZ4X Taxi””) and announced that it will open a booth at the “”European Taxi Fair”” to be held in Essen, Germany on November 4 and 5, 2022.

    Look twice! 25 Images of Toyota’s New Taxi with Innovative Styling

    　What features of the bZ4X were utilized?

    bZ4X Taxi”” to be unveiled in Germany

    　The bZ4X concept model made its world premiere at the Shanghai Motor Show 2021 on April 19, 2021, and was subsequently introduced globally.

    　It uses the “”e-TNGA”” EV-specific platform to achieve a spacious interior that is one class above the rest. The tandem distance (distance between front and rear seats) is 1,000 mm, which is equivalent to the size of a D-segment sedan.

    　The EV’s quietness has also been refined, with highly sound-insulating glass and reduced wind noise, making it possible to have a clear conversation even while driving.

    　The exterior of the bZ4X adopts a coupe SUV look with the C-pillars strongly laid back, and its futuristic and stylish design is also one of its features.

    　With such features, the bZ4X cab “”will take comfort and efficiency to a new level and will be the central model of the new electrified cabs,”” commented Jörg Zubiera, General Manager of Toyota Business Customer Service at Toyota Deutschland GmbH.

    　Incidentally, Toyota’s German subsidiary will also display a cab version of its MIRAI fuel cell vehicle at the aforementioned event.

    * * *

    　The bZ4X, the first model in Toyota’s “”bZ Series”” EV family, was jointly developed with Subaru, and was developed by combining the know-how of both companies, including the use of Subaru’s “”X-MODE”” control technology in the 4WD model.

    　There is also a Subaru version of the bZ4X.

    　Now here is a quiz.

    　Which of the following is the correct name of the sister model of the bZ4X in Subaru’s lineup?

    1] Lukla

    Travic

    Soltera

    4] Tresia

    The correct answer is [3] Soltera.

    　The correct answer is [3] Solterra.

    　Although bZ4X is deployed globally, Solterra is also introduced in a wide range of markets including Japan, Europe, and the United States.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Toyota “Hiace” to “Alphard” face? The rendering of a vivid orange color luxury commercial van is amazing .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota “”Hiace”” with “”Alphard”” face? The rendering of the intense orange-colored luxury commercial van is amazing!

    A rendering of a face transplant that could be called a “”hifard
    　Toyota’s 1-box commercial van “”Hiace”” (Hiace Van) is the best-selling car in its genre, maintaining its popularity over the years.

    Amazing face transplant! Rendering of the “”Hiace”” with an “”Alphard”” face and a normal “”Hiace”” in 80 images.

    　Digimods DESIGN has created a rendering of the Hiace with the face of Toyota’s luxury minivan, the “”Alphard,”” and released it on their YouTube channel.

    Rendering of the Toyota Hiace with an “”Alphard”” face transplanted (Photo: Digimods DESIGN)

    　The Hiace is a 1BOX van that is used for all kinds of purposes as a commercial vehicle, but also enjoys tremendous popularity among individual users who enjoy outdoor leisure activities and overnight stays in their cars.

    　The current 5th generation 200 series Hiace sold in Japan was introduced in August 2004, making it an extremely long-selling model that has already passed 18 years since its debut.

    　In fact, the Hiace already has a successor model: the sixth-generation 300-series Hiace, which was announced in the Philippines in February 2019. In Japan, a large wagon based on the 300-series Hiace, the Gran Ace, is in the lineup, but the new 300-series Hiace itself is However, the 300-series new Hiace itself is not sold, and the 200-series Hiace continues to be sold as is.

    　The Alphard, on the other hand, is a luxury minivan that boasts overwhelming recognition in the Japanese minivan market. The current model is the third generation model developed under the concept of a “”large-space luxury saloon,”” which was introduced in 2015.

    　Digimods DESIGN has now released a rendering of the 200-series Hiace with the face of the Alphard transplanted into it, which can be called the “”High Furd.

    　In addition to transplanting the face of the Alphard to the 200-series Hiace, the rendering of the Hi-ferd also changes the shape of the side skirts and rear bumper to those of the Alphard.

    　In addition, the door handles, door mirrors, and roof shape are also thoroughly Alphard-ized.

    　The footwear is of course equipped with the luxurious wheels of the Alphard, and painted in orange, a color that is not available in the genuine color.

    * * * *

    　Digimods DESIGN also creates renderings of upcoming Toyota, Honda, and Nissan models in addition to face transplants like the Alphard, and posts the renderings on their social networking sites.

    　The renderings created by Digimods DESIGN are, of course, unrealistic, but there are various “”Alphard-face models”” in the world, such as “”Alphard-face Coaster,”” “”Alphard-face Odyssey,”” and “”Alphard-face Pajero. However, there are various “”Alphard-face models”” in the world, such as “”Alphard-face Coaster,”” “”Alphard-face Odyssey,”” and “”Alphard-face Pajero,”” and there is also an Alphard-face Hiace, albeit an older model.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Nissan luxury minivan, new “Elgrand” released! From 3,790,000 yen Uses a clean new sheet with antibacterial specifications.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan Luxury Minivan, New “”Elgrand”” on Sale! Starting at 3.79 million yen Adoption of clean new seats with antibacterial specifications

    Preventing the growth of bacteria on the seat surface for a cleaner cabin
    　Nissan launched a new luxury minivan “”Elgrand”” on November 1, 2022 with partially improved specifications.

    Evolved Nissan luxury minivan new “”Elgrand”” on sale! See the evolved points in pictures

    Nissan “”Elgrand”” with Partially Improved Specifications

    　The current ElGrand, the third generation, was launched in 2010.

    　Most recently, it underwent a big minor change in 2020, with a new front face. In addition to a larger front grille that is finely crafted and refined to enhance its power, the new ElGrand features a full lineup of preventive safety equipment, including standard equipment such as “”Intelligent FCW (Forward Collision Warning),”” which detects two vehicles ahead and alerts the driver if it determines that avoidance maneuvers are necessary.

    　In addition, all models now come standard with antibacterial seats made of a material with proven antibacterial effects.

    　These seats inhibit the growth of bacteria that adhere to their surfaces, ensuring a clean and comfortable cabin.

    　In addition to the standard version, all models handled by Nissan Motorsports & Customization Co.

    　The price of the partially upgraded Elgrand starts at 3,799,400 yen.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

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    Nissan made a “retro wood grain SUV”! Light blue squishy fashionable specification The new “Aria Surf Wagon” explodes with individuality.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan has created a “”retro wood-grain SUV””! New “”Aria Surf Wagon”” in light blue with cool and stylish specifications explodes with individuality!

    Nice wood paneling on the sides of the body!
    　On October 28, 2022, Nissan of America announced the outline of its exhibit at the SEMA Show 2022, the world’s largest customized car show, announcing that it will exhibit six concept cars and a racing car, the Nissan Z GT4, among others.

    Retro and stylish with wood-grain panels! Full view of the Nissan Aria Surf Wagon Concept SUV
    　Among the concept cars, the Aria Surf Wagon Concept is a model finished in a retro surf wagon style. This fully customized model is based on the Aria, a familiar model in Japan, but what features does it have?

    Aria Surf Wagon Concept, a custom version of Nissan’s Aria (concept car)

    　Aria is a new SUV-type EV that Nissan unveiled for the first time in the world on July 15, 2020.

    　It adopts the silhouette of a coupe SUV with the C-pillar laid wide, and also achieves surprisingly short overhangs thanks to a newly developed EV-specific platform. The exterior is simple, yet expresses power and modernity.

    　This is the Nissan EV of the new era, to be rolled out not only in the Japanese and U.S. markets, but also globally.

    　In this context, the Aria Surf Wagon Concept is based on the Aria (US specifications, 2023 model year) and tailored to surfer specifications.

    　The sides of the body are covered with wood panels, and the 20-inch wheels, painted in light blue, are eye-catching.

    　It is also equipped with a lowered suspension, and the roof rack can carry two 7-foot (2.1 m) surfboards.

    　The Aria Surf Wagon Concept’s appeal lies in the fact that it is based on the latest EV and has been converted to specifications with nostalgic side wood panels.

    * * * *

    　The Aria is not only an EV with zero emissions, but also a high-performance vehicle that is described as a “”monster that possesses wisdom.

    　The four-wheel control system installed in the 4WD version is a system that can control the torque of each of the two electric motors mounted on the front and rear wheels separately.

    　Now here’s a quiz.

    　Which of the following is the correct name of the four-wheel control technology installed in the 4WD version of Aria?

    1] e-4WD

    2] ATTESA E-TS

    3] e-4ORCE

    4] Intelligent 4×4

    * * * *

    　The correct answer is [3] e-4ORCE.

    　e-4ORCE contributes not only to excellent traction performance by controlling the torque of the front and rear motors, but also to improved ride comfort by adjusting the amount of regeneration to reduce the vehicle’s sink rate during deceleration.

    　It is also mounted on the new 4th generation “”EXTRAIL”” 4WD version for Japan.”

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    “Almost silent” and spacious inside! Toyota’s new electric SUV “bZ4X” is perfect for taxis!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Almost silent and spacious! Toyota’s new electric SUV “”bZ4X”” is ideal for cabs! First public showing in Germany

    The new bZ4X is now a cab!
    　Toyota’s German subsidiary will unveil the new bZ4X cab for the first time at the European Taxi Fair to be held in Essen (Germany) on November 4 and 5, 2022.

    Ivory that is not found on production vehicles is good! The bZ4X & Prius+ with a cool cab spec!

    Toyota’s new “”bZ4X”” as a cab

    　The new bZ4X cab in ivory body color consumes 14.4 kWh/100 km of electricity and has a high speed range of 436 km when fully charged. It features excellent environmental performance with no carbon dioxide emissions.

    　In addition to the spacious interior, the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) has a quiet and “”almost silent”” cabin.

    　Jörg Zubiera, General Manager of Toyota Business Customer Service at Toyota Deutschland GmbH, said, “”Toyota has always been committed to hybrid vehicles.

    Toyota has always been a pioneer in the field of hybrid cabs. In Germany, we shook up the industry with the Prius+ (Japanese name: Prius Alpha) cab, and we are taking the next step.

    　The new BEV bZ4X takes comfort and efficiency to a new level and will be the central model for the new electrified cabs.

    * * *

    　The bZ4X is the first model in Toyota’s bZ Series of electrically powered vehicles, which has been jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru (sold by Subaru as the Solterra).

    　In Japan, the model was released on May 12, 2022 as an exclusive model for Toyota’s subscription service “”KINTO,”” but a recall was reported on June 23 due to a trouble caused by a hub bolt. KINTO resumed accepting applications on October 26.”

  • | |

    Unexpected Nissan “Hakosuka Truck” world premiere!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan “”Hakosuka Truck”” Unveiled for the First Time in the World! The “”Sanitra”” with a powerful face is actually a “”LEAF”” in the U.S.

    Sema is on the way! World premiere of “”Hakoska Truck””-like Sanitra to be unveiled
    　At the SEMA Show 2022, to be held November 1-4, 2022 in Las Vegas, USA, Nissan USA will unveil several custom vehicles.
    　
    　One of these vehicles will be a special “”Sunny Truck”” (hereinafter referred to as “”Sanitra””), which is rare in the world, and what features does it have?

    This…is a Hakosuka truck! See the actual racing-spec “”Sanitra,”” which looks so different!

    Is this a Hakosuka? But something different? It’s really a “”Sunny Truck,”” but it’s got a big secret!

    　This Sanitra is a custom car built by Tommy Pike Customs (TPC) based in South Carolina, U.S.A., which installed the power unit of Nissan’s electric vehicle “”Leaf”” into a 1987 Sanitra.

    　The front face of the car is fitted with a widebody kit of the Skyline GT-R (C10), commonly known as the “”Hakosuka,”” which is one of Nissan’s most famous cars.

    　The body color is a custom “”46″” livery by Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE), a collaboration between Tommy Pike and Peter Brock.

    　At the heart of the vehicle is an electric motor and 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which delivers approximately twice the power and more than three times the torque of the gasoline engine used in the Sanitra. This custom car can truly be called a Sanitra EV.

    　In addition, in order to accommodate these components, a Nissan “”240SX (180SX North American spec)”” suspension (including front coilovers, disc brakes, and lower control arms) and rear suspension and springs for a LEAF are installed in the front.

    　Inside, the interior has been tweaked down to the smallest detail, with handmade interior panels and a custom user interface display designed by Clemson University.

    　Tommy Pike had this to say about the new Sanitra EV: “”I’m very excited about the new Sunny EV.

    We bought the Sunny because we thought it was a great piece of Nissan history and heritage, especially being right-hand drive.

    　Converting the Sunny to an electric car and doing the unexpected by giving it the Brock Racing Enterprises livery felt like the perfect way to honor Nissan’s heritage and modern innovation.

    * * *

    　Nissan’s booth at the SEMA Show 2022 will feature six concept cars and the new Z racing car for the first time. In addition, Nissan will showcase models that symbolize Nissan’s past and present, including street/track performance and off-road-focused concept cars.”