Blog

  • | | |

    After all, the “Alphard style” SUV is amazing!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The “”Alphard-like”” SUV is really powerful! What is the striking design of the new “”09″” with a 5-meter Lancel-class body?

    A 5-meter-long SUV with an even more powerful grille!
    　Lynk & Co, a Chinese automobile brand that has not yet been introduced in Japan, has held a presentation at Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture.

    “”Alphard-face”” SUV with a 5-meter class body! What the “”09″” looks like

    　The brand is said to be popular among young people locally, and its lineup is centered on SUVs. The “”09″” is the flagship SUV in the Lynk & Co. lineup, but what kind of model is it?

    Lynk & Co’s “”09″” SUV

    　Lynk & Co’s 09 is a large-sized vehicle with a body measuring 5042 mm (overall length) x 1977 mm (overall width) x 1780 mm (overall height) and a wheelbase of 2984 mm.

    　For reference, the Toyota “”Land Cruiser”” (300 series) sold in Japan is set at 4985 mm (overall length) x 1980 mm (overall width) x 1925 mm (overall height) and 2850 mm (ZX grade) wheelbase, and although the 09 has a lower overall height than the Land Cruiser, its overall length is larger.

    　The exterior features a large front grille, upper and lower two-tiered front lights, and flat door handles.

    　The large front grille has a vertically oriented design, which gives the face a sense of massiveness and power.

    　Compared to the Link & Co. 01, 02, 03, 05, and 06 models, the 09’s grille is the most powerful, giving it a strong presence as a flagship SUV.

    　The interior is designed like a luxury car with a large center console, a large display, and an electric shift system, giving it an advanced look.

    　As for the powertrain, a mild hybrid version (09 MHEV) will be available, and Link & Co. announced on its official social networking site that it has begun advance reservations for the 09 EM-P, a new 09 model, on September 29, 2022. This new plug-in hybrid version replaces the previously set plug-in hybrid version (09 PHEV) and delivers a maximum system output of 382 kW (approximately 519 hp) and maximum torque of 844 Nm. The product has been further enhanced.

    * * *

    　Some Chinese automakers are developing and selling large MPVs (minivans in Japan) on the level of the Toyota Alphard, and some of them have adopted large grilles like the Alphard.

    　The powerful design with a large grille may be attracting attention not only in Japan but also in the Chinese market.”

  • |

    The new Toyota “Harrier PHEV” with a cool mesh grill is finally out! It looked just like China’s “Venza”!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The cool mesh grille of the new Toyota Harrier PHEV is finally out! It was a sock-alike of China’s “”Venza””!

    Equipped with PHEV, the new model can run 93km in EV mode
    　Toyota’s popular Harrier SUV will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid for the first time (hereafter referred to as the new Harrier PHEV) and will go on sale on October 31, 2022.

    Harrier PHEV and Venza look so much alike! Gila face custom “”Modellista”” is already here!

    　The current Harrier, the fourth generation, was introduced in June 2020. From the beginning, the lineup included 2-liter gasoline and 2.5-liter hybrid models, but more than two years after its debut, the long-awaited PHEV is now available.

    Toyota’s new Harrier equipped with PHEV

    　The new Harrier PHEV is powered by a 2.5-liter engine and a plug-in hybrid system with a total power output of 18.1 kWh. 93 km of EV driving range is achieved, with the motor enhancing driving performance and the low center of gravity providing excellent handling stability.

    　The car is equipped with an E-Four (four-wheel drive) system, with drive motors mounted at the front and rear of the car.

    　In addition, as the highest grade of the Harrier, the PHEV is also equipped with a maximum 1500W (100V AC) external power supply system, heated rear seats, and a panoramic view monitor with under-floor transparency display as standard equipment.

    　The exterior of the new Harrier PHEV is differentiated from the gasoline and hybrid models with an exclusive mesh grille and black door mirrors. The interior features dark red piping ornamentation with metal mesh texture from the instrument panel to the door trim.

    　The new Harrier PHEV has been greeted on social networking sites with comments such as, “”The new Harrier PHEV is so cool. I can’t wait to see the actual car.”” “”It doesn’t look much different at a glance, but it’s still cool! and “”The grille design looks similar to the Chinese version of the Venza.

    　In China, Guangqi Toyota Motor Co. sells a sister model of the Harrier called the Venza, which uses a mesh grille like the new Harrier PHEV that appeared in Japan this time.

    　On the other hand, the Venza’s front face is characterized by a design in which the area around the Toyota logo appears to protrude forward, which is different from the face of the new Harrier PHEV, which has garnish around the logo.

    　The Harrier will also be sold in the U.S. as the Venza, but its design is almost identical to that of the Japanese version.

    The design is almost identical to that of the Japanese version.

    　Along with the addition of the PHEV, the gasoline and hybrid models have also undergone some improvements, including a new air conditioner control panel, a display audio system compatible with the connected navigation system, a 12.3-inch large screen display, and an in-car navigation system.

    　In addition, a 12.3-inch TFT color meter + multi-information display is newly equipped. The advanced digital meters used in the European RAV4 and Highlander models have also been introduced in the Japanese version of the Harrier.

    　The new Harrier is priced (including consumption tax) at 6,200,000 yen for the plug-in hybrid model, 3,128,000 to 4,538,000 yen for the gasoline model, and 3,718,000 to 5,148,000 yen for the hybrid model.

    　The gasoline and hybrid models will go on sale on October 4.”

  • | |

    Feeling tough! Nissan’s new “X-Trail” comes with a full-fledged off-road specification! The custom that emphasizes “black” is cool! What is rendering of “4 × 4 Offroad Version” .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “ougher than ever! Nissan’s new XTRAIL is now available in a full-scale off-road version! The customization that emphasizes the “”black”” look is very cool! What is the rendering of the “”4×4 Offroad Version””?

    Gotta be cool! New “XTRAIL”” with full-fledged off-road vehicle specifications
    　Nissan’s mid-size SUV, the XTRAIL, will be unveiled as the fourth generation model in Japan on July 19, 2022.

    Too much “”black”” custom looks cool! Rendering of the all-new Nissan xtrail with full off-road specifications

    　Indian designer SRK Designs has created and posted a rendering of the new Nissan Extrale customized to full-blown off-road specifications.

    Rogue 4×4 Offroad Version,”” a full-scale off-road version of Nissan’s mid-size xtrail SUV (photo: SRK Designs)

    　The xtrail is Nissan’s flagship SUV; the first generation was introduced in 2000, the second generation in 2007, and the third generation in 2013. As a global model, it is sold in many parts of the world, with cumulative sales exceeding 6.3 million units.

    　The current model is the 4th generation model, which will be fully remodeled for the first time in 9 years and will be introduced on July 19, 2022. It was introduced outside of Japan before it was announced in Japan, and is known as the “”Rogue”” in North America.

    　SRK Designs has created and released a “”Rogue 4×4 Offroad Version”” rendering of the 4th generation xtrail, customized to full off-road specifications.

    　SRK Designs creates and posts on their social networking sites renderings of all kinds of “”what if”” vehicles that do not yet exist in reality, such as the next-generation Swift and a short-wheelbase version of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

    　SRK Designs lifted the xtrail, blacked out the grille, and eliminated the emblems. Instead, a large “”NISSAN”” is placed in the center.

    　The lower bumper was also redesigned, and all chrome parts, including the roof rails and side moldings, were blacked out, as well as the wheels. Off-road tires with white lettering accents have been combined to enhance the fashionable look.

    　The rendering created by SRK Designs is, of course, unrealistic, but there are actually owners who customize their xtrails to full off-road specifications, such as lifting the vehicle up and installing off-road tires, so it would not be surprising if a customized model similar to the rendering It would not be surprising to see a model customized to the same specifications as the rendering.”

  • | | |

    Toyota “Alphard” look-alike? A super luxurious “American car” minivan with over 10 million yen! Pros and cons for the new Buick “GL8”! Some people want to introduce it to Japan .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota “”Alphard”” looks like? A super luxury “”American”” minivan that may exceed 10 million yen! Pros and Cons of the New Buick GL8! Some want it to be introduced in Japan!

    Does it still look like the Alphard? The New GL8 Luxury Minivan
    　On August 19, 2022, GM and Buick unveiled the new luxury minivan “”GL8″” in Shanghai, China.

    “”What…! It’s not an Alphard? Comparison of Buick “”GL8″” and “”Alphard,”” which have been talked about as looking just like each other

    　This large minivan, with an overall length of over 5 meters and a gorgeous large front grille like the Alphard, has attracted a variety of responses on social networking sites.

    Buick GL8 (left) and Toyota Alphard (right)

    　Buick is one of the automobile brands manufactured and sold by General Motors (GM) of the United States. In China, GM and Shanghai Automobile joint venture, SAIC Motor Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “”Shanghai GM””), manufacture and sell Buick vehicles.

    　The GL8 is Shanghai GM’s luxury minivan in China, first introduced in China in 1999, and has become one of the most popular models in Buick’s lineup sold in China. 1.6 million units have been sold there through the August 2022 fiscal year.

    　The new GL8, unveiled in August 2022, features a new front face design, including a grille that Buick describes as “”larger and more expressive,”” upgraded comfort features, and additional grades.

    　The powertrain is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum output of 233 hp. It is mated to a 9-speed AT.

    　Body dimensions are 5219-5238 mm (overall length) x 1878 mm (overall width) x 1799-1805 mm (overall height).

    　The new GL8 is roughly divided into three grades: Avenir, ES, and Legacy, each with different exterior and interior specifications.

    　Of the three, the highest grade, Avenir, has a larger grille reinforced by unique double-layer chrome detailing and second-row seats designed to ensure business-class level space and comfort, enhancing its presence and sense of luxury.

    　Prices start at 533,900 yuan (approximately 1.065 million Japanese yen) for the Avenir, 317,900 yuan (approximately 6.34 million Japanese yen) for the ES, and 232,900 yuan (approximately 4.64 million Japanese yen) for the Legacy.

    * * *

    　Various opinions about the new GL8 have developed on social networking sites.

    　The most common opinions are that it resembles the Alphard and Nissan’s Elgrand, such as “”It looks like Alphard and Elgrand added and divided by two,”” “”Almost like an Alphard,”” and “”No, it’s totally a Toyota.

    　Also, “”Other Chinese manufacturers also released vehicles with an Alphard face,”” and “”The popularity of the Alphard face in China is amazing,”” etc., indicating that they feel the Alphard is popular in China, as other manufacturers also released vehicles with a design similar to that of the Alphard.

    　Furthermore, “”I didn’t think Buick would do something like this,”” and “”It doesn’t look like an American car,”” etc. There is a sense of disappointment that even though it is a Shanghai GM car, they did not expect the GL8, which has American blood mixed in, to make a car that looks like the Alphard.

    　On the other hand, “”Personally, I think it looks really cool!”” On the other hand, some praised the interior and exterior design of the GL8, saying, “”Personally, I think it looks really cool!

    　There are also comments such as “”I want it to be sold in Japan”” and “”I want it in Japan because I’m bored with all the Alphard models.

    * * * *

    　Various opinions about the GL8 were voiced, including “”It’s made in China, so you never know what will happen,”” “”The interior is super luxurious, but how long will it be able to be driven without breaking down? How long will it last without breaking down?”” “”Such a big car with a 2-liter turbo engine? There were many who questioned the quality of American cars made in China, which are unknown to Japanese people.

    　Although the actual durability of the GL8 is unknown, the fact is that the GL8 has maintained its popularity for 20 years, so there is no doubt that it has a certain reputation including “”durability.

    　It will be interesting to see how the Chinese luxury minivan market will develop in the future, where the Alphard, GL8, and other models are competing with each other.”

  • | |

    Production of Subaru “XV” to end New orders until October 16th! Completely redesigned successor model “New Crosstrek”.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Subaru to End Production of the Subaru XV: New Orders Due by October 16! Completely Revamped to the Successor Model, the “”New Crosstrek

    XV to Crosstrek, a complete renewal!
    　It has been announced that the current model of the Subaru XV crossover SUV will be discontinued.

    XV Production Ends! Too Wild to See the “”Crosstrek,”” Successor to the Tough Gear Emphasis, in 27 Images.

    　The announcement was made on the official websites of several dealerships, including Hiroshima Subaru, which will stop accepting new orders as of October 16, 2022.

    　The successor model, the new Crosstrek, made its world premiere on September 15, 2022, which means that production will end in conjunction with a full model change.

    Subaru “”XV”” to be stopped for orders on October 16, 2022.

    　The XV was created as a crossover SUV with a raised ride height of the Impreza.

    　Subaru positions the model based on the fourth-generation Impreza and introduced in 2012 as the first generation and the current model based on the fifth-generation Impreza and introduced in 2017 as the second generation, but before that, there was a model derived from the third-generation Impreza and given the name XV, which is the original model.

    　The new model will be marketed globally under the overseas name Crosstrek, and will also appear as a hybrid-only vehicle, with only a 2-liter hybrid (e-BOXER).

    　Furthermore, a major feature of this model is that it will be the first Subaru vehicle in Japan to be equipped with the new-generation “”EyeSight”” system, which improves safety with a three-lens camera consisting of two stereo cameras plus a monocular wide-angle camera.

    　This new Crosstrek is expected to go on sale in the spring of 2023.

    　The current Impreza Sport and Impreza G4 models will also be discontinued, and new orders will stop on December 11, 2022.”

  • |

    Double look at the fans! Hot topic on the bold improvement of Nissan’s new “Skyline”!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Fans Look Twice! Nissan’s new “”Skyline”” boldly improved and is the talk of the town! I can understand if it’s a reverse pattern.

    Cars with “”ProPilot 2.0″” also dropped from the lineup
    　On September 22, 2022, Nissan announced partial specification changes and price revisions to the Skyline. The grade development and body color settings have been revised.

    Nissan’s serious FR sports car! New color scheme! The new “”Skyline”” in 28 images

    　What has been the reaction on social networking sites to the revamped Nissan Skyline, one of Nissan’s most popular models?

    The revamped Nissan Skyline

    　The current Skyline model was launched at the end of February 2014.

    　At the time of its launch, it also attracted attention for wearing the emblem of the company’s overseas luxury car brand Infiniti instead of the Nissan emblem.

    　However, when the exterior design was revamped with a big minor change in 2019, it reverted from the Infiniti emblem to the Nissan emblem.

    　In addition, a 3-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine version was added to the lineup, which now consists of a 3.5-liter V6 + motor hybrid version that has been available since the car’s launch.

    　In addition, the hybrid version is equipped with the world’s first “”ProPilot 2.0″” driving assist system that enables hands-off driving under certain conditions.

    　With this partial upgrade, the hybrid version has been eliminated from the Skyline lineup, and ProPilot 2.0 is no longer available.

    　The “”Brown Interior Package”” is newly available as an interior color (grade-specific option).

    　The 400R grade, which boasts a maximum output of 405 hp, no longer comes in Slate Gray, but a new color, Midnight Purple, has been added.

    　Various impressions and opinions about the Skyline, which has undergone these improvements, were received on social networking sites.

    　One of the most notable points was the fact that it is now a pure gasoline-only sedan, with some users expressing disappointment, saying “”It’s sad that the hybrid and ProPilot 2.0 were discontinued,”” “”I wish they had kept the hybrid model,”” and “”I could understand if the pattern was reversed, but that’s not always the case. I would have liked to have kept the hybrid model,”” and “”I would have understood if it was the other way around, but it happens.

    　On the other hand, as a positive topic, the newly introduced Midnight Purple was also talked about by many users: “”I am happy to see the return of Midnight Purple,”” “”This is a good color,”” “”I fell in love with the Midnight Purple 400R at first sight.

    　Midnight Purple is a body color with a long history, having been available on Nissan’s current R35 GT-R and other Nissan supersports such as the R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R.

    　It is also available on the compact car “”Note Aura”” and the electric SUV “”Aria””.

    The “”Nissan Aura”” compact car and the “”Aria”” electric SUV are also available in this color.

    　In 2021, when some media reported that the development of the Skyline had been discontinued, Nissan Vice President Asako Hoshino commented on the Skyline during the launch of another model (the Note Aura). She denied the report, saying that the development of the Skyline had not been discontinued.

    　The Skyline is an important model for Nissan, and this improvement, which makes it more like a sports sedan, may attract even more attention from fans.”

  • |

    Partially improved Toyota new “Harrier” makes a big change! Behind the addition of PHEV, the interior was “quietly renewed”!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota’s New Harrier Undergoes Major Changes! Behind the addition of PHEV, the interior has been “”quietly”” redesigned!

    Maniac””! But what is the big change that is “”unobtrusive”” to “”Harrier”” owners?
    　On September 26, 2022, Toyota partially upgraded its popular Harrier SUV. In addition to the upgraded version of the advanced driving support function “”Toyota Safety Sense,”” the “”Harrier PHEV”” plug-in hybrid vehicle has been newly added to the lineup, creating a buzz.
    　
    　The new Harrier has already undergone major improvements two years after its debut, but at the same time, the interior of the new Harrier has undergone major changes “”in secret.

    “”Old and New Comparison! What’s the difference? Photos of Toyota’s Harrier interior and exterior

    (Top) Interior of the new Harrier, which underwent a partial remodeling on September 26, 2022 / (Bottom) Interior of the current (4th generation) Harrier, which was fully remodeled in June 2020 when it debuted

    　The current model of the Harrier is the fourth generation. It debuted in June 2020.

    　The urban style cultivated by successive generations has been refined and revamped into a coupe style that combines simplicity and elegance.

    　The platform that forms the foundation of the vehicle has been redesigned to the newly developed TNGA GA-K platform, which has strengthened rigidity and lowered the center of gravity. Both ride comfort and driving performance have been improved.

    　The interior is also tailored with an emphasis on comfort and high quality.

    　From the beginning, the current Harrier was equipped with a 12.3-inch TFT touch wide display in the center of the instrument panel for high-end models.

    　One side of that full panel was equipped with operation displays for the air conditioner, seat heater (comfortably heated seats), and seat ventilation, and it was characterized by having both on two screens with the main displays for navigation, TV, etc.

    　The upper display minimized eye movement when the driver operated the controls, and the sub-displays, such as air conditioner controls, could be moved to either side of the display, allowing operation from the front passenger seat.

    　On the other hand, the large monitor screen cannot be fully displayed, and there have been a number of complaints from owners on social networking sites.

    　There are even external products on the market that can be retrofitted to turn off the sub-display and display the navigation and TV screens in full.

    　Toyota made significant improvements at the time of the partial improvement only two years after its debut, as there were many such complaints from current Harrier owners. The operating logic and layout have been completely changed.

    　The following is a step-by-step explanation of how the new Harrier’s center display and air conditioner display have changed in this partial improvement.

    　Both before and after the partial improvement, the lower row of the Harrier’s 12.3-inch display is lined with the air conditioner vent and the control panel for air conditioning and other controls.

    　Before the partial improvement, when the air conditioner temperature setting was changed on the lower control panel, “”25.0°C”” or similar information was displayed on the upper 12.3-inch display in large font.

    　In the new Harrier, which has undergone partial improvement, an additional display for the temperature setting and air conditioner air flow rate has been added to the operation panel itself.

    　This means that the air conditioner’s operating status is now always displayed on the center display and no longer occupies so much space.

    　It is true that the temperature display is slightly lower, but it is still located in the center of the instrument panel, so it is not too low and does not seem to affect many people.

    Toyota’s new “”Harrier”” undergoes a major transformation with partial improvements! Behind the addition of PHEV, the interior was “”quietly”” “”redesigned””!

    Partially redesigned instrument panel now fully color LCD
    　In addition, the layout arrangement has been revised throughout the center section of the new Harrier’s instrument panel.

    　The audio volume control, which was located on the lower control panel, has been moved to the lower part of the display. An audio on/off switch has also been added.

    The new Toyota Harrier, which underwent partial interior improvements on September 26, 2022 (The image shows the large 12.3-inch display with improved layout and the air conditioner operation panel section)

    　The display features icons neatly arranged vertically on the right side for each function, such as navigation, audio, vehicle information, phone, connectivity, and settings, and each function can be accessed by touching the icons as needed.

    　With these overall improvements, the 12.3-inch wide screen display can now be fully utilized.

    　In addition, the new model has a new in-car Wi-Fi function, and other connected functions have been further enhanced.

    　The control switches for the comfort heated seats and seat ventilation are still located on the center console, under the front edge of the soft-padded center console box (center armrest), and can be operated at hand.

    　However, it should be noted, especially for owners of the previous model, that the display function itself has been eliminated in the new model after partial improvement, whereas the operation status of each part was displayed on the 12.3-inch display before the partial improvement.

    * * * *

    　Another change has been implemented in the new Harrier.

    　A 12.3-inch TFT color meter and multi-information display have been newly adopted for the meter panel.

    　Before the partial improvement, the layout was a combination of analog meters and a multi-information display in the center, so this is a more significant improvement in terms of image renewal.”

  • |

    “Man, Nissan” explodes! New “Skyline” Why did you leave a gasoline car? What is the hidden compelling reason.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “The birth of “”Nissan the Man””? Why did the new “”Skyline”” leave the gasoline-powered car behind? What is the hidden and compelling reason?

    With the growing environmental awareness, “”hybrid cars”” are being abolished while “”gasoline cars”” continue to be used! What is Man Nissan’s earnest reason?
    　On September 22, 2022, Nissan announced some specification changes to the “”Skyline”” and the lineup will be changed from the end of October 2022.

    The most powerful “”Skyline”” ever in legendary colors! Too cool! See the actual car.

    　The new lineup will include only gasoline-powered models, with all hybrid models eliminated, and a revision of the vehicle price.

    Nissan “”Skyline”” is Partially Revamped and Hybrid Models are Eliminated! But gasoline-powered vehicles will remain! Why?

    　As a result of these partial improvements, the Skyline lineup will consist of four grades: GT (4,569,400 yen), GT Type P (4,868,600 yen), GT Type SP (5,149,100 yen), and 400R (589,300 yen).

    　In addition, a new body color, Midnight Purple, will be added to the high-performance 400R, replacing Slate Gray.

    　Midnight Purple is a color that has been used on Nissan’s flagship sports cars, such as the Skyline GT-R and GT-R.

    　With the addition of this new color, the 400R is expected to have an even stronger sports sedan look.

    　In response to the change in specifications, Nissan dealers have stopped taking orders for the Skyrun.

    　According to a representative at a Nissan dealership in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the hybrid model was to be discontinued around May 2022, ahead of the gasoline model.

    　As of the end of September 2022, orders for gasoline vehicles have also been stopped, but as mentioned above, sales of gasoline vehicles will resume again after some specification changes.

    　Considering the current trend toward electrification of cars, many people may feel it strange that the production of hybrid cars has been terminated, leaving the gasoline-powered cars behind. Why was the Skyline hybrid vehicle discontinued?

    　A Nissan spokesperson explains that the reason is that a shortage of semiconductors has made it difficult to produce hybrid vehicles.

    　In general, hybrid vehicles require more semiconductors than gasoline vehicles.

    　Therefore, as the shortage of semiconductors becomes more serious, the production of hybrid vehicles, not only Skyline, is not able to keep up with the demand.

    　With the discontinuation of the Skyline hybrid model, the Aria is the only model equipped with Nissan’s advanced driving assist technology, ProPilot 2.0.

    　Pro Pilot 2.0 is a function in which radar and cameras mounted on the front, sides, rear, and roof accurately detect surrounding white lines, signs, and traffic conditions, allowing the car to automatically control the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes.

    　The system allows the driver to drive on the highway completely hands-free, as long as the steering wheel can be operated immediately.

    　Like ProPilot 2.0, ProPilot, which is available on other Nissan vehicles, allows the car to automatically perform basic operations such as steering, accelerating, and braking, but it requires the driver to hold the steering wheel, and cannot be used with the hands off.

    　Until the introduction of the Aria, the Skyline’s hybrid models were the only ones that could literally drive completely “”hands-off,”” and the aforementioned representative from a dealer in the Tokyo metropolitan area says, “”Many people chose the Skyline (hybrid model) because of the appeal of ProPilot 2.0.

    　As mentioned above, sales of the gasoline-powered Skyline are scheduled to resume in the future, but there has been no announcement that the Skyline will be equipped with ProPilot 2.0, and the possibility of this being the case is close to zero.

    　The person in charge at the aforementioned dealerships in the Tokyo metropolitan area also spoke as follows about models equipped with ProPilot 2.0: “”There will no longer be a hybrid version of the Skyline.
    　
    Now that there are no more hybrid Skyline models, those who want ProPilot 2.0 will inevitably buy the Aria.

    　However, there are rumors within the company that ProPilot 2.0 may be installed in the higher grades of the new Serena.

    　Although the truth is unknown, we expect that ProPilot 2.0 will most likely be installed in the new models to be introduced in the future.””

    * * *

    　The Serena, Nissan’s leading minivan, is currently being sold in its fifth generation, which debuted in 2016, but six years have already passed since its introduction.

    　It has already been six years since its debut. Many people on social networking sites are predicting that the Serena will be fully remodeled soon.

    　In recent years, popular mid-size minivans such as Toyota’s Noah/Voxy and Honda’s Step Wagon have been fully remodeled with the latest driving support functions.

    　In this context, if the Serena is to be equipped with ProPilot 2.0, it is sure to attract considerable attention.

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

  • | |

    Honda announces the new 6th generation “CR-V”! A powerful face with a three-dimensional grill!? To be introduced in China with turbo and PHEV

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Honda Announces the All-New CR-V, 6th Generation! Powerful face with a three-dimensional grille! It will be equipped with a turbo, PHEV, etc. and will be introduced in China.

    CR-V e:HEV and CR-V e:PHEV to be introduced
    　Honda’s Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Honda Automobile, announced the new CR-V on September 28, 2022.

    Honda’s new “”CR-V”” emphasizes SUV-like features! See the gobsmacking presence
    New Honda CR-V with Chinese specifications

    　The new CR-V, the sixth-generation model, made its world premiere in the U.S. on July 12, 2022, and went on sale in the U.S. market on September 22 of the same year. This was followed by the announcement of the Chinese version.

    　The body size of the new CR-V is 4703 mm (length) x 1866 mm (width) x 1680 mm (height), and the wheelbase is 2701 mm (Chinese specifications).

    　It adopts a new design language for its exterior, with a powerful face characterized by a three-dimensional grille molding and sharp LED headlights. With horizontal character lines, the design blends in well with a variety of situations.

    　The interior features optimized angles of the A-pillars, door mirrors, and hood for excellent forward visibility, as well as full LCD meters and a 10.1-inch center display.

    　A 12-speaker Bose high-end audio system is also available.

    　In addition to the five-seat version, a seven-seat version is available for the first time for the Chinese CR-V.

    　The CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter direct injection VTEC turbo engine that delivers a maximum output of 193 hp and maximum torque of 243 Nm. The transmission is a CVT.

    　A hybrid version (CR-V e:HEV) and a plug-in hybrid version (CR-V e:PHEV) will be added at a later date.

    　Advanced features include Honda Connect 3.0, which supports voice-activated operation, a digital key, and the Honda SENSING 360 preventive safety system.

    　The price of the new CR-V in the Chinese market will be set between RMB 185,900 and 249,900 (approximately ¥3.73 million to ¥5.01 million).

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

  • | |

    Lexus super luxury minivan “LM” is too luxurious! Looking forward to domestic introduction!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “More room than the Alphard! Lexus’ super luxury minivan “”LM”” is too luxurious! Expect its introduction in Japan!

    Lexus’ only minivan, the LM
    　Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand, has a lineup of sedans and SUVs in Japan, as well as a coupe.

    Too luxurious for four passengers! Lexus “”LM”” is super gorgeous! Which is more luxurious than the 15 million yen Alphard?

    　There are models that have not yet been introduced in Japan overseas, with the “”LM”” minivan attracting the most attention.

    The LM, Lexus’ ultra-luxury minivan expected to be introduced in Japan

    　The LM made its world premiere at the Shanghai International Motor Show in April 2019 and has since been sold in China and other Asian countries.

    　Based on Toyota’s luxury minivan Alphard, the LM features a chrome spindle grille that gives it a Lexus face, L-shaped daytime running lights, and other features that give it a luxurious appearance and presence.

    　The body size is 5040 mm (overall length) x 1850 mm (overall width) x 1945 mm (overall height) with a wheelbase of 3000 mm. 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine LM350 and 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid LM300h are available for each destination as the powertrain.

    　Intended to be used as a show car (a limousine in which the owner sits in the rear seat while the driver takes care of the driving), the LM has a two-row, four-passenger configuration.

    　The front and rear seats are separated by a glass screen, and a luxurious two-seater layout is adopted for the rear seats, which provide a vast private space.

    　The rear seats in the two-seater layout are equipped with large, independent left and right executive seats. In addition to a 26-inch display in front of the rear seats, a refrigerator is also provided, allowing passengers to enjoy the highest level of “”hospitality.

    　Seat foam made from low-density polyurethane is soft and comfortable, with a high quality feel and excellent support. The carefully set suspension and swing valve dampers provide outstanding ride comfort and amenity.

    　A more practical three-row, seven-passenger version is also available.

    　Although the LM has not been introduced in Japan, you may have seen it around town.

    　In addition to cases where LMs sold in Asia are imported, there are also those based on the Alphard that are transplanted by ordering genuine LM parts.

    　An LM-faced Alphard was also exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon, indicating that this is a highly popular customization.

    * * *

    　The Alphard and Vellfire also have a complete car called the “”Royal Lounge”” (15 million yen) with two rows of four seats, which was sold by Modellista, but production ended in December 2019.

    　In this context, there are expectations for the official introduction of a new luxury minivan, as there are rumors that Lexus will launch the LM in Japan within a few years.

    　However, it is priced at over 20 million Japanese yen in China and Thailand, and we must be prepared for it to become an extremely expensive model on par with the Toyota Century in the Japanese market.”