Blog

  • | |

    Paris lovers are irresistible! The compact SUV “DS3 Crossback” model with “Paris roof” is now available! What is the Paris element that shines everywhere .

    “A must-have for Paris lovers! The compact SUV “”DS3 Crossback”” has a “”Parisian Roof”” model! Parisian Elements Shine Everywhere!

    Exclusive “”Carat Gray”” Roof Color
     On September 7, 2022, Sterantis Japan introduced the special edition “”TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi”” to DS Automobile’s DS3 Crossback compact SUV.

    An elegant appearance that stirs up the desire to travel to Paris! View photos of the DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi .

    DS Automobile “”DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi

     The name “”TOIT DE PARIS”” means “”Roof of Paris. It was inspired by the roofs of the apartments that form the beautiful cityscape of Paris.

     The DS3 Crossback TOIT DE PARIS BlueHDi is based on the top grade “”OPERA”” and features an exclusive roof color, Carat Gray.

     It also features exclusive 18-inch wheels and badges on both sides of the front nose and front doors.

     These were designed in the motif of famous Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Ecole Militaire, Sacré Coeur Temple, and Montparnasse Tower.

     The powertrain is a 1.5-liter “”BlueHDi”” clean diesel engine that delivers 130ps maximum output and 300Nm maximum torque, mated to an 8-speed AT.

     Fuel economy is 21.0 km/L (WLTC mode), the top level in its class.

     Two body colors are available: Crystal Pearl and Blanc Pearl Nacre. Prices (including consumption tax) range from 5,156,000 yen to 5,167,000 yen.”

  • |

    New “Skyline GT-R NISMO” introduced by Nissan France on SNS!

    “New “”Skyline GT-R NISMO”” Nissan France on SNS! I want this!”” The rendering of the next “”R36″” model has been received a great response!

    Is the R36 GT-R Really Coming Out?
     Nissan is proud of its high-performance sports car, the GT-R. The current model (R35 model) was introduced in 2007 and has continued to evolve every year since its release!

    I want this new “”Skyline GT-R NISMO”” when it comes out! What is a very rare GT-R with a gold engine?

    The new “”Skyline GT-R NISMO”” introduced by Nissan France on tiktok (Photo: Avante Design & Roman Miah)

     The latest model, the 2022 model, was no longer accepted as of September of the same year because the number of orders reached the planned sales volume, indicating its popularity.

     On the other hand, it is said that the R35 model may be the last pure gasoline-powered GT-R due to noise regulations that are becoming stricter every year, and there are rumors that the next GT-R may be a hybrid vehicle.

     In the meantime, a rendering of the new Skyline GT-R NISMO (R36) was shown by Nissan France on tiktok. Nissan France has asked its users, “”What do you think of this R36 concept?”” the users are asked.

     This R36, created by Avante Design and Roman Miah, is based on the R35, but has a front face reminiscent of the second-generation GT-R (R32, R33, R34).

     The rear end features round tail lamps of different sizes, and although the design is similar to the R34, the angular body shape is reminiscent of the R33, and the orange body color, which was available on the R35, is worn by the R35.

     The new Skyline GT-R NISMO has received a great response on Nissan France’s tiktok, with comments such as “”Fantastic! I hope it will become a reality! I would love to have this design!”” and “”If this were an electric car, I would cry.

     On the other hand, there are also negative comments about electrification, such as “”If this is an electric car, I will cry”” and “”Please don’t make it an EV. Although the powertrain and design, as well as whether or not a new model will be introduced in the first place, are still undecided, it seems that many people are paying close attention to the next GT-R’s development.

    Kuruma News Editorial Department

    “

  • | |

    Consecutive “Alphard face 3-row SUV” !New 5m class “Palisade” announced in China! From about 6.1 million yen.

    “New “”3-row SUV with Alphard face”” is unveiled in China! The new 5-meter class “”Palisade”” with a face like “”Ora”” was unveiled in China! Starting at about 6.1 million yen

    Different Grille Colors for Different Grades
     Hyundai unveiled the new Palisade for the Chinese market at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022 on August 26, 2022. It will be introduced to China as an imported vehicle that will not be produced locally.

    5-meter class body with “”Alphard face””! See the new 3-row SUV “”Palisade”” (56 photos)

    Hyundai’s new “”Palisade”” for the Chinese market at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022

     Palisade is a three-row SUV from Hyundai presented at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2018.

     With a large body size of approximately 5 meters in length, a minor-changed model with a new front face was unveiled at the New York Motor Show 2022 in April 2022, and has also been successively launched in South Korea, Australia, and Indonesia.

     The model unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show 2022 is the one that adopts this new front face.

     The front grille is a large type that extends to the lower grille section. The color of the grille changes depending on the grade: brown, black, or chrome.

     The chrome front grille used on the highest grade has a presence that rivals that of the Toyota Alphard, a well-known luxury minivan.

     The interior is equipped with a large 12.3-inch center display and a head-up display, as well as a number of advanced features such as remote smart parking assist, which allows the driver to move the vehicle forward or backward with a remote control key from outside the vehicle, and a choice of six- or seven-passenger seating.

     The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine mated to an 8-speed AT transmission. The drive system is selectable between 2WD and 4WD for the entry-level grade, and 4WD only for the other grades.

     As a driving assist function, the “”Highway Drive Assist HDA-2″” can automatically move to the desired lane by turning the turn signal only within a specified speed range.

     The price of the new Palisade in the Chinese market ranges from 300,800 yuan to 368,800 yuan (approximately 6.1 million yen to 7.47 million yen).

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

  • |

    Nissan posts flashy next-generation “Skyline GT-R” video! Orange body of “R36 type” is dazzling! What kind of model rendering is a hot topic on SNS?

    “Nissan Posts Flashy Next-Generation “”Skyline GT-R”” Video! The orange body of the “”R36 model”” dazzles! What kind of model renderings are the hottest topics on SNS?

    Next Model Hopes to Return as “”Skyline GT-R””!
     On social networking sites, many sketches and renderings of the next model of Nissan’s “”GT-R”” have been posted.
     
     Among them, the “”Skyline GT-R R36,”” which incorporates elements of previous Skyline GT-Rs, has become a hot topic, and a new short video has been posted as a sequel to it.

    Could this be the next generation “”GT-R””? Homage to the second generation! Look at the R36 design!

    Did Nissan France care? Hope this is… the next generation “”Skyline GT-R””! The projected renderings were amazing! (Photo Thanks: Avante Design & Roman Miah)

     The current GT-R (R35), the sixth generation introduced in 2007, has continued to evolve every year since its launch.

     The latest model (2022 model) was released in 2022, but as of September of the same year, the number of orders had reached the planned sales volume, and acceptance of orders has been terminated.

     Since 15 years have passed since the current GT-R first appeared on the market, various regulations such as fuel efficiency standards and noise regulations, which are becoming stricter year by year, have led to rumors on social networking sites such as “”Will the 2022 model be the last GT-R? The next GT-R will have to be electrified?

     On the other hand, there are users who predict the next model of GT-R, and the R36 is one of them.

     This R36 was created by Avante Design and Roman Miah.

    Roman Miah commented, “”We are proud to present our vision for the 2023 Nissan *R36* Skyline GT-R.

    The idea behind this concept was to recreate the iconic Skyline design cues and arguably Japanese styling of the past with the future of the GT-R in mind.

     Working with Avante Design, we developed the concept which involved over 6 months of work and at least several hundred hours of design, development and 3D modeling. Hope you like it!””

     The rendering posted is based on the R35, but the front face is somewhat reminiscent of the second generation GT-R (R32, R33, R34).

     Furthermore, around the rear, the silhouette is reminiscent of the R33 with its angular body shape, although it uses different large round tail lamps like the R34.

     The GT-R was once set up as a high-performance grade of the Skyline series and can be divided into the first generation “”Hakosuka”” and “”Kenmeri,”” the second generation “”R32,”” “”R33,”” and “”R34,”” and the third generation is the aforementioned GT-R (R35).

     Furthermore, the contributor, Avante Design, also posted a custom version of the aforementioned R36 at a later date. This specification is named “”Skyline *R36* GT-R APX.
     
     As he describes this APX specification as “”inspired by the GT-R R-50 concept,”” it incorporates several modern elements.

     The exterior features a forward-facing lip spoiler, front and rear over fenders, a ducted hood, and bronze wheels.

     Around the rear, the GT wing differs from the base version, with clear four-light taillights and an aerodynamic de-feathering. In addition, the muffler has been changed from two mufflers on each side to four mufflers on each side.

     And now, Avante Design has posted a third short video.

     This is basically an APX specification, but was created with another car designer, Roman Miah.

     In the short video, an APX version in a dazzling orange body color is placed in an abandoned warehouse, and the R36 incorporating the design of the previous Skyline GT-Rs can be seen from various angles.

     The short video has attracted the interest of various users, with comments such as “”What a beauty,”” “”I like the flame-like color,”” and “”I would like to see another body color,”” as well as being featured on Nissan France’s TikTok. It seems that the R36 project will continue to expand with the addition of various friends.

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

  • | |

    Mitsubishi launches new Outlander in China without PHEV!

    “Mitsubishi Launches New “”Outlander”” in China, but No PHEV! What is the “”BEV”” that Mitsubishi is focusing on in China?

    Around 12,000 Reservations Received in China
     The third-generation Outlander, introduced in Japan in October 2021 exclusively as a PHEV model, has been highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad as the flagship model of the Mitsubishi SUV lineup.

    PHEV-less and appearing in China! See the new Outlander SUV with unique specifications in 16 images.

     The Outlander will make its debut in China in August 2022, and reservations began on August 26, and within a week the number of reservations had reached approximately 12,000, showing its popularity.

    The new Outlander handled by Guangqi Mitsubishi in China

     The reservations are made before the official price is announced, using a method commonly known in China as “”blind revision. By paying a 99,000 RMB (approx. 2 million yen) deposit, Outlander customers can receive various preferential treatment, including priority delivery of the car.

     What are the differences between the Outlander and the Japanese version of the third-generation Chinese Outlander that has just been announced?

    The Outlander, introduced in 2005 as the successor to the Airtrek, has undergone two model changes in the past 17 years. 2012 saw the introduction of the second-generation Outlander, the world’s first 4WD plug-in hybrid SUV, and the introduction of a PHEV model.

     The ability to supply electricity from the car attracted a lot of attention, and the model was introduced for outdoor use by individuals and for use by companies and municipalities in case of disasters, making it the best-selling PHEV model overall.

     The third-generation Outlander in Japan will be introduced in 2021. Like previous models, it was introduced in markets outside Japan, but in Japan the pure gasoline model was discontinued and only the PHEV model with the 4B12 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine was available.

     In other markets such as Australia and the U.S., initially only gasoline models powered by Nissan’s PR25DD 2.5-liter inline-4 engine were available, but it was later announced that PHEV models would also be introduced (PHEVs were already available in Australia).

     In China, the first-generation Outlander (Japanese name: Airtrek) landed in 2004. At the time, Mitsubishi had a partnership with Beijing Jeep, a joint venture between Beijing Automotive and Jeep (Chrysler), to produce Mitsubishi models in China.

    Many may ask, “”Why Beijing Jeep?”” Mitsubishi has long had a strong relationship with Chrysler, and at the time had a capital tie-up with DaimlerChrysler (now Sterantis).

     Beijing Jeep, created in 1984, was contracted to produce and sell Chrysler-related models in China, partly because the Jeep brand had been absorbed by Chrysler. Production of the first generation Outlander continued until 2008, when the joint venture was dissolved.

    Mitsubishi launches the new Outlander in China, but no PHEV! What is the “”BEV”” that Mitsubishi is focusing on in China?

    No PHEV in the Chinese market, not even the Eclipse Cross!
     In 2006, the second generation Outlander (first generation in Japan) was introduced in China, but since the second generation model was not produced by a joint venture, it was sold as an “”import”” with higher prices due to tariffs. This situation would continue until 2016, when Mitsubishi again established a joint venture and revived production of the Outlander in China.

     In 2012, Mitsubishi established Guangqi Mitsubishi, a joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile; the third-generation Outlander (second generation in Japan) was introduced to China as an import in 2012, and switched to local production in 2016.

     The Outlander has a unique history, but after about a year of delay, the fourth-generation Outlander (the third-generation model in Japan) will finally be available for reservation in China in August 2022.

    The new Outlander handled by Guangqi Mitsubishi in China

     The basic exterior is identical to the Japanese version, and the interior is also unchanged.

     However, the most distinctive feature of the Chinese version is its unique 48V mild hybrid. While plug-in hybrid models are available in Japan, and pure gasoline models are available in the U.S. and Australia, only a mild hybrid model (212hp) powered by a 4B40 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine is available in China.

     It is not clear why only the Chinese version is a 48V mild hybrid.

     However, the Chinese-spec Eclipse Cross is also not available as a PHEV model, but as a pure gasoline model with the same engine.

     Mitsubishi also manufactures and sells the Airtrek electric vehicle (BEV) in China, whose body was transferred from Guangzhou Automobile.

     We suspect that the reasons for not selling PHEVs in China include the difficulty of producing PHEV-related parts locally in China, or the purpose of focusing on BEVs to clarify the position with the Airtrek.

     When we asked Mitsubishi’s public relations department about the development of the Outlander in the Chinese market, the response was, “”As you may have guessed, we are focusing on the Airtrek for BEVs, and we will consider PHEVs while watching the policy and market trends in China.

     We will keep an eye on the market to see if there will be additional PHEV models depending on demand, or if Mitsubishi will continue to develop only mild-hybrid models.

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

  • | | | |

    The curtain rises on the 40-year history of the Nissan March! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit can compete! 4 memorable models of super long-established compact cars .

    “Nissan “”March”” 40 years of history! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit can match it! Four Memorable Models of the Super Venerable Compact Car

    A look back at Nissan’s long-established March compact car brand, which lasted 40 years and four generations.
     At the end of August 2022, several newspapers and other media reported the end of production of the Nissan March.
     
     The March is a long-established brand with a 40-year history, which is significantly longer than any other Japanese compact car, and has lasted for four generations. Let’s take a look back at the successive generations.

    Image] Only four generations in 40 years: “”Which one is your favorite? A look at the 68 photos of the “”March”” of past generations that bring back too much nostalgia.

    In 2002, just as the Carlos Ghosn administration was beginning, Nissan’s third-generation (K12) March (2002-2010), with its distinctive rounded styling and wide variety of colors, attracted a lot of attention, especially among female users.

    First-generation “”MARCH”” [K10 model / 1982-1992]

     The first-generation March, launched in October 1982, made a spectacular debut as a hatchback model in the liter car class (referring to models with an engine displacement of around 1 liter), smaller than the “”Sunny”” and “”Pulsar”” compact cars of the time.

     In addition, Nissan solicited car names from the general public in advance, and used the top idol of the time, Masahiko Kondo (nicknamed “”Match””), as its image celebrity to market the model as “”Match’s March””. Nissan put a lot of effort into this model.

     At first, only a 1-liter 3-door model debuted, and later a 5-door model was added. The March Super Turbo, a double-charged model equipped with a supercharger and turbocharger, and other variations were added to the lineup.

    Second-generation “”MARCH”” [K11 model / 1992-2002]

     The second generation March, which underwent its first full model change in 10 years in 1992, was developed with the aim of expanding sales not only in Japan but also in the European market, a fierce battleground for compact cars.

     In addition to winning several awards, including the Japan Car of the Year Award and the Good Design Award, it was the first Japanese car to win the European Car of the Year Award, and has been highly acclaimed in Japan and Europe.

     In addition to the three-door and five-door body types, the March lineup includes the March Box, a wagon body, and the March Cabriolet, a convertible model, as well as the March Bolero, a retro-design custom model by Autec Japan (now Nissan Motor Sports & Customization). The “”March Rumba”” was also actively developed as a variation of the original model.

     Like the first generation, this model was produced for approximately 10 years, and has become a long-seller, maintaining even more stable sales volume than the first generation.

    Third-generation “”March”” (K12 model / 2002-2010)

     The third-generation K12 March, which was introduced in 2002 after the business alliance with Renault, was based on the jointly developed Alliance B platform.

     It was characterized by its distinctive rounded design, and attracted much attention as a model that symbolized the new era of Nissan under the soon-to-be-appointed Carlos Ghosn administration.

     From its debut, it has been available in a wide range of colors, with colorful new colors added with each product improvement, and has been a topic of conversation for a long time, attracting support mainly from women.

     Following the second generation, the retro-masked “”March Lafite”” and “”March Bolero”” were added, as well as the “”12SR,”” a sports model with a tuned engine, and the “”Micra C+C,”” an open model with a hard-top roof, and many other derivative models were born.

    The end of the 40-year history of the Nissan March! Neither the Yaris nor the Fit could match it! Four Memorable Past Models of the Super Venerable Compact Car

    End of sales in Japan with the 4th generation? However, there was a “”5th generation”” for Europe!
    The 4th generation “”MARCH”” [K13/2010-2022]

     The 4th generation, which underwent a model change in 2010, combined a newly developed V-platform with a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder engine with an idling stop system.

     The most significant news was that it was the first model to be produced overseas. The Japanese version was made at Nissan’s Thai plant.

     Production continued for 12 years until 2022, making it the longest-selling March model of all time.

     The “”March NISMO,”” a full-fledged sports model that replaced the previous generation’s 12SR, and the retro-style “”March Bolero”” are also derivatives of the March, as they have been for many years.

    The first-generation (K10) Nissan March made its debut with much fanfare and promotion, partly because it was a “”liter car,”” a new genre of car.

     Although the March’s production has been discontinued as reported by newspapers, as of early September 2022, there has been no official announcement from the manufacturer. On Nissan’s official website, the March is still being sold.

     However, a small note on the website states, “”Some specifications, grades, and colors may not be available due to production reasons,”” suggesting that something will be done in the future.

     It is expected that the company will continue to sell the product for a while until the pre-produced inventory runs out.

    The car is expected to continue to be sold for a while until the pre-production stock runs out.

     Although the March is reportedly discontinued in Japan, its successor, the 5th generation (K14 model), was launched in 2017 as a car exclusively for Europe.

     While both successive models have inherited the March’s character with their cute styling, the 5th generation is characterized by sharp styling starting with the V-motion grille. The wide and low form gives it a unique sporty image.

     It is interesting to note that in Europe, the March has been consistently referred to as the “”Micra”” rather than the “”March”” since the first generation.”

  • | |

    The predecessor “Vezel” has evolved independently and emphasized black!Honda’s new SUV “VE-1 Magic Knight” specification announced in China!

    “The previous generation “”Vezel”” has undergone a unique evolution, emphasizing the black color! Honda’s New VE-1 Magic Night SUV Specification Unveiled in China!

     On September 1, 2022, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, Guangqi Honda Automobile, announced the 2023 VE-1 SUV. The “”Magic Night Edition”” and “”Magic Night Deluxe Edition”” special editions are said to be available, but what kind of model is it?

    Even the emblem is black! New VE-1 Magic Night Edition SUV in 29 images

    The VE-1 Magic Night Edition was unveiled by Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

     The VE-1 is an SUV-type EV jointly developed by Honda R&D (China) Co. and Guangqi Honda Automobile Co.

     The exterior design is based on the design of Honda’s first-generation “”Vezel”” and incorporates unique design features in the front and rear, including a front bumper with a powerful design that stretches from side to side.

     The new “”VE-1 TA”” model launched this time has an extended cruising range on a single charge. The new “”VE-1 TA”” extends the range of the latest model in the VE-1 series, the “”VE-1+,”” from 470 km to 480 km, while consuming less than 14 kWh of energy per 100 km.

     The specifications of the on-board motor are maximum output of 120 kW (approx. 163 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm. Four driving modes are available: Comfort mode, Sports mode, Regenerative Strong mode + Comfort mode, and Regenerative Strong mode + Sports mode, which can be selected according to driving conditions.

     The interior is newly equipped with a 12.3-inch LCD display that allows the driver to check the charging status as well as navigation and multimedia functions. In addition, red and blue ambient lights with nine levels of brightness adjustment are available.

     Tires with excellent rolling performance and quietness have been adopted to enhance the quietness of the cabin.

     In addition, it is compatible with WOW STATION, an online service linked to smartphones. The application allows users to check the vehicle status and remotely control the air conditioning.

     As for body and interior colors, white and emerald green have been added as new colors, as well as yellow and blue leather accents for the interior.

     The price of the new VE-1 TA will be set at 174,800-184,800 yuan (about 3.02-3.19 million Japanese yen).”

  • |

    World premiere!Toyota’s president makes a surprise run with a “two-wheeled hydrogen engine vehicle” based on the “Ninja H2”! Towards the first step in initiatives that transcend the barriers between motorcycles and automobiles.

    “World premiere! Toyota President Makes Surprise Ride in Ninja H2-Based “”Two-Wheeled Hydrogen Engine Vehicle””! The first step in an initiative that transcends the boundaries between two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles

    Kawasaki and Toyota Working on Hydrogen Society! Off-Road Four-Wheeled Vehicles for Research Unveiled
     On September 3, 2022, Kawasaki Motors unveiled a research off-road four-wheel vehicle (hereafter ATV) equipped with a hydrogen fueled direct injection engine for motorcycles at the Super Taikyu Series Round 5 in Motegi, Japan.
     
     The unveiling was a surprise, with ROOKIE Racing’s Morizo (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) driving the vehicle during a demonstration run.

    Transcending the Boundaries of Manufacturers! Dream motorcycle hydrogen engine car is so cool! See the real car!
    Kawasaki Motors unveiled a research off-road vehicle equipped with a hydrogen fuel direct injection engine for motorcycles.

     The engine unveiled is based on the 998cc inline four-cylinder supercharged engine used in Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 and has been modified with direct hydrogen fuel injection.

     The body is based on an ATV sold in North America and other markets, but the layout has been significantly modified to accommodate a hydrogen fuel tank and fuel supply system.

     The exterior is striking with its silver body color, blue wheels, and suspension.

     In terms of the actual research and development, Yoshimoto Matsuda, deputy general manager of Kawasaki Motors’ Technology Division, said, “”We are very pleased with the new engine for motorcycles, and we are very proud of it.

    The reason why the Ninja H2 engine was mounted on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), despite the fact that it is a motorcycle engine, is because it is a research and development project, and we had to cut the frame of the Ninja H2 engine and mount it on the ATV in order to accommodate the various testing equipment.

     In the process of development, we have only just begun to develop the abnormal combustion, but when we first found abnormal combustion, we were unexpectedly happy.

     However, we are overcoming issues such as control of abnormal combustion, fuel supply at high RPM range, high temperature of various components, as well as safe operation due to handling of hydrogen, with technical support and parts supply from companies and organizations that are leading in their respective fields.””

     TOYOTA GAZOO Racing President Tsuneji Sato also had the following to say about the unveiling.

    We have been trying to understand the load placed on hydrogen engines in the passenger car domain,”” he said.

     Passenger cars use a wide range of engines, from low to high RPM. On the other hand, commercial vehicles use low RPM engines, and motorcycles use high RPM engines.

     For this reason, the development of hydrogen engines will be promoted by being able to cover the phenomena that occur in hydrogen engines regardless of whether they are two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles and regardless of the genre of the engine.

     I think the unveiling of the motorcycle hydrogen engine is a big step forward in our efforts to realize a hydrogen society and carbon neutrality.

    Kawasaki Heavy Industries President Hashimoto and Morizo (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) A surprise demo run immediately following this!

    * * *

     Kawasaki Motors, Suzuki, Denso, Toyota, Honda, and Yamaha will use this baby carriage as one of the research materials for the “”hydrogen fuel engine for motorcycles and other small mobility vehicles”” to achieve carbon neutrality.

     Morizo’s drive was conducted without the knowledge of anyone involved. Morisso’s “”Can I take a look?”” led to a surprise demo run as he sat in the driver’s seat.”

  • | |

    Full throttle with Toyota’s “fastest specification”! The amazing new “GRMN Yaris” A dream showdown that makes professionals smile!

    “Toyota’s “”Fastest Specs”” in Full Throttle! The new “”GRMN Yaris”” is still amazing! A dream matchup that brings smiles to the faces of professionals!

    Pros Blast Off on the Circuit in the New GRMN Yaris!
     On September 2, 2022, during the practice day of “”Super Taikyu Series Round 5, Motegi,”” professional drivers had a slugfest using the new “”GRMN Yaris,”” a fully tuned model of Toyota’s “”GR Yaris.
     
     What kind of model is the new GRMN Yaris, Toyota’s fastest specification?

    Limited to 500 units… See the real-life images of Toyota’s fastest spec “”GRMN Yaris,”” which is too rare!

    Toyota’s “”Fastest Specification””! What is so amazing about the new “”GRMN Yaris””?

     The GR Yaris is a model that has been trained and developed under extreme conditions by participating in various motorsports events such as the Super Taikyu series and the All Japan Rally Championship.

     The GRMN Yaris, which made its world premiere on January 14, 2022, was born from Morizo’s (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) desire to “”deliver to our customers a car that evolves speedily and in accordance with their needs in the field of motor sports. The new car was born from the desire of Akio Morizo (Toyota President Akio Toyoda) to “”deliver to our customers a car that evolves speedily and in accordance with people in motorsports.

     The features of this car are the various trial-and-error customizations that he learned from his motorsports experience, such as strengthening the rigidity of the body, reducing the weight by approximately 20 kg, lowering the center of gravity by reducing the vehicle height by 10 mm, and improving aerodynamics by widening the overall width by 10 mm.

     The car is also equipped with a mechanical LSD that has been repeatedly broken and repaired to improve performance, a cross gear-ratio transmission, and a set of low final gears.

     In addition, professional drivers have driven this model to improve braking power, grip, cornering, and tracking performance, making it “”a car that can be driven faster with greater peace of mind.

     The GRMN Yaris, available in a limited edition of 500 units, comes in two types: the “”Circuit Package”” and the “”Rally Package.

     The ROOKIE Racing team (Sasaki and Ishiura) that competes in the “”Super Taikyu Series”” and the No. 7 team (Lopez and Kobayashi) and No. 8 team (Hartley and Hirakawa) that competes in the aforementioned WEC will battle it out in the “”GRMN Yaris”” this time. The project was to battle it out using the GRMN Yaris.

     Morisso explained the background of this project as follows.

    The WEC teams are active around the world, and ROOKIE Racing is active in Japan, so the fans are divided into two categories.

     So, what if we use the same car and have a showdown so that each fan can understand the other? Wouldn’t that be fun? That was the idea.

     The actual car used was the GRMN Yaris Circuit Package, with a carbon fiber (twill weave CFRP) rear spoiler, side skirts, and lip spoiler.

     The suspension features BBS 18-inch wheels exclusively for the GRMN, 18-inch brakes, and Bilstein damping force-adjustable shock absorbers, all designed with an awareness of how fast the car can run on the circuit.

     As for the actual project, the ROOKIE Racing team (Sasaki and Ishiura) won the race, but despite their various handicaps, each driver enjoyed the showdown itself and the driving of the GRMN Yaris, while also enjoying the serious competition that they were not afraid to lose.”