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    The ancestor is a compact car ! Daihatsu’s first “Rocky” was a cool off-road vehicle!

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Your Ancestor was a Compact XC Car! Daihatsu’s first generation “”Rocky”” was a cool off-roader!

    The first “”Rocky”” is a hot compact XC!
    　In recent years, the popularity of SUVs has progressed on a global scale and is now in full boom. Japanese manufacturers are also offering models in various segments and price ranges, with SUVs making up the majority of new models.

    See the very rare XC vehicles Daihatsu used to sell .

    Daihatsu’s first generation “”Rocky”” was a compact and stylish XC vehicle!

    　In the domestic market, the Toyota Rise, a compact SUV launched in November 2019, has always been one of the top selling SUVs in the Japanese market.

    　The Rise was jointly developed by Toyota and Daihatsu, and the Daihatsu brand has added a sister model, the Rocky, to its lineup, with a hybrid model joining the lineup in November 2021, further increasing its popularity.

    　The name “”Rocky”” has been used for models sold in the past, and the current model is the second generation, but the first generation was also quite a unique model.

    　Here is a look back at what the first-generation Rocky was like.

    * * * *

    　The first generation Rocky was born in June 1990, at the height of the bubble economy. The name was derived from the image of the West Coast of the United States from the Rocky Mountains.

    　The body size was 3800 mm (overall length) x 1635 mm (overall width) x 1725 mm (overall height), a compact size that matched the road conditions of Japan. The body type was the three-door “”Regent””.

    　The body type was the three-door “”Resin Top”” with seating for four passengers only. The rear of the cabin was a resin canopy that could be removed from the rear roof to the side windows, allowing the driver to enjoy open-air driving.

    　The vehicle was developed as a genuine cross-country vehicle, built on a full-fledged ladder frame, and was a global car that was also marketed in North America and Europe.

    　It was equipped only with a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder SOHC gasoline engine with a maximum output of 105 hp and a 5-speed manual transmission, but a 4-speed automatic transmission was added with a minor change in March 1992.

    　The lineup of drive systems included full-time 4WD, which was rare among XC cars at the time, and part-time 4WD with manual transfer, but these were integrated into the part-time 4WD system when the AT model was introduced.

    　The suspension was double wishbone with torsion bar springs in the front and a rigid axle with leaf springs in the rear, emphasizing durability when driving on rough roads.

    　The compact body made it lightweight for an XC vehicle, with all grades weighing around 1,250 kg, and it boasted high rough road drivability.

    　The first-generation Rocky gained a certain level of popularity as a compact XC vehicle, but lost market share to the Suzuki Jimny 1300 (later renamed the Jimny Sierra) and the later Mitsubishi Pajero Junior, and production ended in 1997. Then, as mentioned above, it was revived after 22 years.

    * * *

    　When the first-generation Rocky was being sold, Daihatsu was also marketing another compact XC car, the Ruger.

    　The Ruger, launched in 1984, had a slightly larger body than the Rocky, but the standard version was still within the 5-number size range.

    　Production of the Ruger also ended in 1997, but it was a very luxurious time when Daihatsu sold two XC cars at the same time.”

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    Want a Hiace? But wait a minute! What to keep in mind before becoming a commercial vehicle owner.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Want a Hiace? But wait a minute! What are the points to keep in mind before becoming a commercial vehicle owner?

    What you need to know about buying a commercial vehicle for everyday use
    　In recent years, there has been a boom in outdoor leisure activities such as camping and traveling around the country while staying overnight in a car. One of the main reasons for this is due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, and it is a symbol of the lifestyle in the “”with coronavirus”” era, where people want to enjoy going out while avoiding the dense atmosphere.

    The “”Sparkling Face”” Hiace is in trouble! See the Latest Hiace & Special Editions .

    Before you buy a commercial vehicle for your hobby or daily use, there are some points you need to pay attention to!

    　The commercial vans are gaining popularity as the best vehicles for such outdoor leisure activities and overnight stays, including one-box vans such as the Toyota Hiace and Nissan Caravan, light vans represented by the Toyota Probox, the Honda N-VAN, and the new Daihatsu model launched in December 2021. The Honda “”N-VAN”” and the new Daihatsu “”Atley”” released in December 2021 are also popular as new-generation light vans.

    　However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a commercial vehicle as a personal vehicle, which are different from those of a standard passenger car.

    　Here are some points you should know before becoming a commercial vehicle user.

    ● Point #1: Be prepared for annual vehicle inspections!

    　For the Hiace and Probox mentioned above, the first vehicle inspection is two years after the first year of registration, and from the second and subsequent years, the vehicle must be inspected every year.

    　For passenger cars, the first inspection is after three years, and every two years thereafter, so many people may feel that commercial vehicles are a hassle.

    　Compared to other vehicles in the same class, the maintenance and points to be checked during vehicle inspections are largely the same for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and the labor charges and agency fees are almost the same.

    　In addition, the weight tax to be paid at the time of inspection is determined by the vehicle weight in the case of passenger cars. For commercial vehicles, it is determined by the gross vehicle weight, which is the sum of the vehicle weight, the weight of the passenger capacity (calculated as 55 kg per person), and the maximum loading capacity, and is cheaper for commercial vehicles. Conversely, liability insurance is higher for commercial vehicles.

    　Comparing the overall cost of vehicle inspections over a two-year period, commercial vehicles are more expensive in many cases. Nevertheless, the cost of vehicle inspections for commercial vehicles is offset by the lower automobile tax, so this is not a major issue.

    　Ultimately, we recommend that you consider whether you view annual vehicle inspections as a hassle or as a relief from proper maintenance.

    　Incidentally, light commercial vehicles are inspected every two years for both the first and second inspections.

    Point #2: Be careful how you choose tires and aluminum wheels!

    　The Hiace is one of the most popular commercial vehicles, and a wide variety of custom parts are available. The know-how for converting it into a camper or making it into an overnight stay vehicle has also been enhanced, making it an even more popular element.

    　Naturally, these customizations must conform to safety standards, but what is not known is that “”care must be taken when replacing tires and wheels.

    　First of all, taking the example of the Hiace “”Long Standard Body 4 Number Super GL””, the genuine tire size is “”195/80R15 107/105 L LT””, where “”195″” is the tire width (tread width), “”80″” is the flatness ratio, “”R”” is the radial tire, “”15″” is the inside diameter (wheel outside diameter), and “” 107/105″” is the load index, “”L”” is the allowable speed range, and “”LT”” is for light trucks (light commercial vehicles), but the important thing here is the load index.

    　While there is no major problem if the tires do not protrude from the body when replaced, and if the difference in outside diameter is equal, the load capacity value must be appropriate for the gross vehicle weight in the case of commercial vehicles.

    　If large-diameter, low-flat tires for passenger cars were to be installed on commercial vehicles, not only would they not pass vehicle inspections due to insufficient load capacity, but they could also be dangerously susceptible to bursting.

    　Now that large-diameter, low-flat tires for light trucks are available, there are more options for tires with a high load index, but be aware that they are less varied and more expensive than those for passenger cars.

    　Of course, the load capacity value must correspond to the vehicle weight, even for passenger cars.

    　Furthermore, when replacing aluminum wheels, they must be aluminum wheels stamped with “”JWL-T”” if the gross vehicle weight exceeds 3.5 tons and the maximum load capacity exceeds 500 kg.

    　This is a proof that the wheels meet the strength and other technical standards in Japan. Wheels installed on passenger car wheels for the sake of appearance or wheels imported from overseas will not pass vehicle inspections (some wheels meet overseas standards as well).

    　In addition, for vehicles such as the Probox with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tons or less and a maximum loading capacity of 500 kg or less, aluminum wheels stamped with “”JWL”” for passenger cars are also compliant due to the revised law, but be aware that some dealers and maintenance shops may not accept them for maintenance.

    ●Point #3: Toll roads and highways can be expensive!

    　Most commercial vehicles owned by individuals are either 4-number or 1-number vehicles, and can be distinguished by their “”classification number,”” which is a three-digit number beginning with 4 or a three-digit number beginning with 1.

    　The body size and engine displacement determine the classification number, and again using the Hiace as an example, there are both 4-number and 1-number vehicles, even if the grade is the same. Diesel engine vehicles are classified as either license plate 4 or license 1 vehicles based on body size alone, not displacement.

    　The number 4 car is called a “”small freight vehicle”” and the number 1 car is called a “”standard freight vehicle.

    　On NEXCO expressways, tolls for vehicles with license plates 4 and 1 are further divided into three categories: “”small vehicles,”” “”medium vehicles,”” and “”medium-sized vehicles,”” which means that the toll for a Hiace with license plate 1 is more expensive.

    　For example, if you travel on the Tomei Expressway from the Tokyo Interchange to Gotemba during the daytime on holidays using the ETC system, the tolls for vehicles with license plates 5, 3, or 4 are 2,620 yen, while the tolls for vehicles with license plates 1, which are medium-sized vehicles, are 3,110 yen, a difference of 490 yen.

    　If you extend your trip further to Nagoya, the price increases by 3,350 yen, to 5,400 yen for a small-sized car and 8,750 yen for a medium-sized car.

    　Although it varies depending on the time of day and the day of the week, it is undeniable that tolls on toll roads are higher in many cases for license 1 cars.

    　On the other hand, there are times when you can get a good deal, such as when the 1,000 yen surcharge on the Metropolitan Expressway implemented at the time of the Tokyo Olympics was not applicable.

    * * *

    　There are advantages and disadvantages to becoming an owner of a commercial vehicle for daily use, but the advantages include not only low running costs but also high resale value.

    　In particular, due to the high popularity of the Hiace, even vehicles that have run over 100,000 km are traded at relatively high prices, so high assessments can also be expected.

    　On the other hand, one of the disadvantages is that the ride is uncomfortable and noisy, but this can be solved by replacing suspension dampers and adding sound insulation materials, so DIY is a fun way to try it out.”

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    Hill climb to challenge with EV! The 100th “Pikes Peak” SAMURAI SPEED participates in “Leaf” .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Hill Climb Challenge by EV! SAMURAI SPEED to Participate in the 100th “”Pikes Peak”” with “”LEAF

    EVs to Challenge Traditional Hill Climb Races!
    Pikes Peak”” is the name of a mountain near Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains of North America, and in motorsports circles it means the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a race held annually on the mountain. The 100th event is scheduled to be held over seven days from June 20 to 26, 2022, and the Tokyo-based extreme powersports team “”Samurai Speed”” will participate in this event.

    Samurai Rush! View the SAMURAI SPEED Attack Cars from the previous event

    SAMURAI SPEED will participate in “”Pikes Peak”” again this year. The photo shows the Attack Cars of the 99th event in 2021.

    The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is a motor race that began in 1916, and is a huge event that is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors. A total of 78 cars are entered in the 100th event in six categories, including four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles, and 11 cars are scheduled to run in the “”Unlimited (no modifications) Class”” in which SAMURAI SPEED will be entering.

    　Since 2012, SAMURAI SPEED has been competing in the “”Pikes Peak EV Challenge”” with electric vehicles, and this year, the team will be driving a Nissan “”LEAF e+”” based attack car with racing driver Takashi Oi.

    　SAMURAI SPEED has developed an original body made of CNF (cellulose nanofiber), an environmentally friendly material developed by partner company Daio Paper Corporation, and has succeeded in reducing the amount of plastic and weight of the car.

    　The new car is equipped with the latest lithium-ion battery temperature control system developed by Sanden Corporation, which enables it to run at high speeds for extended periods of time. This system enables the car to run at high speeds for extended periods of time. As for the chassis, the battery and auxiliary equipment have been relocated to take into account the weight distribution between the front and rear wheels, thereby improving the vehicle’s dynamic performance.

    　SAMURAI SPEED will continue to utilize new materials and know-how of many partner companies this year, not only to complete the PPIHC, but also to collect valuable data obtained from the world’s toughest hill climb race and provide feedback to partner companies in order to contribute to the creation of even better products. We will continue our activities to contribute to the manufacture of even better products.”

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    Honda shows the new “CR-V” flickering !How will it evolve in the 6th generation? What is the latest Honda SUV?

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Honda shows a glimpse of the new CR-V! How does the 6th generation evolve? What is the latest Honda SUV?

    New 6th-Generation CR-V Revealed in Advance!
    　On May 24, 2022, U.S. Honda released teaser images of the new CR-V (2023 model year). The design around the headlights/tail lamps has been revealed.

    Honda gives a glimpse of the new 6th generation “”CR-V””! See the first 16 images released

    　The new CR-V is the sixth generation in the U.S. What is the history of the new CR-V?

    Teaser images of the all-new CR-V unveiled for the first time in the world by Honda in the U.S.

    　The first-generation CR-V was launched in 1995 as one of the “”creative movers”” (lifestyle creation vehicles) that Honda developed in the 1990s as so-called RVs. It was introduced in the North American market in 1997.

    　The history of the car continued with the 2nd and 3rd generation ……, but the 4th generation CR-V was discontinued in Japan in the middle of its model life. In the Japanese market, sales were suspended for about two years.

    　The current model, the fifth-generation CR-V, went on sale in Japan in 2018 after being released in North America earlier in 2016.

    　However, Honda has once again indicated its intention to discontinue sales of the CR-V in Japan, announcing to users that production for Japan will end in August 2022.

    * * *

    　The CR-V is undergoing a complete renewal in North America, and for the all-new 6th generation model, Honda of the U.S. explains that it has “”a robust and refined design, improved utility, and a more advanced hybrid system that delivers sportier driving and greater functionality. The company has announced that details will be announced in the summer of 2022.

    　It will be interesting to see how the CR-V, which began its history as one of the Creative Movers, will evolve.

    　So here is a quiz.

    　Like the first-generation CR-V, the CR-V was introduced in 1996 as one of the Creative Movers. Which of the following is the name of the Honda car that gained popularity among young people, but ended after only one generation?

    1] NSX

    2] HR-V

    3] S-MX

    4] MDX

    The correct answer is “”S-MX”” in [3].

    　The correct answer is “”S-MX”” in 【3】.

    　The S-MX appeared as an irregular 4-door hatchback tall wagon with one door on the driver’s side and two doors on the passenger’s side.

    　It featured a spacious interior, as well as a full-flat seat arrangement that was equivalent in size to a semi-double bed.

    *Quiz source: Kuruma Meister Test”

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    Can I buy a Toyota “Alphard Camper” for less than 1 million yen? The reason why you can get it at a low price with “double bed installed” for staying in the car.

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Can you buy a Toyota “”Alphard Camper”” for less than 1 million yen? Why you can get an inexpensive “”double-bed-equipped”” overnight car?

    The first Alphard might be the one to go for! What made you decide on a camper?
    　Due to the impact of the new coronavirus, overnight stays in cars, which allow travelers to enjoy their trips while avoiding the dense atmosphere, have been attracting even more attention in recent years.
    　
    　Among the campers suitable for such overnight stays in cars, there is a camper based on the first-generation model of the Alphard, Toyota’s luxury minivan.

    [Photo] Can you get an Alphard camper for less than 1 million yen? Plus, see the 15 million yen “”Alphard”” that once existed and more (41 photos).

    Can you get a luxury minivan “”Alphard”” camper for less than 1 million yen? Why is that? (Images courtesy of M’S ART)

    　The Alphard, known as a luxury minivan, is an extremely popular model that ranked fourth in the 2021 new car sales ranking, but many people may not have the image of it being used as a base for a camper.

    　However, many people may not have the image of using an Alphard as a base for a camper.

    　The person in charge at M’S ART explains how the Alphard camper was built as follows: “”A customer said to us, ‘I want a camper that can be used for everyday use as well.

    We built it from a used first-generation Alphard because we received many requests from customers who wanted a camping-spec vehicle that could be used on a daily basis, had a spacious interior, and was inexpensive.

    　Although the Alphard is not often used as a camper, it is actually one of the most suitable vehicles for campers.

    　The Alphard’s appeal lies in its spacious interior, which takes advantage of its body size of 4840 mm (length) x 1805 mm (width) x 1935 mm (height) (first-generation Alphard).

    　In particular, the rear seats are spacious enough, and both the second and third rows are comfortable.

    　The camper version of the Alphard was designed to take advantage of these features, but what are the particular points of interest?

    　The person in charge of this project says, “”It is as good as the Alphard.

    One of our special features is a full-size bed measuring up to 1,900 mm x 1,400 mm to create an interior space for sleeping comfortably and a design that is as good as the Alphard’s.”” This bed comes as standard equipment.

    　This bed is standard equipment, and by fabricating a cabinet in the third row, which is used less frequently, and interlocking it with the second seat, a bed space of 1900 mm deep was secured.

    　Other standard equipment includes a table, which is essential for overnight stays in the car, and a rear cabinet for comfortable seating in the rear seats.

    　In addition, a “”sub-battery system set”” that includes a USB power supply and sub-battery can be set as an option for 150,000 yen, and a portable refrigerator can be equipped as a separate option for 40,000 yen.

    　The spacious interior and a full range of options make this a camper that can be easily and comfortably enjoyed by couples, or even by overnighting with pets.

    Can you buy a Toyota “”Alphard Camper”” for less than 1 million yen? How to get an inexpensive “”double-bed-equipped”” overnight car.

    The first Alphard camper! The number one attraction is… the low price?
    　Such an Alphard camper is very attractive in terms of its low price, as it is based on a used car.

    　As mentioned above, since it is based on the first generation Alphard, even the renovated vehicle price is less than 1 million yen, and even with the aforementioned sub options, it can be purchased at a very reasonable price.

    　The Alphard camper is low-priced and comfortable, but what exactly is the response from users?

    　The person in charge of the Alphard Camper told us the following about the response from users.

    We’ve received a variety of comments from people who have purchased our products, and many of them say, “”It’s great that I can get a camping car within my budget,”” referring to the affordable price.

    　We also receive comments such as, “”I’m glad it’s the perfect size for two people and a pet,”” and “”Even though the Alphard is an 8-passenger vehicle, we don’t actually have that many people in the car, so I appreciate that it has a bed in the back.

    　We are grateful for the response to the size and interior, which are perfect for overnight stays in the car.

    The average price of the first-generation Toyota Alphard, which was introduced in 2002, is around 500,000 yen in the used car market as of May 2022.

    　On the other hand, some users who do not intend to spend the night in the car have said that it is convenient, such as “”I don’t have to stay overnight in the car, but I like being able to take a break or work remotely in the car.

    　The reputation for riding comfort is outstanding, and the camper version of the Alphard has been well received for not getting tired even over long distances.

    　This camper is also in very high demand from users who do not intend to stay overnight in the car, as well as from those who work remotely and talk online in addition to staying overnight in the car.
    “

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    “Uncle’s heated debate!” Hybrid abolition is also “Skyline is turbo !” Which generation is the best? 3 traditional “Ska G turbo” .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Uncle Dan’s heated debate! Hybrid cars are being phased out, but “”Skyline is all about turbos, right? Which generation is the best? 3 choices of the traditional “”Skyline G Turbo

    Three six-cylinder turbocharged sedans from Skyline’s history
    　Around April 2022, Nissan posted on its official Web site that “”orders for the Skyline hybrid version of the company’s sporty sedan have reached the planned sales volume.
    　
    　As of late May 2022, only the 3-liter twin-turbo engine model remains and continues to be sold.

    Even police vehicles! Photos of successive generations of
    Nissan Skyline GT Turbo (C210 model, 1980)

    　Some people on social networking sites are disappointed about the suspension of orders for hybrids, saying that it is going against the trend toward electrification.

    　On the other hand, however, core Nissan fans say, “”The Skyline GT (Skyline GT) is a 6-cylinder turbo! Skyline is meant to be a sedan and sporty.

    　In fact, the Skyline has often made headlines by introducing high-performance engines with six-cylinder turbochargers.

    　In this issue, we look back at three historic models in the Skyline’s history that are related to the sedan model and the six-cylinder turbocharged engine.

    The Dawn of the High-Performance Era! The 5th generation “”Japan”” C210 Skyline GT Turbo

    　The first turbocharged 2-liter “”L20E”” inline 6-cylinder Skyline engine was installed in the 5th generation C210 model, commonly known as the “”Japan”” model.

    　The Skyline GT Turbo, added in June 1980, produced a maximum output of 145ps (gross). Nicknamed the “”Skyline GT Turbo,”” it marked the beginning of a new era of high power in the Japanese car market, which had been temporarily closed to high performance due to increasingly strict exhaust gas regulations.

    　It also attracted attention when a special vehicle based on the SCA-G Turbo appeared in the popular detective drama “”Seibu Keisatsu”” (Western Japan Police) under the name of “”Machine X.”” It is still popular among core fans today.

    The most popular car of all time! R32 8th-generation Skyline GTS-t

    　The 8th generation Skyline (R32) was born in 1989, in the midst of the bubble economy. The big news was the revival of the ultra-high-performance Skyline GT-R (BNR32), which was announced at the same time, but the regular model also attracted attention with its drastic line change.

    　This was a complete turnaround from the 7th generation model, which had gone the luxury route to compete with the rival Toyota “”Mark II. The 7th generation model, which had been a bold move to compete with the rival Toyota “”Mark II,”” was now a sporty car with a smaller body size, an unprecedented move in these times of economic boom.

    　The 2-liter straight-six turbo engine with a maximum output of 215ps, multi-link suspension, and Super HICAS (rear-wheel angle control system) were highly acclaimed for their high-performance performance, and many fans still consider it the No. 1 sports sedan of all previous Skyline models.

    The current V37 is the “”strongest Skyline sedan in history! Skyline 400R

    　The 13th-generation V37 Skyline, which underwent a full model change in February 2014, was initially available only with 3.5-liter and 2.5-liter V6 non-turbo engines.

    　The 6-cylinder turbocharged engine was revived during the big minor change implemented in July 2019.

    　The 3-liter V6 twin-turbo VR30DDTT engine, in addition to the regular version with 304 hp, is now available in a higher output version, the 400R, with 405 hp, the highest in the Skyline sedan’s history.

    　The high power model with more than 400 hp was widely acclaimed by core Nissan fans as “”the revival of the sports sedan! and has achieved a certain level of sales performance.

    　The 6-cylinder turbocharged engine Skyline sedan was revived after 18 years since the 2.5-liter turbocharged R34, which was discontinued in 2001.

    * * *

    　While the Skyline hybrid will no longer be ordered, the luxury sedans Fuga and Cima are expected to be discontinued in the summer of 2022.

    The number of classically styled sedans has been rapidly declining in recent years due to the popularity of SUVs and minivans.

    　Nissan has already discontinued production of the 4-door sedan Sylphy and Teana models for Japan in 2020, respectively.

    　Therefore, the current Skyline Turbo is expected to be the only valuable 4-door sedan model among Nissan cars in Japan after this summer.

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

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    Modern version of Toyota “Hilux Surf” ! 40th anniversary specification set in the US for the new “4Runner” with innovative graphics and bronze wheels .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “A Modern Version of Toyota’s “”Hilux Surf””? 40th Anniversary Edition of New “”4Runner”” with Fresh Graphics and Bronze Wheels to be Available in the U.S.

    New 4Runner Celebrates 40th Anniversary
    　On May 24, 2022, Toyota Motor Corporation of America announced that the all-new 4Runner/4Runner (2023 model year) mid-size SUV has a special edition “”40th Anniversary Special Edition”” (“”40th Anniversary Special Edition””) to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

    [Images] This is so cool! Look at the special edition of the new “”4Runner,”” the modern version of the “”Hilux Surf!”” (25 pictures)

    　The 4Runner, which will be sold in the U.S., is the SUV successor to the Hilux Surf, which was sold in Japan until 2009.

    This thing is cool! The 40th Anniversary Special Edition of the new 4Runner (2023 model year) announced by Toyota Motor Corporation of America

    　In the U.S. market, the 4Runner has sold more than 4 million units in the past 40 years and has established itself as a “”do-it-all SUV”” that can be driven on both paved roads and trails.

    　The new 4Runner (2023 model year) will consist of the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro grades.

    　In this context, the 4Runner will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the 2023 model year, which will be introduced in 2022.

    　To commemorate this milestone, Toyota will produce and sell 4,040 units of the 40th Anniversary Special Edition for the U.S. market on a limited basis.

    　The 40th Anniversary Special Edition is based on the SR5 Premium grade and is available in three color variations: White, Midnight Black Metallic and Barcelona Red Metallic.

    　The special edition SR5 also stands out with its bronze-colored 17-inch alloy wheels, TOYOTA Heritage grille in the same color as the body color, and bronze-colored 40th Anniversary badge.

    　Most noteworthy is the heritage graphics specially created for the 40th Anniversary Special Edition.

    　The first generation model was developed based on Toyota’s pickup platform, which is the legacy of Toyota’s brilliant success in off-road racing.

    　As a tribute to this, it was tailored with retro-inspired yellow/orange/red body graphics.

    　The interior of the 40th Anniversary Special Edition features an exclusive badge on the center console.

    　The interior also features a bronze-colored cross-stitched shift knob, bronze-colored seat stitching, floor mats with the 40th anniversary logo, and black soft-textured leather seats.

    * * *

    　Although the Hilux Surf has already disappeared in Japan, the 4Runner remains popular in the U.S. market as its successor.

    　The 40th anniversary special edition model, which is being introduced in this context, comes equipped with nostalgic features. It will be interesting to see what kind of response it will receive from users.　

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

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    Honda’s new “CR-V” pre-release! Completely renewed for the first time in 6 years ! The next-generation SUV with a hexagon grill is unveiled for the first time in the United States .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Honda’s new CR-V preview! Completely revamped for the first time in 6 years! Next-generation SUV with Hexagonal Grill Debuts in the U.S.

    　U.S. Honda has previewed the design of the all-new CR-V on May 24, 2022.

    New Honda CR-V Design Looks Cool! See the new-look SUV in action in pics!
    This is very promising! Front design of the new “”CR-V”” unveiled for the first time in the world by Honda of the United States.

    　The first-generation CR-V was born in 1995. Since then, the current, fifth-generation CR-V was introduced in 2016, making this the first full model change in six years. (Launched in Japan in 2018)

    　And the new CR-V, now in its sixth generation, is said to feature a robust and refined design, as well as improved versatility.

    　The unveiled front design features sharp headlights and a hexagonal grille. It also features chrome bezels and incised shapes on either side of the bumper.

    　The rear design features split left-right taillights instead of the horizontal taillights of the VWZEL, and the bumper has a sporty look.

    　As for the powertrain, it is announced that a more advanced hybrid system will deliver sporty driving performance.

    　More information on Honda’s new CR-V, which is highly popular in the U.S. market, is expected to be released this summer.

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

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    Toyota’s new SUV “bZ4X” is seriously outdoors !FAW Toyota proposes a comfortable camp that can also use electricity in China .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Serious Outdoor Activities with Toyota’s New bZ4X SUV? FAW Toyota Proposes Comfortable Camping with Electricity in China
    Tuesday, May 24, 19:10

    Offering Comfortable Camping with External Power Supply Function
    　Toyota’s new SUV-type EV, the bZ4X, is being rolled out globally and will be handled in the Chinese market by two joint ventures, FAW Toyota Motor Co. and Guangqi Toyota Motor Co. under the same vehicle name. The price in the Chinese market is set at 220,000 to 300,000 yuan (approx. 4.26 million to 5.81 million yen) for both FAW Toyota Motor/Guangqi Toyota Motor.

    Serious outdoor activities utilizing Toyota’s new “”bZ4X”” SUV! Comfortable Camping Style and More in 54 Images

    　FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. has proposed an outdoor style using the new bZ4X on its official social networking service (Weibo).

    Outdoor style using the new bZ4X revealed by FAW Toyota Motor (image from FAW Toyota Motor’s official Weibo).

    　The released images show the new “”bZ4X”” being brought into a field with a car-side tarp and roof tent attached, and outdoor goods being deployed.

    　FAW Toyota also introduced the new bZ4X’s external power supply function, which utilizes a large-capacity battery, as an advantage of the new bZ4X in outdoor activities.

    　The company is promoting the ability to supply power for lights and other devices used outdoors at night.

    　SUVs are a popular body type for outdoor use, and the new bZ4X can also be fully utilized in outdoor activities.

    * * *

    　Looking at the dealer option list (in the catalog) for the new bZ4X that Toyota has released for the Japanese market as of May 11, 2022, the “”luggage soft tray”” will be included in the lineup as a genuine accessory that may be useful in outdoor situations.

    　There are two types, one for the bottom of the luggage compartment and the other for the rear seat back, and the anti-slip, water-repellent, and waterproof surface allows you to load luggage without worrying about getting it dirty.

    　Also available as a factory-installed option are roof rails that make it easier to attach a base carrier.

    　Combined with these items, the new bZ4X will make outdoor activities more comfortable.”

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    Easily improve the sound quality of the Hiace, and release a high-grade model of the speaker package for each model … Sonic Plus .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “High-Grade Model of Model-Specific Speaker Package for the Hiace Easily Improves Sound Quality…Sonic PLUS May 26, 2022 (Thu.) 13:30

    Sonic Design will release the “”SF-H201M”” for Toyota Hiace (200 series) front doors at 17 Sonic Plus Centers nationwide on June 17 as a new product in its “”Sonic PLUS”” lineup of vehicle-specific speaker packages that can be installed without modification to the factory speakers.

    The SF-H201M is the first Sonic Plus product to employ the newly developed enclosure-integrated speaker module. Seamless wide-range reproduction is achieved with a single way without a crossover network. In addition, the directionality and spread of sound in the cabin are optimized by using a point sound source. This enables reproduction of a more natural sound field.

    The enclosure adopts a three-piece monocoque structure with a rigid aluminum die-cast baffle section and bottom section, and “”dumped brackets”” specially designed for car models to enhance mounting rigidity. The newly designed tuning port “”G-tuner”” is designed outside the enclosure instead of inside the enclosure to achieve both enclosure volume and ease of installation. It expands the reproduction range of low frequencies and realizes clearer and tighter reproduction of mid-bass tones.

    The speaker unit is the high-grade “”SD-N77M type”” (77mm). It features a CMF (cross microfiber) cone, a microfiber braided resin diaphragm that pursues the best balance between suppleness and rigidity, and an external magnetic circuit with high-density neodymium magnets and a narrow-gap motor system. It reproduces precise expression and volume of information that reflects the true face of music, as well as realistic and tight mid-bass sound.

    The new product adopts the in-door enclosure method, which is considered ideal for car audio reproduction. Combined with the specially designed “”dumped bracket”” baffle incorporating “”AC Control,”” the new product reproduces clear sound with minimal unwanted resonance and significantly eliminates sound leakage outside the car.

    The product lineup consists of one high-grade model and one full-range model. The new product can be installed in the front door without any modification to replace the factory unit, reducing installation time and cost. The lineup can be completely restored to the original factory condition, and does not impair the value of the vehicle or its maintainability.

    The price is 198,000 yen (excluding installation labor/tax).

    “