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Electrifying Triumph Audi’s SQ8 Sportback e-tron Roars with 500+ Horsepower Unleashed
ByPawaniTokyo, Japan – December 19, 2023
Audi Japan has officially introduced its latest addition to the electric vehicle (EV) lineup, the “SQ8 Sportback e-tron,” on December 19, 2023. This cutting-edge SUV promises a thrilling driving experience with its impressive features and performance.
Audi’s Flagship SUV Coupe Series Gets an Electrifying Upgrade
The SQ8 Sportback e-tron is an electric SUV coupe and the latest installment in Audi’s high-performance “S model” series. Building on the success of the Q8 series, which debuted in Japan in July 2019, this new release marks a significant step towards electrification in the premium SUV market.The Q8 series is known for its distinct frameless doors, low roof, and four-door coupe-like styling, boasting the latest MMI Touch Response infotainment system and a mild hybrid system across all models to enhance fuel efficiency.
Unleashing Electrifying Power and Performance
This powerhouse measures 4915mm in length, 1975mm in width, and 1615mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2930mm. Under the hood, the SQ8 Sportback e-tron impressively features a total of three electric motors – one in the front (157kW) and two in the rear (138kW each). This dynamic trio delivers a staggering maximum system output of 370kW (approximately 504 horsepower) and a peak torque of 973Nm. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h is a thrilling experience, taking just 4.5 seconds.Advanced Battery Technology for Extended Range
The SUV incorporates an innovative battery technology that enhances energy density through a unique “stacking method.” This arrangement of electrode materials without gaps allows for a substantial power consumption of 114 kWh, translating to an impressive driving range of 482 km on a single charge (WLTC mode).In typical driving conditions, the rear motor handles operations, while the front motor intervenes during rapid acceleration or slippery situations. Additionally, the rear motor offers independent control over the left and right wheels, featuring an “electric torque vectoring mechanism” that optimizes driving performance.
Striking Design and Luxury Features
The exterior of the SQ8 Sportback e-tron distinguishes itself with wider wheel arches, an S model exclusive bumper, and stylish 20-inch aluminum wheels. The sporty design is further accentuated with silver accents on the front lip, mirror covers, diffuser, and more.Inside, the cabin exudes luxury with predominantly black interiors, exclusive leather seats featuring the S logo and diamond stitching, matte brushed aluminum decorative panels, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers.
Premium Performance Comes at a Price
The Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron comes with a premium price tag of 14.92 million yen and is exclusively available in right-hand drive. As Audi continues to push the boundaries of electric mobility, the SQ8 Sportback e-tron stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to combining high performance with eco-friendly technology.- kuruma | autonews | Mazda CX-8
Luxury minivan “Alphard” is a rival!Why Mazda’s 3-row SUV “CX-8” is supported by families .
“Mazda’s 3-row SUV “”CX-8″” is a Family Favorite Why Mazda’s 3-row SUV “”CX-8″” is popular among families
Mazda, which withdrew minivans from the market, responded to the need for multi-passenger vehicles
Minivans are the most popular family cars in Japan, with a variety of models available from various manufacturers, including Toyota’s Alphard, Noah/Voxy, and Sienta, Honda’s Step Wagon and Freed, and Nissan’s Serena.As powerful as the Alphard, but more powerful! New “”CX-8″” Luxurious Interior and Exterior in 43 Photos
The all-new Mazda CX-8 has undergone major improvements to give it a powerful new front face.
Minivans are favored mainly by households raising children because of their ability to seat multiple passengers and the convenience of sliding doors, but although Mazda once had minivans such as the MPV, Premacy, and Biante, all have now been withdrawn from the market.
Meanwhile, the CX-8, a three-row crossover SUV, debuted in 2017, partly in response to the need for a multi-seat alternative to minivans and partly to encourage existing users to continue choosing Mazda vehicles.
The CX-8 tends to be chosen by relatively young users, with many buyers in their 30s and 40s among them.
The most common model compared to the CX-8 is the Toyota Harrier, but the CX-8 also competes with the Toyota Alphard.
It is understandable for a luxury SUV like the Harrier, but it seems surprising that the CX-8 would be a competitor with the Alphard, a luxury minivan. But there seems to be a reason for that.
Mazda aims to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries in accidents to zero, and is developing its vehicles to ensure a higher level of rear-seat collision safety than is required by Japanese domestic regulations.
Specifically, Mazda has added the following unique standards: “”no fuel leakage in a full-wrap collision at 50 km/h,”” which exceeds the Japanese domestic standard, “”no fuel leakage in a 70% offset collision at 80 km/h,”” as well as “”ensuring survival space for the last seat”” and “”manually opening the rear seat door on the non-collision side. Unique standards were added.
Adoption of body structures such as the “”Straight Frame Structure,”” in which the rear frame is arranged in a straight line, makes it possible to protect the cabin by crushing the “”crushable thorns”” and absorbing energy in the event of a collision.
Ninety-nine percent of rear-end collisions occur at 70 km/h or less, and the standard of 80 km/h can cover almost all accidents.
Therefore, even if the CX-8 is rear-ended from behind while stopped in highway traffic, the CX-8, designed to high safety standards, can ensure the survival of passengers in the third row of seats.
People in their 30s and 40s, who account for more than 70% of CX-8 buyers, are of the child-rearing generation, and many of them place a high priority on safety when choosing a car.
They often carry their children, parents, friends, and other loved ones in the third-row seats, and the CX-8, with its ample safety features, has been chosen as a family car, which is in line with the CX-8’s concept of “”a three-row SUV that aims to create new value for multi-passenger vehicles,”” as it was originally introduced.
Of course, not only the rear, but also the front and sides are designed based on the same concept, and the same safety features are said to be ensured not only in the CX-8 but in all Mazda vehicles.
CX-8 users’ opinions include: “”It is a cool, popular SUV that can carry a lot of luggage, has three rows and good driving performance with full safety features,”” “”There is no three-row SUV of this size, and if I wanted to drive it, I had to get a foreign car, but finally a domestic manufacturer came out with it,”” “”It is for daily use, has a luxurious feel, and is also a comfortable powertrain. It is a dream car for fathers who want a comfortable and powerful car for everyday use.
In the domestic 3-row SUV market, the CX-8 ranked first in sales volume in the same category in 2018 and 2019. The CX-8’s appeal can be attributed to the fact that it is a multi-passenger vehicle that offers both driving performance and design, while also ensuring safety.
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In the product upgrade in December 2022, the CX-8 will undergo a major styling change incorporating the latest Soul of Motion design.
In addition, the grade system has been changed to broaden user choices, and the “”Grand Journey”” (special edition), which is active and has improved rough-road drivability, and the sporty and high-quality “”Sports Appearance”” have been newly introduced, while the top grade “”Exclusive Mode”” has evolved interior and exterior.
In addition to ensuring collision safety performance against rear-end collisions when occupying the third-row seat, the new model also features evolved “”Adaptive LED headlights”” and Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS), aiming to create a safe, secure, and comfortable vehicle for all occupants to travel in.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”
Toyota Unveils the Luxurious Alphard/Vellfire Redefining High-End Minivans with 4th Generation Upgrade
Toyota, the renowned automobile manufacturer, has taken the automotive world by storm with the highly anticipated debut of its new Alphard/Vellfire model. Officially unveiled on June 21, 2023, the Alphard/Vellfire is set to redefine the concept of luxury minivans, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and critics alike.
The Vellfire, often regarded as the epitome of opulent minivans, has undergone a significant transformation, solidifying its position as a top-tier high-end model. Toyota has gone above and beyond to ensure that the new Vellfire surpasses all expectations, providing passengers with an exceptional level of comfort and style. One notable feature of the Vellfire is the introduction of a luxurious tan leather interior, exclusive to this model and not available in the Alphard.
The Alphard first entered the scene in 2002 as Toyota’s premier minivan, catering to luxury-oriented customers during the height of the minivan boom. In 2008, Toyota introduced a fully remodeled second-generation Alphard while simultaneously giving birth to the Vellfire, designed to appeal to those seeking a more individualistic approach. This latest iteration represents the fourth generation of the Alphard and the third generation of the Vellfire.
Toyota has expressed its vision for the new Alphard and Vellfire, aiming to create a space that fosters consideration and appreciation among all occupants, whether they’re in the driver’s seat or enjoying the backseat. Referred to as “the happiness of comfortable travel,” this philosophy has been ingrained in the development process, preserving the essence of Toyota’s values passed down through generations.
To achieve “the happiness of comfortable mobility,” Toyota has focused on sublimating performance to meet global standards, using the TNGA platform (GA-K) specifically optimized for minivans. The Alphard/Vellfire will embody enhanced performance and a superior driving experience. Each model will retain its distinct personality, with the Vellfire gasoline engine variant featuring a high-output 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder turbo engine and additional special body rigidity parts that enhance its unique character.
The new Vellfire, positioned as a high-end model, boasts a base grade price of 6.55 million yen, surpassing the base grade price of the new Alphard (excluding the Welcab) at 5.4 million yen. Toyota has meticulously designed the Vellfire’s interior, setting different design goals for the front and rear seats. The front seat layout combines dynamic left and right movement with a robust console, creating a cruiser-like cockpit that envelops the owner in utmost comfort. At the rear, various functions such as lighting, switches, and air conditioner outlets have been integrated into the center of the ceiling, evoking a sense of elegance and refinement reminiscent of a luxury cruise experience. These interior features are shared with the Alphard, but the Vellfire sets itself apart with its unique color options.
While both the Alphard and Vellfire offer a black interior, the Alphard offers a neutral beige color that the Vellfire does not possess. In contrast, the Vellfire boasts the captivating “Sunset Brown” interior, exuding a calm and luxurious ambiance absent in the Alphard. The sunset brown interior complements the wood and black panels, creating a level of quality comparable to that of European ultra-luxury cars. For those seeking an added touch of luxury, the optional “pillar light” set enhances the ambiance, transforming the interior into a magnificent “luxury lounge.”
It is worth noting that the Vellfire’s interior color, Sunset Brown, does not incur any additional cost, allowing users to enjoy a truly luxurious and fashionable atmosphere. Discerning customers looking to elevate their driving experience to new heights can opt for the Sunset Brown interior, further accentuating the elegance of their minivan.
With the debut of the new Alphard/Vellfire, Toyota has raised the bar in the luxury minivan segment, setting a new standard for performance, comfort, and style. The Alphard/Vellfire represents the culmination of Toyota’s dedication to crafting vehicles that provide the utmost satisfaction to its discerning customers, making it a top choice for those seeking unparalleled luxury in their minivan experience.
Nissan has unveiled its new compact sedan the Almera in Thailand
Nissan has unveiled its new compact sedan, the Almera, in Thailand. The Almera has been sold in various countries as the Pulsar, Bluebird Sylphy, and Latio. The current model, which was introduced in 2019, is the fourth generation and is sold as the Versa in some markets. The new Almera features a larger V-motion grille, sporty exterior enhancements, and a simple yet sporty interior design. The Ignite Package adds even more sportiness to the already impressive vehicle. The Almera starts at 2.17 million yen in the Thai market.
From “Corolla” to “Harrier”, “Changed!”
“From “”Corolla”” to “”Harrier””, “”Change? What is the “”Full Color Liquid Crystal Display”” that Toyota’s latest cars are adopting all at once?
Full-face LCD color meters are now available in four different tastes and three different layouts
Toyota has successively upgraded its major models: the Harrier on September 26, 2022, the Corolla on October 3, 2022, and the RAV4 on October 4, 2022. One of the new features common to all models is the “”meter.
This section introduces the “”color LCD panel”” that has replaced the “”analog meter”” that used needles in the past.Image: Design changes can be made “”at will! Photos of the “”color meters”” used in the new Harrier and other models (42 photos)
Two examples of the “”12.3-inch TFT Color Meter + Multi-information Display”” newly adopted in Toyota’s new Harrier and other models
The current Harrier, a popular luxury SUV, will be in its fourth generation when it is introduced in 2020.
The major news from the first partial improvement in two years is the addition of the Harrier PHEV, a new lineup equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, in addition to improved safety features.
The Corolla, Toyota’s leading mass-market car brand, was fully remodeled in June 2018, with the hatchback preceding it. The sedan and station wagon (Corolla Touring) are next, with the new model coming in September 2019.
This is the first major facelift in the three to four years since its debut, including changes to the powertrain lineup and the introduction of a new 1.5-liter engine.
The RAV4 underwent a full model change in April 2019, and the timing of the partial upgrade comes three and a half years after its full model change.
The RAV4 PHV plug-in hybrid vehicle, which had been an independent model, has been integrated to become a part of the RAV4 lineup, and the special edition Adventure “”OFFROAD package II The “”Adventure “”OFFROAD package II”””” is a special edition model with a greatly enhanced off-road image on the exterior.
A common improvement among the three models is the new 12.3-inch TFT color meter and multi-information display.
This upgrade from the conventional analog meter that uses the rotating needle as an indicator has resulted in a color LCD display over the entire surface of the meter, giving the impression of a more advanced image.
The panel design has four tastes: Casual, Smart, Tough, and Sporty, and three layouts are available, allowing the user to change the display to suit his or her preference.
The multi-information display, which consolidates information in the center of the meter, has been modified to display three types of information: left, center, and right, so that multiple information can be displayed at the same time.
According to Toyota’s official website, the basic layout is the same for all three models, but only the high-end Harrier model has a “”satin-plated meter ring”” around the meter that displays speed and other information to enhance the design.
It will be interesting to see if the 12.3-inch TFT color meter will be expanded to other models in the future.
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In addition to the 12.3-inch TFT color meters, another improvement common to the three popular models is the improvement of the display audio system compatible with the connected navigation system.
The display audio system incorporates a large screen display and functions that are linked to smartphones and connected functions, and a navigation system can be added as an option.
Toyota first offered this feature when the current Corolla was introduced, and it has since been rolled out to various models.
The new Harrier has the same large 12.3-inch display as before some improvements, but with improved specifications.
In addition to the 8-inch display audio, the new Corolla has a new 10.5-inch Display Audio Plus (with in-car navigation function). This is larger than the previous maximum 9-inch display.
And the new RAV4 has likewise been expanded from the conventional maximum 9-inch display audio (additionally available at the time of partial improvement in 2020) to a larger 10.5-inch display.
“Toyota’s New Hilux Stuns with Powerful Facelift and 9 Exciting Upgrades
ByPawaniThe Toyota’s New Hilux is a mid size pickup truck whose first generation was released in 1968. Its robust ladder frame and four wheel drive system combine excellent off road performance with reliability, and it has been highly praised around the world. The current model is the eighth generation, released in 2015. It has been reintroduced to the Japanese market for the first time in about 13 years and has been very popular. Sales in Vietnam began in 2009 as an import from Thailand, and the current lineup includes two types of diesel engines: a 2.4 liter with a maximum output of 148ps and a maximum torque of 400Nm, and a 2.8 liter with a maximum output of 201ps and a maximum torque of 500Nm. The 4WD system is a part time type, and the 2.4 liter model is also available in a 2WD model. All body types are double cab (4 doors). In particular, the 2.8 liter model is differentiated in terms of both interior and exterior. It is an “adventure” model equipped with a bare bumper guard and over fenders, and has a design that enhances its dynamic presence.
The main improvements this time are a facelift for the 2.4 liter model. The honeycomb shaped front grille expresses strength. In the interior, both the 2.4 liter and 2.8 liter models are equipped with a 9 inch infotainment touch screen, and the 2.8 liter model is equipped with a two zone independently adjustable air conditioner, a 360 degree camera, and a blind spot warning system, improving comfort and safety. Prices start from 668 million VND (approx. 4.05 million yen) for the 2.4 liter model and 999 million VND (approx. 6.05 million yen) for the 2.8 liter model .
The announcement of the new Hilux has already received a lot of feedback from users. One user commented on the new design, saying, “This design is really great. I think it’s a car that looks great both in the city and in nature.” It seems that the adventure model is gaining popularity, with comments such as, “The adventure model is great, and it looks like it can handle more activities such as camping and fishing,” and “I especially like the adventure model. I feel like I can go anywhere with this.” Many customers have praised the new Hilux’s design and performance, but there are also some local voices calling for improvements in areas such as price, fuel efficiency, and size, and it will be interesting to see how the company responds to this feedback.