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    The Nissan Skyline (ER34) has finally been released after 25 years

    The high prices of Japanese sports cars in the used car market are due to the “25-year rule”, which exempts cars over 25 years old from certain regulations. This has led to increased interest in the Nissan Skyline (ER34), which will be eligible for import to the US in 2023. The rule allows easier import of right-hand drive cars from Japan, which were previously difficult to certify for US roads. The rule has become popular among Japanese and American car enthusiasts, particularly for sports cars from the 1990s.
    The Nissan Skyline (ER34) has finally been released after 25 years, and its sporty design and wide range of options have attracted attention. The “25-year rule” has caused the prices of used ER34s to increase, with prices ranging from 2-6 million yen. Other cars such as the Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS and the Honda Prelude SiR S-Spec will also celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2023, while the Skyline GT-R (BNR34) will be released in 2024. These models have not been sold in the United States, so their exportation is closely watched.

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    Toyota Yaris Cross: Impressive 40mm Ground Clearance Sets it Apart

    On August 4, 2023, Toyota’s subsidiary in the Philippines made an exciting announcement, unveiling the all-new Yaris Cross. This revelation sent shockwaves through the automotive world, as it became evident that this Yaris Cross was unlike any other bearing the same name, especially when compared to its Japanese counterpart.

    In Japan, the Yaris Cross has long been associated with the compact “Yaris” model. However, the newly introduced Yaris Cross, which had its grand debut in Indonesia in May 2023, proved to be a revolutionary departure in terms of design and chassis. The Philippine unveiling of the Yaris Cross echoed this transformation, with the model embodying the concept of “Solid Scarlet & Dynamic.”

    This iteration of the Yaris Cross boasts dimensions of 4310mm in length, 1770mm in width, and 1615mm in height, with a wheelbase spanning 2620mm. What sets it apart is its impressive minimum ground clearance, standing at 210mm, a substantial 40mm increase from its Japanese counterpart. These generous proportions create a bold and imposing exterior, with distinctive character lines exuding an air of grandeur that defies its compact classification.

    The exterior design showcases a harmonious blend of a sloping roof and wide fenders, resulting in a stable and captivating silhouette that commands attention from every angle. The interior complements this sporty aesthetic with a spacious, soft-touch dashboard panel, delivering a sense of luxury that exceeds its segment’s standards.

    Under the hood, the Yaris Cross offers two powertrain options. First is the gasoline engine model, featuring a robust 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine capable of producing 106 hp and a peak torque of 138 Nm. The alternative is the hybrid model, combining a 1.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, boasting a total output of 91 hp. Both variants exclusively employ a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

    The Yaris Cross is available in three distinct trims: G and V for the gasoline engine models, and S HEV for the hybrid variant. Safety is a top priority, with the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), incorporating features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), available on HEV and V trims. The G trim comes equipped with essential safety features like electronic brake force distribution system (EBS), anti-lock brake system (ABS), vehicle stability control system (VSC), and hill start assist control (HAC).

    The Yaris Cross is offered in a selection of eye-catching body colors, including dark turquoise and white pearl, all available with a two-tone black roof. Pricing is competitive, with the S HEV starting at 1.598 million Philippine pesos (approximately 4.07 million yen), the V at 1.296 million pesos (around 3.3 million yen), and the G at 1.199 million pesos (approximately 3.05 million yen).

    Atsuhiro Okamoto, the representative of Toyota’s Philippines subsidiary, expressed his enthusiasm for the new Yaris Cross, emphasizing the company’s commitment to making hybrid models more accessible to Filipinos. He stated, “With the new Yaris Cross, we want more Filipinos to feel more familiar with hybrid models. At Toyota, we believe in approaching carbon neutrality from multiple paths. Widespread adoption is essential to maximizing the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, which is why we are starting with the most popular hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) on the market. While expanding the range of affordable and practical HEVs Toyota offers customers, it also offers attractive, modern designs, advanced vehicle features, and life-enhancing technologies that are ideally suited to today’s drivers in pursuit of their various passions. It is a valuable one that combines.”

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    Toyota’s new cars have changed their keyless sounds to a cuter more musical tone including the popular Prius model.

    Toyota’s new cars have changed their “keyless sounds” to a cuter, more musical tone, including the popular Prius model. Many cars have a feature that emits an alarm sound when unlocking or locking the doors through keyless entry, often accompanied by flashing lights. Toyota has changed the tone of this sound from a sharp “beep beep” to a softer, piano-like sound in newer models such as the Aqua and Prius. The reason for this change is not clear, but it may be to create a more pleasant user experience.

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    Toyota’s Town Ace Van Stuns with 5 Remarkable Transformations into an Overland Marvel at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024

    At the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, held from January 12th to 14th, 2024, enthusiasts were treated to an array of custom vehicles ranging from sports cars to luxury minivans. However, stealing the spotlight amidst the lineup was Toyota’s unexpected entry – the “MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE,” a creation of the customization experts at Outclass. This commercial van turned SUV showcased a distinctive retro look and a plethora of innovative features that left attendees intrigued.

    Outclass, renowned for their customization of Suzuki vehicles, diverted attention to the Toyota Town Ace Van with their creation, the “MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE.” This unique custom design boasted an impressive lift and overland style, setting it apart from the conventional commercial van crowd. The vehicle’s heightened stature, coupled with a large lift, caught the eye of visitors, signaling a shift toward a more adventurous and off-road-oriented aesthetic.

    When it comes to outdoor adventures, ample storage space is crucial. Recognizing this, the MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE prioritizes large loading capacity, making it an ideal choice for those who find themselves carrying more luggage than anticipated during outdoor excursions. Additionally, the vehicle’s expansive interior, thanks to its one-box commercial van design, provides a comfortable and spacious environment for creating a relaxing space inside – perfect for camping or road trips.

    The customization doesn’t stop there. Embracing the overland style, the MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE features a GIWORKS roof tent, facilitating the convenience of sleeping in the car during extended journeys. The classic design of “Crimson Cross Country” wheels and Maxxis “Buckshot” tires adds a touch of ruggedness, ensuring durability on rough terrains and highlighting the Town Ace 4WD’s high-performance capabilities.

    Noteworthy changes to the front end give the MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE an atmosphere reminiscent of Ford’s Econoline commercial van, providing a unique blend of styles. The rear hatch door, designed to resemble a double door, and modified taillights contribute to an image that surprisingly resembles an American van, despite the significant difference in body sizes. The matte light blue body color, applied with Raptor Liner for scratch resistance, enhances the vehicle’s resilience for off-road adventures.

    Outclass isn’t the only one exploring the customization potential of the Town Ace. The trend of modifying these commercial vans is steadily increasing, with the proposal of an American car-style appearance, lift-up features, and overland style potentially paving the way for a new era of Town Ace customs. The MOUNTAINACE OVERLAND STYLE stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of vehicle customization, offering a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for enthusiasts seeking a unique and adventurous driving experience.

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    Toyota announced an open-spec version of the Hiace van called the Hiace Convertible

    Toyota announced an “open-spec” version of the “Hiace” van, called the “Hiace Convertible”, on April Fool’s Day. The van is available in long and super-long wheelbase models, as well as a 5-person LWB crew van and a 12-person SLWB commuter bus. The company’s Australian subsidiary claimed it was the world’s first convertible Hiace. The Hiace is a popular commercial vehicle and 1-box van used for a variety of purposes, including outdoor leisure and car camping. The current model sold in Japan is the 200 series (5th generation) Hiace and the derived model, the Granace. The latest 300 series (6th generation) Hiace, on which the Granace is based, is only available overseas. The Hiace Convertible is limited to 2019 units.

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    Toyota “Hilux GRS” shaped to “Tundra” face!What is “Tundra face bumper” that can be updated powerfully?

    “Toyota’s “”HILUX GRS”” to be given a “”Tundra”” face! What is the “”Tundra Face Bumper”” that can update the look of the Tundra?

    The Hilux is now a Tundra! Tundra Face Bumper
     On October 5, 2022, GMG Corporation (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture) unveiled the Tundra Face Bumper, a body kit that transforms the Toyota Hilux GR Sport into the front face of the Tundra, Toyota’s large pickup for North America.

    Tundra Face Bumper”” to change the Hilux GR Sport into a “”Tundra Face

     The first-generation Hilux model went on sale in 1968. Today, it is a global model sold in approximately 180 countries and regions.

     The current HiLux is the 8th generation model, which made its return to the Japanese market in September 2017 after a 13-year absence, and underwent minor changes in August 2020. Then, on October 8, 2021, the GR Sport, customized with special features such as exclusive over fenders, was added.

     The Tundra, on the other hand, is a full-size pickup truck produced by Toyota in North America. The current model is the third generation, which underwent its first full model change in 15 years in September 2021.

     As of August 2022, it is not officially sold in Japan and is only partially imported as a parallel import.

    GMG is a Toyota “”Land””.

     GMG is a custom parts manufacturer that handles body kits for SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, RAV4, and Harrier.

     GMG’s Tundra Face Bumper unveiled this time is a special front bumper compatible with the current Hilux GR Sport (models sold after August 2020).

     The bumper will give the Hilux GR Sport a “”Tundra face,”” and orange markers will be placed above the grille and in front of the fenders to give the vehicle an American look.

    The Tundra GR Sport is not sold in Japan.

     The Tundra Face Bumper gives you the atmosphere of a Tundra that is not sold in Japan. If you want a different kind of HILUX GR SPORT, this is a custom part that you should pay attention to.”

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