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    Unleash Your Adventurous Side with VRARVA MARS 12 Thrilling Upgrades for Toyota RAV4!

    The recently concluded outdoor event “FIELDSTYLE JAPAN 2023” held at AICHI SKY EXPO on May 20th and 21st, 2023, offered an exciting array of campers and outdoor goods from various companies and individuals. Among the exhibits stood out the VRARVA “MARS,” a remodeled crossover SUV based on the Toyota RAV4, designed with a striking military vehicle aesthetic. Developed by KUHL JAPAN, a Nagoya-based company specializing in automotive dress-up, tuning, and manufacturing of aluminum wheels and aero parts, the VRARVA brand pushes the boundaries of design and functionality.

    Dubbed “CYBER X RACING,” the VRARVA brand incorporates KUHL’s expertise in aero manufacturing, their vast knowledge gained from the race scene and wind tunnel experiments, and cutting-edge modeling technology. The result is a “near-future crossover car” that merges a commanding presence with exceptional functionality. Leading the series is the awe-inspiring “Mars,” a customized version of the ever-popular RAV4.

    The “Mars” features a total of twelve body kits, available at a price of 990,000 yen, including tax for the unpainted version, or 499,400 yen for the one-tone painted version. The front section of the vehicle undergoes extensive remodeling, incorporating elements such as a redesigned “bonnet,” “front grille with Braava emblem,” and “front fender.” Not stopping there, the rear of the vehicle is also customized, featuring distinctive additions like the “rear fender” and “rear bumper.” Enthusiasts can further personalize their “Mars” with optional accessories, including the “roof end wing” (priced at 77,000 yen for unpainted and 30,800 yen for one-tone painting) and the brand emblem-adorned “rear garnish” (available for 34,100 yen unpainted or 13,200 yen with one-tone painting).

    Additionally, visitors to the event were treated to a glimpse of a vehicle equipped with a roof rack capable of accommodating a tent—a testament to the “Mars” custom car’s versatility and practicality in outdoor settings. Combining power, ease of handling, and usability, the “Mars” redefines the crossover SUV experience for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

    The Toyota RAV4, a crossover SUV first introduced by Toyota in 1994, has evolved into its fifth generation since its initial release in 2019. Available in both gasoline and hybrid variants, the RAV4 employs a 4WD system for enhanced driving performance on rough terrain. Renowned for its stylish design, the RAV4 appeals to urban drivers while maintaining excellent off-road capabilities.

    KUHL JAPAN’s introduction of the VRARVA “MARS” at the FIELDSTYLE JAPAN 2023 event showcases their commitment to pushing automotive boundaries and reimagining the concept of a crossover SUV. With its innovative design and impressive features, the “Mars” offers a glimpse into the future of automotive customization and outdoor adventuring.

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    developed a specialized 6-wheel drive vehicle called the HILOAD based on the Toyota Hilux pickup truck

    Prospeed, a British company, has developed a specialized 6-wheel drive vehicle called the HILOAD based on the Toyota Hilux pickup truck. The HILOAD features a longer chassis and an additional third axle to increase its load capacity, mobility, and versatility. It has recently gained attention as a firefighting vehicle equipped with a special extinguishing system developed by Cold Cut Systems to combat the fire hazards posed by electric vehicles (EVs) due to their lithium-ion batteries. The system sprays water mixed with abrasive material at high pressure to extinguish the fire effectively.

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    Introducing the Ultimate Driving Experience: The GR Corolla Unleashed

    Toyota GR Corolla 2024.09.26(TOYOTA GR COROLLA) by RAI STAR   In the world of automotive enthusiasts, few names resonate as strongly as Toyota’s GR (Gazoo Racing) lineup. The latest addition, the GR Corolla, is not just another car; it’s a statement of intent, a thrilling blend of performance, innovation, and style. This new model promises…

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    LED fog shines on the black grill! Honda New “Fit RS” “Light” Custom Enhancement! Introducing genuine accessories!

    “Black grille and LED fogs shine! Honda’s new “”Fit RS”” has been enhanced with “”light”” customization! Genuine accessories are now available!

    Genuine accessories for the facelifted Fit are now available!
     Honda Access, which handles genuine accessories for Honda vehicles, will release various parts for the Honda Fit minor change on October 7, 2022.

    Sporty black grille! New “”Fit RS”” interior and exterior illumination is quite flashy!

    New Honda Fit RS (with genuine accessories)

     In addition to improved usability and a lineup of driving support items for interior/exterior items, genuine accessories are now available for each grade and usage scenario.

     The facelift brings back the sporty “”RS”” grade for the first time in two and a half years. Newly added accessories for the RS grade of the current Fit include two types of LED fog lights (clear and yellow) that illuminate an area close to the car in inclement weather and make the car’s presence known to those around it.

     The “”Pattern Projector,”” which illuminates the foot area with the FIT logo when the doors are opened and closed, and the “”Footlights,”” available in candle white or blue, are other illumination items that create a high-quality and gorgeous image.

    The Basic, Home, and Luxe grades feature a sharply accented front grille in Berliner Black and front, side, and rear lower skirts that give the vehicle a sporty silhouette.

     In addition, “”LED fog lights”” for the Basic/Home grade are combined with “”fog light garnish”” with platinum chrome decoration on the lower grille area to create a high-quality front mask.

     The “”Closter,”” an SUV-like grade, offers practical items such as an “”armrest console”” that enhances comfort during long-distance driving and “”LED tailgate lights”” that illuminate the luggage space when the tailgate is opened.

     In addition, the Honda Tecmatic System, a driving aid for people with limb disabilities, and the Honda Franz System, a driving aid that allows people with disabilities in both upper limbs to operate the vehicle using only their legs, are also applicable to the minor-model changed Fit.

     Prices (including consumption tax) for the RS start at 30,800 yen for the LED fog lights, 25,300 yen for the pattern projector, and 12,100 yen for the footlights.

     The “”front grille”” exclusively for Basic/Home/Luxe starts at 27,500 yen, the “”lower skirt”” is 44,000 yen for the front and 35,200 yen for the rear, and the “”fog light garnish”” for Basic/Home is 11,000 yen.

     Also, the Closter “”armrest console”” is 25,300 yen and the “”LED tailgate light”” is 11,000 yen.”

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    Suzuki’s surprise announcement following the unveiling of the new Jimny 5-door

    Suzuki’s surprise announcement following the unveiling of the new Jimny 5-door ? No way, Suzuki will introduce the “New Jimny” or “BEV” to Europe!

    What’s that? Isn’t this a Jimny? Look at the mysterious silhouette!
     The long-awaited Suzuki Jimny 5-door made its world premiere in India on January 12, 2023.
     
    Two weeks later, on January 26, an announcement was made suggesting that the Jimny will be converted to an EV.

    Not a Jimny 5-door…but a 4-door? Nice mysterious Jimny item! See the real thing!

    It was truly a surprise… the world premiere of the new Suzuki “”Jimny 5-door!”” Two weeks later, the “”Jimny EV”” is hinted at

     Around the end of 2022, there has been a lot of talk about Suzuki’s HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and BEV .

     Suzuki’s current production vehicles are mainly mild hybrids, and the only full hybrid (strong type) is the Solio series, which has an image of not being able to ride the wave of electrification of cars.

     In the midst of this situation, the company announced its “”Product Plan to 2030″” at a briefing held on January 26, 2023.

     There, the company stated that it would introduce six BEVs to Japan by FY2030, with the first model to be rolled out during FY2023. The BEVs that Suzuki has created for Japan include silhouettes of the Wagon R series, the Escudo, the Hustler, and the Every, which are believed to be the first BEVs to be launched in Japan.
     
     In addition, the company plans to launch five BEVs in Europe by FY2030, with the first model to be rolled out by the end of FY2024. The most noteworthy of these was the inclusion of a silhouette that could be identified as a “”Jimny””.

     As for the Jimny, as mentioned above, the Jimny 5-door has been announced in India.

     Before that, however, some media reported that an HEV might be added to the lineup. However, there was no mention of it at the AUTO EXPO 2023 conference.

     However, right after the conference, the announcement of Jimny’s electrification was made.

    The Jimny is a genuine off-road four-wheel drive vehicle, a rarity in the world, with a ladder frame structure, rigid axle suspension, and a traditional part-time 4WD mechanism with sub-transfer.

     To ensure high rough road durability and durability, an elaborate mechanism is employed despite the vehicle’s price of less than 2 million yen in Japan.

     However, the robust but heavy structure and 4WD with a sub-transfer certainly make it difficult to match with a hybrid system.

     Even if the company were to use its current mild hybrid system, various questions arise, such as how it would be controlled in 4WD low.

     What about BEVs?

     A fully electric vehicle would free us from the need to consider the engine/motor combination (control).

     Also, if the space around the ladder frame is used well, it is not impossible to install a large-capacity battery.

    Suzuki’s surprise announcement following the unveiling of the new “”Jimny 5-door””? No way, Suzuki will introduce the “”New Jimny”” or “”BEV”” to Europe!

    What will be the Jimny’s traditional drive system?
     What we are interested in is the drive system, but it may not be 4WD as it currently is, and with a sub-transfer.

     When we think of 4WD in EVs, the e-4ORCE system used in Nissan’s Aria comes to mind. This system is a two-motor system with a motor on each of the front and rear drive wheel axles, but it seems like a mismatch when used in the Jimny.

     Of course, it might be possible to place the motors in the Jimny’s front and rear differentials, but that would complicate the control system and increase weight.

     According to leaked reports, the Jimny EV is said to be aiming for a battery capacity of 25 kWh or more and a cruising range of 300 km WLTC, which would make weight reduction and battery placement more important for the ladder frame structure of the vehicle.

     It is the author’s expectation that the current Jimny’s drivetrain and the position of the fuel tank will be used to create a more practical (longer range) EV layout.

     In this case, it is more realistic to use one motor and front-wheel drive instead of 4WD based on rear-wheel drive.

    Comparison of the BEV silhouette (left) and the Jimny (5-door) (right), which will be introduced in Europe

     Incidentally, the possibility of a Jimny HEV is not yet out of the question.

     This story first came out of an interview with Suzuki Australia’s senior management conducted by the international media, who said that a Jimny 5-door and HEV would be launched in Australia in 2024.

     Aside from the various control issues, there is no doubt that the HEV will be a hit in Japan if it becomes a reality. However, there is a possibility that this story is a misidentification of HEVs and BEVs.

     On a serpentine note, if Suzuki launches an EV in the global market between 2023 and 2024, the long delivery time for the Jimny may be reduced.

     This is because the current long delivery time is also said to be due to production volume adjustments caused by CAFE regulations.

     This means that Jimny users who want to drive hard off-road will also benefit from the electric version.

     In any case, the Jimny is suddenly making a lot of noise. First of all, we are looking forward to the launch of the 5-door model in Japan as soon as possible.

    Tomoki Yamazaki

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    The Note Aura Nissan’s flagship compact car has a luxurious interior that rivals that of higher-end models.

    The Note Aura, Nissan’s flagship compact car, has a luxurious interior that rivals that of higher-end models. The exterior features a V-motion grille and lighting blades that differentiate it from the Note, with attention to quality in every detail of the interior and exterior. The overall width has also been increased by 40 mm, making the interior the Aura’s greatest attraction.

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