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    Revolutionary Nissan SUV Unveiled: 3rd-Gen Breakthrough Ignites Global Excitement

    Excitement is brewing as Nissan gears up to unveil its latest creation, an eagerly anticipated “SUV” set to make its world debut on April 17th. Dubbed as the “Flowing SUV,” this newcomer promises to captivate audiences with its sleek design and versatile functionality, resembling the popular Corolla Cross in size.

    Teasing enthusiasts worldwide, Nissan recently dropped a tantalizing preview video showcasing glimpses of the upcoming model. While specifics remain shrouded in mystery, keen-eyed observers speculate that the new SUV could be a modern iteration of the beloved Qashqai.

    For those unfamiliar, the Qashqai, once known as the Dualis in Japan, has undergone a remarkable evolution, culminating in its current third-generation guise. Sporting a chic coupe-like silhouette, this compact SUV has garnered acclaim across Europe, Australia, and beyond.

    Measured against its predecessors, the latest Qashqai boasts impressive dimensions, standing at 4425 mm in length, 1835 mm in width, and 1625 mm in height. Notably akin in size to the Toyota Corolla Cross, it embodies a perfect blend of style and practicality.

    Underneath its striking exterior lies the CMF-C platform, a product of the collaborative efforts within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Crafted at Nissan’s esteemed design hub, the Nissan Design Europe center in London, the Flowing SUV exudes the brand’s signature aesthetic. Notable features include a commanding V-motion grille and distinctive boomerang-shaped tail lamps, complemented by fluid character lines that underscore its dynamic presence.

    When it comes to power, the Flowing SUV offers versatility with various powertrain options. Enthusiasts can expect a mild hybrid configuration, coupling a 1.3-liter engine with either a CVT or 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, an “e-POWER” variant will be available, integrating a 1.5-liter engine with a cutting-edge series hybrid system.

    As the anticipation builds, enthusiasts eagerly await the grand unveiling of the new European model. Scheduled to take place at 7:00 a.m. Central European Time on April 17th (15:00 Japan time), all eyes are on Nissan as they prepare to introduce the world to their latest automotive masterpiece.

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    A new custom part for the Suzuki Jimny has been announced

    A new custom part for the Suzuki Jimny has been announced, which allows it to have a Jeep Cherokee XJ-style look. The Jimny, known for its compact body and off-road capabilities, has been a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts. However, due to its unique appeal, some users have been looking for ways to customize their vehicles to stand out. The new custom part aims to address this need and has been generating buzz among car enthusiasts. The Jeep Cherokee XJ, which was produced from 1984 to 2001, was a sporty model with a monocoque body and was different from previous Jeep SUVs.

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    Young RAV4 owners are all about looks

    Why is Toyota’s “Wild SUV” so popular among young people? Buy a “RAV4” for everyday use! What are they looking for in a 4WD vehicle?

    Young RAV4 owners are all about looks!
     Toyota’s 2019 RAV4 SUV got off to a strong start, receiving about eight times its monthly sales target in the first month after its announcement. At the same time, it was announced that “40% of buyers are in their 20s and 30s.
     
     More than three years after its debut, the “popularity of the RAV4 among young people” is still going strong, with nearly 50% of gasoline-powered models and nearly 40% of hybrid models purchased by people in their 20s and 30s.

    In love with the design! The gobsmacking “RAV4” is seriously cool!

     What is the reason why the RAV4 is selling well among young people?

    Toyota’s “RAV4” is popular among young people for its rugged appearance.

     When asked by Toyota dealership staff, they said that they have a strong impression that the RAV4 is selling well among young people in the field, and the main reason young people choose the RAV4 is because of its appearance.

     The angular exterior design of the RAV4, which is a four-wheel-drive SUV, seems to be the deciding factor in its purchase, and most young people go to the dealership and nominate the RAV4 for purchase, rather than comparing it with other models.

     A friend of the author (Shogo Nishikawa), who bought a RAV4 when he was 24 years old, told us, “I fell in love with its masculine and rugged look! and he said that it became his dream car when he was a college student when the current RAV4 was introduced, and that his favorite point was the front grille.

     Thus, it seems that the RAV4’s wild design, which anticipates high off-road performance, is popular among young people.

     However, when we asked the staff at the dealership, they told us that while there are certainly some people who enjoy outdoor activities, most of them use the RAV4 for ordinary purposes such as commuting, shopping, and leisure activities. However, the staff at the dealerships told us that although there are some users who enjoy outdoor activities, most of them use their cars for commuting, shopping, and leisure.

     They also said that there tends to be a rather large number of single people, and they see many people choosing the RAV4 as their first new car in their lives.

     This may be due to the fact that the hybrid model costs approximately 650,000 yen more than the gasoline model, and the Adventure grade, which has a strong off-road taste, was initially available only as a gasoline model. The Adventure grade, which has a strong off-road taste, was initially only available in a gasoline version.

     In December 2021, a hybrid version of the Adventure grade was added to the lineup, and now both the gasoline and hybrid models are available in similar grades. The “G “Z package” is available only for gasoline-powered models.

     The gasoline-powered RAV4 is equipped with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, which independently controls the torque of the rear wheels on both sides, and this is said to contribute to its excellent driving performance. The gasoline-powered version of the RAV4 features Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, which independently controls the torque of the rear wheels on both sides, so some buyers may be attracted by its powertrain, which offers a more dynamic driving experience.

     The RAV4’s popularity among today’s young people can be attributed to its appearance, with its aggressive SUV-like design, extensive equipment, and user-friendly features such as convenience and comfort.

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    Fuji 24-hour race: Trouble with the top-running DAISHIN GT-R, HELM GT-R reverses … Super Taikyu Round 2

    “Fuji 24 Hour Race: DAISHIN GT3 GT-R on Top after 12 Hours…Super Taikyu Round 2, June 5, 2022 (Sun.) 11:30 a.m.

    Race2022Super Taikyu 24 Hours of Fuji
    Twelve hours have passed since the start of the second round of the 2022 ENEOS Super Taikyu Series Powered by Hankook “”NAPAC Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hour Race”” and the No. 81 DAISHIN GT3 GT-R in ST-X class is leading the race overall.

    The No. 888 Grid Motorsport AMG GT3 had been leading the race from the beginning, and at the five-hour mark of the race, it took the lead, but the timing of the pit stop allowed the No. 888 car to regain the top position, and a close battle continued.

    Meanwhile, a number of cars encountered problems as the night hours wore on. Six hours into the race, the No. 230 Nissan Z Racing Concept stopped due to machine trouble. The car was first taken to the repair area for first aid, then returned to the pits for extensive repair work. In the end, the work took 1 hour and 55 minutes, and the car returned to the course. However, the team returned to the pits again just before 2:00 a.m. when the date changed, to deal with the trouble.

    The No. 32 ORC ROOKIE GR Collora H2 concept, in which Toyota President Akio Toyoda, aka MORIZO, participates, also spent a long time in the pits to replace injectors, and at around 2:20 am, the No. 28 ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF At around 2:20AM, the No. 28 ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF condept stopped as it exited the final corner due to transmission trouble. The transmission was being replaced in the repair area.

    While troubles were spotted in various areas, car 62 was running smoothly at the top overall, but it exceeded the maximum time limit for one driver to ride in a row and received a 180-second penalty stop at the 9-hour mark of the race. As a result, he dropped to 4th overall, two laps behind the leader.

    Replacing him in the top position was No. 81 Nissan “”GT-R””. In the early stages of the race, the team was just waiting to see what would happen from the rear of the ST-X class, but after entering night driving, the team gradually improved its position and took the opportunity of No. 62’s penalty stop to move up to the top position. He continued to make well-timed pit stops, and at the end of 12 hours, he was one lap ahead of the No. 888 Grid Motorsport AMG GT3 in 2nd position.

    No. 9 MP Racing GT-R was in third position, but it too had to pit for repair work due to transmission trouble, and No. 62 moved up to third.

    Also in ST-Z class was No. 22 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4RS CS, No. 75 Team Noah HONDA CIVIC TCR in ST-TCR class, No. 2 Syntium Apple KTM in ST-1 class, No. 13 ENDLESS GR Yaris in ST-2 class, No. No. 52 Saitama Toyopet GB Crown RS in ST-3 class, No. 86 TOM’S SPIRIT GR86 in ST-4 class, and No. 17 DXL Aragosta NOPRO Demio in ST-5 class.

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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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    The long-awaited “e-POWER 4WD” is now available on Nissan “Kicks”! With the evolved driving and interior, will it be rolled up?

    “The long-awaited “”e-POWER 4WD”” is now available in Nissan’s “”KIX””! Will the improved driving and interior make a comeback?

    Nissan Kicks X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition)Nissan Kicks X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition)Nissan Kicks X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition) added to the upgraded model range.
    On July 19, 2022, Nissan announced minor changes to its KIX compact SUV, adding a long-awaited 4WD model to the lineup, which goes on sale the same day.

    The Kicks, which was introduced about two years ago, is an SUV, but all models in the lineup are FWD-only. Since the Kicks was manufactured for South America from 2016, 4WD was not needed as much as in Japan. The reason why 4WD was not available for the Japanese introduction was that there was no suitable 4WD system that could be combined with the e-POWER (e-4WD for compact cars was The reason for this may be that there was no suitable 4WD system to combine with e-POWER (e-4WD for compact cars is insufficient).

    e-POWER 4WD with two motors in the front and rear

    Nissan KIX X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition), newly added to the upgraded KIX lineup.
    With the recent renewal, the KIX’s e-POWER system is now the second-generation e-POWER system, the same as that of the Note series. Of course, the 4WD model added to the lineup is also the same. It is an e-POWER 4WD model that uses the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine (maximum output 60 kW, maximum torque 103 Nm) for power generation and has two motors: a front motor (100 kW, 280 Nm) and a rear motor (50 kW, 100 Nm). The system output of the front and rear motors is 150 kW and 280 Nm, respectively. The system output of the front and rear motors is 150 kW and 380 Nm, respectively, and with such a large amount of torque, powerful acceleration is achieved despite the vehicle’s 1480 kg weight (1360 kg for FWD).

    The cabin is quiet during normal driving, with only a slight electronic “”hiss”” coming from the front. When the driver accelerates by stepping on the accelerator pedal more, the engine finally starts and accelerates at once. The response to acceleration is exceptionally good, depending on how hard you step on the accelerator pedal. Also, when decelerating, regenerative braking is applied to the front and rear wheels, so it is easy to see that forward pitching is suppressed.

    During gentle acceleration while turning a gentle corner, the car turns quickly and smoothly along the corner. According to Ryozo Hirakou, expert leader of the Powertrain EV Technical Development Division and manager of the Technical Planning Department of the Planning and Advanced Technology Development Division, “”This is one of the scenes where e-POWER 4WD excels. Even when turning downhill, the vehicle traces the corner with little corrective steering, so there is no sense of fear. It is a very reassuring driving experience.

    According to Hiroyuki Togashi, Vehicle Planning & Performance Planning Department, Vehicle Planning & Performance Planning Division, Vehicle Planning & Elemental Technology Development Group, Nissan aims for “”Confidence Drive”” in dynamic performance, and with the Kicks, the driver can accelerate and turn in any situation. The goal was to create a car that is reliable in both snow and wet conditions. The limiting performance is the same for any car, as the anti-skid system intervenes to ensure the same behavior. The driver wanted to deliver comfort and ease of driving that would be recognized when driving in the city.

    Notebook-style electric shift and center console

    Nissan KIX X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition), added to the upgraded KIX lineup.
    With this facelift, the Kicks, like the Note series, now has a floating center console and an electric shift type. A pocket is also provided on the underside of the floating center console.

    Other than that, however, the interior design remained unchanged from the previous Kicks, and key items such as the 12.3-inch digital meters and infomonitor, similar to the new generation Note, Note Aura, and Aria, were not adopted. Since the timing of the product improvement was so opportune, we had hoped that the Kicks would also incorporate these features, but unfortunately, it seems that this was difficult to achieve.

    The top-of-the-line “”Style Edition”” grade, with brown interior and major factory-installed options as standard equipment, has been added to both the 2WD and 4WD models. The chic brown color gives the impression of a sophisticated and mature interior.

    4WD model starts at 3,060,000 yen
    Nissan KIX X FOUR 4WD model (photo: Two Tone Interior Edition), newly added to the upgraded Nissan KIX lineup.
    Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including tax) range from 2,790,000 to 3,010,000 yen for the FWD version and from 3,060,000 to 3,280,000 yen for the 4WD version, with a difference of approximately 250,000 yen between the FWD and 4WD grades.

    As the smallest compact SUV in Nissan’s domestic lineup and a model that we hope will become a hot seller, the high entry price may be a bottleneck. However, with ProPilot as standard equipment on all grades, 17-inch tire wheels, six speakers, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the price is not too high. This SUV is recommended for those who want a compact SUV with a hybrid engine.”

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