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    new Toyota Prius has a 2-seater open version!

    Toyota Unveils Striking Two-Seater Convertible Concept: The Prius Star

    In a bold move that has set the automotive world abuzz, Toyota has unveiled a surprising addition to its iconic Prius lineup – the Prius Star, a captivating two-seater convertible variant of the fifth-generation Prius. This unexpected revelation, which emerged on November 16, 2022, marks the latest evolution of the pioneering hybrid car that first revolutionized the industry a quarter-century ago. With a blend of innovative design, eco-conscious engineering, and a dash of sporty flair, the Prius Star aims to capture the hearts of enthusiasts and environmentally-conscious drivers alike.

    Theo Throttle, a visionary virtual car tuner renowned for his imaginative concepts, took the reins on bringing the Prius Star to virtual life. Through a meticulous process, Throttle seamlessly melded the distinctive face of the new Prius onto a two-seater convertible framework reminiscent of the Mazda Roadster, resulting in a stunning synthesis of hybrid technology and open-top excitement.

    Underneath its striking exterior, the Prius Star retains the core strengths that have made the Prius a symbol of eco-friendly driving. The iconic “monoform silhouette” is a nod to the Prius legacy, while the integration of Toyota’s second-generation TNGA platform further enhances stability by lowering the center of gravity. The adoption of larger 19-inch tires adds a sporty dimension, transforming the Prius Star’s proportions into an embodiment of style and agility.

    A trio of powertrain options awaits discerning drivers. Opt for the 1.8-liter engine for efficiency, the 2.0-liter engine paired with a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) system for a dynamic blend, or elevate your experience with the 2.0-liter engine and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) setup. The PHEV variant achieves a striking 223 horsepower and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, signaling a new era of spirited driving for the Prius lineage.

    Throttle’s ingenuity shines through in the transformation process of the Prius Star, documented on his YouTube channel. Through a careful transplant of the Prius front fascia onto the roadster foundation, followed by meticulous modifications to the body and framework, Throttle brings the Prius Star to life. The finished rendering leaves a lasting impression, seamlessly fusing the Prius’s sporty aesthetics with the allure of a two-seater convertible.

    While Throttle’s creations remain imaginative renderings, unendorsed by manufacturers, their striking realism and thoughtful design invite contemplation. The virtual realm, it seems, provides a canvas for bold exploration, reimagining the boundaries of automotive possibilities. Throttle’s social networking channels continue to showcase an array of captivating concepts, from a station wagon iteration of the Prius to a Lexus-inspired Toyota GR Yaris.

    As automotive enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers eagerly anticipate Toyota’s future endeavors, Throttle’s creations serve as a tantalizing glimpse into a realm where innovation and design intertwine, sparking conversations and aspirations for what lies ahead in the automotive landscape.

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    Introducing the “handsome compact SUV” with “dark finish”! Mitsubishi coupe SUV “Eclipse Cross” improved; special edition also available .

    “A “”handsome”” compact SUV with a “”dark finish”” is now available! mitsubishi coupe suv “”eclypse cross”” gets a facelift with special edition model

    Mitsubishi’s Coupe SUV with Expanded Equipment
     Mitsubishi announced on November 10, 2022, that it has upgraded its Eclipse Cross crossover SUV.
     
     The company also announced the launch of a special edition model, the “”Black Edition,”” and some grades will go on sale on the same day.

    Mitsubishi’s high-performance compact SUV “”Escape”” is also “”handsome”” in driving style! Photos of Mitsubishi’s high-performance compact SUV “”Eclipse Cross”” in action.

    The Eclipse Cross Black Edition, now even more “”handsome”” with its dark atmosphere

     The Eclipse Cross was introduced in March 2018 as Mitsubishi’s first new model and new model SUV in four years at the time.

     The design concept is “”Daring Grace. The design concept is “”Daring Grace”” (Bold and Graceful), with flowing and graceful styling with toughness, just like a coupe SUV.

     The front design adopts Mitsubishi’s “”Dynamic Shield”” identity. The rear design is initially characterized by double glass.

     In October 2020, the car underwent a minor change that included design changes. The front face features sharper headlights, the distinctive rear double glass has been replaced with a single, and the taillight design has been changed from being connected at the left and right to an independent L-shaped shape.

     As for power units, the PHEV model is powered by a PHEV system that combines a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with twin motor 4WD, while the gasoline model is powered by a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine and is available in both 2WD and 4WD versions.

     The grade system has been revised in this upgrade. The five grades are the same for both gasoline and PHEV models: “”M,”” “”G Limited Edition,”” “”G,”” “”Black Edition,”” and “”P.”” The “”M”” grade is now available in both gasoline and PHEV models.

     The changes common to both gasoline and PHEV models include the addition of an electric tailgate and heated rear seats as standard equipment on the P and G grades for improved convenience.

     In addition, a USB port for charging is available in the rear seats. This is standard equipment on the gasoline models P, G, and G Limited Edition, and on the PHEV model M.

     For gasoline models, “”MyPilot,”” a function that assists driving in the same lane on highways, is newly available as standard equipment on the P, G, and G Limited Editions.

     The newly available Black Edition is a sporty version of the high-end P grade with black interior and exterior, and is available for both gasoline and PHEV models.

     The exterior features black front and rear skid plates, side door garnishes, door mirrors, and exclusive black wheels.

     The interior has been changed to black for the meter bezels and center panel, and dark silver for the door grips and instrument panel ornament. Grayish stitching is applied to the seats and steering wheel.

     The price of the improved Eclipse Cross starts at 3,863,200 yen for the PHEV model and 2,542,100 yen for the gasoline model.

    * * *

     The improved Eclipse Cross will go on sale on November 10, 2022, the same day the M/G Limited Edition is announced, while the other grades are scheduled to go on sale on February 16, 2023.

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

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    Finally the Alphard Truck premieres

    Finally, the “Alphard Truck” premieres! Savannah GT & Bluebird are back! NATS students’ custom cars, including an 86 GT car, to be unveiled at TAS2023!

    Looking forward to the response! NATS Students’ Custom Cars to be Unveiled for the First Time
     Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from January 13 to 15, 2023.
     
     The Nihon Automobile College, which exhibits custom cars that astonish visitors every year, will exhibit what kind of model in 2023?

    World premiere at last! This is the Alphard Truck! Plus more Savannah GT & Bluebird images!
    Finally, the world premiere of the NATS students’ best work! Let’s go to Tokyo Auto Salon 2023!

     Among the various custom and tuning cars on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon each year, the customization department of the Nihon Automobile College (commonly known as NATS), located in Chiba Prefecture, has become the talk of the town for the custom cars created by its students each time.

     In the past, the “COSMO VISION,” based on a Mazda Roadster, was a modern revival of the “Cosmo Sport,” and the “NATS R35 Road Star,” based on a Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster (Z33 model), was made to look like a GT-R (R35 model).

     Various custom cars have also been produced, including Toyota’s 3rd generation “Crown (MS50)” with American lowrider specifications, and the “LM800T,” which was designed to look like the Lexus “LM300h.

     In this context, several custom cars will be unveiled for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023.

     Alphard Super Duty Truck

     A super duty truck based on the Toyota Alphard will be produced, and it has been named the “”Alphard Super Dury Truck.

     The term “duty truck” refers to a four-wheeled pickup truck with two wheels on each side of the rear wheels, and is a custom truck that can be seen in North America and other countries.

      The student in charge of the project said, “We came up with the idea of building a duty truck with members who are interested in truckin’ (sporty truck customization) and American cars. When choosing the base vehicle, we wanted to draw attention to the unexpectedness of the vehicle by basing it on a familiar Japanese vehicle, so we decided on the Toyota Alphard, which we believe will be a one-of-a-kind custom vehicle.

     ●”MAZDA RX3 CABRIOLET

     Based on the Mazda Roadster (ND model), the “MAZDA RX3 CABRIOLET” has a distinctive design with four round eyes and a mesh grille that pays homage to the “Savanna GT” (imported name: RX-3) that Mazda once sold.

     In addition to the headlights and grille reminiscent of the RX-3 (coupe/later model), the finished model will have a yellow body color accented with green lines and a convertible style that resembles a roadster.

     The student in charge of the project said, “Old cars are becoming more and more popular and used cars are becoming more and more expensive. I want to buy an old car, but I feel that I have to pay a lot of money for it. Even the purchase price is high, and considering the cost of maintenance and upkeep, it is a dream come true for the average citizen to own an old car in today’s disparate society. We wanted to challenge ourselves to create a model case of an ideal car that looks like an old car but has the maintenance and upkeep costs of a modern car.

     TOYOTA86 GT STANCE

     This is a custom car based on the Toyota 86 in the style of the Toyota GR GT3 Concept.

     In the final design released by NATS, the car’s headlights are designed with the GR GT3 Concept in mind, and front and side aero parts and large-diameter aluminum wheels will be installed.

     The student in charge of the project commented, “To begin with, GT machines cannot be driven on public roads, but we wanted a GT machine that complies with safety standards to be driven on public roads, which is why we decided to create this car. This is a public road-going version of the GT3 concept car that was exhibited by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022. The silhouette is a tribute to the GT3, with a touch of originality.

     Datsun Bluebird

     While the previous models were customized versions of the base car, this Bluebird is a restored vehicle.

     The second generation Datsun Bluebird (410 type) was introduced in September 1963, and evolved into the 411 type after a minor change in May 1965, with a new grille and rear design.

     The student who was in charge of the project said, “”The demand for restoration is increasing, as well as the recent boom in old cars. So we aim to land on the 411 Bluebird’s looks with an air suspension setup. The difficult part is that it is not a modern car, so it is time-consuming to check the meaning of the shape and the structure of mechanisms and parts that we have never seen before,”” he said.

     The production process of these models is shown on NATS’s official YouTube page, and it is breathtaking to see them steadily approaching completion day by day.

     The completed models will be unveiled at the NATS booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023.

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    In-vehicle stand for digital terminals … Released for Yaris by Beatsonic .

    “In-vehicle stand for digital devices…Beat Sonic launches for YarisSunday, June 26, 2022, 6:30 PM

    Beat Sonic, a manufacturer of car electronics and aftermarket parts, has launched a new digital terminal stand and set “”BSA44/45/46/47″” exclusively designed for TOYOTA Yaris. They are now available at the company’s online store as well as at car accessory stores and auto dealers nationwide.

    The main part of the stand body “”BSA44,”” which is also sold separately, has a structure that takes into consideration the position that does not interfere with Yaris’s visibility and operability. It is specially designed for installation in the tray under the display and can be firmly fixed with tool-free double-sided tape. The stand has two movable joints and a ball joint, allowing the replaceable holder to be adjusted freely.

    Three types of holders can be combined with the stand: a smartphone holder, a holder with wireless charging, and a tablet holder. Multiple holders can be used, such as a smartphone holder for the driver’s seat and a tablet holder for the passenger’s seat.

    The holder fixing part is an “”L-shaped hook”” system, which is compatible with the same standard products sold by the company, and can be purchased separately for replacement.

    Yaris stand “”BSA44″” (standalone)
    Yaris dedicated stand “”BSA45″” [Smartphone holder set
    Yaris Stand “”BSA46″” [Holder set with wireless charging
    Yaris Stand “”BSA47″” [Holder set for tablet
    Compatible car models: TOYOTA YARIS (KSP210, MXPA10, MXPA12, MXPA15, MXPH10, MXPH15, GXPA16 R2/2~)
    Prices are all open, ranging from 6380-9240 yen (tax included) at the company’s online store.”

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    Why is the legendary Nissan “Skyline” on sale in Sapporo? What is the identity of the complete reproduction specification that was given a flashy custom .

    “Legendary Nissan “”Skyline”” is now on sale in Sapporo. What is the true nature of the completely recreated version with flashy customization?

    An Elaborate Reproduction of a Famous Racing Car of the Past
     A “”Silhouette Formula””-style Nissan “”Skyline””, which has been spectacularly customized, has been on display at a used car dealership in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and has become the talk of the town.
     
     What kind of car is this?

    Is this…the real thing? A Complete Reproduction of the Legendary Skyline! The quality of the TOMICA replica is astonishing! See the real car in photos!

    A Complete Reproduction of the Legendary “”Skyline””! TOMICA replica sold at Prime Showroom, a used car dealership (images courtesy of Prime Showroom / Office Now Co., Ltd.)

     Silhouette Formula was originally a popular racing category in Europe and other countries. In Japan, it started as the “”Fuji Super Silhouette Series”” held as a prelude to the “”Fuji Grand Champion Race”” in 1979.

     Although the race was based on a production car, the car was actually heavily modified and used an engine developed exclusively for the race, making it look almost like a formula car. The silhouette of the base car remained, and so it was called the “”Silhouette Formula.

     In the beginning, the Super Silhouette Series featured cars based on the Mazda “”Savanna RX-7,”” Nissan “”Fairlady Z,”” Toyota “”Celica,”” and others.

     In 1982, Nissan introduced machines based on the Skyline, Silvia, and Bluebird, which were in a fierce dead heat with strong rivals such as the BMW M1, and gained great popularity.

     Against this backdrop, Nissan launched its motorsports division, Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO), in 1984 to engage in full-scale motorsports activities.

     The Super Silhouette Series has been very important to Nissan, but the cars that competed in the series are currently housed in Nissan’s Heritage Collection and are not allowed to be seen by the public.

     However, the Skyline that is the subject of this article is an extremely elaborate replica of a car that competed in the Super Silhouette Series at the time.

     The base model is a late model of the 6th generation Skyline (KDR30), the so-called “”Iron Mask””.

     The grade is the “”2000RS,”” which at the time had the catchphrase “”The strongest Skyline in history.

     The two-tone red and black color scheme, as well as the super large chin spoiler, rear wing, and various decals, which are synonymous with the Silhouette Formula, are as close to the original as possible.
     
     The “”FJ20ET”” engine mounted at the heart of the car, a 2000cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 4-cylinder 4-valve DOHC with an additional turbocharger, has also been well maintained, and the interior has been fitted with a roll bar and the seats have been replaced with Sparco seats.

     According to the used car dealer, they received many inquiries about this Skyline as soon as it was posted on the used car information website.

     The price is said to be “”negotiable,”” but it is expected to be in the range of 7 to 7.5 million yen.

     The price is about twice that of a used Skyline of the same model year, but considering its level of perfection, it may be said to be within a reasonable range.

     Incidentally, this Skyline can be driven on public roads in this condition.

     The Skyline can be driven on public roads in this condition.

     The Silhouette Formula, with its bold customization, is said to have had a great impact on the customization culture.

     Among them, the so-called “”Zakka”” custom that was popular in the 1980s is said to have been strongly influenced by the Silhouette Formula, and it is still a style with strong roots and popularity today.

     In this sense, the Skyline Silhouette Formula replica on display at this show is sure to attract a lot of attention.”

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    New Toyota Prius is finally in its 5th generation!

    Toyota’s iconic Prius has entered its 5th generation with a dramatic transformation that has caught the attention of car enthusiasts worldwide. Unveiled on November 16, 2022, the latest Prius redefines the hybrid experience under the banner of “Hybrid Reborn.”

    Unlike its predecessors that were celebrated for their exceptional fuel efficiency, the new Prius introduces an entirely fresh persona that extends beyond economy. While impressive fuel economy remains a cornerstone, the 5th generation model stands out with an irresistible design and a driving experience that speaks to the heart of automotive enthusiasts.

    So, what sets this new Prius apart and what’s behind its newfound appeal?

    Seductive Design and Thrilling Drive

    The 5th generation Prius boasts an alluring design that commands attention from every angle. From its sporty, wide proportions to the lowered roofline and sleek hood, the exterior projects an aura of sophistication and athleticism. The front window’s aggressive slope reminiscent of a sports car adds to its allure.

    Unlike previous designs, the new model’s rear ditches the thin, single-light setup, embracing a stylish aesthetic that hints at a four-door coupe rather than a conventional hatchback. But the design doesn’t stop at the surface; Toyota engineers have hidden 26 discreet “Prius” elements throughout the vehicle, proving the meticulous attention to detail.

    Wheel choices further contribute to its sporty appeal, with the 19-inch wheels reminiscent of the first-generation “86,” showcasing a sporty character. Meanwhile, the 17-inch wheels sport a unique design that maintains a clean appearance, enhancing the advanced vibe. A variety of vibrant colors are available, offering a range from classic black-and-white to vibrant shades like mustard yellow and emotional red.

    Inside, the horizontal cockpit design, a hallmark of modern Toyota models, greets passengers. A sleek, visor-less LCD meter display replaces the traditional center meter, providing clear visibility and a futuristic feel. The center console layout enhances convenience, housing two types of 12.3/8-inch center displays and borrowing the air conditioner control panel design from the Crown model.

    A Driving Experience Like No Other

    Behind the wheel, the new Prius delivers a driving experience that belies its previous reputation. The development team’s innovative approach led to this transformation. Unlike the past, where certain aspects were prioritized, the new model’s development was marked by a “one-team development” philosophy, breaking down silos and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration.

    According to Kenki Oya, the development manager, this approach, coupled with the maturation of Toyota’s TNGA platform, played a crucial role in achieving the new Prius’s exceptional driving experience. The result is a vehicle that not only meets but exceeds expectations, delivering a level of perfection that was previously unmatched.

    The 5th generation Prius is no longer just an eco-car; it has evolved into a dynamic and exciting model, captivating enthusiasts and potential buyers alike. This transition signifies a significant departure from convention, solidifying the new Prius as Toyota’s most interesting model to date.

    With the future possibility of a high-performance PHEV “GR Prius,” the excitement surrounding Toyota’s hybrid offerings continues to grow. As the automotive landscape evolves, Toyota remains at the forefront, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to drive green.

    In summary, the 5th generation Prius has not only elevated the hybrid driving experience but has also successfully transitioned from a practical eco-car to a captivating and engaging vehicle. This transformation underscores Toyota’s commitment to innovation and reimagining the potential of hybrid technology.

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