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New Honda’s Electrifying Prologue SUV Promises 300+ Miles of Range
ByPawaniHonda is making headlines with its latest announcement: the all-new “Prologue,” a larger SUV model set to hit the North American market in winter 2024. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The burning question on everyone’s mind is whether the Prologue will eventually make its way to Japan, where Honda’s legacy has deep roots.
At the Japan Mobility Show 2023, running from October 25th to November 5th, Honda is gearing up to showcase an array of mobility products, cutting-edge technologies, and visionary concept models, spanning motorcycles, automobiles, power products, and even aircraft. Among the dazzling exhibits, the new “Prologue” prototype will make its debut in Japan, raising curiosity about what this vehicle has to offer.
The Prologue is a remarkable collaboration between Honda and General Motors (GM) from the United States. It’s not just any SUV; it’s an electric vehicle (EV) that harnesses GM’s cutting-edge “Ultium” battery technology. Honda has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100% global EV and FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) sales by 2040, and they’re making steady strides toward this objective by introducing EVs tailored to the specific market characteristics of each region.
The Prologue, poised to spearhead the widespread adoption of EVs in North America, boasts an impressive body size, measuring 4879mm in length, 1989mm in width, and 1643mm in height, with a generous wheelbase spanning 3094mm. Compared to the 6th generation CR-V available in the United States, the Prologue is approximately 200mm longer and 130mm wider, promising more space and comfort for passengers.
Honda’s design team in Los Angeles has taken the lead in crafting the Prologue’s interior and exterior with the concept of “Neo-rugged.” The result is an outdoor-style SUV that beautifully balances simplicity and sophistication with a rugged touch. Its exterior features a low, wide, and elegant silhouette, with top-of-the-line models sporting large 21-inch wheels, merging power and style seamlessly. Honda’s traditional “H” emblem has been replaced with a stylish “Honda” emblem in a distinctive typeface, introducing a fresh design element to strengthen Honda’s EV brand identity.
Inside the Prologue, a horizontally designed cabin provides a futuristic ambiance with an 11-inch fully digital meter and an 11.3-inch connectivity display. The top-tier model goes a step further, featuring a 7 x 3-inch head-up display that keeps essential information within the driver’s line of sight. The body color, named “North Shore Pearl,” takes inspiration from the natural beauty and colors surrounding Lake Tahoe in California, and the interior is adorned with a special charcoal and light gray palette reminiscent of freshly fallen snow in the mountains.
What sets the Prologue apart is its integration with Google Built-in, an in-vehicle connected service. This means drivers will have access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and other Google services right in the car. Moreover, the Prologue will benefit from over-the-air (OTA) software updates, ensuring drivers have access to the latest services and features.
Under the hood, the Prologue’s electric powertrain is designed to deliver both remarkable performance and an impressive cruising range. It features a multi-link suspension optimized for this specific model, providing a sporty driving experience that Honda is renowned for. Buyers will have the choice between a single-motor (FWD) or a dual-motor (AWD) configuration, expanding the range of options to cater to different driving preferences. The dual-motor version offers an exhilarating 288 hp and a torque of approximately 333 lb.-ft., ensuring potent acceleration and responsive handling.
Equipped with an 85kWh battery, the Prologue aims to achieve a cruising range of over 300 miles (approximately 482km) according to the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) standards. Additionally, it supports DC fast charging, enabling high-output charging of 150kW or more, which can provide an impressive 65 miles (approximately 104 km) of range in just 10 minutes, making it convenient for drivers on the go.
While the Prologue is scheduled for release in the United States in the winter of 2024, Japanese enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting news of its arrival in their home market. Honda of America believes that this larger, spacious, and highly capable SUV will be a natural progression for CR-V users looking to elevate their driving experience.
As we stand on the brink of a new era in the automotive world, Honda’s Prologue emerges as a compelling symbol of the company’s dedication to electrification, innovation, and forward-thinking design. With its bold and eco-conscious approach, Honda is driving the future of mobility with the Prologue, and the world is watching with anticipation. Will this promising EV also make its way to Japan? Only time will tell.
Australian Subsidiary Unveils Thrilling Toyota Hilux GR Sport Announcement Set for 2023
ByPawaniIn a thrilling announcement on July 28, 2023, Toyota’s Australian subsidiary has pulled the covers off a remarkable addition to their lineup, the “Hilux GR Sport.” While this name may ring a bell for some Japanese enthusiasts, the Australian version of the Hilux GR Sport boasts entirely unique specifications and a character all its own.
A Pickup with a Rich Heritage
The Hilux, renowned for its long history, traces its roots back to 1968. Over the decades, it has evolved into a global icon, sold in approximately 180 countries and regions. The current iteration, the 8th generation model, returned to the Japanese market in September 2017 after a hiatus of approximately 13 years. Measuring in at 5,340 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, the Hilux carries a substantial presence. This places it in the same league as Toyota’s North American offerings, the Tundra and Tacoma.
On the flip side, the “GR Sport” moniker is synonymous with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s sports-oriented models. Alongside the Hilux GR Sport, the GR series includes the thrilling “GR Yaris” and offers GR parts for standard-grade vehicles.
Aussie Exclusive: The Highest Specification Hilux
Toyota’s Australian arm has positioned the forthcoming Hilux GR Sport as the “highest specification Hilux” yet. A bold claim indeed, backed by an array of enhancements that set it apart from its counterparts in Japan. Compared to the standard Hilux, it packs the most potent diesel engine ever found in a Hilux, an upgraded suspension, and an all-new design.
With dimensions measuring 5,320 mm in length, 2,020 mm in width, 1,880 mm in height, and a 3,085 mm wheelbase, this Hilux GR Sport significantly expands its overall footprint. It rides on a “wide tread” platform, elevating the stance by 15 mm and widening the track width by 135 mm at the front and 155 mm at the rear compared to the regular Hilux series. The satin black overfenders blend seamlessly into the bumpers, lending the exterior a muscular appearance. The front bumper receives an approach angle boost, further enhancing its off-road capabilities.
Inside, the cabin boasts a leather steering wheel featuring paddle shifters, adorned with a striking red center stripe and the GR logo. The front sports seats combine leather and suede, accentuated by red seat belts, aluminum pedals, a novel “technical mesh” dashboard, and a GR Sport shift lever, exuding a sporty aura.
Under the hood, the powertrain boasts an impressive maximum output of approximately 224 horsepower and a peak torque of 550 Nm, thanks to its 8-liter turbo diesel engine. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic. To further augment its performance, Toyota engineers have fine-tuned the front coils and rear leaf springs, incorporated KYB monotube shock absorbers with a larger piston diameter, and removed the rear sway bar to bolster grip on uneven terrain. Not to be overlooked, the upgraded braking system now features a 338 mm x 28 mm 4-piston fixed caliper at the front and a 312 mm x 18 mm single-piston floating caliper at the rear, delivering exceptional stopping power.
For those who relish choices, the Hilux GR Sport offers five body colors: Glacier White, Frosted White, Stunning Silver, Eclipse Black, and Feverish Red. Among these, Glacier White, Frosted White, and Feverish Red can be paired with a black roof.
The Hilux GR Sport comes with a price tag of 73,990 Australian dollars, approximately equivalent to 7,030,000 yen. Sean Hanley, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations at Toyota Australia, expressed his excitement about the new Hilux GR Sport, saying, “The all-new Hilux GR Sport takes the performance of the Hilux series to a new level. With input from Australian engineers and designers, we have made comprehensive enhancements to both design and interior, making the popular Australian Hilux even more attractive. Australians love powerful, high-performance pickups, and the Hilux GR Sport meets that need.”
In Conclusion
The introduction of the Hilux GR Sport marks an exciting chapter for Toyota enthusiasts in Australia, offering a unique blend of power, style, and performance that is bound to resonate with pickup truck enthusiasts Down Under. With its distinctive design and impressive specifications, the Hilux GR Sport is poised to make waves in the Australian automotive market, continuing the legacy of the iconic Hilux name.
- autonews | Honda ZR-V | kuruma
Unrivaled Comfort Honda ZR-V SUV Offers Luxurious In-Car Stay for 2
ByPawaniHonda’s new SUV “”ZR-V”” has room to stay in the car! Wider than the Vezel! It has an amazing cargo space that can carry anything!Look at how the new ZR-V utilizes its cargo space!The ZR-V is Honda’s new SUV model.Originally, the launch of this new ZR-V was scheduled for the fall of 2022, but has been postponed to April 21, 2023 in order to prioritize the production of the “”Vezel”” and other models whose deliveries have been delayed due to the recent semiconductor shortage and other factors.
A real luxury car! The interior and exterior of the new ZR-V, which can even stay overnight in the car, are humongous! PhotosIn the meantime, test drives of the new ZR-V have been deployed at Honda dealerships, and pre-orders have already begun. According to Honda’s PR department, orders are brisk.The new ZR-V features a high-class interior and exterior
The new ZR-V is an SUV based on the current Civic, and like the Civic, it is equipped with two power units: a 1.5-liter turbo engine and a 2-liter hybrid (e:HEV).The Sport e:HEV, the first SUV to be equipped with the new-generation two-motor hybrid system, is optimized for the new ZR-V and delivers a high-quality, exhilarating ride with more torque than the 3-liter V6 engine.
Another feature of the new ZR-V is its luxurious interior and exterior. The front design with vertical grille gives the car a fearless look like a high-end imported car, and the interior is available in “”maroon”” with a pearl-like shine, giving the car a premium finish.The new ZR-V’s unique value lies in its “”drive at will”” and “”presence-inspiring design,”” but the developers have also focused on practicality, which is an important aspect of SUVs.According to the developers of the new ZR-V, “”In response to users’ comments that the cargo space of the smaller “”Vezel”” is too small for the same SUV, we made sure that the new ZR-V’s cargo space is also usable.The new ZR-V’s cargo area has a low ground clearance of 695 mm and a flat cargo floor, making it easier to load and unload cargo.
The new ZR-V can hold three golf bags horizontally without folding down the seats, while the Vezel requires the rear seats to be tilted or folded forward when placing a golf bag in the cargo area. The new ZR-V can carry three golf bags sideways without folding down the seats.Furthermore, the new ZR-V is also suitable for overnight stays in the car. The seat surface sinks when the rear seats are folded forward, making it possible to fully flatten the cargo area and the back of the rear seats. By placing an air mat or other material there, it is possible to sleep comfortably in the car.In addition, when the front seats are reclined forward, a mat nearly two meters in length can be placed on top of them.The new ZR-V’s large cargo space is also useful when going outdoors, as it can carry camping gear for four people in the cargo space, and two bicycles can be loaded without removing the front wheels and saddles, making it possible to take on active hobbies without difficulty.
The cargo opening, the inside of the tailgate, and the front and rear door pockets are decorated with a wave-shaped pattern (geometrical pattern).This is not only for design purposes, but also to reduce the appearance of scratches caused by rubbing when loading and unloading cargo or getting in and out of the car.
No way Toyota’s new SUV!What is a face kit tailored to “Corolla cross like RAV4” .
“Toyota’s new SUV? What is the “”LOVECROSS”” with the powerful hexagonal grille and Obafen? What is the face kit that makes it “”Corolla Cross like RAV4″”?
Is this the “”Corolla Cross,”” a cool face kit reminiscent of the RAV4!
Toyota has a number of urban SUVs that are being marketed globally, including the Yaris Cross, C-HR, Corolla Cross, and Harrier.
Among them, a face kit that looks like a fusion of “”Corolla Cross”” and “”RAV4″” has appeared.What’s this? Is this the new Toyota SUV?”” Images of the actual “”Lovecross”” with a nice, powerful grille!
What the heck is this? Could this be “”Toyota’s new SUV?”” No, this is a kit of the “”Corolla Cross”” with a “”RAV4″” face!
The Corolla Cross made its world premiere in Thailand on July 9, 2020.
It is being rolled out globally in Asia, South America, and North America, and was launched in Japan on September 14, 2021.
There are two major front faces of the Corolla Cross depending on the country or region, and the “”RAV CROSS Face Kit”” dares to make the design “”RAV4-like””.
A representative of EXIZZLE-LINE, the distributor of the RAV CROSS Face Kit, said, “”The RAV CROSS Face Kit is the first face kit to be developed for the actual Corolla Cross car.
When I first saw the actual Corolla Cross on the street, I had the impression that it was too mild, and I thought that it could be made even cooler, which was the initial impetus for its production.
We also developed it because we thought we could make more use of the base grade’s cosmetic appeal and more user-friendly size than the Toyota RAV4.””
The following is a brief description of the special features of the face kit.
One of the points we focused on was reducing the number of bumps on the lower bumper skid plate to three to balance the narrower width of the Corolla Cross compared to the RAV4.
Another is that the size of the grille was also adjusted for volume by making it a little taller compared to the RAV4.
Another point of attention was to give the face a slightly edgier shape than the RAV4.
We also focused on a design that does not compromise safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), pre-crash sensors, and clearance sonar, as well as differentiation with the trendy “”TOYOTA”” logo emblem.
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What kind of feedback have you received from users of the RAV CROSS face kit?
We have received many inquiries since the announcement.
Toyota dealers have also approached us and asked us to order them as demo cars for their stores, and we have even received requests to buy a car in the same color and install it.
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Incidentally, in addition to the RAV CROSS front face kit at a suggested retail price of 203,500 yen, the RAV CROSS over fender kit is available at a suggested retail price of 49,500 yen.
The over fender does not require any modification to the vehicle and can be installed without changing the vehicle dimensions, and can be installed over the stock fenders.”Hondas City Hatchback 7th Gen with 40 Years of Innovation Powerful Upgrades, and Hybrid Marvel
ByPawaniHonda’s Thai subsidiary recently revealed the latest updates to its compact car, the “City Hatchback,” on February 7, 2024 (local time), introducing the much-anticipated “Modulo” specification as a genuine accessory. The City has been a stalwart in the compact car segment since its inception in 1981, known for its innovative design and popularity.
Over its 40-year history, the City has evolved, with the seventh generation introduced in 2019, including variations like the City Hatchback available in select markets such as Thailand. This hatchback model has undergone minor changes, boasting a body size of 4350mm in length, 1748mm in width, 1488-1501mm in height, 2589mm in wheelbase, and a ground clearance ranging from 134-147mm.
The exterior enhancements include newly designed front and rear bumpers and grille, giving the City Hatchback a sportier and more fearless impression. Revised wheel design further contributes to its dynamic appearance.
Inside, the City offers a touch of luxury with upholstery featuring genuine leather and synthetic leather with gray stripes. Technological upgrades include an 8-inch touchscreen audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The addition of two Type-C USB ports for the rear seats enhances convenience.
The City Hatchback’s powertrain options include a 1.0-liter in-line 3-cylinder VTEC TURBO engine, producing 122 horsepower and 173 Nm of torque, or a 1.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine, offering 98 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque, and a hybrid system e:HEV with a motor producing 253Nm of torque. Transmission options include CVT for pure gasoline engine vehicles and E-CVT for hybrid models.
Notably, all City models come standard with the advanced driving support function “Honda SENSING,” featuring adaptive cruise control and a lead vehicle departure notification system, enhancing safety on the road.
Pricing for the City starts at 599,000 baht (approximately 2,490,000 yen) for pure gasoline engine cars and 729,000 baht (approximately 3,030,000 yen) for hybrid models.
In addition to the model updates, Honda has released genuine accessories compatible with the new City. The “Modulo” brand introduces a lineup of aero parts, allowing customization for a sportier appearance. The “Black Package,” priced at 16,000 baht (approximately 66,600 yen), tightens the exterior with black elements, including 16-inch alloy wheels and front and rear black logos. For those seeking a more comprehensive package, the “Modulo Aero Sport package” is available for 23,500 baht (approximately 97,800 yen), featuring a two-piece front skirt, rear skirt, side skirts, and rear spoiler.
Excitement surrounds the launch of the new City model, showcasing Honda’s commitment to innovation, style, and performance in the compact car segment.
Unveiling the All-New Toyota Harrier: A Luxurious SUV Redefined for the 21st Century
ByPawaniToyota’s Harrier luxury SUV has gained immense popularity among SUV enthusiasts, thanks to its stylish design and high-quality interior. As the fourth-generation model, which underwent a complete overhaul in June 2020, the Harrier continues to impress with its captivating features.
One of the standout aspects of the Harrier is its exterior design, setting it apart from other SUVs on the market. The vehicle boasts a sleek and flowing coupe form that combines elegance with toughness, all while maintaining a sense of simplicity. The double L-shaped front daytime running lights and the distinctive single letter tail lamp contribute to the Harrier’s urban and sophisticated appeal.
Step inside the Harrier, and you’ll be greeted by a comfortable and luxurious interior space. The designers aimed to create an ambiance of high quality and comfort. The wide and commanding center console draws inspiration from a horse’s saddle, exuding a sense of generous toughness. When combined with the instrument panel, it creates a visually striking and cohesive look.
The top-of-the-line “Z Leather Package” in the Harrier’s advanced grade offers an exquisite experience with high-quality genuine leather seats reminiscent of a plush sofa. You have the option to choose between two interior colors: black and brown. The brown interior features gray wood-like decorations on the center console and door switch base panel, along with satin brown piping ornaments on the instrument panel and door trim, adding an extra touch of sophistication. The “Z” grade also offers an elegant gray interior option, with ivory accents on the center console and door switch panels, providing a dash of opulence. For the pinnacle of luxury, the Z plug-in hybrid model showcases a dark red piping ornament with a metallic mesh texture running from the instrument panel to the door trim, creating a premium ambiance.
In terms of functionality, the Harrier introduces Toyota’s first “dimmable panoramic roof.” This innovative feature uses a large dimming glass that covers the center of the front seat and the overhead area of the rear seat. It allows for a soft, inviting light to filter through, reminiscent of the gentle glow of a shoji screen when the light is dimmed. The dimming function enables instant switching between dimming and transmission, complemented by the convenience of voice recognition operation. Additionally, the Harrier features an “illuminated entry system” that illuminates the interior lighting, including the engine start switch, open tray, front footwell, and front door handles, upon unlocking the door locks, offering a welcoming experience.
Further enhancing the Harrier’s appeal, some improvements were introduced in October 2022. Certain grades now feature a 12.3-inch TFT color meter and multi-information display. This cutting-edge digital meter, gradually making its way into Toyota’s latest models, provides a large and easily customizable display, allowing drivers to tailor the information to their preferences.
While the Harrier caused a stir with the removal of the Chuuhi emblem, traditionally placed in the center of the front face in previous models, it now proudly displays the iconic Toyota mark in that position. However, the Harrier emblem still finds its place on the door trim, ensuring that the design that symbolizes the Harrier heritage is faithfully carried forward.
With its striking design, luxurious interior, and innovative features, the Toyota Harrier continues to captivate SUV enthusiasts and solidify its position as a sought-after luxury SUV in Toyota’s extensive lineup.