Acura & Honda to field six models at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Acura and Honda have announced plans to field a variety models in seven classes at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb which kicks off on June 29th.

Honda declined to go into specifics but confirmed plans to enter a Fit EV in the electric vehicle class and a Fit B-Spec racer in the Exhibition class. The company will also enter an S3700 in the Time Attack class, a first-generation Acura NSX in the Open class, a CBR600RR motorcycle in the Middleweight class and a TRX450 in the 450 ATV class. Last but not least, Romain Dumas will compete in the Unlimited class with a Honda-powered Norma.

According to Honda Performance Development President Art St. Cyr, "Pikes Peak presents us with a unique opportunity to showcase Honda's diverse product lineup and to energize Honda fans around the world, as we work to further strengthen Honda's presence in racing at all levels." St. Cyr went on to say "Our associates will be working hard between now and race day to prepare this diverse field of race vehicles and showcase the Honda Racing Spirit."

Source: Acura

Lamborghini Urus to be assembled in Slovakia starting 2017

Sources within the Volkswagen Group have revealed the Lamborghini Urus will be manufactured at VW's factory in Slovakia.

Slated to go on sale early 2018, the production version of the Lamborghini Urus concept will be put together in Bratislava, Slovakia at a Volkswagen factory where it will be assembled together with the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg as well as the bodies for the forthcoming Bentley SUV due in 2016.

It will be Lamborghini's first SUV after the LM002 which was phased out in 1993 and will share its platform with the next-gen Q7, Touareg, Cayenne and Bentley SUV. Little else is known about the Urus but it could be offered with a hybridized V8 generating approximately 680 PS (500 kW). Audi's boss Rupert Stadler previously said it "won't be a softie" and that it will carry over most of the concept's design.

Named after the Aurochs bull - a large, wild ancestor of domestic cattle - the Urus is the spiritual successor of the LM002. It features aggressive styling with a prominent front fascia, a ventilated hood and LED headlights. There's also a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. Other highlights include an adjustable suspension and 24-inch wheels with a matte aluminum finish

Source: Al Ain Japan

Toyota reveals significant facelift for Yaris

Toyota has released a couple of images with the facelifted Yaris set to go on sale in the following months, following some brochure scans which surfaced the web in March..

Essentially a rebadged Vitz, the European-spec Yaris will be built in France and launched this summer. Additional information is limited, but the car will feature a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and three different engines: a 1.0-liter VVT-i, a 1.33-liter dual VVT-i and a 1.4-liter D-4D diesel. 

The Yaris has received a major styling change as the front fascia is now derived from the all-new Aygo with the large trapezoidal lower grille combined with the upper one to create an "X" shape. While on the smaller Aygo the LED daytime running lights sit next to the fog lights, on the facelifted Yaris these have been integrated within the darkened headlights.

Photos of the Yaris' rear have not been provided but most likely the changes will carry over from the JDM-spec Vitz with the updated taillights, altered license plate area and a mildly tweaked bumper. They also prepared new alloy wheel designs along with a revised interior cabin packing the latest version of the Toyota Link infotainment system.

The changes are skin deep as the face-lifted Yaris now benefits from a modified suspension to provide better handling and comfort while the noise levels have be reduced. Engine lineup will be taken from the pre-facelift variant, including the hybrid powertrain.

A full reveal should occur in the following days.

Source: Toyota Car Dealer in Japan

Peugeot 408

A couple of fully revealing photos with the Peugeot 408 Sedan have emerged, prior to the vehicle's debut on Sunday at Beijing Motor Show.

Attached images show the China-spec 408 Sedan but most likely the European version will look virtually the same although it's not known whether it will receive the 408 or 308 Sedan moniker, probably the latter. The obvious changes compared to the hatchback are at the back where the sedan sports a longer overhang together with wider horizontal taillights sending out a bit of a pre-facelift E-Class vibe.

It will ride on the same EMP2 platform as the hatchback and wagon 308s and in China it will be manufactured by the Dongfeng-PSA joint venture. The China-spec variant will be powered by a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated engine with 117 bhp (82 kW), a larger 1.8-liter with 140 bhp (104 kW), as well as a beefier 1.6-liter turbo rated at 163 bhp (121 kW).

The European version will make use of the same Euro 6-compliant engines as its two cousins and most likely Peugeot will offer the recently introduced economical three-cylinder 1.2-liter PureTech e-THP turbocharged gasoline engine that churns 130 PS (96 kW).

The China-spec model will be unveiled on Sunday at the Beijing Motor Show while its European sibling will likely be shown early October at the Paris Motor Show.

Source: Al Ain Japan

Infiniti Q70 & QX80 facelifts to debut in New York

The New York Auto Show has revealed Infiniti will showcase the facelifted Q70 and QX80 on April 17th.

 

 

The show declined to go into specifics but said the 2015 Q70 will have a "fresh look" with changes to the front and rear ends. There will also be a new long-wheelbase model, named the Q70 L, which will provide more than five inches of additional legroom.

Engine options will apparently carryover as they are slated to include a 3.7-liter V6 with 330 bhp (246 kW) and a 5.6-liter V8 with 420 bhp (313 kW).

Likewise, the 2015 QX80 have revised styling inside and out. There will also be a new range-topping Limited model that features "special leather soft-touch and seating surfaces, unique new open-pore wood trim throughout, as well as dark-accent trim on the exterior."

Source - Al Ain Japan

2015 Nissan Murano unveiled with Resonance

Nissan has unveiled the 2015 Murano, ahead of its debut at the New York Auto Show.

Previewed by the Resonance concept, the Murano has a bold exterior with a V-Motion front fascia, boomerang-shaped headlights and a "floating" roof. Unfortunately, the rear end is a bit haphazard as the LED taillights clash with the massive amount of black plastic which attempts to hide the D-pillar. Regardless, the model can be equipped with a panoramic moonroof, LED headlights and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

While the exterior styling won't win everyone over, the cabin boasts premium materials and a modern design. Notable highlights include "Zero Gravity" seats, wraparound wood trim and metallic accents. There's also a push button ignition, a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a 7-inch high-resolution display in the instrument cluster. Options include premium leather upholstery, heated / cooled front seats and a Bose audio system.

Power is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 260 bhp (194 kW) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an Xtronic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.
The Murano will go on sale later this year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Source: Nissan

Suzuki Car Dealers in Japan

Several patent sketches depicting the Suzuki Authentics production version have hit the web, prior to an official launch slated for later this year.

At last year's Auto Shanghai we saw Suzuki's rather attractive Authentics concept and now they are getting ready to introduce its production sibling. Seen here are several patent sketches of the model which as you would expect will look slightly toned down and less attractive than the concept. The C-segment model will likely be unveiled next month at 2014 Auto China in Beijing before going on sale in the second half of the year.

Production will be done by the firm's Chinese joint venture Chongqing Changan Suzuki Automobile Co., LTD and in some markets it will replace the smaller SX4 Sedan, including India where the model will be commercialized as a Maruti Ciaz. Engine lineup will likely encompass a 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter gasoline engine connected to a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT.

Auto China 2014 will be organized between 20-24 April at the China International Exhibition Center.

Source: Suzuki Car Dealers in Japan

VIA - autohome.com.cn & indianautosblog.com

Honda Driving Support System

Honda has announced plans to begin testing their Driving Support System in Utsunomiya City, Japan.

Designed to reduce accidents and improve fuel efficiency, the Driving Support System uses traffic signal information to provide notifications to the driver.

 

 

When approaching an intersection, the system will display the recommended speed the driver needs to travel to get a green light. If the driver can't get a green light, the display will notify them to let off the accelerator. Once the car has stopped at a red light, the display will count down the time remaining until the light turns green.

Honda will begin testing the system in April and the company hopes to determine how well the system improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions. Researchers will also study the effects of the system on traffic flow and traffic safety.

Source: Honda

Toyota Car Dealers in Japan

Toyota has reportedly confirmed plans to introduce the 2015 Camry at the New York Auto Show.

Details are limited but the facelifted model promises to "challenge conventional expectations of a mid-cycle model change." That's not much to go on but the President of Toyota's Calty Design Research has previously said the car will have a “more emotional, more impactful design."

Little else is known about the model but it will likely feature carryover engines including:

• A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 178 bhp (133 kW) and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque
• A hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a combined output of 200 bhp (149 kW)
• A 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp (200 kW) and 248 lb-ft (336 Nm) of torque. 

Source:  Toyota Car Dealers in Japan

TOYOTA - COROLLA FIELDER (2007/09) - Al Ain Japan

 TOYOTA - COROLLA FIELDER

Toyota has launched the Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder hybrids in Japan.

On the styling front, the eco-friendly models are distinguished by a new grille, "Synergy Blue" emblems and an available Light Blue Metallic paint job.

Interior changes are more extensive and include special seat upholstery, a faux leather dashboard and a blue-accented leather shift knob. There's also a 4.2-inch multi-information display and a "nanoe" ionizer that removes pollen by releasing "particle ions embedded in minute water droplets."

Both models are powered by a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine that develops 74 HP (54 kW) and 111 Nm (81 lb-ft) of torque. It is backed up by an electric motor that has a maximum output of 61 HP (45 kW) and 169 Nm (124 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the model to have a combined output of 100 HP (73 kW) and a fuel economy rating of 3.0 L/100km (77.6 mpg US / 93.2 mpg UK) in the JC08 test cycle.

To compensate for the weight of the hybrid's battery system, engineers retuned the suspension and shock absorbers to deliver "outstanding levels of ride comfort and handling stability." The cars have also been equipped with a noise-reducing windshield and additional sound deadening material.

Pricing starts at ¥1,925,000 and Toyota expects to sell 1,000 Axio hybrids and 1,500 Fielder hybrids in Japan each month.

Source : TOYOTA COROLLA FIELDER

Kia Car Dealers in Japan

The 2015 Kia Sedona / Carnival has been spied ahead of a possible debut at the New York Auto Show.

While this particular prototype is heavily camouflaged, previous spy photos have shown the redesigned minivan will have a stylish front fascia with a prominent grille that is flanked by sweptback headlights. The photos also showed the model will have a distinctive greenhouse which is slimmer at the rear than at the front.

Our spies couldn't get close enough to snap interior photos but the 2015 Sedona is expected to have a more accommodating cabin with additional passenger and luggage space. We can also expect a modern cabin with high-tech options including an infotainment system, a blind spot monitoring system and a lane departure warning system.

Despite the modest updates, the entry-level LX comes nicely equipped with air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls. Moving up to the EX variant adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and automatic climate control.

Motivation is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 269 bhp (200 kW) and 246 lb-ft (333 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission that enables the model to return 17 city / 24 mpg highway (US).

The 2014 Sedona will go on sale later this year and pricing starts at $25,900 which excludes an $850 destination charge.

Source: Al Ain Japan

For Sale - NISSAN - NOTE (2011/12) - Al Ain Japan - Nissan Car Dealer

For Sale - NISSAN - NOTE (2011/12)

The Nissan Note is a mini multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by the Japanese manufacturer Nissan since 2004.

Changes to Nissan Note include:

• redesigned head lamp, engine hood, front grill, front bumper
• coloured/gun metallic front grille on G/X series models
• smoke plated front grille on sporty series models
• 3 new colours (blue turquoise titan pearl metallic, frost green titan metallic, amethyst grey pearl metallic) for total of 10 body colour choices
• new seat and door trim options sand beige, black, carbon black (with red stitching)
• sand beige interior includes colour scheme change
• 2-link meter (LCD odometer, trim trip meter with fuel consumption display) as standard equipment
• sporty series (15RX/15RS) includes white meter
• dimpled leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching (standard in 15RX)
• rear centre arm rest with 2 cup holders (standard in 15G, 15G FOUR, 15RX)
• water spray seats (standard in 15G, 15G FOUR)
• cold terrain vehicles include 4-wheel drive as standard equipment
• driver seat seat belt reminder as standard equipment
• 2-wheel drive models with HR15DE engine and Xtronic CVT transmission passed JC08 model fuel consumption and emission tests

Plus navi HDD models are based on 15G, 15X, 15G FOUR, 15X FOUR, with:

• exclusive HDD navigation system (7-inch wide VGA display, touch panel, VICS(multi-FM), music stocker, iPod control, CD player, Electronically tuned AM/FM radio, 30GB hard drive)
• Green-tinted UV-blocking windshield glass with top shade
• 2 rear speakers (standard in 15G, 15G FOUR)

Note Rider is a version of Nissan Note with:

• exclusive front bumper and bumper grille, front grille, side sill protector, rear tire protector
• Euro suspension (2WD models)
• exclusive 15-inch brilliant aluminium wheels with 175/60R15 81H tires
• exclusive naming emblem, seat floor and door trim floor, leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel
• 4 speakers
• exclusive finisher in black (sterling finisher, centre cluster finisher, instrument upper box)
• exclusive sport muffler by Fujitsubo (Autech option)
• exclusive sound system + iPod adapter + exclusive speaker (Autech option)
• choice of 4 body colours (white pearl (3-coat pearl) (#QX1), diamond silver metallic (#KY0), twilight grey pearl metallic (#K21), super black (#KH3))

Note Rider performance spec is a version of Nissan Note Rider with:

• increased engine power by 7 PS (5 kW; 7 hp) and 0.8 kg·m (8 N·m; 6 lbf·ft)
• exclusive strut tower bar (front)
• tunnel stay
• YAMAHA performance damper (front)
• exclusive tuned suspension, Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R 185/55R15 81V tire, sport muffler by Fujitsubo, naming emblem, car speed sensing electric power steering, aluminium pedal

Source: Nissan Car Dealer

Opel ADAM VR|46 Limited Edition announced

Opel has announced plans to offer a limited edition Adam VR | 46 in Italy.

Jointly developed with MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, the special edition is based on the Adam Slam and features a carbon black, matte black or dull gray roof which contrasts with the metallic black, yellow, red or white body. The special edition also has black and fluorescent yellow accents as well as VR | 46 logos.

According to Rossi, "[The] Opel Adam convinced me immediately, and not only for the lines, accessories, [and] technology. I find it really fun with the possibility of being able to customize many variations, I tried so many different combinations: I do not know how many there are, but certainly enough to be able to take some satisfaction."

Measuring 3.70 meters long and 1.72 meters wide, the Adam represents Opel’s offering in the A segment and it will be offered in three trim levels: Jam, Glam and Slam.

The base version will cost 11,500 euros in Germany (including VAT) and it’s the one powered by a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with 70 hp (51 kW). There’s also a larger 1.4-liter engine offered with two different outputs: 87 hp (64 kW) and 100 hp (74 kW). Regardless of the engine choice, these are connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox and are available with the ecoFLEX technology package, including the stop/start system.

The interior cabin of the Opel Adam can accommodate up to four people, a cabin which benefits from the “Made in Germany” build quality as Opel mentions in the press release. Perhaps one of the key selling features of this petite car is the high number of personalization options available, including a starlight headliner complete with more than 60 LEDs that can recreate a starlit sky for 380 euros

Source - Japanese Car Dealer

Toyota Car Exporters - Al Ain Japan

This generation of Camry saw even greater differentiation between American market (and Japanese domestic market) Camry, and the Asian market Camry. The Asian Camry has a larger body size targeted at a higher end market, priced just below entry-level German luxury models.The same Asian Camry is also sold as the Toyota Aurion in Australia, fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 to compete against large Australian sedans like the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore. The standard Camry (similar to American / Japanese market models), fitted with smaller four-cylinder engines continue to be sold alongside the Aurion in selected markets. Between 2006 and 2010, the Daihatsu-badged Altis model sold alongside the Camry in Japan. The Daihatsu differed only in badging, with no cosmetic changes.

 

Toyota Camry

The XV40 Camry was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show alongside a hybrid version and went on sale in March 2006 for the 2007 model year.

Power comes from a choice of four and six-cylinder engines. For 2010, power was increased to 169 horsepower, versus the 158 from 2007 to 2009. Power locks, stability control, and traction control were also made standard for 2010. The 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE I4 engine was carried over and produced 158 horsepower (118 kW). It came with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 in contrast came with a new six-speed automatic and produced 268 horsepower (200 kW). The Camry was facelifted in 2009 for the 2010 model year with a redesigned fascia, taillights, and an all-new 2.5-liter 2AR-FE four-cylinder engine with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter engine produces 169 horsepower (126 kW) for the base, LE, XLE models, and 179 horsepower (133 kW) for the SE.

The XV40 series Camry is the first in which the Camry has been available as a gasoline/electric hybrid. The Camry Hybrid utilizes Toyota’s second-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) and a 2AZ-FXE four-cylinder with 110 kilowatts (150 hp) in conjunction with a 30 kilowatts (40 hp) electric motor for a combined output of 140 kilowatts (190 hp).

Source: Toyota Car Exporters

Kia Car Dealers

According to a recent report, Kia is considering several new versions of the Soul.

Details are limited but Used Car Dealer is reporting the company could offer a coupe that draws inspiration from the Trackster concept which debuted at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The company is also rumored to be mulling a high-performance variant with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 250 bhp (186 kW).

The new generation is 15.24mm wider (1800mm) and has a 20.3mm longer wheelbase (2570mm), while maintaining the same height (1610mm). It also has a 60.9mm wider opening for the lift gate and will be available in seven new exterior paints, including Inferno Red and Solar Yellow.

It will be offered in three trim levels: Base Soul, Soul Plus and Soul Exclaim with the entry-level model featuring power windows and door locks, 6-speaker sound system, telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, SiriusXM and optional 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry and cruise control.

Soul Plus adds 17-inch alloys, auto headlights, UVO eServices, Rear Camera Display, floor console stowage box with arm rest, along with optional goodies like 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, leather/heated steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, fog lights, Infinity audio system and string-LED front speakers.

Soul Exclaim packs 18-inch wheels, fog lights, projector headlights, front LED positioning lights, rear LED lights, high-gloss piano black center console, cooled glove box and optional HID headlights, Supervision Cluster screen, automatic climate control and front speaker LED mood lightning.

It remains unclear when additional variants could arrive but Kia recently introduced the Soul EV at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. Several months before that, the company unveiled the SUV Styling Pack with piano black paint - on the bumpers, wheel arches and side skirts - to create the illusion of plastic body cladding.

Source: Used Car Dealer

Japanese Car Dealer

Toyota has released the first details about the 2014 TS040 HYBRID.

Set to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the TS040 HYBRID is described as a "major evolution" of the TS030 HYBRID.

The company is keeping details a closely guarded secret but they confirmed the model has a four-wheel drive hybrid system thanks to the addition of a new Aisin AW motor/generator on the front axle. It is backed up by a rear motor/generator and a V8 petrol engine.

Little else is known about the car but it rides on a new chassis and features "advanced aerodynamics and [a] lightweight design."

The company will field two cars and they will be driven by Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre, Kazuki Nakajima, Anthony Davidson, Sébastien Buemi and Stéphane Sarrazin. Mike Conway will also serve as a test driver and a reserve driver.

According to Toyota Racing team president Yoshiaki Kinoshita, "We are very much looking forward to this new season with our new car, the TS040 HYBRID. The 2014 season is an important one for TOYOTA Racing; after two years we have built up a lot of experience and now, with new regulations, all teams start from a level playing field." He went on to say "We are competing in order to test the latest hybrid technology in the most extreme motorsport environments and this has a direct influence on future road car technology. This year we will benefit from a four-wheel drive hybrid system using our proven super-capacitor storage solution and this will provide a very substantial acceleration boost."

Source: Japanese Car Dealer

2015 Jeep Renegade small SUV unveiled with quirky yet cute looks

Jeep recently unveiled the 2015 Renegade at the Geneva Motor Show, so X-Tomi Design has created a rendering of an SRT variant.

Drawing cues from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, the Renegade has an aggressive front bumper with black accents and metallic air intake surrounds. The crossover also has a blacked out grille, body-color side skirts and sporty alloy wheels.

Unfortunately, we're not getting our hopes up for a production variant as SRT CEO Ralph Gilles has previously said four-cylinder engines are in their long-terms plans but they're currently "in between great engines" so "there’s nothing available right now."

Depending on the market, the new baby Jeep is going to be sold with no less than 16 powertrain combinations encompassing four MultiAir gasoline motors, two MultiJet II diesel units and a flex-fuel E.torQ engine coupled to two manual gearboxes, one dual-clutch DDCT and the aforementioned nine-speed auto 'box.

On the inside there will be an Uconnect infotainment system with a 5 or 6.5-inch touchscreen display offering a wide array of technological goodies such as Bluetooth, DAB and HD radio, Sirius services, USB & AUX, as well as digital media broadcasting. In addition, the driver gets to play around with a 7-inch color multi-view reconfigurable display acting as the instrument cluster.

The radical-looking Renegade draws its styling inspiration from the bigger Wrangler but Jeep says it also represents a throwback to the original military jeep with its boxy shape, seven-slot vertical front grille and a high ground clearance. It has a somewhat low drag coefficient of 0.36 and will be offered in a trail-rated variant called Trail-hawk 4x4 with 17-inch all-terrain tires and a Select-Terrain system.

Jeep will also offer two open-air roof panel systems called My Sky while Moper has already created a full suite of accessories to spice up the 2015 Renegade, from roof boxes and air deflectors to door sill guards and a rear backup camera.

As a result, the Renegade's range-topping engine will likely be the 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder - that produces 184 bhp (137 kW) and 177 lb-ft (236 Nm) of torque - for the foreseeable future.

Source: Used Car Dealers

Nissan has announced plans to showcase a brand new sedan concept at next month's Auto China 2014 in Beijing.

Nissan has announced plans to showcase a brand new sedan concept at next month's Auto China 2014 in Beijing.

Unfortunately Nissan did not share at least a teaser photo of their new concept but they say it was developed to emphasize the firm's global design strategy as well as the "strong commitment to China" which Nissan considers as being one of its most important markets. Details about the concept are not available at this point but from what we understand it will be a follow-up to last year's Friend-ME concept and is going to represent the "Chinese digital lifestyle."

Auto China 2014 will be organized at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing between April 20 and 29 where Nissan is going to showcase more than 20 vehicles, including the revolutionary BladeGlider concept and the Teana which will celebrate its 10^th anniversary in China.

Source: Japanese Car Dealer

Used Car in Japan, Japanese Used Cars for Sale, Japanese Used Cars

Lexus has released images and preliminary details with the RC F GT3 concept confirmed to be officially unveiled at the 84^th Geneva Motor Show next week.

Aside from showcasing the road-going RC 350 F SPORT at the Swiss show, Lexus is also going to introduce the track-only RC F GT3 concept which will arrive at racing teams next year. Under the hood it gets the same V8 engine from the RC F but modified to deliver more than 540 HP (397 kW) whereas the regular RC F offers 455 HP (335 kW).

Designed to tackle the BMW M4, the RC F has been equipped with an aggressive body kit that includes a new front bumper, revised side skirts and ventilated front fenders. The model also has a bulging hood, an "F-mesh" grille and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. If that's not aggressive enough, the car can be equipped with a carbon fiber package that adds a carbon fiber roof and an active rear spoiler that deploys at 50 mph (80 km/h) and retracts at speeds less than 25 mph (40 km/h).

The interior echoes the standard RC but has been equipped with sport seats, revised instrumentation, alloy pedals and an "elliptical cross-section thick grip steering wheel."

The vehicle tips the scales at 2,755 lbs (1,249 kg) and has the following dimensions: 4705mm length, 2000mm width and 1270mm height, with a 2730mm wheelbase. Lexus has announced vehicle testing will commence in the following months ahead of next year's plans to participate in races all over the world, including the Super GT series in Japan and 24 Hours of Nürburgring endurance race in Germany.

Source : Used Car Dealer

Japanese Car Dealer - Al Ain Japan

A purported picture of the Mazda Hazumi concept has surfaced online.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Hazumi has a striking exterior with a prominent grille that is flanked by LED-infused headlights. The concept also has front spoiler, a stylish greenhouse and massive alloy wheels. Other highlights include a black roof, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and aerodynamic side skirts.

Little else is known about the model but it previews the next-generation Mazda2. That particular car will target female buyers and spawn a Toyota variant that will go into production in the summer of 2015.

Hazumi" means "spring up" or "bound" in Japanese and the concept will provide a first glimpse at Mazda's upcoming subcompact model which will probably be shown later this year. Judging by this teaser photo, we notice Mazda has taken styling cues from the Mazda3 and Mazda6 but on a smaller scale to fit the small dimensions of the concept.

As far as the production version, the Mazda2 will target a female audience and it is believed the vehicle will ride on a shortened variant of the CX-5's platform. Expect the car to grow in size compared to the outgoing model and chances are it will spawn a crossover variant.

Also in Geneva next month the audience will get to see Mazda's newly developed SKYACTIV-D 1.5 clean diesel engine which will likely find its way under the hood of the Mazda2 as well as other small and compact models from the Japanese marque.

Source: Japanese Car Dealer