Leading Car Exporter in Japan

Lamborghini has revealed a one-off Aventador Jackie Chan Edition which will be displayed later this month at Beijing Motor Show in China.

The special Aventador is part of Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program and has received a unique titanium gray exterior paint scheme along with shiny Nero Ade alloy wheels. The interior adopts a red and black theme along with the word "Long" embroidered in the headrests and doors as a reference to the actor's Chinese name - Cheng Long.

The car will go up for auction and all the money gathered will be directed towards the China Film Institute "Jackie Chan Charity Fund" which supports the development of China's film industry. The unique supercar will probably be sold for a lot more than 7.38M yuan (about 1.2M USD) which is the Aventador's starting price in China.

 

Source: Leading Car Exporter in Japan

2015 Ford Focus Sedan

Following the introduction of the facelifted Focus hatchback and wagon in Geneva last month, Ford has revealed the refreshed Focus sedan which will be shown in public at next week's New York Auto Show.

As expected, Ford has applied the Aston Martin-inspired grille on the Focus sedan along with the restyled headlights seen on its two siblings. The front bumper has also gone through surgery and looks more refined than on the pre-facelift model while at the back there are updated taillights, a slightly modified trunk lid and bumper but the overall appearance is not that different compared to the outgoing model.

Ford has worked on the interior cabin where there's a standard rearview camera working together with either a 4.2- or 8-inch touchscreen display on the models equipped with MyFord Touch. Moreover, there are new driver assistance systems, an updated Sync system, modified seats and a tweaked center console as well as updated cup holders.

The changes are skin deep as the 2015 Focus Sedan facelift has received suspension and chassis upgrades to offer "a more connected feel to the road" and an "improved interior quietness." Ford is offering an SE Sport Package encompassing a firmer touring suspension, subtle body kit, 17-inch rims and paddle shifters for the automatic model.

In terms of engine lineup, the revitalized Focus Sedan will be available with the well-known three-cylinder 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine coupled only to a six-speed manual transmission.

The 2015 Ford Focus Sedan facelift will be showcased next week at the New York Auto Show together with the updated Focus Electric, while the Focus ST is going to be introduced later this year.

Source: Al Ain Japan

Honda Car Dealer

A new report indicates Honda will use the "HR-V" moniker in United States for its Fit-based crossover.

Honda's Urban SUV concept eventually became the Vezel crossover for Japan and now it seems the model is heading to the United States but with the HR-V name. The vehicle was reportedly shown to North American dealers at a recent meeting and Honda also filed an application for the "HR-V" name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark offices.

Production of the Honda HR-V will take place at the company's Celaya assembly plant in Mexico where they also produce the 2015 Fit upon which the HR-V is based on. The model will go on sale in the second half of the year while in 2015 it will be introduced in Europe possibly with the same HR-V designation. The JDM-spec Vezel has been on sale since November last year.

The previous Honda HR-V (Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle) was produced between 1999 and 2006 and was available as a three- and five-door model with a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline engine delivering 105 PS (77 kW) and 125 PS (92 kW) in the VTEC version.

Source : Honda Car Dealer

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to be axed this year

Japanese media is reporting Mitsubishi will kill the Lancer Evolution X towards the end of the year.

If we were to believe Japanese newspaper Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun (Automotive News Daily), production of the Lancer Evolution X will be terminated by the end of 2014. This decision has apparently been taken due to a decreasing demand for the hot sedan and it seems Mitsubishi isn't planning an Evolution XI at all so the model will likely be canned for good.

On sale since 1992 when the original model came out, Mitsubishi managed to deliver 92,000 units in Japan and another 154,000 units worldwide. The most recent iteration of the Evo X is a UK-only special edition called "X FQ-440 MR" which packs a respectable 440 bhp (328 kW) punch from the familiar 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Although this latest report indicates a direct replacement is not planned, we should remind you that back in November last year there was a rumor about a hybrid Lancer Evolution but such a model is still a few years off.

Source: Al Ain Japan

Mazda MX-5 four-seater officially revealed

Mazda has made a surprising announcement on April Fools' Day by introducing a four-seater version of the outgoing MX-5.

While everyone is waiting for the all-new MX-5 to come out, Mazda decided to breathe life into the outgoing Miata by stretching its wheelbase in order to make room for two rear doors. Although you now can take the whole family for a ride, the downside is due to the added weight the car has probably lost some of its great handling abilities for which it has become so popular during its 25 years of existence.

Word on the street is that Mazda will introduce the next generation MX-5 in a couple of weeks at the New York Auto Show, possibly on April 16 during the first press day

Source: Mazda Car Dealer

Porsche Macan GTS

The 2015 Porsche Macan GTS has been spied completely undisguised.

Designed to slot between the Macan S and Macan Turbo, the GTS is heavily influenced by the latter model as it features LED daytime running lights, high-performance brakes and a four tailpipe exhaust system.

There's no word on what will power the crossover but the Macan S has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 340 HP (250 kW) while the Macan Turbo has a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 with 400 HP (294 kW). This likely means the GTS will have an output of approximately 360-370 HP (265-272 kW). If these numbers pan out, the model will likely accelerate from 0-100 km/h in roughly five seconds

The crossover is 4699mm long, 1923mm wide and 1624mm tall which makes it 146mm shorter, 16mm narrower and 82mm lower than its bigger brother. Compared to the Q5 on which is based upon, the Macan is 70mm longer, 24mm wider and 30mm lower.

It adopts a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement with variable damping control and an electro-mechanical steering system, while optionally available is an air suspension. Compared to the Audi Q5, the Macan's track widths are 35mm bigger at the front and 36mm at the back, while the suspension components are unique to this model. In addition, the software and geometry have been updated to make sure the Macan is "the most agile handling in its class."

Later on during the car's lifespan there will be a new base model equipped with a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo engine providing 280 HP, along with a Macan Diesel with a 2.0-liter turbo. The duo will represent the first 4-cylinder-powered Porsche models since the demise of the 968 in 1995.

The Macan S and S Diesel ride on 18-inch alloys wrapped around in 235/60 R18 front and 255/55 R18 rear tires, while the Macan Turbo gets larger 19-inch rims with 235/55 R19 and 255/50 R19 rubbers. Clients can optionally configure their car with various wheel designs in sizes of up to 21 inches.

Available at German dealers next April, the Macan S and Macan S Diesel have a starting price of 57,930 EUR and are followed by the Macan Turbo from 79,826 EUR (VAT included). UK will get the new Macan also in April at these prices: Diesel S (43,300 GBP), S (43,300 GBP) and Turbo (59,300 GBP).

Source: AlAin Japan

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