015 Toyota Camry to have 'more emotional, more impactful design' - Al Ain Japan

The President of Toyota's Calty Design Research has revealed some new details about the facelited Camry.

Speaking to Al Ain Japan, Kevin Hunter said the model will have a “more emotional, more impactful design." When went on to say the “Camry’s taken some hits on styling" but "we need to create better design for Camry in the future.”

Despite the bold promises, we shouldn't expect anything too radical as the Camry is a strong seller and the company doesn't want to mess with success. As Toyota Motor Sales USA President and CEO Kazuo Ohara explained, “I would not go so far as saying we could be adventurous, but at least more aggressive." He added they were "probably a little bit too conservative" when designing the current model.

Source: Al Ain Japan

Redesigned Toyota 'Harrier' Crossover SUV to Launch in Japan

Toyota Motor Corporation will launch the redesigned "Harrier" crossover SUV in Japan on December 2, with a hybrid model scheduled for release on January 15 next year.  The new Harrier, with its distinctive design and innovative new features, aims to exceed even the high expectations built up by previous models

For those who didn’t know, the Toyota Harrier is the father of the Lexus RX, with the latter being almost the same vehicle, except some design details and interior features. The Harrier is also known for its advanced technological features, being the first vehicle to use Toyota’s proprietary Pre-collision System

 Since its debut in 1997, the Harrier has built a strong brand image while pioneering the high-end crossover SUV genre.  In keeping with this legacy, Toyota has made some of its most advanced proprietary safety technologies available on the new Harrier.

The cabin is quiet, as befits a high-end vehicle, while enhanced suspension and aerodynamic performance deliver a comfortable ride and superior driving stability.  With an elegant, streamlined exterior and an interior that balances fine craftsmanship with modern utility, the Harrier's styling is innovative and distinctive.

The new Harrier comes with an improved, more elegant exterior and quieter interior, while an enhanced suspension and aerodynamic performance delivers a comfortable ride and driving stability.

Offered in four grades, the Harrier can also be had with one of the two engine choices - a 2-liter 3ZR-FAE engine mated to a Super CVT-i sending 151 PS and 193 Nm to either two or all four wheels; and a 2.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System II totaling 197 PS which are sent to all four wheels.

 
The hybrid model, powered by a 2.5-liter engine and hybrid system, retains the characteristic power of an SUV while achieving class-leading environmental performance and fuel efficiency of 21.8 km/L².

 

Source: Al Ain Japan

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Acura Concept SUV-X arrives in Shanghai

According to a recent report, Acura is considering an entry-level crossover which could be based on the Honda Fit.

 

 

Details are limited but speculation suggests the company could offer the production version of the SUV-X concept in North America. The model was designed primarily for China but Honda spokeswoman Yuka Abe told  Al Ain Japan the company is considering additional markets for the vehicle.

The Japanese marque announced at the beginning of the month a new concept for the Chinese auto show and we assumed it was a crossover. We were right as the Concept SUV-X is a small SUV which was designed specifically for the local market. It represents Acura's first ever concept to be unveiled outside of North America.

It has been confirmed a production version will go on sale in China in approximately three years from now. The concept is being characterized as offering "emotional and sharp styling and driving performance" along with "environmental performance" and the utility you normally get in an SUV. Unfortunately, Acura did not release any details about what powers the Concept SUV-X but most likely some form of hybrid tech is included.

Honda Vezel powertrain chief engineer Naohisa Morishita went one step further and told the publication "There is a market for it worldwide, not just in China." He went on to say "Personally, I think Acura needs it."

It remains unclear when the model could arrive but the production version of the SUV-X concept is slated to go on sale in China in 2016.

Source: Al Ain Japan

Toyota Car Exporters in Japan

The Tokyo Auto Salon continues as Toyota has taken the wraps off the Vitz RS G Sports concept.

Looking instantly recognizable, the concept has a sport-tuned suspension, beefier brakes and 17-inch aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tires. The model also has side stripes and a larger rear spoiler.

Interior changes are limited but include sports seats, revised trim and updated instrumentation.Interior pictures haven't been released, but Toyota says they have made significant improvements to the cabin. Notable changes include improved seats, higher quality materials, and premium options such as HDD navigation.

Overall, the car measures 3,885mm long and rides a wheelbase that has been stretched by 50mm.

 

Under the hood, three petrol engines will be offered: a 68 hp (51 kW /69 PS) 1.0-liter, a 93 hp (69 kW / 94 PS) 1.3-liter, and a 107 hp (80 kW / 108 PS) 1.5-liter. Detailed specifications haven't been released, but the 1.3-liter features Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) and stop/start technology which enables it to get a class-leading fuel economy rating of 3.8 L/100km (62 mpg US). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) will be standard on most models (in Japan), but a five-speed manual is also available.

Source: Al Ain Japan

GRMN 86 concept unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon

Gazoo Racing has officially unveiled the GRMN 86 concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

 

Looking bold an aggressive, the concept "incorporates the technical expertise gained through the 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race." As a result, Toyota says it has a lower center of gravity, an enhanced powertrain and improved rigidity.

Starting with the exterior, the model has been equipped with a number of carbon fiber components including the roof, hood and trunk. The coupe also has polycarbonate windows to reduce weight.

Detailed performance specifications were not released but the concept has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces at least 200 HP (147 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed manual transmission which should ensure the 1,200 kg (2645 lb) coupe is relatively quick.

Speaking of performance, the concept also has a sport-tuned suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and a mechanical differential.

Source: Toyota (Al Ain Japan)

Japanese Car Mazda - Al Ain Japan

Mazda's upcoming entry-level model has received the speculative digital treatment from Theophilus Chin.

The Japanese marque will utilize a downsized version of its Kodo design language to create the Mazda2 set to come out later this year, possibly in the fall. We don't expect any major styling changes as the model will look a lot like a smaller Mazda3 hatchback and that's not necessarily a bad thing since the “3” is an appealing compact offering in both hatchback and sedan forms.

Mazda has already announced the new "2" / Demio will mainly target a female audience and rumors are indicating the vehicle will utilize a shorter version of CX-5's platform that will also underpin a compact crossover. The supermini is expected to grow in size and will utilize the now familiar Skyactiv engines so it should turn out to be a very frugal car.

Japanese Used Car Dealer in Japan - Al Ain Japan

The first allegedly official images of the 2015 Subaru WRX STI have been published online, ahead of a confirmed NAIAS debut later this month.

Subaru introduced the 2015 WRX back in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show and now we catch a first glimpse at the hotter STI variant which adopts a more aggressive body kit painted in Subaru's traditional World Rally Blue matched with 17-inch golden alloy wheels. Despite this, Subaru points out the bumpers, hood, front fenders, rear doors, headlights and taillight clusters are all unique to the model. Apparently this finish will be reserved initially for a first edition which is likely to come with other enhancements.

The cabin is heavily influenced by the Impreza but it comes nicely equipped with fabric sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and soft-touch materials. Other highlights include a new instrument cluster, a 4.3-inch multi-information display and automatic climate control. Options include leather seats, heated front seats, GPS navigation and a 440-watt harman /kardon audio system.

Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that develops 268 bhp (200 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. It can be connected to a six-speed manual transmission or a newly optional Sport Lineartronic CVT that has a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) system with three different modes: Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp. When equipped with the latter transmission, the WRX comes with a new Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Variable Torque Distribution technology. It has a 45:55 rear-bias (as opposed to the traditional 50:50 split) but "continually optimizes torque distribution in response to driving conditions and input from steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors."

Already teased, Subaru will unveil its “iconic performance flagship model” later this January in Detroit.

Source: Al Ain Japan