Articles from ImportJap.com - Japanese car news, reviews, rants

Mazda Releases JDM-Only “Prestige Edition” MX-5
2007-10-01 07:48:22
Mazda has released a made-to-order version of the MX-5 (known as the ‘Roadster‘ in Japan) called the ‘Prestige Edition’. It’s another in a long line of special versions that we won’t see over here in Australia, and daresay won’t see in the USDM either. Here’s the lowdown on what we’re all missing with the new ‘Prestige Edition’. Heated bucket seats Black Leather upholstery 17″ aluminium BBS wheels Front fog lights Stainless steel scuff plates Front strut brace Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) The new edition is strictly made to order, and will set prospective owners back 2,950,000 yen for the six-speed manual transmission and 3,050,000 yen for the six-speed automatic transmission model. [Source: NihonCar] ...

Video: Top Gear - Evo 8 vs WRX Sti vs Audi S4
2007-10-01 06:55:56
With the release of the Evo X, it’s time to take a quick peek back in time at one of our favourite Top Gear episodes. Three hot cars, but which one is the most fun? Prepare for Mitsi vs Subie fan battles! ...

Mitsubushi Lancer Evolution X Now Official
2007-10-01 01:42:40
The new Evolution X has been made official in a new press release from Mitsubishi, with cars hitting dealers in Japan today, October 1st, 2007. Here’s a quick rundown of the juiciest features on the new Evolution X Engine New, completely redesigned aluminium block ‘4B11′ 16-valve, 2.0L DOHC MIVEC intercooled turbocharged engine - 12kg lighter than the outgoing 4G63. Power: 295HP, Torque: 422 Nm @ 3500rpm (300 lb-ft) Two trim levels: RS, GSR. Transmissions: Twin Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual on the GSR or 5 speed manual also available on the GSR 5 speed manual on the RS only (No SST) 4WD S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) on the GSR ACD (Active Center Differential) AYC (Active Yaw Control) Sport ABS (Sport Anti-lock Brake System) Active Stability Control (ASC) Suspension/ Tyre / Brakes MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension (GSR) 18-inch Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels. 18-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels are also ava ...

Suzuki to Debut “Kizashi 2.0? at Tokyo Motor Show
2007-09-29 11:19:21
The Kizashi appeared at Frankfurt not long ago, and hot on it’s heels comes the Kizashi 2, which looks to be either a crossover or soft roader. Kizashi 2.0 The car apparently drops the 2.0L 4cyl TDi expected in the Kizashi 1.0. Instead Kizashi 2.0 gets a 3.6L GM V6 and 6 speed automatic, and may or may not be a hybrid vehicle. It’s unknown at this point wether the Kizashi 2.0 would sport the AWD system slated for the Kizashi 1.0 concept. It’s also unknown why the two disparate vehicle concepts hold the same name in the first place. It may simply be a ’style name’ rather than actual vehicle name. [Source: Caradisiac] ...

Design the Mazda 3 of 2018!
2007-09-29 08:34:28
Bored, a good writer or artist, want to get in on Mazda’s ZOOM ZOOM style, and want to win a prize? Well here’s just the thing! Mazda have announced (on facebook at least) a design competition for all who are interested in winning a trip to the L.A Autoshow in November. Enter the MAZDA Design Challenge to win: All expenses paid trip to L.A $1000 spending money A Mazda 3 for the week of the show (Doesn’t appear you get to keep it. Awww!) All you need to do is write 150 words or less on what you expect 3 of 2018 will look like - and yes, you can send in a sketch. But you better get moving, submission ends October 12, 2007! Hit facebook for the competition group. Note: The competition is open to US citizens only. Bugger. [Source: GrandJDM] ...
Design

2002+ Caldina GT Compliance Now Available
2007-09-29 07:33:33
Compliance for the 2002+ ST246W (Gen 3) Caldina Sports wagon has just become available in Australia, a few short months after the second generation became available in August this year. The ST246W runs the same 3S-GTE 2.0L 4 cylinder DOHC turbo and 4WD platform as the previous generation. Prestige Motorsports prices for the Caldina start at AU$20,000 for a 02/03 model with ~60,000kms. The 2006/2007 will set you back around $30,000. Considerable value for money for this great turbo family wagon. [Source: Prestige Motorsport] ...

More 2008 Subaru WRX STi Shots Released
2007-09-29 06:21:10
Subaru continues to whet enthusiast appetites with dark, moody shots of the new STi. Although not immediately clear in the pics, it seems the STi is going to be designed to stand apart from it’s WRX base with a more masculine, bulked up appearance, with bulging muscular fenders, quad tips, a roof wing, and possibly black versions of the clear tail lights, though it’s hard to tell. It seems Subaru have listened to STi owners classically complaining about the STi looking too similar to the ’standard’ WRX (Though we’re sure some fans must be wishing Subaru had listened on overall styling, period.). 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. These photo’s have been brightened The STi will be revealed on the 24th of October at the Tokyo Motor Show (write it in your diaries or something, Scooby fans!) ...

Suzuki X-HEAD Concept
2007-09-29 05:59:53
With a hilarious name of X-HEAD, Suzuki have busted into the freaky tank market with this strangely attractive vehicle, part of a continuing new trend in Suzuki stepping outside it’s kei-car and motorbike market. Suzuki X-HEAD. Funny name, funky car, err… tank. Expected at the Tokyo Motor Show, the X-HEAD is aimed at companies and individuals with practicality in mind, and is perhaps the most intimidating vehicle Suzuki have ever concepted. The X apparently means unknown or unlimited possible uses, meaning someone at Suzuki is probably a fan of algebra. No word on what the HEAD bit means or possible specifications, though this clearly looks like an off-road capable vehicle so 4WD, and possible diesel could be on the cards. [Source: Suzuki via Autoblog] ...

Confirmed: New ‘AE86? Is More Than Just A Rumour
2007-09-28 11:25:48
Development has been progressing behind the scenes in the new ‘AE86′ with JDM lovers 7tune releasing some tantalizing details about Subaru and Toyota’s new ‘AE86′ collaboration, called simply the ‘Lightweight Sports Car’. It seems the lightweight RWD coupe is in the development stage, and Toyota believes they can get this new car concept to market by next year. New ‘AE86′? The car is apparently being aimed at the under 2,000,000 yen mark. In itself this is interesting because typically, a JDM RWD coupe could very easily exceed this. Keeping this in mind, cost is the reason for the car’s 1.5L (EL15) DOHC flat-four engine. This DOHC engine puts out a very ho-hum 110ps @ 6,400rpm and 14.7kg/m @ 3,200rpm, and is a cheap, cost effective motor. Knowing this, Toyota wants the car to be under 1100kg to provide any sort of performance. The test mule currently sports a 200mm shorter version of the Legacy chassis, 4WD running gear ...

Nissan GT-R Official Site Launched !
2007-09-25 16:25:53
It looks like the official site for the Nissan GT-R has launched! The site has a “first details” press release which promises to reveal details, and confirms both the price for the GTR (at 7.8million yen) and the final name of the car to be simply the “Nissan GT-R”. Additionally Nissan says they are “making available for customers in Japan some initial details including basic specifications, colors and practical information on placing pre-orders.”. It will be very interesting to see what those are. Finally, they’ve made this cool widget available! ...

Nissan GTR Specifications Round Up
2007-09-25 12:10:53
What We Know So Far *UPDATED: see post below* While none of this is final till the car is revealed at Tokyo, here’s what is known/expected so far for the rebirth of the iconic Nissan hero car. Engine/Drivetrain: Designation VR38VETT, Twin Turbo, 3.8L V6 Variable Valve Event Lift (VVEL) Estimated 480+HP, maybe as high as 550HP Forged internals throughout ATTESSA All Wheel Drive, possibly tuned for more rear-wheel bias on higher-spec models. Dimensions, Weight, Chassis: Designated CBA-R35 (Interesting that this is designated R35, when effectively it is not the R35/V35 proto chassis but a new chassis) Total weight around 3500lbs or 1570kg Weight distribution centralized Length: ~4,650mm (183 inches) Wheelbase: ~ 2,800 mm (110 inches) Width: ~1,350mm (53 inches). Models: Expected to come in at least three models. Standard, Black Edition and Premium. There has been mention of V-Spec and EVO designations; whether these are sub designations to Standard, Black Edition or Premium ...

2008 Mitsubishi Evo X Pics Leaked!
2007-09-25 09:49:41
The all new Lancer just debuted last week here in Australia, and now comprehensive photos of the EVO X have been released by US site Edmunds. It looks like everything we expected, the meanest, biggest and baddest looking EVO yet with small change in the stellar performance expected from the iconic EVO. The new EVO is expected for global release on October 2nd 2007, and is slated to come with an all alloy engine, new sequential automated twin clutch gearbox, and a stronger body structure, tuned as a comprehensive race ready package. Edmunds claims the EVO X will be released in more than one version, Standard and MR, though this is unlikely for the Australian market. Expect the new EVO to be available in one version in Australia, supplemented by it’s new ‘little brother’ the Ralliart Lancer, which is known to be another turbo offering from Mitsubishi. The battle is heating up between Subaru and Mitsubishi with the STi due out very soon. ...

Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911 Turbo Do Battle!
2007-09-23 10:46:15
In a somewhat controversial post, the Nissan GT-R and 911 have been seen doing battle on the Ring. Sure to bring Porsche evangelists into direct fire from Nissan evangelists, Autoblog is carefully claiming the GT-R (not the EVO spec apparently) doing the lap in 7:38 vs 7:40 for the 911 (pictures included). Noting the usual indescrepancies from stopwatch timing, they claim it still leaves the GT-R in a favourable position of coming dead even at worst, sure to heighten debate between lovers of the mighty German. The GT-R is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and hotly debated releases of the 21st century. Only time will tell who will rain supreme, but until then, a bit of excitement hasn’t gone astray. [Sources: Autoblog] ...

Poll Results: What Japanese Supercar are you looking forward to the most?
2007-09-23 10:30:10
The results are in, and the winner is the Nissan GT-R with 132 votes, followed by the Lexus L-FA concept with 114 votes, with the Honda NSX concept on 95 votes to take last place. Thankyou for all who voted, and don’t forget to cast your vote on our newest Poll. ...

Video of The Week: 9 Second Supra Turbo
2007-09-23 09:49:48
Supra’s are tough machines, sporting the immortal 2JZ-GTE which comes standard with some forged internals. With powers over 450HP on stock internals not uncommon in the modified supra turbo scene, it’s always a joy to see something boosted to the 1000+ horsepower mark. Just watch the flames from that exhaust as this Supra blitz’s the quarter in a scathing 9 seconds. Last Week’s VOTW ...

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