Mitsubishi Outlander “Roadest” Special Edition

Available exclusively for the Japanese market, the Outlander “Roadest” is a special edition version of Mitsubishi’s SUV that stands out from the standard model thanks to a new full bodykit that includes a new front grille and chromed mirror caps along with a set of 7-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside the “Roadest” is equipped with dark colored sport cloth seats and decorative aluminum trim. Buyers can choose between three different body colors, white, black and grey. The Outlander “Roadest” is available for sale in Japan with prices starting from 2,877,000 yen. -More pics after the jump

Japanese Monorail Gets IKEA Makeover

As part of an advertising gimmick for the opening of a new outlet at Port Island in Japan later this month, Swedish furniture giant IKEA has transformed the Kobe Portliner Monorail in Japan into a mobile showroom. The train’s interior has been outfitted with IKEA’s lively sofas and curtains while even the outside has received a new paintjob. Luckily IKEA had nothing to do with the monorail’s interior layout –can you imagine trying to find the way out? The IKEA train will be in use until May 6, 2008. –More images after the jump














Pics via: Kiyomaro

Mazda Launches Facelifted MPV In Japan

The discontinued here in the States, Mazda MPV, has received its first facelift in Japan, only two years after the vehicle’s debut in February 2006. Available from today at all Mazda dealerships in Japan, the 2009 MPV has received subtle exterior changes that include new chrome body parts, remodelled upper and lower grilles and bumper, redesigned tail lights and new 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the facelifted MPV features newly designed decorative trim and chrome parts.

In terms of mechanical upgrades, Mazda now offers a five-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment on all front-wheel drive (FWD) models with the MZR 2.3L naturally-aspirated engine, while the Japanese carmaker’s engineers also retuned the suspension. -Details and pics after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch in Japan of the upgraded Mazda MPV minivan. Known for its excellent drivability and sporty dynamic design, the freshened Mazda MPV is available from today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide.

The concept for Mazda’s latest MPV is “+Aggressive, +Luxury.” The refined styling and superb drivability that have become hallmarks of the third generation MPV since its launch in February 2006 have been further evolved. Other enhancements include interior and exterior changes and improved ride quality and comfort.

Extensive new chrome body parts, together with the remodeled upper and lower grilles and bumper, form a bolder and more distinguished front face. The vehicle’s rear combination lights and 18-inch alloy wheels^*1 have been redesigned and five fashionable, high quality body colors, including Metropolitan Grey Mica, Diamond Grey Metallic and Lilac Silver Metallic, are newly available.

The interior design maintains the previous version’s sporty image and features newly designed decorative trim and chrome parts that boost quality levels. The slide range of the optional second row ‘Super Relax Seats’ has been extended and a ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system^*2 has been adopted as an industry first to increase comfort levels. The interiors of the 23T L Package and 23S L Package model grades have also been fitted with custom sand-beige leather seat covers, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped wood grain-patterned steering wheel.

Vehicle dynamics have been enhanced by installing Mazda’s five-speed automatic transmission^*3 as standard equipment on all front-wheel drive (FWD) models with the MZR 2.3L naturally-aspirated engine. This change also improves fuel economy during acceleration and high-speed cruising. The chassis has also been retuned to enhance stability and ride comfort.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mazda MPV vary from 2,500,000 to 3,600,000 yen (including consumption tax). The target sales volume is 1,200 units a month. Special needs models based on the freshened MPV are also available from today.

*1 Standard on grades equipped with the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo engine

*2 ‘Nanoe’ is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Works Ltd. Available as a factory-installed option. Please refer to the factory installed options list below.

*3 The Mazda MPV was previously equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. All four-wheel drive (4WD) and FWD grades with the direct injection turbocharged engine offer a six-speed automatic transmission.

Main features of the freshened Mazda MPV
Design

By enhancing the MPV’s existing sporty and eye-catching appearance with design motifs taken from Mazda’s new Nagare design language, in addition to the extensive use of chrome parts, the upgraded MPV reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and class. Mazda’s designers also focused on expanding the spaciousness of the passenger cabin, which culminates in an improved sense of comfort and quality.

Exterior

- The front end’s design was made sportier and more aggressive through the new upper and lower grilles, and bumper. The new chrome garnish on the upper grille also reflects quality and refinement. All grades except 23C were given a bolder look through the addition of chrome garnish on the lower grille, fog light bezels and black headlight bezels.

- With new integrated red lenses, the rear combination lights are another expression of the vehicle’s high quality. The vehicle’s 18-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned with gentle curves that are central to the Nagare design theme.

- Nine high quality and striking body colors are available. The five new colors are Metropolitan Grey Mica, Diamond Grey Metallic, Lilac Silver Metallic, Maroon Red Mica and Sparkling Black Mica.

Interior

- Sand-beige suede-like seat covers hint at the freshened MPV’s prestige, while the upright stance of the seatbacks and evident thickness of the seats are all crafted with precision. The light sandy-colored tones extend all the way down to the carpet on all grades (except 23C) and enhance the sense of spaciousness and simple beauty.

- The Mazda MPV’s sporty looks are emphasized through the use of lustrous black embossed material in the seat covers (all grades except 23C).

- The shifter and power window switch panels are newly designed. The sand-beige parts have a chic and sporty wood-grain pattern while the black parts have a solid, carbon-like design (all grades except 23C). The MPV 23C employs quality black metallic parts.

- The center stack features a new wide silver panel with an integrated GPS navigation system that reflects high quality workmanship.

- Chrome is used to express elegance in the driver controls, including the shifter knob, inner door handles and air conditioning dials.

Equipment

- The optional second row Super Relax Seats provide better comfort. By extending the front/back seat slide range rearward by 80 mm, available legroom is increased. The sideways seat slide function -- which was previously available only for the left hand seat -- is now fitted on both second row seats.

- As an automotive industry first, the MPV comes equipped with ‘nanoe ion’ technology, which was developed in collaboration with Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd., as part of the freshened Mazda MPV’s air purifying and odor removing system (available as a factory-installed option). Bacteria-removing ions are blown from the driver’s seat air vents and permeate every corner of the cabin.

- Special equipment has been newly added on the 23T L Package and 23S L Package model grades which are based on the 23T and 23S grades. Both models have been outfitted with sand-beige leather seats, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped wood grain-patterned steering wheel, a power rear liftgate for easy closure, a third row electric seat return system and the Utility Package (please see the factory-installed options list for details). The 23S L Package also exclusively features 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 215/65R16 98S tires.

Dynamics

- Mazda’s Activematic electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all front-wheel drive (FWD) models with the 2.3-liter naturally aspirated engine. The wider gear range provides a more powerful takeoff and lively acceleration. The setup also supplies plenty of torque for daily driving and offers improved fuel economy during high speed cruising.

- After a review of chassis parts on all model grades, the suspension stiffness was retuned and bushes were replaced. This produces a more stable and comfortable ride.

Factory-installed options

- A new ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system has been added to the Utility Package, which is available for all grades. The package also includes Super Relax Seats, advanced keyless entry and engine starter system, Autolight system (which switches headlights on automatically according to ambient light conditions), rain-sensing front wipers and water repellent coating (windshield, front door windows and door mirrors).

- Mazda’s Precrash Safety System -- which alerts the driver via a buzzer and automatically applies the brakes whenever its milliwave radar detects an imminent collision -- has been updated. The new system improves braking response and applies the Brake Assist function when a collision is likely, and activates maximum braking force in urgent cases (available on the 23T and 23T L Package grades).

Special needs vehicles

The Lift-up Passenger Seat and Lift-up Second Seat model grades include a new remote control function to operate the lift-up seats.

Honda Introduces 2008 Inspire In Japan

What you know in the States as the all-new 2008 Honda Accord (click here) will be introduced in Japan as the fifth generation Inspire. According to Honda, the mid-size sedan will debut at dealerships throughout Japan on Friday, December 21. If our eyes aren’t playing any weird tricks on us, the only visible difference between the N. American and Japanese models worth mentioning are the additional tail-light strip at the rear. For the first time in Jaopan, the Inspire will be available with the V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 280 PS. -Press release and high res-image gallery after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

TOKYO, Japan, December 19, 2007– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Inspire. The appeal of the new model has been dramatically strengthened with performance and comfort enhancements, yet the price range remains ¥3,300,000 to ¥3,900,000—very close to that of the previous model. The new Inspire will debut on Friday, December 21 at Honda dealers throughout Japan.

In keeping with its status as a luxury sedan, the new, 5th-generation Inspire has inherited the sporty performance and quality feel of its predecessor, adding significant improvements to all essential elements of sedan performance—driving, cornering, and braking. The new Inspire is infused with dynamism and intelligence in all aspects of design, interior space, driving, and functionality.

The V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine, available for the first time in Japan, features an advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that switches between six-, four-, and three-cylinder combustion depending on the driving conditions. This system is combined with numerous improvements to aspiration and combustion efficiency to achieve high output of 206kW (280PS) and high torque of 342Nm (34.9kgm), and making the new Inspire the only domestic 3.5-liter-class sedan in Japan^*1 to run on regular, unleaded gasoline. Fuel economy is also significantly enhanced.

The new Inspire is equipped with a full range of safety equipment. A driver and front-passenger i-SRS airbag system, front-seat i-side airbag system, and side curtain airbag system are standard equipment on all types, along with Honda’s original Advanced Compatibility Engineering body, which provides a high level of protection to vehicle occupants while also helping to reduce the force of the impact on the other vehicle during a collision. The 35iL also features Honda’s CMBS (Collision Mitigation Brake System) and E-pretensioners as standard equipment. CMBS determines if there is a danger of a rear-end collision and alerts the driver, further functioning to mitigate injuries and vehicle damage in the event of a collision.

In order to deliver the sort of direct handling feel and smooth ride comfort one expects in a luxury sedan, the new Inspire features a newly developed suspension, along with a lightweight, high-rigidity body for a lower center of gravity and reduced inertia. The interior design blends luxury with advanced functionality. A broad range of accessories provide all the amenities needed for a long drive, creating a relaxing, luxurious space that transports the vehicle’s occupants in comfort around town and on the freeway.

*1 According to Honda survey

Key Specifications

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The neat proportions of a luxury sedan with an exterior design that breathes powerful performance

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The new Inspire features the proportions of a sleek, sporty sedan.

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The front corners are boldly sculpted with wide, sharply delineated HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights (low beams, with auto-leveling device) positioned to create a front view that provides a sensation of speed.

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The rear area of the cabin has been tapered to emphasize the bulging rear fenders. The impressive rear view is enhanced with large-diameter exhaust pipe finishers on dual exhaust pipes left and right.

Interior design combines elegant comfort with a refreshing driving environment

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The instrument panel is laid out horizontally in arcs that spread out to either side of the center panel, creating an elegant, relaxing space.

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The instrument panel’s wrap-around design spreads out from the center module where the audio and climate controls are clustered, flowing left and right to blend with the door lines.

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The center panel’s functional design positions visual displays on top and controls on bottom, for improved visibility and operability.

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A luxury sedan package that is easy to drive yet spacious enough to provide roomy comfort for all occupants

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The lower floor, longer wheelbase and more compact mechanisms all combine to secure ample interior space. For rear passengers, the tandem distance (a measure of the distance between front and rear seats) has been increased by 25mm^*2 and the floor lowered to provide a more natural seating position. Knee space has also been increased by 35mm^*2, while the couple distance for front occupants has been widened by 40mm^*2 to secure an ample field of view for rear passengers.

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A thinner floor frame and slender fuel tank are employed along with optimized exhaust system layout to achieve a 15mm^*2 reduction in floor height. This secures ample cabin height while contributing to enhanced driving performance and sporty styling.

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The trunk has been made 54mm^*2 longer to create a spacious 510-liter^*3 capacity for room to spare on long trips. The trunk and rear armrest through-holes facilitate loading of longer and larger items.

*2

Compared to previous model—Honda calculations

*3

Honda calculations according to VDA formula

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Newly developed V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system combines powerful 280 horsepower output with outstanding fuel economy while cruising

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The V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine achieves high output of 206kW (280PS) and high torque of 342N•m (34.9kg•m), and make the new Inspire the only domestic 3.5-literclass sedan in Japan^*4 to run on regular, unleaded gasoline.

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The newly advanced Variable Cylinder Management system, available for the first time in Japan, switches between six-, four-, and three-cylinder combustion depending on the driving conditions. The engine runs on six cylinders during startup, acceleration, and up hills, and on three cylinders while cruising. It can also run on four cylinders when driving at comparatively high speeds or under gentle acceleration—conditions under which the previous model would not have operated in cylinder idle mode—for improved fuel economy during high-speed driving.

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The engine offers outstanding clean performance, and has been certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as having achieved emission levels 75% below 2005 Japanese government standards.

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A 5-speed automatic transmission makes the most of the engine’s performance characteristics.

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Shift Hold Control reduces unnecessary gear changes during performance driving.

*4

According to Honda survey

Newly developed chassis delivers outstanding performance in both direct handling feel and smooth ride comfort

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The suspension features a double wishbone configuration in the front and a newly developed multi-link double wishbone design in the rear.

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VGR (variable steering gear ratio) is employed to deliver a smooth touch at the initial turn of the steering wheel, with the steering ratio quickening to increase wheel angle more rapidly as the steering wheel is turned farther. This results in handling that is surprisingly light for a vehicle of this size.

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A highly efficient body design that is lightweight and rigid with outstanding aerodynamics

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Strong, lightweight, high-tensile steel is employed in approximately 48% of the main frame components, improving torsional rigidity by some 20%^*5 while also achieving major weight savings.

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Effective use of aerodynamic parts on the body’s underside and flush surfaces throughout result in outstanding aerodynamics.

*5

Compared to previous model—Honda calculations

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Quiet operation ensures comfortable driving by eliminating unpleasant noises while making the most of the powerful engine sound

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Active control engine mounts are employed to cancel out increased vibration when the engine is operating in cylinder idle mode. Engine vibration is estimated and actuators located inside the mounts expand and contract with the same phase and cycle to absorb vibration.

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Active noise control is used to generate sound opposite in phase to the engine drone produced when cylinders are idling. The frequency to be attenuated is determined based on engine revolution pulses and a signal to cancel the frequency is generated via an audio speaker, thus reducing the drone.

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Advanced functionality for enhanced security and comfort

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Avehicle speed and inter-vehicular distance control system helps reduce the burden on the driver during freeway driving. It assesses driving conditions using data from a millimeter-wave radar unit built into the front grille of the vehicle that measures the distance to the vehicle ahead for up to 100m within a 16° arc, along with data from vehicle speed and yaw rate sensors. In addition to maintaining the vehicle at a set speed, this cruise control system automatically regulates vehicle speed and distance depending on whether or not there is a vehicle in the same lane ahead.

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The Honda Smart Key System enables users to lock and unlock the doors, open the trunk, and operate the ignition simply by carrying it on their person.

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In addition to independent temperature controls for occupants in the front seats, the intelligent, dual fully automatic air conditioner^*6 uses GPS information and a sunlight sensor to determine the direction and intensity of the sun’s rays and regulate temperature and air output accordingly.

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An electric rear sunshade, standard equipment on all types, shades rear seat occupants from strong sunlight for increased comfort.

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The new Inspire is equipped with the latest Honda HDD InterNavi System^*7. InterNavi Premium Club provides services to enhance customer safety and comfort, providing weather and disaster information to support safe driving. It features the world’s first^*8 heavy rain prediction information service.

*6

Standard equipment on the 35iL; factory option on the 35TL

*7

With rear camera (8-inch wide display; DVD/CD player with TV/AM/FM tuner, and cell phone input jack), 6 speakers, and ETC (Standard equipment on the 35iL; factory option on the 35TL)

*8

World’s first for use in a car navigation system

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Advanced safety functions and equipment that assess the danger of rear-end collisions to help prevent accidents

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Working in conjunction with the seatbelt E-pretensioners, the Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) helps anticipate collisions and mitigate injuries and vehicle damage should an accident occur. The CMBS alerts the driver to take preventive action and activates the brakes to reduce speed. The E-pretensioners automatically retract the seatbelts immediately before a collision occurs.

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The E-pretensioners (driver and front passenger seats) also retract the seatbelts when brake assist is activated due to sudden braking by the driver, even if the CMBS is not in operation.

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The Vehicle Stability Assist system (VSA), which improves handling stability while cornering, is standard equipment on all types. A side curtain airbag system that helps protect the head in the event of a side collision, a front-seat i-side airbag system with passenger-side body position detector, and a driver and front passenger i-SRS airbag system are also standard on all types.

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The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a high level of protection to vehicle occupants while also helping to reduce the force of the impact on the other vehicle during a collision.

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The vehicle is also designed to mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision, particularly to the head and legs, thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures.

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ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and brake assist is standard on all types.

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Honda’s original G-CON (G-force Control) technology is incorporated to create a body with a crash safety design that can withstand a 55km/h full-frontal collision, a 64km/h front offset collision, 55km/h side collision, and a 50km/h rear collision. To further improve safety in real-world collisions, Honda has implemented its own vehicle-to-vehicle collision testing program^*9 with its own independently established standards. This collision testing is much more demanding than conventional tests, in which the car is crashed into a fixed barrier. The safety design of the new Inspire meets even these stringent testing requirements.

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Front active headrests reduce load on the neck area during a rear-end collision.

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ISO FIX-compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether anchors (left and right rear seats) are standard on all types.

*9

Testing involves a 50% front offset collision with a 2-ton class passenger car, with both vehicles traveling at 50km/h.

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Superior clean technology achieves outstanding environmental performance

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Complies with Japan emissions regulations for 2005.

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PVC use has been eliminated from interior and exterior components wherever possible to achieve over 90% recyclability^*10.

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Meets reduction targets independently established by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).

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VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) levels have been reduced to within the indoor density guidelines set out by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to improve air quality inside the vehicle on all types, including those fitted with the leather interior.