Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nissan to take on domestics with commercial truck in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/nissan-to-take-on-domestics-with-commercial-truck-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/nissan-to-take-on-domestics-with-commercial-truck-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/nissan-to-take-on-domestics-with-commercial-truck-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sensing the ripe market opportunity, Nissan will start producing various light-commercial and medium-duty trucks in 2010. The targeted segment is currently dominated by Ford and GM, where the miscellaneous cabs and frames are used to produce such vehicles as dump trucks, tow trucks, and school buses. Now, Nissan wants a piece of the pie. Larry Dominique, Nissan's VP of product planning, wouldn't disclose details right now, but he did say that a handful of new products will be needed to satisfy the new commercial truck dealers - and Nissan is more than willing to oblige. Joe Castelli, the former director of Ford's commercial trucks (and now a VP of commercial trucks at Nissan), said the Japanese automaker will be pulling from their global stable of commercial components (branded Atlas and Atleon in other markets) to quickly adapt them for the U.S. market. Nissan's official commercial truck plans will be announced in January at the Detroit Auto Show, and we'll be there to judge reactions.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

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]]>Commerical TrucksCommericalTrucksLight TrucksLightTrucksManufacturingNissanTruck2008-08-27T18:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[American-made Formula Nippon car debuts at Fuji]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/american-made-formula-nippon-car-debuts-at-fuji/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/american-made-formula-nippon-car-debuts-at-fuji/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/american-made-formula-nippon-car-debuts-at-fuji/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just under a year since the concept was announced, two brand new 2009 Formula Nippon chassis, designed and built by California's Swift Engineering, have gone through shakedown trials at Fuji Speedway. Autoblog spoke to Team Toyota TOM'S Andre Lotterer, one of the first two F'pon pilots to take the radically designed machine out for a spin, to see what he thought of the exceptionally wide single seater.

First off, they seem to be pretty well put together. In an unusual turn of events for a brand new car, nothing broke or fell off during the its first outing in anger. Equally unusual, the new design is almost as quick as the Lola chassis it replaces, and with a few adjustments is destined to be even quicker. That's saying something: Andre has managed to lap Fuji in 1 minute 23 seconds in the 2008 Formula Nippon car, less than 5 seconds off Lewis Hamilton's record of 1:18.7

Although the chassis currently lacks mechanical grip, pitching the car in to crowd pleasing slides in slow corners, Andre reckons that the gigantic 6' 4" wide front wing and sculpted sidepods are generating plenty of downforce, keeping the car planted through higher-speed bends. Unfortunately, those advanced aerodynamics won't be able to prevent incidents such as F1 refugee Yuji Ide's aerobatics at Suzuka earlier this year, and super rookie Kohei Hirate's wince inducing flight into the barriers at Motegi a few weeks ago, but the Swift monocoque is even stronger than the 2008 Lola tub that saved those drivers from serious injury.

 

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]]>2009formula nipponFormulaNipponswift2008-08-24T16:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spoon to recreate NSX Type-R in LHD trim for U.S. ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spoon-to-recreate-nsx-type-r-in-lhd-trim-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spoon-to-recreate-nsx-type-r-in-lhd-trim-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spoon-to-recreate-nsx-type-r-in-lhd-trim-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Honda NSX-R.

Honda's decision to only offer one Type-R model in the U.S. - the DC2 Integra - is still considered a crime among Hondaphiles. And of all the models that could have benefited from a serious performance injection later in life, the NSX was a prime candidate.

Thankfully, Spoon Sports, a long-time motorsport partner with Honda, will rectify the matter by converting left-hand-drive US-spec NSXs into NSX-Rs. The conversion involves a long list of modifications, including stiffer springs and shocks, larger anti-roll bars, forged 17-inch wheels, a shorter final-drive gear ratio, slotted brake rotors, flat underbody trays and a rear diffuser. Part of the NSX-R's appeal was a product of Honda's desire to keep weight in check, so in order to get as close to the JDM version's 2,800-pound curb weight, Spoon will replace the hood, rear spoiler and seats with carbon fiber pieces, fit a smaller battery, manually-adjustable mirrors, thinner rear window glass, lightweight carpets and will rip out all of the sound deadening material and replace the spare tire with a can of expanding goo.

Spoon hasn't released details on how much the conversion will cost or when it will begin taking orders, but if it has Honda's blessing on the project, expect to see the first few models on the road just ahead of the new NSX's launch in 2010.

Gallery: Honda NSX-R


[Source: JPCNews]

 

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]]>acura nsxacura nsx-rAcuraNsxAcuraNsx-rhonda nsxhonda nsx-rHondaNsxHondaNsx-r2008-08-20T18:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Honda considering offering JDM models in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/honda-considering-offering-jdm-models-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/honda-considering-offering-jdm-models-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/honda-considering-offering-jdm-models-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Much attention has been paid to Ford's decision to bring six Euro Fords over to the States, but the Blue Oval isn't the only automaker that has good looking, fuel efficient vehicles overseas. Honda has a variety of petrol-sipping vehicles in its Japanese home market, and is now studying whether those are worth selling here in the U.S. The Japan-to-U.S. formula has already worked well with the stylish, sporty and efficient Fit, sales of which are up 73% this year. While the Fit has been sold in the U.S. since 2006, it has also been available in almost identical trim in Japan since 2001.

So Honda is considering offering its JDM Odyssey and compact Stream wagon (above) for the U.S., which would give the brand some wagon-like choices in its lineup. For now Honda is trying not to deviate from its long-term plans, but if the gas-drag on the U.S. market persists, bringing JDM models to market here is a no-brainer if they don't require a ton of investment to meet U.S. emissions and safety standards. As you might expect, we're all for this plan. While they're at it, we'll take the JDM Civic Type-R, too.

[Source: Bloomberg]

 

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]]>HondaHonda Japanese modelsHondaJapaneseModelsJDM modelsJdmModelssmall carsSmallCars2008-08-07T10:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Transformer toys take on Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/transformer-toys-take-on-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/transformer-toys-take-on-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/transformer-toys-take-on-nissan-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more shots of the Tomy GT-R Transformer

Dozens of new vehicles are expected to appear in the forthcoming Transformers sequel, and we're excited by the possibility of seeing motorcycle transformers mix it up with an Audi R8 and a mystery Corvette. But after seeing these pics, it's obvious what the movie is really missing: a Nissan GT-R. Seriously, take a good look at the GT-R that we recently drove -- it's just begging for some sort of crazy robot-transforming goodness. At least toymaker Takara-Tomy sees in Godzilla what seems so obvious to us, as the Japanese company has worked up a new series of Transformer toys for a new series called "Alternity." Included in the series is the Nissan GT-R, of course.

Considering the off-screen battle that the Team Corvette has waged with the new hotness from Nissan, isn't the movie just begging for an epic, to-the-death fight scene?

Gallery: Tomy GT-R Transformer


[Source: Carscoop]

 

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]]>gt-r transformerGt-rTransformertransformerstransformers 2transformers gt-rtransformers sequelTransformers2TransformersGt-rTransformersSequel2008-08-06T10:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan GT-R V-Spec delayed, 'Evolution' model due in the interim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/nissan-gt-r-spec-v-delayed-evolution-model-due-in-the-interim/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/nissan-gt-r-spec-v-delayed-evolution-model-due-in-the-interim/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/nissan-gt-r-spec-v-delayed-evolution-model-due-in-the-interim/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan GT-R.

The word from Japan's BestCar magazine is that Nissan has delayed the launch of the GT-R V-Spec in Japan from this fall to sometime later this year or early 2009. The reason for the delay hasn't been divulged, but as a stop-gap measure, Nissan will be releasing an Evolution or S-Tune version fitted with several of the parts developed by NISMO and fitted on the race-spec version of the GT-R that campaigned in Tokachi 24-hour enduro.

The launch of the Evolution/S-Tune model will coincide with the release of NISMO's line of performance parts, due out later this month, and will include suspension upgrades, new aero parts, wheels and tires, along with a revised ECU and a new exhaust system. Look for an official announcement from Nissan on August 20th.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R Spec-V - spy shots


Gallery: NISMO Tokachi 24-hour Nissan GT-R


[Source: BestCar via LeBlogAuto]

 

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]]>gt-rnismonismo gt-rNismoGt-rnissannissan gt-r evonissan gt-r evolutionnissan gt-r s tunenissan gt-r s-tunenissan gt-r spec vnissan gt-r spec-vnissan gt-r v specnissan gt-r v-specNissanGt-rEvoNissanGt-rEvolutionNissanGt-rS-tuneNissanGt-rSpec-vNissanGt-rSpecVNissanGt-rSTuneNissanGt-rV-specNissanGt-rVSpec2008-08-05T15:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[The next sibling rivalry? Nakajima Jr climbs the formula racing ladder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-next-sibling-rivalry-nakajima-jr-climbs-the-formula-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-next-sibling-rivalry-nakajima-jr-climbs-the-formula-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-next-sibling-rivalry-nakajima-jr-climbs-the-formula-racing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kazuki NakajimaThe formula racing world is rife with the offspring of long-retired F1 drivers making a name for themselves: Rosberg and Piquet are already in F1, Jacques Villeneuve has already come and gone, and the Mansell brothers are working their way up, to name just a few. But since both the Schumacher brothers have retired, Formula One has been lacking that sibling rivalry. (Mind you, with Michael having won more championships than Ralf did races, it wasn't much of a competition).

However, we might get to see some serious brother-on-brother, wheel-to-wheel action in the near future. With his older sibling Kazuki (pictured at right) already racing for Williams-Toyota, 18-year-old Daisuki Nakajima is competing in the Japanese Formula 3 championship. Their father Satoru, who raced in about 80 grands prix in the late 80's and early 90's, says that Daisuki could be even faster than Kazuki. If that's the case, the younger Nakajima could find his way into F1 within the next couple of years, and then it'll be on.

[Source: F1-Live | Photo: Morio]

 

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]]>daisuki nakajimaDaisukiNakajimaf1f1 brothersf1 rivalryf1 sonsF1BrothersF1RivalryF1Sonsformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekazuki nakajimaKazukiNakajimanakajimasatorusatoru nakajimaSatoruNakajima2008-08-03T08:10:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota reveals 'Winglet' assistance robots, Segways beware [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Toyota's Winglets

Toyota's bid to completely take over the world with robots is getting ever closer to fruition. Its latest endeavor is intended to place mankind on moving platforms -- very Segway-esque. Coming in Small, Medium and Large sizes, Toyota's Winglet places its riders in a standing position, likely to dissuade notions of the future portrayed in Pixar's recent Wall-E movie in which humans spent their time in more relaxed positions. Powered by an electric motor, the Winglet's two wheels are closely monitored by on-board sensors that constantly adjust the movements of the machine to keep everything upright. At just 6 kilometers per hour it ain't very vest and can't go too far with its 5-10 kilometer range, but it makes up for these issues by taking just one hour to charge. Testing is currently underway, with human trials expected to begin this Autumn in Japan. Presumably after that there'll be a version with handle bar-mounted guns that's able to round up humans in a pen. Check out the video of Toyota's winglet in action after the jump.

Gallery: Toyota Winglets


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota reveals 'Winglet' assistance robots, Segways beware [w/VIDEO]

 

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]]>segwaytoyotatoyota robottoyota robotstoyota wingletToyotaRobotToyotaRobotsToyotaWingletwinglet2008-08-01T12:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mitsubishi readying Lancer Sportback crossover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/rumormill-mitsubishi-readying-lancer-sportback-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/rumormill-mitsubishi-readying-lancer-sportback-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/rumormill-mitsubishi-readying-lancer-sportback-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Sources out of Japan suggest that Mitsubishi is considering offering a jacked-up version of the Lancer Sportback to international markets in 2010. The new model would come equipped with a higher ride height, a restyled fascia and protective body panels similar to those found on the old Subaru Outback and Audi Allroad.

Based off the current Lancer architecture, the compact crossover is almost guaranteed to be packing the Evolution IX's all-wheel-drive system, and if Mitsubishi offers the 240hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter from the Ralliart, the Sportback X could be a serious contender in a market filled with bland and dynamically-challenged CUVs.

[Source: Carscoop]

 

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]]>crossovercuvlancermitsubishisportbacksuv2008-07-29T18:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Infiniti's four-door GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/rendered-speculation-infinitis-four-door-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/rendered-speculation-infinitis-four-door-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/rendered-speculation-infinitis-four-door-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn may have dismissed the notion of an Infiniti sedan based on the GT-R as "online blog speculation", but that won't stop the automotive press from churning out renderings just the same. Following an earlier sketch commissioned by Motor Trend comes the computer rendering you see above, predicting what a GT-R-derived Infiniti sports-sedan could look like. The rendering comes courtesy of Japan's Top Car magazine, and does a good job of translating the GT-R's styling into an even bigger, more commodious package.

If they built it, the four-door GT-R would certainly have the looks to stand its ground against the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and the eventual production version of the BMW Concept CS. And with GT-R underpinnings, it would most definitely have the performance to match.

[Source: GTR-World via GTRBlog]

 

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]]>four-door gt-rFour-doorGt-rgt-rgtrinfiniti gt-rinfiniti gtrInfinitiGt-rInfinitiGtrrendering infiniti gtrRenderingInfinitiGtr2008-07-28T14:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan GT-R Spec V specs revealed by R&T]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/nissan-gt-r-spec-v-specs-revealed-by-randt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/nissan-gt-r-spec-v-specs-revealed-by-randt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/nissan-gt-r-spec-v-specs-revealed-by-randt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Road & Track just spilled the beans on the new Nissan GT-R Spec V, so we can now share their data with all of you. Thanks guys. While the "regular" GT-R is busy bringing down giants and collecting hardware in the process, the new GT-R Spec V promises to improve on the formula, and probably cure cancer or bring about world peace along the way. Here are the numbers: 2 seats only, 520 hp @ 6500 rpm, 440 lb.-ft. of torque all the way from 3200-5200 rpm, 3615 lbs., 'Ring laps quicker than 7:30, $130,000 MSRP, early 2009.

So the car will lose its back seat and enough other stuff to shed 200 pounds, will get an extra 40 advertised horses, cost almost twice as much as the current model and lap the Nordschleife faster than a Porsche 997 GT2. We had that number as low as 7:25 recently, which is just insane. We're guessing there will be enough people that will wait for this model to hit U.S. shores when it debuts in early 2009, but even more who will think they can duplicate the recipe for far fewer dollars and a regular old GT-R. Thanks for the tip, Rob!

Gallery: Nissan GT-R Spec-V - spy shots


Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan GT-R


[Source: Road & Track]

 

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]]>nissan gt-rnissan gtrnissangt-rnissangtrNissanGTRspecvNissanGTRVspec2008-07-28T10:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[GT-RR.com: Bringing GT-R performance parts to the people]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/gt-rr-com-bringing-gt-r-performance-parts-to-the-people/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/gt-rr-com-bringing-gt-r-performance-parts-to-the-people/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/gt-rr-com-bringing-gt-r-performance-parts-to-the-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Nissan maintains that the GT-R is mechanized perfection that could never be improved upon (never mind that V-Spec over there), but that's not going to stop owners from attempting to extract every last bit of performance from Nissan's super coupe.

Enter GT-RR.com, an online distributor specializing in the importation of top shelf kit from Japan. Ben Schaffer, president of Bespoke Ventures, one of the men behind Bulletproof Automotive and blogger at The Real JDM, is behind the new site, bringing almost a decade of tuning experience and over 100 aftermarket components to GT-R owners here in the States. The site is currently in BETA testing, but that doesn't mean that GT-R drivers have to leave "good enough" alone.

GT-RR currently offers a nice assortment of parts - from seats to suspension components and exhausts to wheels - and while Schaffer and his team are currently farming out installation work to other reputable shops in the L.A. area, he's not ruling out a dedicated location for work on the GT-R. According to Schaffer, "Our sole focus is on what we do best. Fast and highly accurate logistics and distribution from Japan to both local tuning shops and directly to the end users." Although the aftermarket, along with the rest of the auto industry, is experiencing a downturn, there's little doubt that GT-R owners will be looking for something to turn up the wick on their rides. Thankfully, GT-RR will be there to answer the call.

 

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]]>ben schafferBenSchaffergt-rgt-rrgt-rr.comnissan gt-rNissanGt-r2008-07-25T09:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Honda and Nissan working to mass-market carbon fiber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/honda-and-nissan-working-to-mass-market-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/honda-and-nissan-working-to-mass-market-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/honda-and-nissan-working-to-mass-market-carbon-fiber/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Honda and Nissan are looking for ways to make cars lighter, better, and more recyclable, both for their own benefits and their customers. We've heard about the increased use of aluminum to save weight; next on the heavy R&D frontier could be carbon fiber. Both companies have teamed up with Japanese carbon fiber company Toray, and Mitsubishi Rayon -- a Japanese version of DuPont -- to research new, less expensive carbon fiber for cars.

Their efforts will be helped by the government, which is injecting two billion yen into the project over five years. The plan is that by the middle of the next decade, they'll be able to mass produce a cost effective carbon fiber and use it to reduce the weight of cars by 40-percent. And when they're finished with it, they will also be able to recycle it to reduce production costs.

The current price of carbon fiber makes its use prohibitive except for ornamentation or for use on the most expensive cars. With the price of steel -- and cars -- expected to keep climbing, the mass produced, recyclable carbon fiber will make financial sense in the not-too-distant future. Add in the fuel savings from lighter vehicles, and fewer emissions, and it looks like everyone wins. Thanks for the tip, David!

[Source: Reuters via Carbon Fiber Gear, Photo: p914 | Licensed under Creative Commons 2.0]

 

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]]>carbon fiberCarbonFiberhondajapanmitsubishi rayonMitsubishiRayonnissantechtechnologyweight lossWeightLoss2008-07-24T14:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota introduces noise-canceling tech on Crown hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/toyota-introduces-noise-canceling-tech-on-crown-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/toyota-introduces-noise-canceling-tech-on-crown-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/toyota-introduces-noise-canceling-tech-on-crown-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Toyota's Crown Hybrid gets brownie points for good gas mileage, but it's apparently a troublemaker in the motor noise department. Instead of merely adding insulation to the bulkhead, Toyota engineered an Active Noise Control system to reduce engine noise inside the cabin.

The contraption uses three microphones on the interior of the car to detect engine noise. Based on the frequencies they detect, one speaker in each of the front doors and a woofer on the rear shelf create antiphase signals to cancel out the noise. The canceling is set up to occur at passenger head level, and does not interfere with the music system or your own talking.

The Crown Hybrid, released this year in Japan, uses a slightly modified version of the hybrid system from the Lexus GS. Active Noise Control reduces cabin noise from the engine by about five to eight dB, and is permanently on. It's probably not out of the question that the Active Noise Control will make the jump to other Toyota products, and perhaps even Lexus models once they figure out how to put solid gold connectors on it.

[Source: Gizmag]

 

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]]>active noise controlActiveNoiseControlcrowncrown hybridCrownHybridlexustechnologytoyotatoyota crowntoyota crown hybridtoyota crown hybrid ...ToyotaCrownToyotaCrownHybridToyotaCrownHybrid...2008-07-18T09:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[MUGEN accessorizes your wall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/mugen-accessorizes-your-wall/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/mugen-accessorizes-your-wall/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/mugen-accessorizes-your-wall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click image to enlarge

So you settled for the USDM, factory-built Honda Civic MUGEN Si because: a.) you don't live in Japan and b.) even if you did, you probably wouldn't have gotten your filthy mitts on a limited-edition MUGEN RR anyway. However, if you're still looking to get yourself something related to the RR, you're in luck. MUGEN has found another way to vacuum up fanboy dollars appeal to its enthusiast customers by offering up original artwork. First up in "The Art of MUGEN Power" series is "The Art, MUGEN RR", a 300-piece limited-edition print that shows the car in cutaway form. ¥39,000 ($368) puts one on your wall. Want a numbered plate for the frame? Tack on another ¥2,100 ($19.80). It's art a la carte, courtesy of MUGEN. The company website has all the details (in Japanese, natch -- the English pages are perpetually "under the construction").

[Source: MUGEN Power]

 

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]]>civic type rcivic type-rCivicType-rCivicTypeRhondamugenmugen rrMugenRrthe art mugen rrthe art of mugenTheArtMugenRrTheArtOfMugen2008-07-16T16:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Acura NSX, RL to get V10 with cylinder deactivation?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rumormill-honda-nsx-and-acura-rl-to-get-v10-with-cylinder-deact/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rumormill-honda-nsx-and-acura-rl-to-get-v10-with-cylinder-deact/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/rumormill-honda-nsx-and-acura-rl-to-get-v10-with-cylinder-deact/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Not only is team Corvette taking shots at the Nissan GT-R, besting its 'Ring time in the process, so is Acura with its well-publicized NSX replacement. Though we've seen more spy shots, renderings and videos than you can shake a stick at, there are a few more renderings over at 7Tune if you are so inclined. What's more interesting, though, is news that the 5.5L V10 engine expected under the hood of the supercar will include relatively aggressive cylinder deactivation technology. The V10 will reportedly be able to cut its cylinder count in half by running as a 2.75L inline five-cylinder when its full capacity isn't needed. We would imagine that would be quite often, as the car's expected power output of six-hundred horses attests.

In what seems like a highly unlikely possibility, some sources are also reporting that a version of the V10 engine from the NSX could see duty in a future Acura RL sedan. Considering that the RL has never featured anything more than six cylinders underhood, this would be an extremely radical departure for Acura. In other words, don't hold your breath.

[Source: 7Tune]

 

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]]>2010 acura nsx2010AcuraNsxacura nsxacura nsx lap timeacura nsx nurburgrin...acura nsx nurburgringacura nsx prototypeacura nsx ringacura rlacura v10AcuraNsxAcuraNsxLapTimeAcuraNsxNurburgrin...AcuraNsxNurburgringAcuraNsxPrototypeAcuraNsxRingAcuraRlAcuraV10nsxnsx replacementnsx spy shotsNsxReplacementNsxSpyShots2008-07-15T08:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Japanese auto companies look to Brazil for workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/japanese-auto-companies-look-to-brazil-for-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/japanese-auto-companies-look-to-brazil-for-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/japanese-auto-companies-look-to-brazil-for-workers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As U.S. automakers thin their payrolls and cut production, demand for more fuel-efficient cars has Japanese automakers scrambling to build churn out enough cars. Over here, Toyota and Honda are increasing production and pretty much have applicants lined up for jobs.

In Japan, however, it seems there are too many cars to build with too few people to build them. That's where Japan's connection to Brazil comes in handy. Thanks to a long-ago labor shortage, a 1908 law led to an influx of Japanese into Brazil, which now sports the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan itself. Under Japanese law, anyone claiming Japanese heritage can be issued a visa. Proof of one Japanese great-grandparent is all that is necessary, and even then not rigidly required.

With visa in hand, the Brazilians work through intermediaries to find employment at Japan's labor-starved automakers. The companies avoid immigration issues by trusting the middle-men to verify legal eligibility of the applicants. Instead of paying the average rate of $20 an hour to Japanese workers, the companies pay an average of $12 an hour to the Brazilians.

[Source: Forbes]

 

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]]>brazil japanbrazil jobsBrazilJapanBrazilJobsjapan auto productionjapan jobsJapanAutoProductionjapanese autojapanese laborJapaneseAutoJapaneseLaborJapanJobs2008-07-13T15:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Takuma Sato back on Track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/takuma-sato-back-on-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/takuma-sato-back-on-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/takuma-sato-back-on-track/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Takuma Sato's fans had pretty much given up on seeing their idol on track this past weekend at the British Grand Prix. Many of them had bought plane and/or GP tickets well in advance, only to be disappointed when Super Aguri followed Minardi, and Arrows in to the annals of Formula 1 history just two months ago.

So what did Taku do? Rent a kart track and invite his fans, plus a few select journalists, to race him in a 30-minute endurance race. Some fans, who had flown in from across Europe and of course Japan, were new to karting, so Taku graciously took them out for a few practice laps and providing one-on-one instruction. How many people get to have their first racing lesson from an F1 racer?

Takuma and his team mate won outright (of course), but then were disqualified for "speeding". Autoblog's team was in second right up to the final pitstop when we were penalized for over taking on a yellow flag, but we still made the podium.

As Formula 1's silly season kicks in to high gear, rumors around the paddock have Takuma moving back to Honda's F1 team next year (at the expense of Rubens Barrichello or Jensen Button), driving for Team Force India should the F1 newbies switch from Ferrari to Honda power next year, heading up team Japan in A1 GP or even leading an all new Team Honda USA (which should be called Team Acura surely) with Danica Patrick as his team mate. Unfortunately, Takuma wouldn't confirm or deny any such gossip.

Thanks to Taku management for the invite, to Apex Dream Drives for the pics (and speed) and to Takuma for a great day out.

 

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]]>fanskartingTakuma SatoTakumaSato2008-07-11T19:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Suzuki Carry drifter: it's O-KEI!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/suzuki-carry-drifter-its-o-kei/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/suzuki-carry-drifter-its-o-kei/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/suzuki-carry-drifter-its-o-kei/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As Autoblog's resident kei car fanboy, I like to share news and links about the diminutive forbidden-fruit rides whenever something interesting pops on the radar, like yesterday. Today, it's just a photo, courtesy of the gang at Speedhunters. The tiny kei pickup is a Suzuki Carry, which, in the hands of a normal business owner, does precisely that. This one's obviously a wee bit more specialized though, as the rear wing and roll bar suggest. This little work truck's job is drifting. It might look wrong, but there's something so right about it. Who says you need triple-digit horsepower to have fun?

[Source: Speedhunters]

 

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]]>driftingkeikei drifterKeiDriftersuzuki carrySuzukiCarry2008-07-10T13:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota Camry hybrid lead engineer died from Karoshi (overwork)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/toyota-camry-hybrid-lead-engineer-died-from-karoshi-overwork/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/toyota-camry-hybrid-lead-engineer-died-from-karoshi-overwork/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/toyota-camry-hybrid-lead-engineer-died-from-karoshi-overwork/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lending a bit of credence to recent allegations made by The National Labor Committee regarding workers right abuses by Toyota is the recent death of a lead engineer on the Camry hybrid project. Although the man died back in 2006, the Japanese Health Ministry has just now ruled that the man died of karoshi, which is a Japanese word meaning death from overwork. This ruling will allow his family to receive benefits from his ex-employer. The 45-year old man is survived by a daughter and his wife, who recalls her husband working long eighty-hour work weeks, along with frequent nights and weekends. Just prior to his death, he was working on shipping logistics related to the Detroit Auto Show, a trip he missed by just one day. Toyota responded to the ruling by saying that it would monitor its workers health more closely. Thanks for the tip, Ledwinka!

[Source: AP via Yahoo]

 

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]]>camry hybridCamryHybridkaroshioverworkoverworkedtoyotaworker rightsWorkerRightsworkers rightsWorkersRights2008-07-09T16:02:00+00:00