The Skyline dates back to days before Nissan purchased the Prince Motor Company, but despite its birth parentage, the car is one of the best known of its adopted parent's children. First introduced in 1968, the C1 model was one of the last developed under Prince, though it was introduced post-merger, and arrived with a Nissan badge on its boxy ass.

By 1970, when today's candidate rolled off the Tochigi assembly line, a new model and engine was made available- the 120-bhp 2.0-litre six powered 2000GT-X. Officially the KC10, the 2000GT-X offered an additional 15-kabukis over the 1.8-litre four that had previously been the top engine offering.

Today's JDM refugee is a GT-X with some mods made to make it look the part of a GT-R. The rear flares and black-painted alloys help it play the part, as does the expected PMC.S sicker. But pop the hood and things look less GT-R and more GT-Are your Kidding? In place of the GT-R's 160-bhp DOHC 2-litre is the stock single cam unit. Despite that disappointment, the engine is clean and original, from its SU-aping Mikunis, to the creepy sperm-like plug wires wriggling over the brushed aluminum cam cover. Backing up the 2000GT's little six is Nissan's 4-speed that will feel very familiar to anyone that's driven a 510 or 240Z. The shifter is topped by a period-correct beer-tap lever, and falls readily to your. . . left hand. One bit of JDM authenticity you'll need to get used to is leaning waaay over to get your food at the drive-thru, as the car is right-hand drive.

Overall, the car looks good in pictures, but the seller does the honest thing and has included some shots of the bubbly rust that permeates cars of a certain age, much like liver spots do people who have managed to stick around as long. That being said, there doesn't appear to be anything that would require a firm understanding of ordering parts in Japanese, or a wallet deep enough to afford the shipping of body panels across the Pacific.

So, it's not a real GT-R (and in fact there never were any 1970 GT-Rs), it's got some uglies hiding under the paint, and you have to drive it from the passenger seat- although that could make for vexing of those pesky red-light cameras. But does all that outweigh the fact that it's a pretty cool car, and there just aren't that many of these things rolling around here where the buffalo roam? And does that make the $20,000 asking price seem like a deal? Or, is that a penthouse-worthy price to view this Skyline?

You decide!

eBay or go here if the ad disappears. Tip of the toque to Syrax for the tip!

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We've got 40 years of Honda ads here, from North America, Japan, and Israel. Civics that love leaded gas, 600s that force towns to resize all their parking spaces, and NSXs marketed with Honda nameplates. Just click on the thumbnail to head straight for the original post.
When you're done here, you might enjoy our favorite VW ads, then continue your car-advertising overdose with the Datsun, Toyota, Renault, General Motors, British Leyland, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, and Chevrolet ads.

1984 City Turbo	1988 Cyber Sports CRX	1969 1300
1978 Civic	1978 Civic	1971 600
1994 VTEC	1991 NSX	2004 Civic
1988 Cyber Sports	1995 Civic	1986 CRX

These ads may not be quite as punishingly 80s as the legendary Cocaine Factory Duster commercial, but they're up there with the rest of the 80s Car Ad contenders. Check out the special scooter, designed to fit in the back of the City!

It's still unclear whether or not this is a full bore performance enhancement or a multi-faceted attempt at bringing some attention to the now aging Euro-spec Civic Type-R, but what we do know is that this seriously Mugen kitted 3-door will launch later this summer across the pond.

Currently the Euro-spec Civic Type-R features a 200 HP 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline four, but sources indicate the Type-R 3D may in fact receive the truly hardcore JDM Type-RR's 237 HP 2.0-liter. The addition of the Mugen-designed rear wing, side skirts, hood, rear bumper, exhaust, grille, front bumper, front fenders and gunmetal wheels certainly does spice up the space case Euro-spec Type-R, but will it be enough of an enhancement to compete with the newest hot hatches without the power boost. We'll have to wait and see. [via carscoop]

According to Evo, Mugen will share some of the JDM components with the UKDM 3-door Type-R sometime next year. While already a quick little front-wheel-drive monster, the addition of a 237 horsepower 2.0-liter iVTEC inline-four should help push the spaztic little guy even further. Rather than add a ton of go-fast bits, Mugen will remove the rear seating, sound deadening and a few other features, while adding revised, lower and stiffer suspension, potential Brembo brakes, 18-inch forged wheels and lightweight Recaro buckets. All this in the name of going fast.

What's the reason for all this hoopla you ask? Well it seems that the RenaultSport Megane R26.R is a bit faster around the Bedford Autodrome West Circuit than the UKDM Civic Type-R's 1min29.3sec lap. Sounds like a new battle for hottest hatch will rage on come next year when the UKDM Mugen Civic Type-RR reveals its purposeful self. Now if we could just get them to release these cars in the States. [via EVO]

In our last episode, the Olds land yacht garnered a 62 on the Nice Price richter scale. Today, we'll see how shaken up you get over a little dinghy.

If you remember the little Suzuki Cappuccino from a few weeks back, you might have noticed another retro-mobile behind it in a couple of shots. In fact, many Jalopniks remarked that they found the twee little coupe in the background more to their liking than the red cup of demitasse. Well, that was a Nissan Figaro, and now that same seller has another of the little Nissans up on eBay, and it could be yours for a non-munchkinesque $11,900.

Originally JDM-only, and with a production run of 20,000, the Nissan Figaro became a celebrity status symbol in Britain in the early ‘90s. There, like in Japan, the cars have the steering wheel on the right side, which forces the passenger to do all the work, while letting the driver relax with nothing to do but rummage in the glovebox and fiddle with the radio knobs.

When introduced in 1989 (ignore the 1964 mention behind the curtain) the right-hand-drive Figaro was one of Nissan's boutique cars like the Be1, S-Cargo and Pao, all of which were based on the diminutive family trucksterette - the Micra. At 147 inches in length, the Figaro stretches the limits of the kei-car dimensions, but still manages to be cramped for four passengers. Motivational force is provided by the Micra's 75hp turbo'd 987cc engine which sounds like a swarm of micro-bees when the tap is open. The automatic gearbox means that your left foot will soon get bored while out and about.

This car's lapis gray paint may not be the warmest hue for such a sunny little car, but it would contrast nicely should you find yourself bouncing down the yellow brick road in it. Sliding back the fabric roof might make the quarters feel a little less cramped, should the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow decide to come along for the ride. The trunk, while small by American standards, is big enough to fit Toto, so he can come too.

So, does $11,900 for this Figaro send you somewhere over the rainbow? Or, for that price, would you drop a house on it?

You decide!

eBay or go here if the ad clicks its ruby slippers together.

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I have to admit I had no idea what I was looking at when I first saw a Nissan Figaro. In Emerald Green, to be specific, as opposed to Pale Aqua, Lapis Gray or, rarest of them all, Topaz Mist. London car expert Máté was there to patch the gap in my brain so I can now tell you about this cute little button of a car.

It was built in very limited numbers on a Micra platform for Japanese domestic use. Nissan only planned a production run of 8,000 which was bumped to 20,000 to meet demand. Rather like when Ferrari decided to make an extra 50 Enzos—then one more for the Pope—to round the original run of 349 up to a nice and even 400.

The Figaro is like those tiny Japanese cars from the 60s, from back when the Japanese were still scrappy upstarts when it came to producing cars, and when companies like Honda were more knows for motorcycles (and Formula One racing cars). Cars that used engines more commonly utilized in dialysis pumps or pacemakers. Like the Honda S600’s exquisite 0.6-liter inline four—with DOHC and four carbs. Except, of course, the Figaro is a modern car.

Compared to its spiritual predecessors, the Figaro runs a big block. Its turbocharged one-liter MA10ET makes 75 HP which sounds infinitesimal until you consider that it has but 1,800 pounds of car to propel. Imagine a car whose power-to-weight ratio improves by 10 percent if a corpulent driver disembarks.

What makes the Figaro so popular in London is of course the fact that all of them were built right-hand-drive. Given that the whole production run was twenty thousand, you bump into them surprisingly often. And their only saving grace is that they are much older than you’d think: the Figaro was introduced 20 years ago at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show.

It’s almost retro by its own right. Almost.

Said previous model was the second generation Honda Civic Type R codenamed EP3, a proper bunny slipper of an ultra-hot hatch. Its ridiculously unassuming 2650-pound body concealed a 2-liter VTEC engine good for 200 HP and redlined at a blenderworthy 8,600 RPM. But the good bits were found in the unpowered rear, which used a fully independent double wishbone suspension, making for spectacular handling.

The Slipper Civic was retired in 2005 to make way for the Spaceship Civic, possibly the greatest looking hatchback ever made. But when it debuted in Type R form, the smile sagged off everyone’s face. While the car put on 140 pounds, it retained the same engine—and adding insult to injury, it lost the double wishbones for cheaper torsion bars. Those who have driven it say it’s a letdown, even if the VTEC engine trumpets above 6,800 RPM with the exact same manic ferocity as before.

What to do then, what to do. Try this:

The Honda mothership, sneaky bastards that they are, developed another new Type R solely for domestic sale, called the FD2 (as opposed to the European FN2). It’s an altogether different car—for one, it’s a four door sedan, not a three door hatch. The engine makes 225 HP instead of the FN2’s puny 201. And it has the double wishbones in the rear, along with all sorts of bits and pieces trickled down from the NSX. The FD2 is a taut white menace, looking every bit the street racer it is.

As it’s Japan-only with right-hand drive, it’s best to get and use one in Britain. You can pick one up from Litchfield, a UK import specialist, for £23,000 ($33,000). And, of course, move to the UK to drive it.

Photo Credit: rumpleproofskin/Flickr (Mk.2 Type 2), nikosthemelis/Flickr (European Civic Type R) and the author (Japanese Civic Type R)

We get ads for the 1966 (410), 1967 (510), and 1971 (610) Bluebirds here. The last one, for the '71 Bluebird-U, is a masterpiece of bewildering Japanese salaciousness and makes me want to offer the owner of the DOTS 610 too many dollars for his car. Thanks to LTDScott for the tip!

Okay, right out front, this car is not street legal in the US, but that never stopped anybody, right? I mean, Vin Diesel is all about the clandestine street racing scene, and he's been in, what, three of those movies, so how tough could it be?

The Skyline model name originally appeared on a Prince luxury sedan in 1957. But we're not too interested in those stodgy, old, upright, bank-president specials, we want something a little more modern, and a lot faster. Though Nissan never officially sold the Skyline GT-R in the land of the free and the home of the debt-enslaved, a good number have made it over while still keeping their JDM freak flags flying.


Here, enjoying some rest and relaxation in the Bahamas, is a '99 R34 V-spec, specially modified by Legendary Supercar builder Jun Auto Works. It's sporting the RB26DETT 2.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve straight six with a claimed 1,000 ponies at the rear tires, and a 200MPH+ top end. For your damn-near one hundred and twenty grand, you'll get that serial-killer of a motor, plus composite doors, hood, decklid and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler to keep the tires on the tarmac, and the air nice and clean for everybody behind you.

But really, they'll actually be beside you, won't they, as this car screams for some drift action? And as it's a track-only ride, you'll get plenty of opportunity to test its polar inertia, and the coefficient of friction of the combined tires' contact patch, in doing so. AWD and the Getrag 6-speed row-your-own will keep you in charge, no matter how you choose to lay that power down. And speaking of which, there's that sentence in red, about half-way down the page: Car Ran 9:40s in the quatermile! No, they can't spell, but sweet jebus, you want this car.

Now back to that price. $119,990 will buy you a nice house, if you choose to buy where there's 7%+ unemployment. That'd also put you behind the wheel of a brand new Nissan GT-R, with enough left over to cover the penicillin shots for all the STDs you'll get due to the car's carnal attraction. And this GT-R's not even street legal here in the states, so cruising Woodward Boulevard, much less the Dairy Queen over in Mount Pilot, is out of the question, unless you want to play Dukes of Hazard with the local po-po. And one last thing to keep in mind, is that the $119,990 price tag requires PayPal. Yeah, right.

So is $119,990 a Nice Price for the hottest thing to come out of Japan since the wasabi doughnut? Or should we be looking up the Japanese for Crack Pipe about now?

You decide!

eBay or go here if the ad disappears in a cloud of tire smoke.

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That's right, discerning (and well-heeled) Japanese car shoppers could buy an AMG-ified Mitsubishi Debonair. Of course, we love the Debonair on general principle- the name alone is enough to win our hearts!- so front-wheel-driveness of the Royal AMG doesn't scare us away, nor does the untouched-by-AMG 200-horse V6. Of course, what we really want is a Hyundai Grandeur dressed up with the AMG gear from its Debonair sibling! Sadly, the AMG modifications were limited to dress-up stuff, but pay no mind to that minor detail. Japanese Nostalgic Car has a good writeup on the AMG Debonair, as does 7Tune, and you can head to Japan for some more after that.

And calling the VG30DE-T the Plasma is pretty cool; apparently the name is an acronym for Powerful, Economic, Lightweight, Accurate, Silent, Mighty, Advanced.

Easily the best looking car in Honda/Acura’s new lineup, the Japanese Domestic Market version does away with some of the quirky rear styling bits of its sedan brother, instead being replaced with a nice, sculpted rear end on the Tourer model. We also prefer the Honda’s grille treatment over the He-Man shield on our U.S. market Acura TSX, but we’re not expecting an official change for some time. We’ll cross our fingers in hope that the Tourer model to reach our shores. Sales began on December 5th for both the 2009 Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Tourer models.

Key features from Honda’s press release:

Exterior design
• The Accord series has an exterior design that unites the beauty of form and function to express the Accord's advanced driving performance.
• In the Accord, the low front nose and close-clipped rear deck complement the powerful wedge shape, while contrasting areas on the sides form strong character lines that convey a sense of speed.
• In the Accord Tourer, the shortened roof and boldly slanted rear window offer a sporty proportion. The sculpted panels of the hatchback area support exceptional capacity and ease of loading while further emphasizing sportiness.
• The exciting and newly added SPORTS STYLE model type includes a black chrome-plated front grill, a front chin spoiler and other design elements that emphasize the excitement of Accord driving.
• Seven body colors are available, including two new colors.

Interior design
• The interior design and materials of the Accord series provide an authentic quality and meticulous attention to detail for exceptional refinement and comfort.
• The instrument panel with a powder slush-molded surface features a high-density dimpled pattern and soft texture for a high-quality look and feel.
• Newly developed meters with centripetally oriented needles offer ease of reading and an advanced appearance.
• Sculpted metallic panels boldly extending from the ends of the instrument panel to the doors help create luxurious personal space for the front seat occupants.
• In every detail, the interior displays a finish of the highest quality: gaps between different materials have been minimized thanks to high-precision construction, every door features door end garnishes identical in color to the interior, and the inner surfaces of the glove compartment and every storage area have a premium texture.

Packaging
• In addition to improving vehicle performance, the wider body offers increased interior space, including enhanced personal space for the front-seat occupants. Increased shoulder and knee space and a wider front armrest also contribute to spaciousness and comfort typically associated with vehicles one class higher.
• The driver's seat features enhanced adjustability and ease-of-operation for an even more comfortable driving position.
• The driver's seat is designed to hold the driver snugly and comfortably while cornering for more relaxed steering and a feeling of oneness with the car.
• The Accord Tourer features a flat, square luggage space that combines refinement with exceptional capacity and ease of loading.

Powertrain
• All-new Accord model types are equipped with the 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine which achieves both powerful engine performance for dynamic driving with maximum output of 151 kW (206 PS), and excellent environmental performance.
• The 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is installed as standard equipment and brings out the dynamic qualities of the engine and expands the fun of driving.
• During sporty driving, cornering G-shift control suppresses undesirable acceleration-related gear changes for more intuitive gearshift control.

Chassis
• With a low center of gravity the chassis achieves both exceptional driving performance and a nimble, comfortable ride.
• The high-mount double wishbone front suspension and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension offer stable, responsive handling and a comfortable ride.
• Newly developed shock absorbing dampers feature advanced damping characteristics for a combination of superior handling and ride comfort.

Body
• The high-rigidity body which supports a wide range of performance characteristics at a high level, was achieved through the introduction of new single-side spot welding equipment and processes developed especially for the Accord series.
• An exceptionally strong vehicle frame was achieved through a continuous closed cross-section structure for the pillars and the roof cross member, as well as an inner frame structure for the front floor.
• The new front pillar structure affords an excellent field of view while contributing to the powerful exterior design.
• Noise, vibration and harshness are thoroughly suppressed to achieve superior quietness and comfort.

Advanced features
• Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) works in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to provide steering assistance for more stable vehicle control as standard equipment on all model types.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) help reduce driver burden during freeway cruising.

Safety performance
• The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body provides enhanced self-protection and compatibility with other vehicles in case of a collision.
• The body design incorporates pedestrian-injury mitigation technology to help protect pedestrians from head, leg and other injuries in case of a collision.
• Six airbags, including side curtain airbags, are standard equipment on all model types.
• CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) and E-pretensioners (front seats) are available on certain model types. CMBS determines if there is potential risk of a frontal collision and assists the driver, further functioning to help mitigate injuries and vehicle damage in the event of a collision.
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which enhances the stability of the vehicle during cornering and sudden collision avoidance maneuvers, is standard equipment on all model types.
• The Active Head Rest System in the front seats helps enhance neck protection in a rear collision and is standard equipment on all model types.

Environmental performance
• All front-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%. All 4-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%.
• Most model types attain the year 2010 + 5% fuel economy standard.

[via Temple of VTEC]

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed the all-new, third generation of its highly successful Nissan Cube in launch events in Japan, the United States and Europe. The fully redesigned Cube continues the iconic "cubic" styling of the previous generation, adding a higher level of refinement and polish inside and out. Sales of the new Cube begin in Japan on Nov. 26, followed by North American in the spring of 2009, and Europe and other global markets in fall 2009.
Originally launched in 1998, the Cube has sold nearly one million units to date in Japan. The latest version maintains the distinctive exterior styling that is instantly recognizable as the Cube, such as the asymmetric rear end, while pursuing a simpler, more universal design for its debut on the world stage. It offers greater comfort, a larger cabin and a host of innovative interior details such as sofa-like seating, a large glass roof panel that extends over the driver's seat for an open, airy view of the outside environment, and a shoji-style roof shade that fills the cabin with gentle light. Despite its increased roominess, the new Cube remains less than four meters long, providing big utility within a small physical footprint. With its excellent visibility and maneuverability, along with smooth performance and high fuel efficiency, the new Cube is a high-performance daily driver created to be enjoyed by value-conscious buyers worldwide.

"The new Cube is designed for people who imagine a life less ordinary, who have grown tired of the never-ending pursuit of faster, more powerful, more outrageously styled cars," said Yosuke Iwasa, Segment Chief Product Specialist. "The quieter, more harmonious qualities of the Cube have attracted interest not only among young people, but for those in every walk of life. While carrying forward the concept of the original Cube, this latest edition has advanced significantly, including offering far greater comfort."

"The new Cube is a refined car of universal quality and appeal, that can compete without 'makeup' or excessive decoration," said Seiji Watanabe, Associate Product Chief Designer. "The development concept took the approach of 'purifying' the Cube design, rather than "evolving' it. A jagged rock, for instance, loses its edges and takes on a polish as it travels down a river. This is the sort of refinement we wanted for the new Cube. We worked to simplify its exterior, using fewer lines and widening certain areas. We allowed the Cube design to refine itself, moving closer to nature and suggesting human warmth. The resulting 'purer, more peaceful' design is just what we wanted. It is a vehicle for people who are not being influenced by others, who go their own way, and enjoy interactions with friends in a welcoming atmosphere."

[Nissan via AutoBlog]

Honda Announces the All-New Life

TOKYO, Japan, November 6, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that sales in Japan of the all-new Life will begin on November 7, 2008. Continuing a tradition of superior comfort and utility, the new Life offers enhanced drivability and is the first minicar in Japan to include an audio system with a backup camera as standard equipment.*1 In addition, a special mobility-assistive version of Life with lift-up frontpassenger seat will go on sale December 5.

he all-new Life was developed with the concept of “daily smile technology” to achieve a level of drivability and utility customers can enjoy in their everyday lives. Based on this concept, Honda evaluated every aspect of the vehicle from the customer’s point of view to develop a minicar that will put a smile on the customer’s face every day.

Customers may select from three Life variations to express their individuality and lifestyle: the Life G-type is simple, modern and practical, the Life Diva is perky and sporty, and the Life Pastel* is refined, elegant and fashionable. With an emphasis on advanced safety technologies, the Life is also the world’s first automobile equipped with a driver-side i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation, which accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations.

< Drivability >
Large windows and slim pillars allow for excellent 360º visibility.
The first minicar in Japan to include an audio system with a backup camera.*1
Advanced Honda Smart Parking Assist System provides automatic steering assistance for moving forward and backward during parking.*2

< Comfort and utility >
Spacious cabin comfortably accommodates four adults.
Manual driver’s seat height adjuster helps to achieve an ideal driving position, enhancing visibility while making entry and exit easier.

< Interior with enhanced functionality and comfort >
Larger, thicker, softer and more comfortable rear seats.
Storage compartments throughout the vehicle for superior convenience.
Center pillar grip for easy entry and exit, even for children and seniors.

Since first introduced in 1971, the Life has evolved with the times, always offering exceptional value while focusing on the people and lifestyles of each era. Today, Life is currently being enjoyed by more than 1.5 million customers in Japan, the largest number among Honda automobiles sold in the country.*3

Note: “Pastel” was named after the pastels used by artists, the Life Pastel is for drivers looking to express their own colorful, interesting lifestyles.

*1 Not available on Life C-type
*2 Available on Life Pastel
*3 Honda calculations

♦ Key Features of the All-New Life
Drivability

· Slim front pillars, large triangular windows with integrated sashes and windshield wipers designed for reduced visual obstruction all contribute to enhanced frontward visibility and an increased sense of security during driving.

· Side window height has been optimized for greatly enhanced side visibility, helping drivers navigate past ongoing vehicles more safely and making turns with increased confidence.

· The protruded front position lamps integrated on top of the headlights act as makers, aiding the driver in better grasping the vehicle width.

· The large tailgate window and rear quarter windows help enhance rearward visibility. Newly designed rear seat backs with adjustable, built-in rear head rests also contribute to greatly enhanced rearward visibility.

· The audio system with a backup camera (the first in Japan as standard equipment on a minicar*1) enhances ease of parking. The easy-to-view 4.3-inch liquid crystal color display also displays audio information, an analog clock, important dates and more.

· Newly enhanced Smart Parking Assist System provides steering assistance during parking.*2

Packaging

· With a front seat hip point 35 mm higher*4 than that of the previous Life, and windows, pillars and headlight markers optimized to this new measurement, the new Life offers exceptional visibility and ease of entry and exit.

· The newly designed suspension has allowed for a more rearward positioning of the rear seats. As a result, the distance between front and rear seats has increased by 85 mm*4, increasing rear occupant legroom and comfort.

· The lower floor in the rear combined with the square exterior design also contributes to rear occupant comfort. Although the rear seat cushion thickness has been increased by 25 mm*4, the rear head clearance increased by 60 mm*4.

· Easy-to-use fold-down rear seats allow large items to be transported.

*4 Honda comparison to previous Life

Interior

· The spacious divided bench front seat is shaped to support a stable driving posture, contributing to both drivability and comfort.

· The unitary bench back seat features seat cushion length increased by 55 mm,*4 seat back height increased by 50 mm*4 and cushion thickness increased by 25 mm*4 (cushion thickness equivalent to that of the mid-sized sedan segment*5).

· The storage compartments have been designed for exceptional ease of use: items commonly used fit in the higher compartments while items typically kept from outside view fit in compartments located below window level.

· The attractive and convenient center pillar grip, molded with the center pillar as a single part, is placed at a height easily reached by children*6. Complementing the low floor height, it contributes to ease of entry and exit.

*5 Honda 2.0 – 2.4l segment
*6 1,030 mm

Exterior design

· Implementing a design concept of simple, smart and modern, the exterior design of the new Life is simple and welcoming. The large window surface area and rear quarter windows contribute both to the Life’s pleasing appearance and to visibility.

· Sharp lines and large, functional headlights with integrated position lamps add to the Life’s refined and pleasing front view. Each Life package also features a unique front bumper.

· The Life’s side view draws attention to the solid nose and body, emphasizing the sense of welcoming and security.

· The key to the Life’s distinctive rear view, the large rear window also contributes to excellent visibility.

· The Life comes in three highly individualistic packages:
The Life G-type is simple and welcoming while emphasizing daily functionality.
The Life Pastel emphasizes elegance, with its chrome-rich grille making a distinctly attractive impression.
The Life Diva is urbane and stylish in design, featuring a front bumper with large aperture and inset fog lamps, sharply defined black metal headlights, refined aerodynamic partsand an overall sporty appearance.

· 12 distinctive color selections are available, including four completely new colors.

Power train

· Two engine selections are available: the light and compact 660 cc inline 3-cylinder i-DSI engine and the i-DSI turbo engine.

· The engine offers excellent normal operating range characteristics, while the four-speed automatic transmission features optimized gear ratios and torque converter characteristics for smooth acceleration. This combination of engine and transmission results in light, convenient drivability ideal for the city as well as excellent fuel economy of 21 km/l.*7

*7 Front-wheel drive Life C-type, Life G-type, and Life Pastel. Fuel economy measurement in 10•15 mode certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Body

· The rigidity of the floor and the corners of the hatchback opening have been increased, while the Life’s structure, frame and materials have been optimized for reduced weight.

· In addition to the frame designed for reduced noise and vibrations, high-performance sound-proofing materials and sound-insulating walls contribute to exceptional vehicle quietness.

Chassis

· To ensure stable cruising and a smooth ride, in the front the newly designed suspension features MacPherson struts; in the rear it features an H-shaped torsion beam suspension for front-wheel drive vehicles, or a 3-link de Dion tube for 4-wheel drive vehicles.

· The power steering settings and suspension geometry have been optimized for light, nimble handling.

Safety performance

· The new Life is the world’s first automobile to offer a driver-side i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation, which accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations. All packages include this new safety technology as standard equipment.

· Forming a set with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system helps reduce the risk of head injury in a side impact. Availability depends on package.*2

· The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a higher level of self-protection and also improves compatibility toward other vehicles in case of a collision.

· The Life’s frame has been designed to efficiently absorb and disperse the energy of a collision and reduce impact on the cabin.

· The low-impact head-protecting interior is designed to reduce collision-related occupant injuries.

· The body with pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps to mitigate injury to pedestrians from injury in case of collision.

Environmental performance

· Front-wheel drive models are certifiedby the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having emissions levels 75% lower than what is required by 2005 standard in both 10•15 and JC08C measurement modes.

· ECO lamps on both sides of the dashboard help drivers refine driving habits for enhanced fuel economy.

· The 3-cylinder engine includes a crank pulse sensor to monitor the ignition system and fuel injection timing.

Special mobility-assistive vehicle with lift-up front passenger seat

· The lift-up frontpassenger seat has a motorized 200 mm forward-backward sliding mechanism, as well as a newly added motorized reclining mechanism. The lift-up seat’s switches are located on the right side of the seat for easy access by the driver and quick, simple adjustments.

[Source: Honda via CarScoop]

10.)
Ricer: You must tailgate at all times. If you are more than a foot away from the car in front of you, you are not trying hard enough.
Average Everyday Asshole: You must tailgate at all times. If you are more than a foot away from the car in front of you, you may actually be devoting half your brain to driving, or allowing another person to infringe on your God-given right to drive 56.3 MPH on that particular stretch of road.

9.)
Ricer: Never turn off your high beams. You get extra points if they are aimed up.
Average Everyday Asshole: Never turn off your fog lights. Not only did you pay for them, thus validating their use, but you’re not sure where the off switch is anyways.

8.)
Ricer: Signaling lets others know where you are going. Winning the race is easier if other cars can never be sure where you plan to go next.
Average Everyday Asshole: Signaling informs others of your God-given right to be in their lane. After all, if you signaled, you gave them fair warning to get out of your way.

7.)
Ricer: Always weave through traffic. Your car was built with extremely advanced suspension and handling. Use it.
Average Everyday Asshole: Since you have no idea where the performance limit of your vehicle — or anyone else’s — lies, you should take extreme offense to anyone driving slightly outside of the norm or, god forbid, trying to pass you while you’re sitting in the fast lane your lane. Call the police and exercise blocking maneuvers the second you see someone doing this. It’s your responsibility to fight terrorism.

6.)
Ricer: Speed limits are for suckers. Live a little.
Average Everyday Asshole: The unwritten 10 MPH over on the highway rule should not be broken by anyone, ever. See above. In neighborhoods, the 25 MPH limit is for suckers and should be ignored at all costs.

5.)
Ricer: Never check your mirrors when you are changing lanes. When you are traveling over 100 mph in a car with drum brakes, it is important to keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Average Everyday Asshole: Never check your mirrors when you are changing lanes. The huge SUV that it’s your God-given right to drive will pulverize anyone foolish enough to get in your way.

4.)
Ricer: Don’t talk on the phone. You have an unlimited texting plan. Use it.
Average Everyday Asshole: Talk on the phone at all times. Statistics that suggest doing so is more dangerous than drunk driving are a lie perpetrated by the devil liberals.

3.)
Ricer: Your parking brake is actually designed for handbrake turns. Make sure to practice on wet roads at high speeds. Good drifters are sideways at all times.
Average Everyday Asshole: What’s a parking brake? Your transmission wouldn’t have a ‘Park’ setting if you needed to do anything else when parking on a hill.

2.)
Ricer: Everybody loves the sound your car makes with your new exhaust. Share this sound with as many people as you can by driving through residential neighborhoods at wide open throttle no earlier than 2 a.m.
Average Everyday Asshole: Anything that’s loud must be a terrorist. Drown out their evil ways by blasting the Clear Channel radio station of your choice.

1.)
Ricer: Don’t upgrade your brakes when you buy bigger rims. Physics doesn’t apply to your car. Stopping distances don’t matter as much as looks anyway.
Average Everyday Asshole: Don’t ever bother learning how to use the full ability of your brakes. That Driver’s Ed course in high school is the only training an expert like you ever needs. Driving a really big SUV will mean that you’ll obliterate anyone foolish enough to get in your way anyways. Driving well is for suckers.

So what have we learned? Well, that asshole drivers are asshole drivers, regardless of whether they're driving a Civic, a Camaro or a Dodge Caravan. So don't stereotype that one or this one. Not when there's one group we can all agree is really in need of a talking to — old people in Florida with a driver's license.

[via The Daily Interweb]