MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT

Characteristics
By combining a high-powered, fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST, and using significant quantities of Green Plastic in the interior, a high level of running and environmental performance is achieved.

In addition to advanced active safety technology, Concept-ZT achieves a high level of passive safety. Features include pre-crash safety; a lane-drift warning system; driving assistance technology, including new all-around multi-monitors and a parking assistance system; and crashworthiness safety technology including a pop-up hood.

Moreover, equipped with the S-AWC system combining front E-LSD (Electric control - Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC, based on Mitsubishi Motors' 4WD electronic control system, the MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT is a premium sedan that possesses dramatically improved driving, environmental and safety performance.

Design
The basic exterior form, simple and flowing with a low center of gravity, yields a sense of stability and sportiness fitting Mitsubishi Motors' premier sedan This base is combined with a powerful shoulder line, substantial side panels and projecting fenders. Sculptured headlights, grill and aluminum wheels proclaim quality and status created out of "Japanese" sensitivity — a sophisticated and adult sensibility.

In the interior, the goal was a level of "hospitality" that would resonate with all the senses of the occupants. Combinations of designs with clear contrasts — simple forms with overall continuity gently embrace passengers and precise, hard functional parts — express the melding of quality, comfort and the pleasure of driving. Meters and monitors are of clear materials, futuristically stacked, with the beauty of industrial art.

Minute quantities of a new reflective material add elegance to the body color. In combination with decorative parts, including wheels and grill, a radiant presence is realized with a sense of quality and refinement, like jeweled layers of precious metals. Interior colors are a combination of grained black wood, metal and leather, making maximum use of materials expressing boldness, sophistication and grace.

Powertrain/S-AWC
The concept's powerplant is a newly developed 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-valve with VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) clean turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct fuel injection (piezoelectric injector) that delivers a maximum output of 140 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm.

The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST, which delivers superior power transmission efficiency in a powertrain that realizes smooth, responsive, effortless power and acceleration, whether on the highway or in urban areas, together with good fuel economy. The S-AWC system combines front E-LSD (Electric control - Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC with the 4WD electronic control system also used in Outlander and Delica D:5. This optimally controls driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, and provides stable driving on various road surfaces under various conditions, realizing a pleasurable and safe driving experience.

Body Structure
As in the i MiEV SPORT, the aluminum space frame structure combines aluminum extrusion and aluminum die casting, not only realizing a body of great strength and rigidity, but contributing to weight reduction and crashworthiness. In addition, for the outer panels of hoods, fenders, doors and trunk lids, shock-resistant, recyclable resin is used, as seen on the front fender of the Delica D:5.

Safety Technology/Driving Assistance Technology
Pre-crash Safety System: Using millimeter-length radar waves, the system detects cars far ahead as well as obstacles in the adjacent lane. When it determines that objects near the car are too close and there is danger of a collision, it warns the driver to take action. If the system determines that the possibility of a collision is nevertheless quite high, it pretensions seat belts and activates crash-restraint seat cushions to increase passenger restraint, and initiates emergency braking to reduce the impact of an imminent collision.
Lane-Drift Warning System: The system consists of a front camera, steering angle sensor, speed sensor, yaw rate sensor and ECU. The front camera recognizes lane markings (white lines, etc.), and the system, based on information from the other sensors, calculates the possibility of the vehicle drifting out of its lane, warns the driver, and adds steering torque in the direction such that the car stays within the lane.

Pop-Up Hood: If the car should hit a pedestrian, the hood pops up before the person's head strikes the hood, acting as a buffer and minimizing injury to the head.

New All-Around Multi-Monitors: In addition to a nose-view camera and a rear-view camera, cameras with extremely wide-angle lenses are positioned at the left and right sides. Optical distortions of the images from the four cameras are corrected, and the information is converted into a display of the situation all around the car as seen from the top — thus enabling clear confirmation by the driver. The nose camera is also part of the proximity-detection function for approaching objects.

Parking Assistance System: A distance sensor, embedded in the bumper, assesses the space available for parking. If parking is possible, the system will automatically maneuver the wheels (steering) while all the driver must do is control braking.

Press Release:

Nissan Intima Concept

A New-generation Saloon for People with a Sophisticated, Discerning Eye for Beauty - Who Enjoy Spending Time in Refined Elegance and Comfort, Whether Traveling Alone or with a Partner

Intima takes Nissan's Modern Living Concept into a new dimension with an interior that invites passengers into an extraordinary world of artistic forms, materials and illumination.

The front passenger's seat swivels approx. 80° to the outside, as if to welcome and escort a passenger into the car.

Exterior styling that matches the interior's artistic image, with a design that combines sharp-edged lines and organic panel surfaces. Rich elegance is conveyed though Intima's arching side character line, while the crystal-like appearance of the front and rear lamps, grille and wheels project an image of superior quality and refinement reminiscent of jewelry.

Press Release:

Mazda Taiki

Mazda Taiki reflects one possible direction for a future generation of Mazda sports cars aimed at helping create a sustainable society. The fourth concept car in the Nagare design series, Mazda Taiki further evolves the "flow" theme to establish a breathtaking presence that clearly distinguishes it as the next in the series, and which visually expresses the atmosphere - called taiki in Japanese - that wraps the Earth in its protective mantle. The basic proportions begin with the stretched coupe form of a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout, the short overhangs, and the liberating feel of an all-glass canopy. The challenge to create "a design that visually expresses the flow of air" was inspired by the image of a pair of Hagoromo - the flowing robes that enable a celestial maiden to fly in Japanese legend - floating down from the sky. Inspired by Japanese koinobori - the decorative "climbing carp streamers"- the notion of creating an Air-tube became the concept word for the interior design. In accordance, from the dashboard and seats down to the door trim, the interior space creates the dynamic sensation that the flow of the wind is being visually depicted. Centering around the performance rotary engine sports packaging that is synonymous with the Mazda name, technologies introduced for the Mazda Taiki include the next-generation RENESIS (rotary engine 16X), which sets new standards for environmental and driving performance, a front-engine rear-drive layout, a unique 2-seat configuration, and Mazda's rotary sports package, which conveys an image of lightness. The effect integrates the design theme perfectly to realize outstanding aerodynamic performance.

But that's one of only 30 new technologies the QarmaQ incorporates, many of which Hyundai hopes they'll be able to incorporate into new models between 2008 and 2014. According to Hyundai, the QarmaQ is lighter, stronger and more economical than any current production CUV in its class. We also have to say it looks not too terrible on the eyes either — which is why we thought it was so nice, we've brought it to ya twice. Plus, we felt the need to drop a "Death Race 2000" joke and a Shibuya joke in one post.

Press Release:

Tokyo: World Premiere of the space up! Concept Car
Second variant of the space wonder by Volkswagen

Wolfsburg/Tokyo, , 24 October 2007 - Just six weeks after the world premiere of the two-door city specialist - the up! - at the IAA in Frankfurt, Europe's largest car producer is now showing the next member of the "New Small Family" - the space up! concept car - at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Being the largest small Volkswagen, the space up! is a small space wonder; on just 3.68 meters length and 1.63 meters width it offers the space of a significantly larger vehicle. The designers intentionally avoided any superfluous gimmickry here. Like the up!, the space up! is characterized by a fully new harmony between technical layout on the one hand and emotional design on the other.

The clever space concept of the space up! is largely due to its engine layout. The environmentally friendly gasoline, diesel and electric drives of the future up! family are located - as they were at one time on the Beetle and the Bulli - in the rear. An abbreviated comparison: The four-door space up! is exactly 23 centimeters longer and four centimeters taller than the up! shown at the IAA in Frankfurt.

"The world premiere of the up! at the IAA in Frankfurt served as an initial test to see how the concept of our New Small Family would be received in Europe. And the results of this test were more than favorable," says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Head of Technical Development. Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen Group, underscores this assessment: "In formal design terms, one can see that the space up! is fun and at the same time offers maximum space on the smallest of platforms. Our New Small Family brings a smile back to the road."

2.) We heart Tonka trucks. Seriously — any automaker will find their way to our hearts real quick-like if they're able to build a concept car that looks like a Tonka truck. Exhibit A would be the Suzuki X-Head concept car. We love it and now that we've seen it in person we love it even more.
Suzuki X-Head Live Reveal

3.) The BMW 1-series tii concept. It's supposed to make you think E30 M3 while simultaneously looking like a 2002 tii. All we know is the BMW fan-boys are all atwitter over the possibility it'll have a 2.0-liter turbo. This was one of only two vehicles revealed here that were not revealed before-hand. Who knew that would be enough to be noteworthy?
Tokyo Motor Show: BMW 1-Series tii

4.) The Volkswagen Space up! Concept. The other concept not revealed beforehand. Otherwise it's basically the up! concept revealed in Germany at the Frankfurt Auto Show, except bigger, longer and you know, more uncut.
Tokyo Motor Show: Volkswagen Space Up! Concept Car

5.) BMW confirms CS concept. BMW's Japanese boss confirmed that yes, the German automaker will build something based off the CS Platform that hit the Shanghai show earlier this year. Yup, the "Shanghai Surprise" became the "Japanese Shocker" — which we hear is big in certain upstairs venues in Rappongi.
Tokyo Motor Show: BMW Confirms New Model Based on CS Platform

Well folks, we'll drop another round-up in a few short hours after we've finished up showing off all of our new tricks we found here at the Tokyo Motor Show's first day and then look for a full-show round-up sometime on Thursday. We're gonna hit up some Yakatori places and be back in a jiffy — you keep your eyes right here on the Tokyo Auto Show tag.

Press Release:

FHI Introduces All-New Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Tokyo, October 24, 2007 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, has announced the introduction of its all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI in Japan. The new WRX STI went on sale nationwide through Subaru dealerships today.

Advancing FHI's theme of producing the complete driver's car and embodying the essence of total driving control, the third-generation Impreza WRX STI has debuted with complete makeovers in its design, engine, chassis and features. Benefiting from Subaru's signature Symmetrical AWD and the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine, the new WRX STI is an innovative AWD sports model that delivers a combination of joy of driving and pride of ownership. The new five-door model features not only a greatly refined engine and suspension but new mechanisms such as the multi-mode Driver's Control Center Differential (DCCD) and multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).

Also, the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3) has been further developed for the WRX STI in order to maximize performance and driving pleasure and to ensure high levels of driver satisfaction through total control of the vehicle.

The vehicle's interior and exterior design expresses sophistication and refined functionality. The widened body flares give an irresistible presence, integrating function and beauty, while the interior design stresses high quality and a sporty image. In addition, the Impreza WRX STI features advancements in the areas of environment, safety, and comfort, all of which match FHI's goal of delivering exceptional performance and enjoyable and dependable drivability with environmental considerations in all Subarus.
The first-generation WRX STI model was based on the first Impreza WRX and was developed by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), an FHI subsidiary specialized in motorsports activities. Since its introduction in 1994, the WRX STI has established a solid reputation as a high-performance sports model. In the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) that requires participants to compete with production-based models, Subaru WRX STI models have proven their credentials by bringing Subaru three consecutive Manufacturers' championship titles from 1995 to 1997. In this context, FHI plans to submit a Group N homologation application effective as of January 1, 2008 for the new WRX STI to FIA.

The introduction of the new WRX STI has completed the full lineup of the Impreza series in Japan. The Impreza 15S, 20S and S-GT models have been available since June 2007, each offering individual strengths in performance and comfort.

Major Features
1. Design [Exterior design]
Styled around the concept of "Pure Form for Driving", the widened body flares accentuate the 5-door body taken from the new Impreza. A deep-set character line, running along the side from the front bumper to the rear end, and a pronounced edge shape reflects light and shadows and gives the car a different look depending on the time of day. While retaining a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, the front and back fenders are prominently projected, creating a distinctive identity and gives the WRX a unique road presence. Aerodynamically improved body styling with a large rear spoiler optimizes the balance between the front and the rear quarter panels by reducing wind resistance. An aerodynamically curved form from the front bumper to the front fenders helps minimize lift forces and contributes to maintaining vehicle stability at high speeds. Engine compartment ventilation is provided on both sides of the front bumper and along the rear edges of the fenders. The strong front grille employs a sharp wing shape with metallic mesh, suggesting the car's inherent sportiness. The rear garnish is painted in the body color, enhancing the widened body shape. The rear edges of the front fenders are embellished with STI logo plated in cherry red.

The muffler comes with twin dual-tail pipes. Eye-catching 18-inch aluminum-cast wheels, distinguished by their five spokes and highlighted by dark-tone high-luster paint, are standard. These wheels enhance the vehicle's bold and commanding presence while expressing high quality and streamlined beauty. BBS-brand cast wheels with spokes and sharp lines are also available as an option.

Seven exterior colors are available: Obsidian black pearl; pure white; spark sliver metallic; dark gray metallic; lightning red; midnight blue pearl (only for the WRX STI); WR blue mica.

[Interior design]
The interior is finished in black and silver to highlight its streamlined design, as well as to create an impression of elegance and sportiness. Dynamic designs with decorative insets in the center panels and door trim express roominess in the cabin. The vehicle information display, which constantly shows outside temperature, average mileage and time, as well as a navigation screen and audio display, are placed nearer the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality. The front bucket seats use a combination of Alcantara fabric and leather and are designed to offer easy access into and out of the vehicle and to hold the driver and passenger in comfortably and securely.

Jointly developed by RECARO, custom bucket seats are also available as a manufacturer's option. The RECARO seats offer fuller side support and excel in maintaining a comfortable position for sporty driving. Their height adjustment enables the further lowering of the hip point setting in the seats. Power tilt and telescopic steering comes with a three-spoke genuine leather wheel embossed with the STI logo in its center. The instrument panel combines three meters, a tachometer between a speedometer and fuel gauge, in a single module illuminated in red. Each meter's dial is colored cherry red, the STI brand color, emphasizing a quality feel and sportiness. When the ignition key is turned on, the needles of the three meters swing up to their maximums and quickly fall back to their original positions, imparting a boost of excitement for the driver. The meter module also comes with a REV Indicator, DCCD Torque Indicator, and Shift-up Indicator. In addition, red LED lights are used for interior door step lights, and they are also provided for the console tray. The center console is embellished with the STI logo, which illuminates when the car's headlights are on.

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW NISSAN GT-R - New Dimensional Multi-Performance Supercar Available in Early December -

TOKYO (Oct. 24, 2007) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the launch of the Nissan GT-R, a new multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime". The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world's first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th.

The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth's natural forces - gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics - and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.

Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance "speed and efficiency," "high-output with environmental consideration" and "high performance and safety."

Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation - whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas - all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.

The Nissan GT-R's unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle's design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a "clean room" environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.

To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special Nissan High Performance Centers, where all certified advisors and technicians have received extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12 months, free of charge.

Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world's first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle's layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.

The Nissan GT-R's new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.

Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic*1 system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.

Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.

High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.

Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.

Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.

Functional Design - High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R's styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience - as well as suggesting GT-R's "supercar" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R's aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.

The all-new GT-R's body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.

The front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders' trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.

The Nissan GT-R's large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R's hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated φ120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.

The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R's paint - which utilizes a "double clear coat" and "anti-chipping" process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman.

An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.

Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.

The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.

Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R - each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button.

Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings - Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R "supercar" application.

A high-speed, high-capacity CARWINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth® *2 audio function.

For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an "optimal gearshift map," to emphasize economical vehicle operation.

A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a supercar.

Pricing and Sales Target
200 units / month

Drivetrain Engine Grade Transmission Price (yen, Consumption tax included)

　　　GT-R GR6-type dual 7,770,000
４WD VR38DETT GT-R Black edition clutch 7,927,500
GT-R Premium edition transmission 8,347,500

*1: Bilstein DampTronic is the registered trademark of ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH
*2: Bluetooth® and the Bluetooth logo are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG Inc. of the U.S.