Japanese Cars

Lexus Announces Voluntary Safety Recall of Certain 2013 Model Year GS 350 F Sport RWD Vehicles

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:54:41 +0000

Lexus filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicating it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 650 – early 2013 model year GS 350 F Sport Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles to update the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) electronic control unit (ECU) calibration.

On certain early 2013 model year GS 350 F-Sport RWD vehicles, the ECU for the VGRS system could cause the steering wheel to become off-centered when restarting the vehicle immediately after the vehicle is parked with the steering wheel turned. Dealers will update the VGRS ECU calibration to address the condition.

Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first-class mail beginning in early June 2012.

Any authorized Lexus dealer will perform this update at no charge to the vehicle owner. The repair is expected to take approximately 30 minutes depending on the dealer’s schedule.

Source: http://www.lexus.com/about/news/index.html#/view-0/model-0/page-1/article-Lexus_Announces_Voluntary_Safety_Recall_of_Certain

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Swift Diesel Goes on Sale in New Zealand

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:41:03 +0000

The most popular small car in New Zealand is now available with the additional choice of a turbocharged diesel engine. The highly economical, low emission Suzuki Swift DDiS diesel five-door hatchback is expected to have special appeal to government, fleets and businesses and for motorists who do higher than average annual distances. Powered by a European designed 1,248cm3 four-cylinder, common rail diesel motor built under license by Suzuki, the new DDiS is the most economical model in the Swift range and packs the most engine torque. With four valves per cylinder and an advanced fuel injection system, the efficient D13A engine produces 55 kW of power (75 bhp) at 4,000 rpm, and 190 Nm of torque at a low 1,750 rpm.

Availability of high torque at relatively low engine revolutions means the Swift diesel is extremely responsive at mid-range and medium road speeds. The DDiS boasts 46 per cent more torque than the 1.4-litre petrol Swift, has a maximum speed of 166 km/h and reaches New Zealand’s open road speed limit of 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard and the gear ratios and final drive gearing are unique to the Swift DDiS. In the official Combined fuel cycle test simulating both urban and open road driving the diesel Swift averages 4.2 litres/100 km (67.3 miles per gallon).

The Suzuki delivers an outstanding 3.6 litres/100 km (78.5 mpg) in the Extra Urban highway only cycle and 5.1 litres/100 km (55.4 mpg) in the Urban city and suburban street cycle. A recent independent fuel test from Auckland to Wellington produced even better economy than the Extra Urban fuel test cycle, with an average of 3.27 litres/100 km (85.5 mpg). “We originally estimated the Swift DDiS would have a driving range of around 800 kilometres, but in open road running, it has since been found the 42-litre fuel tank is good for up to 1,000 kilometres,” said Tom Peck, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand. The standard fit 12-spoke aluminium alloy wheels are shod with 185/55 R16 tyres and the engine complies with the latest Euro 5 emission standards.

In line with market demands, the well equipped Swift DDiS diesel is high on safety and equipment levels. It comes with ABS anti-lock and brake assist, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), foot protecting brake and clutch pedals, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and child seat tether anchorages. There are driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (incorporated into the front seats), curtain airbags and a driver knee bag giving the Swift Diesel the highest possible 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating. This rating considers occupant protection in frontal, side, pole and rear impacts as well as child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids.

Source: http://www.suzuki.co.nz/News/Automotive/2012/05/15/Swift+Diesel+Goes+on+Sale+in+New+Zealand/

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All-New 2012 Yaris: A Great Blend of Performance, Convenience, MPG and Safety

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:02:53 +0000

With sales up 140 percent in April and 70 percent for the year, the 2012 subcompact Toyota Yaris proves to be an outstanding choice for performance, comfort, fuel efficiency and safety. The all-new Yaris comes in three-door and five-door liftback models, with available five-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic transmissions. Powered by an efficient 106-hp four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), it’s EPA-rated to achieve 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with the manual and 30 city/35 highway with the automatic.

Yaris helps protect its occupants with a reinforced cabin that integrates front and rear crumple zones and energy-absorbing materials in the roof and doors. All-five seating positions are equipped with height-adjustable head rests and three-point seatbelts. Also standard are driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, driver- and front-passenger seat-cushion airbags and first and second row side-curtain airbags.

Toyota’s Star Safety System is standard on all models. It includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Toyota is the first full-line manufacturer to make these features standard on all vehicles.

The comfortable cabin provides rear seating for three with headrests in all positions. The interior also features easy-to-reach controls, high center-mounted instrument cluster for excellent on-road visibility, and an array of storage spaces and cup holders. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear-window defogger and intermittent wipers.

For an added measure of utility and luggage space, the rear seatback folds down to expand cargo capacity from 9.3 cubic feet to 25.7 cubic feet. A 60/40 split rear seatback is standard on LE and SE grades. Exterior styling is crisp and contemporary. The grill is accented by sharp character lines that flow into the sleek hood and windshield. To improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise, outer moldings on the windshield and door glass have been eliminated. In the rear, the tail lamps frame a wide trunk opening.

For those seeking a sportier look and driving experience, Yaris offers an SE model with five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic, 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, sport-tuned suspension, quicker-ratio steering and integrated fog lamps. All Yaris models come with complimentary Toyota Care, which covers normal factory maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Yaris is available at Toyota dealers nationwide with manufacturer’s suggested retail prices starting at $14,115.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/2012+yaris+great+blend+convenience+mpg+safety.htm

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Chevrolet Will Add New Small SUV to Global Lineup

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:15:57 +0000

The Chevrolet Trax, an all-new small sport utility vehicle, will join the Chevrolet global portfolio and make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September.

With room for five passengers and class-leading cargo space, Trax will meet the needs of customers in more than 140 markets. Mexico and Canada will be the first markets to launch the crossover in the fourth quarter of this year. Because of the strong position of the Equinox, there are no plans to introduce the Trax in the U.S. market.

Chevrolet has recently introduced a new Malibu mid-sized sedan, Colorado pickup, TrailBlazer mid-sized SUV and Cruze station wagon. When it joins its siblings in the showroom, Trax will possess the same pioneering spirit and expressive design that defines each new Chevrolet.

Trax exhibits its SUV toughness and capability in a small package through a muscular exterior design and wide athletic stance. While its contemporary form evolves the global Chevrolet design aesthetic, Trax’s interior and details will be executed to standards usually found in more expensive vehicles.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality.

Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/May/0514_trax

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All-New BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:19:06 +0000

BMW released the first images and information on the next generation BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon and announced that, as with the two previous generations, this model will be offered in the US. Unlike anything else on the market, the all-new 3 Series Sports Wagon will again offer the flexibility and utility one would expect from a premium wagon combined with the driving dynamics of the quintessential sport sedan, the BMW 3 Series. The new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon will launch in Europe later this year and is set to arrive in US showrooms in Spring 2013. Powertrain details for the US, as well as pricing, specifications and standard/optional equipment will be announced at a later date.

Like its Sedan sibling, the new 3 Series Sports Wagon is slightly larger than its predecessor, most notably its wider track (front + 37 mm/1.46 in., rear + 48 mm/1.85 in.). The car’s length (+ 97 mm/3.66 in.) and wheelbase (+ 50 mm/1.96 in.) also accentuate its sporting promise. Inside the new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon, rear passengers will appreciate the noticeable increase in space made possible by the larger dimensions. These larger dimensions also pay dividends in utility with nearly ten percent more cargo volume both with the rear seats up and when folded.

The new 3 Series Sports Wagon will be the next model to offer BMW Lines as a way to tailor the car to individual tastes, just as with the Sedan, by choosing from a trio of trim and equipment variants – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Each presents its own individual take on the character of the Sports wagon, with exclusive, high-quality trim and material combinations. For the enthusiast who wants to go beyond even the Sport Line, the M Sport Line will also be offered because it is, after all, a BMW 3 Series at its heart.

Source: http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/experience/newsfeed/post/2012/05/14/All-New-BMW-3-Series-Sports-Wagon.aspx

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Subaru BRZ Named “VDI Car of the Year” by 2012 Vehicle Dynamics International Awards

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:56:52 +0000

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, announced that Vehicle Dynamics International magazine of UK-based UKIP Media & Events Ltd. elected the Subaru BRZ “Car of the Year” at the 2012 Vehicle Dynamics International (VDI) Awards and named FHI’s Toshio Masuda “Dynamicist of the Year” for his leading role in the engineering of Subaru’s latest sports car. The awards were jointly presented to the Toyota GT86 (the “86” in Japan) and its Chief Engineer, Mr. Tetsuya Tada, Masuda’s counterpart on the joint development project.

The Subaru BRZ was crowned with the 2012 VDI Car of the Year award for its good balance of handling and stability along with excellent response and driving pleasure. The Dynamicist of the Year title was awarded in recognition for creating the new generation of affordable, stylish rear-wheel drive coupes.

The VDI Awards were first presented in 2008 to recognize the excellence of vehicle ride and handling technologies. In each of six categories (“Car of the Year”, “Dynamicist of the Year”, “Dynamics Team of the Year”, “Innovation of the Year”, “Development Tool of the Year”, and “Supplier of the Year”), a shortlist of nominations is drawn up from submissions by the readership and with the input of the VDI editorial team. The shortlist goes to an independent, international jury of vehicle dynamicists and expert jounalists for judging.

The Subaru BRZ was unveiled for the World Premiere at Tokyo Motor Show in November 2011 and recently presented to the European press and public at Geneva show in March this year. Developed under the theme of “Pure Handling Delight”, Subaru’s new sports car is a lightweight rear-wheel drive 2+2 coupe featuring Subaru’s latest and most advanced Boxer engine.

Source: http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/contents/pdf_en_79424.pdf

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Peugeot 208 R2 : RE-GENERATION for motorsport

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:14:52 +0000

Peugeot Sport’s three takes on the new model have been timed to correspond with the sales launch of the series production car. The first competition version to break cover is the 208 R2 which will serve as ‘zero’ car on this month’s Tour de Corse in the hands of Stéphane Sarrazin/Benjamin Veillas.

Competition versions of the 208
In the wake of the car’s announcement at the end of 2011, development of the competition versions of the Peugeot 208 has picked up speed. The first version to be released will be the R2 which will provide a glimpse of its potential at next week’s Tour de Corse (May 10-12) in France. The two other motorsport derivatives of the 208 will see the light of day before the end of 2012, beginning with the circuit version which features a specification very similar to that of the R2. This car will facilitate access to the world of motor racing thanks notably to Peugeot Sport’s ‘Rencontres’ events. The circuit version will be followed by the eagerlyawaited 208 which complies with the FIA’s R5 regulations and which will go on to take over from the current 207 Super 2000 rally car at national and international level. It is due to be unveiled in September.

Creation of an icon
“With the 208, Peugeot has given itself the means to create a new motoring icon,” noted Peugeot’s Range Director Laurent Blanchet at the model’s launch. “The 208 carries over the spirit of the 205 and the 206, plus the functionality of the 207 in a thoroughly modern package,” added Xavier Peugeot, the brand’s Product Director. Through the livery of the R2 version’s livery, Peugeot’s stylists have sought to mark the launch of the 208’s competition line-up by highlighting the model’s emotional appeal and resolutely modern lines.

< P>Source:http://www.peugeot.com/en/news/2012-(1)/05/04/peugeot-208-r2–re-generation-sportive.aspx?count=314&filterBy=1&page= 1

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Winter sports and functionality - the Audi Q3 red track

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:24:58 +0000

Audi will present a special themed vehicle at the Wörthersee Tour from May 16th– the Audi Q3 red track with an output of 250 kW (340 hp). This compact SUV couples its powerful nature with a sporty lifestyle. The Q3 red track is a highlight of the young model series that launched in 2011.

The Audi Q3 red track themed vehicle represents a new, potential variation on the SUV concept. It has been designed for young, sporty people. The Audi Q3 red track is a sporty and robust compact SUV offering many practical attributes, an elegant appearance and individual design highlights.

The vehicle is painted in the color developed specially for it – Energy Red, with the red paint containing golden pearlescent particles. Its add-on body parts are in matt gray quartz-based paint, and underline the vehicle’s robust and rugged appearance. The high-gloss package, a characteristic feature of the model line, enhances the area around the windows with eye-catching elements in aluminum and high-gloss black.

Vertical struts made from aluminum are integrated in the single-frame grille. They extend across the full height of the grille. In the area of the horizontal panel, which carries the license plate on series-built vehicles, they are pulled outwards to striking effect. The struts present the two-tone theme which the Audi designers have developed for the Q3 red track. Their side edges are painted in a matt quartz-based paint, while the slim front faces have a high-gloss finish.

In the headlights, the zones in the lower area of the light-guide elements, which generate the daytime running lights, are painted in the body color.

Eyecatching features on the sides of the Q3 red track are the flared wheel arches and the running boards, which Audi is to incorporate into the extensive range of Q3 accessories. The newly styled aluminum roof rails are specially designed for transporting skis – made of carbon. The front roof-rail support integrates compact, energy-efficient, wide-angled LED lights that illuminate the area around the Audi Q3 red track. They are controlled via buttons in the roof module.

Source: http://www.audiusanews.com/pressrelease/2910//winter-sports-functionality-audi-q3-red-track

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The New Audi A4 arrives in India. A giant leap of progress.

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:03:15 +0000

“The new Audi A4 with its progressive design, efficient driving dynamics and class defining interiors will take the driving experience to a new paradigm for all our customers. The young and sleek looks will appeal to the younger generation who have arrived in life and are looking to affirm their status and positions among their peers. The engines with their superior technology will give better fuel efficiencies while the new and improved lines and interiors will certainly turn heads and add to the comfort and luxury that one expects from Audi. The outstanding sales performance in the first quarter of 2012 of its predecessor encouraged us to pre-pone the launch of the new Audi A4”, said Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

Audi continues to be the fastest growing luxury car brand in India. The brand with the four rings continues to be the market leader in the sports car segment with Audi R8, Audi RS5 and now Audi TT and in the luxury SUV segment in India with Audi Q5 and Audi Q7. The launch of the new Audi A4 will strengthen Audi’s A range of limousines and will further consolidate Audi’s leadership position in the segment.

The A4 is Audi’s bestseller for 39 years now and in its eighth generation. The A4 with more than 10 million vehicles sold since 1972 has a long and most successful history in the Audi fold. In the first quarter of 2012, the Audi A4 outsold its core competition in India and emerged as the best-seller in its segment.

The A4, with its elegance, sportiness and emotional appeal, forms the centerpiece of the Audi brand. The new look further accentuates the horizontal lines at the front end. The engine hood is more arched, the upper corners of the single frame grille are tapered, and the cross ribs and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. The redesigned bumpers are striking with their angular air inlets, their revised grilles and the flat front fog lights.

Source: http://www.audi.in/sea/brand/in/company/news/local_news.detail.2012~05~the_new_audi_a4_arrives.html

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TMC Launches Redesigned Corolla Series in Japan

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:53:20 +0000

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the launch in Japan of the redesigned “Corolla Axio” sedan and ‘”Corolla Fielder” 1 station wagon. The vehicles will be sold across Japan through “Toyota Corolla” dealers.

Since its debut in 1966, the Corolla has been designed to prioritize peace of mind, practicality, and ease of use with the aim of creating value that adapts to the times. The Corolla has become a favorite of consumers around the world, with cumulative global sales exceeding 39 million vehicles*2, making it the world’s best-selling vehicle.

The redesign of the Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder sought a return to the Corolla’s origins. Both vehicles were completely revamped to minimize body size while maintaining the ability to safely and comfortably transport four adults over long distances, thereby achieving a perfect fit for compact cars in the Japanese market.

The Corolla Axio and Corolla Fielder are manufactured for the Japanese market at Central Motor Co., Ltd.’s cutting-edge Miyagi Plant in the Tohoku region, which began operations last year. TMC has positioned this region as its third domestic production base alongside Chubu and Kyushu and will establish a new production subsidiary, Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc. 3, on July 1 to serve as a comprehensive vehicle manufacturer specializing in compact cars, with the ability to perform all functions from vehicle planning and development to production.

Source: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/12/05/0511.html

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