The lucky lads at Brit mag CAR recently spent some quality time with Mazda's upcoming 2009 MX-5 and have published what appears to be the first ever road test of that particular model. It's a short one, but it describes in good detail the various dynamic and cosmetic improvements that Mazda have injected into the facelifted Roadster, as well as lifting the lid on a few minor changes that Mazda themselves have neglected to mention. Check it out at CAR's website here. [Source: CAR] ...
370Z mania is just around the corner folks, and the dudes over at Motor Trend have wisely decided to get in on the game early. Motor Trend recently spent some quality time with a 370Z prototype (which appears to be the the same one that Inside Line played around with) and has published a rather in-depth video of its findings. Like Inside Line, Motor Trend were forbidden to talk about how the 370Z actually handles on the road, nor were they even allowed to video the interior or engine bay....
Not only did Mitsubishi debut their delicious Lancer Sportback Ralliart at the Paris Motor Show, but they also showed off their heavily-revamped Colt Ralliart to the crowds as well. The Colt is the first model outside of the Lancer family to receive the new 'Jet Fighter' face, and initial impressions are.. well... mixed. Yes, the gaping grille and restyled tailgate are easy on the eye, but are they necessarily an improvement on the old Colt Ralliart? For starters, that Evo-esque bonnet...
Attention Subaru fans: US aftermarket tuning co. Cobb Tuning has now added a set of uprated sports springs for the 2008 Subaru WRX STI to its performance parts catalogue. Cobb's springs lower the STI by 2.2cm on each corner and also feature a 10 per cent increase in springrate on the front and a 20 per cent increase on the rear, which should make for a significant upgrade in handling. According to a recent test conducted by Motor Trend, Cobb's development mule was also able to turn in a...
I never cease to be amazed by the sheer number of cars that I see for sale that are photographed with no thought given to presentation. Some are merely unwashed, others are caked in dirt and even more still have interiors that would leave their new drivers waist-deep in burger wrappers. This one, however, is different. From the outside it's just a regular ol' 1977 260Z with an L28 under the hood, but it's the below shot of a pair of spare carburetors and some other spare parts in the boot...
While its torsion beam rear suspension may lack the outright handling potential of the multi-link rear found in the Japanese Market FD2 Civic Type R, there's no denying that the European (and Australian) spec FN2 CTR is one beautiful beast. In racing guise it's even more handsome, and the JAS Motorsport-built Civic Type RR (not to be confused with Mugen's own Civic RR) brutishly so.Thanks to Cartribe, we've got a bunch of pics of the 'double-arr' for you all to drool over. This particular car...
Hmm, the Japanese car mags strike again. Are Mitsubishi planning an all-out performance assault on the crossover market with this Lancer Sportback-based CUV? That may be a bombshell they're saving up for the Sportback's launch at the Paris Motor Show in October, but it could just as easily be the product of yet another crack-smokin' Japanese CG artist. Whatever the case may be, the rendering shown is undeniably attractive for a crossover and for some unfathomable reason I find myself unable to...
That annual orgy of automotive hedonism, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, took place over the weekend and although the emphasis (as always) was undoubtedly on the local produce, a handful of tasty Japanese treats did manage to find their way onto Lord March's hallowed driveway. For those that couldn't make it we've prepared for you a small collection of images of the most noteworthy entrants, so sit back, grab a gin & tonic and enjoy the pics after the jump. I swear, every time I see the...
Last seen running around the 'Ring under the mutilated body of a hacked-up S2000, Honda's next-gen NSX has finally been spotted undergoing testing in its own clothing.There's still some heavy camouflage getting the way, but at least now we can scope the vague shape that the new NSX (which will be badged as an Acura worldwide) will take. You can see that a few design cues from the Honda's Advanced Sport Car Concept have carried through to the NSX's sheetmetal - like those beltline creases -...
Word from Eric Hsu, our favourite (and only) insider over at Cosworth, is that the aftermarket engineering company is working on a dry sump system for Subaru's EJ series of motors. Apparently a similar system is also in the works for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo (presumably the 4G63-powered ones), however the EJ version is the most developed thus far. The dry sump system consists of the billet alloy sump itself, uprated stock position primary pump, Cosworth external scavenge pump and the toothed...
While Nissan's R35 GT-R has turned the supercar world topsy-turvy by offering Porsche-beating performance at a budget price, the folk at Inside Line have reason to believe Lexus won't be following in their compatriot's footsteps when the time comes to price the LF-A uber-car. Lexus have made no bones about their intentions for the LF-A. They're clearly gunning for the traditional dominant forces in the supercar fraternity - Lamborghini and Ferrari - and they've apparently got plans to eclipse...
Engine tuning gurus Cosworth have almost completed development on their supercharger kit for the NC MX-5, giving owners of the well-rounded roadster a cure for the car's relative lack of power that doesn't involve turbocharging. According to Eric Hsu of The Real JDM fame, the Cosworth supercharger bestows upon the NC a new level of low-end tractability while raising peak power to 210hp at the wheels. Torque numbers are not yet available, but Hsu comments that the torque curve feels like "a flat...
It's almost been a year since Mugen released the Type-RR, the slightly insane cousin to the ordinary Civic Type-R, but now the good folks over at Nihon Car have finally managed to get their mits on one and have published a review, along with some tasty video of it in action. We won't bore you with stats here, as we already gave a rundown on the Type-RR last June. If, however, you are in any doubt as to this car's sporting ability, then consider this: the Type-RR can lap Tsukuba in 1:06.6, which...
Could the Celica be returning to Toyota dealerships soon? The folks at Japanese Nostaligic Car stumbled across a report in Automotive News (sub req)that briefly mentioned Toyota's intentions to return the Celica badge to Europe, sparking rumours of a Celica revival.
Given that Toyota is supposed to be working on several all-new projects (The LF-A, FT-HS and Lightweight Sports come to mind), could the addition of a new Celica overstretch the automaker's resources? Our guess is that if the Automotive News report is true, Toyota may return to the badge's RWD roots and brand the Lightweight Sports as a Celica, a move that would return some real credibility to the Celica's sporting pretensions. Celica fans, cross your fingers.
[Source: Automotive News via Japanese Nostalgic Car] [Photo courtesy of Super Street]
Mitsubishi's turbocharged pocket rocket, the Colt Ralliart Version R, will receive a mild bump in power as well as lighter wheels for 2008.
The Colt Ralliart, currently only available in Japan and Australia, will be tweaked to produce a total of 122kW - approximately 6kW more than the current model. The new 16-inch wheels are purportedly 1.5kg lighter per corner than the old design, which should produce a tangible difference in suspension response. Other changes are limited to cosmetic enhancements, with a redesigned gearknob and new interior trim prettying things up on the inside. The exterior is unchanged from the outgoing model.
ings. It's not often that an aftermarket parts company will choose a suffix as their entire name, but Japanese tuning company ings sure like to be different.
Their latest release of parts for the FD2 Civic Type R, however, is more conventional. Forget about big power mods, with the N-Spec upgrade for the Type R the emphasis is on agility rather than axle-twisting grunt. Suspension is upgraded with Endless and Function X parts (exactly which parts is not immediately apparent), while braking is improved by a couple of Endless 6-pot calipers on the front axle.
Given that the standard FD2 Type R comes with a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox and helical LSD as standard, ings thought it unnecessary to modify the drivetrain. Besides, it's unlikely that the ings Civic would have much difficulty putting all 165kW to the ground through its fat 255/35R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE-01Rs. ings decided to run a staggered wheel/tyre combo on the FD2, with the rear axle receiving skinnier 225/40R18's, mounted on the same 18-inch ings Sports TS06 wheels as the front, albeit an inch narrower.
A 5Zigen muffler takes care of the sonics, while ings' own bodykit appears to be pretty easy on the eyes, especially in the "Refrigerator White" shown above. For more information, pictures and pricing, drop by the ings website.
[Source: ings, via Nihon Car] [Photo courtesy of ings]
Since being announced as approved for production at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, Honda's CR-Z compact sports hatch has been surrounded by a veil of secrecy regarding it's powerplant. Honda is only saying that it'll be a hybrid, but Peter Nunn from Winding Road believes that he's got the inside scoop when it comes to what's under the CR-Z's bonnet.
An uprated variant of the Civic Hybrid's 1.3-litre petrol motor/electric motor combo is widely rumoured to be the top choice for the CR-Z, with predicted output being (hopefully) higher than the Civic's 87kW and 363Nm of torque. No word on what kind of gearbox will be available, but given that the Civic Hybrid is only available with a CVT automatic a traditional self-shifter may be out of the question. We'll see.
[Source: Winding Road] [Photo courtesy of Auto Express]
When it comes to building an impressive - and we mean really impressive - modified car, sometimes finding a winning formula hinges on nothing more than good fortune. For LS1tech.com member "Civette", good fortune came in the form of a wrecked C5 Corvette and an engineless EG Civic...
After measuring both cars, Mr Civette found that there was just a one inch difference in wheelbase between Civic and Corvette. Of course, the logical result of this finding was a months-long effort to find a way to shoehorn the Corvette's engine and drivetrain (torque tube and all) into the Civic's diminuitive frame and the end product is, of course, absolutely hilarious.
Civette kindly recorded the V8-powered hatch's first few outings at a local race track for our viewing pleasure, and given the Civic's innocuous hatchback appearance, it's practically comical seeing it piroutte around a racetrack whilst smoke billows from the rear wheelwells. So, do yourself a favour and click "play" below. Enjoy!
For more information on the Civette's buildup, head over to LS1tech.com.
[Source: LS1tech.com] [Video courtesy of "Civette"/Youtube]
According to Carview, the limited-run Civic Mugen RR has sold out within ten minutes of going on sale.
The RR, which could lap Tsukuba circuit in a not-too-shabby 1:06, is perhaps one of the most desirable Hondas in Japan right now, which explains the phenomenal speed with which they rolled off the showroom floor. Dressed in a coat of sexy Milan Red and sporting a good deal of cosmetic enhancements to match its mechanical upgrades, it certainly is one of the prettier front-drive sports cars about. Coupled with the pre-release hype surrounding the RR, it's somewhat unsurprising that it sold out so quickly when the phone lines opened on September 13.
If this news has shattered your dream of ever owning one, don't despair: Carview reports that a significant amount of the 300 cars were sold to dealerships. So, provided you reside in Japan, it's not too late to pick up a Civic Mugen RR. Besides, even if you do miss out, there's always the Civic Type R "One Make Race" version which was also recently released, although that one is Honda's equivalent of a greyhound - a zero-fat lump of muscle and bone that's built to race.
[Source: Carview.co.jp, Honda] [Photo courtesy of M-TEC Co. Ltd.]
It's been a bit of a no-show for Japanese performance cars at the Frankfurt Auto Show, with every major manufacturer reserving their big guns for the upcoming Tokyo exhibition. However, one little car has been unveiled by Daihatsu - and it looks like it's 100% production ready.
The Daihatsu OFC1 is a tiny roadster in the same vein as the Copen. However, where the Copen is all circles and cutesy curves, the OFC1 mans it up a notch with angular headlights and sharper body creases. It's still a feminine looking thing, except with just a hint of masculinity. Like Sigourney Weaver.
According to Daihatsu, the OFC1 will have a turbocharged 3-cylinder cranking out 47kW. While this hardly sounds sporting, consider that the current Copen has a kerb weight of 830kg - hardly anything compared to today's sports cars.
That engine will be hooked up to a 7-speed CVT gearbox with paddle shifters and drive tthrough the front wheels. It may just become another pose-mobile, or it could be just like the current Copen - adored (and raced) by a die-hard minority and shunned by everone else. Regardless, I think it'd look kinda cool painted yellow, stickered up and fitted with a roll cage, like the Copen below.
The lucky lads at Brit mag CAR recently spent some quality time with Mazda's upcoming 2009 MX-5 and have published what appears to be the first ever road test of that particular model. It's a short one, but it describes in good detail the various dynamic and cosmetic improvements that Mazda have injected into the facelifted Roadster, as well as lifting the lid on a few minor changes that Mazda themselves have neglected to mention. Check it out at CAR's website here. [Source: CAR] ...
Motorkultur Magazin 
370Z mania is just around the corner folks, and the dudes over at Motor Trend have wisely decided to get in on the game early. Motor Trend recently spent some quality time with a 370Z prototype (which appears to be the the same one that Inside Line played around with) and has published a rather in-depth video of its findings. Like Inside Line, Motor Trend were forbidden to talk about how the 370Z actually handles on the road, nor were they even allowed to video the interior or engine bay....
Not only did Mitsubishi debut their delicious Lancer Sportback Ralliart at the Paris Motor Show, but they also showed off their heavily-revamped Colt Ralliart to the crowds as well. The Colt is the first model outside of the Lancer family to receive the new 'Jet Fighter' face, and initial impressions are.. well... mixed. Yes, the gaping grille and restyled tailgate are easy on the eye, but are they necessarily an improvement on the old Colt Ralliart? For starters, that Evo-esque bonnet...
Attention Subaru fans: US aftermarket tuning co. Cobb Tuning has now added a set of uprated sports springs for the 2008 Subaru WRX STI to its performance parts catalogue. Cobb's springs lower the STI by 2.2cm on each corner and also feature a 10 per cent increase in springrate on the front and a 20 per cent increase on the rear, which should make for a significant upgrade in handling. According to a recent test conducted by Motor Trend, Cobb's development mule was also able to turn in a...
I never cease to be amazed by the sheer number of cars that I see for sale that are photographed with no thought given to presentation. Some are merely unwashed, others are caked in dirt and even more still have interiors that would leave their new drivers waist-deep in burger wrappers. This one, however, is different. From the outside it's just a regular ol' 1977 260Z with an L28 under the hood, but it's the below shot of a pair of spare carburetors and some other spare parts in the boot...
While its torsion beam rear suspension may lack the outright handling potential of the multi-link rear found in the Japanese Market FD2 Civic Type R, there's no denying that the European (and Australian) spec FN2 CTR is one beautiful beast. In racing guise it's even more handsome, and the JAS Motorsport-built Civic Type RR (not to be confused with Mugen's own Civic RR) brutishly so.Thanks to Cartribe, we've got a bunch of pics of the 'double-arr' for you all to drool over. This particular car...
Hmm, the Japanese car mags strike again. Are Mitsubishi planning an all-out performance assault on the crossover market with this Lancer Sportback-based CUV? That may be a bombshell they're saving up for the Sportback's launch at the Paris Motor Show in October, but it could just as easily be the product of yet another crack-smokin' Japanese CG artist. Whatever the case may be, the rendering shown is undeniably attractive for a crossover and for some unfathomable reason I find myself unable to...
That annual orgy of automotive hedonism, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, took place over the weekend and although the emphasis (as always) was undoubtedly on the local produce, a handful of tasty Japanese treats did manage to find their way onto Lord March's hallowed driveway. For those that couldn't make it we've prepared for you a small collection of images of the most noteworthy entrants, so sit back, grab a gin & tonic and enjoy the pics after the jump. I swear, every time I see the...
Last seen running around the 'Ring under the mutilated body of a hacked-up S2000, Honda's next-gen NSX has finally been spotted undergoing testing in its own clothing.There's still some heavy camouflage getting the way, but at least now we can scope the vague shape that the new NSX (which will be badged as an Acura worldwide) will take. You can see that a few design cues from the Honda's Advanced Sport Car Concept have carried through to the NSX's sheetmetal - like those beltline creases -...
Word from Eric Hsu, our favourite (and only) insider over at Cosworth, is that the aftermarket engineering company is working on a dry sump system for Subaru's EJ series of motors. Apparently a similar system is also in the works for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo (presumably the 4G63-powered ones), however the EJ version is the most developed thus far. The dry sump system consists of the billet alloy sump itself, uprated stock position primary pump, Cosworth external scavenge pump and the toothed...
While Nissan's R35 GT-R has turned the supercar world topsy-turvy by offering 
Porsche
Engine tuning gurus Cosworth have almost completed development on their supercharger kit for the NC MX-5, giving owners of the well-rounded roadster a cure for the car's relative lack of power that doesn't involve turbocharging. According to Eric Hsu of The Real JDM fame, the Cosworth supercharger bestows upon the NC a new level of low-end tractability while raising peak power to 210hp at the wheels. Torque numbers are not yet available, but Hsu comments that the torque curve feels like "a flat...
It's almost been a year since Mugen released the Type-RR, the slightly insane cousin to the ordinary Civic Type-R, but now the good folks over at Nihon Car have finally managed to get their mits on one and have published a review, along with some tasty video of it in action. We won't bore you with stats here, as we already gave a rundown on the Type-RR last June. If, however, you are in any doubt as to this car's sporting ability, then consider this: the Type-RR can lap Tsukuba in 1:06.6, which...
