Japanese Car Guide

The Super GT event, known before in the past as the JGTC (All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship), has been dominated by the three Japanese-based car manufacturers (Nissan, Honda and Toyota) ever since its conception in 1992. The race includes 9 circuits, and Nissan’s Xanavi Nismo GT-R grabbed the 1st place for the second time in a row. They have won Round 1 at the Suzuka Circuit and Round 2 at the Okayama International Circuit. The race is still ongoing, as they have only finished the 2 round, but surely, Nissan Motor Company will be happy with the performance of their car.

The remaining rounds are as follows:

Round 3: Fuji Speedway
Round 4: Sepang International Circuit
Round 5: Sportsland SUGO
Round 6: Suzuka Circuit
Round 7: Twin Ring Motegi
Round 8: Autopolis
Round 9: Fuji Speedway

Photo taken from http://www.autocult.com.au

Who wants to drive a hydrogen powered, zero-emission vehicle (ZOV)? We all do. This summer, several lucky Southern California drivers will have the chance to realize that dream with Honda FCX Clarity as limited units will be available for a three-year lease at $600 monthly.

The new 2008 Honda FCX Clarity is a sleek sedan with aerodynamic shape for greater speed. It has spacious seats and a decent-sized trunk. I think the minor problem falls on the fuel source. There are limited refueling stations available in the United States today. It must be the reason why Honda has decided to settle in Southern California first since it is where several refueling stations that serve pressurized hydrogen gas are already in place.

The specifications for the 2008 Honda FCX Clarity are clearly explained and enumerated at the company’s website.

Aside from car insurance and maintenance, the skyrocketing price of gasoline gives additional burden to car owners. Today, each dollar spent on gasoline is worth a day’s meal for some people. That is why conserving energy becomes a topic of importance among car owners. They find ways to save gas and in the process, save money.

Here are some tips to save gas and money without cutting your trip or losing those precious miles:

1. Always keep your car in check. Remember that when your car is in a poor state, the more it burns fuel.
2. Use your car air conditioner sparingly. Air conditioners use up additional energy so make sure they are on a lower setting. Never use air conditioner when your windows are open.
3. Plan your trip carefully so you don’t use up more gasoline than usual. You can avoid unnecessary driving by checking for directions before your trip.
4. Read your car manual to know the kind of gasoline suited to your vehicle. This will keep you from using a pricier gasoline that is not designed for your car type.

Targa Tasmania is an annual race held in Tasmania, Australia. In 2008, the said competition included cars from all over the world—Ferrari, Lamborghini, Renault, Fiat, BMW and Peugeot to name a few of the European cars that participated in the race. Also, Japanese cars were present—Nissan, Mazda, Toyota and others.

The outcome of the race surprised everyone. Mazda 3 emerged as the champion, brushing aside other well known sports vehicles such as the 997 Porsche GT2 (second placer) and another Japanese car, the Subaru WRX STI (third placer) made by Fuji Heavy Industries.

The Targa Tasmania rally is not just about speed. It’s a five-day non-stop race that requires the cars to prove that they can endure the whole competition.

Photo taken from http://www.mazda-3-mps.co.uk

People’s choice of cars is greatly affected by different factors such as personal preference, finances and trends. While many prefer small cars, there are those who play it safe and prefer a more friendly type of vehicle such as large SUVs.

Over the years, the large SUV market has remained robust and ever-growing. In fact, large SUVs have been a vehicle of choice by most families and companies. And as if to widen their choices, here comes Toyota’s Sequoia Platinum 4WD. CNNMoney.com reports that this new Toyota model has good interior and even better utility throughout. It is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that guarantees quick throttle response and fast speed.

When it comes to full-size offerings, it is said that Toyota’s Sequoia can equal that of GM’s big SUVs and even Ford Expedition which makes it a safe choice.

In a recent press release, Honda has announced that its 2009 Fit will make its first North American appearance at the 2008 New York Auto Show slated next month.

The car is powered by a 1.3L or an optional 1.5L engine, has a choice of either front or all-wheel drive, and has spacious interior and other standard features, all in a compact, fuel-efficient and affordable package.

Honda has yet to release pricing for the 2009 Fit. However, in Japan where it has been launched last October, prices range from Y1.14 million ($9,800) to Y1.7 million ($14,600).

Honda’s Dick Colliver announced proudly that “the all-new Honda Fit will reconfirm that small can, in fact, be big.” Enough said.

The green concept is the trend today and the international automotive industry is one among the many that have heeded the call. Japanese car manufacturers, for instance, have already started producing cars that run on hydrogen, which many experts believe will be the fuel of the future.

Mazda, one of Japan’s car producers, has its own green car in RX-8. It is powered by a hydrogen rotary engine (HRE) and operates in a bi-fuel capacity, meaning it can shift to gasoline in just a touch of a button. Currently, there are only eight RX-8s.

The CarConnection.com reports that as part of its global advertising campaign and despite of its limited resources, Mazda is working to develop a sustainable car technology that will facilitate the production of more green car vehicles such as electric and gasoline-electric hybrid kinds.

Well, I just thought this is something worth sharing. Did you know that the new Subaru boxer diesel for Legacy and Outback models is set to be unveiled at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show slated next month? Yes, that’s true. This was according to a press release by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles.

The Subaru boxer diesel is a 2.0L engine that can produce up to 110kW (150 PS)/3600 rpm and has a maximum torque output of 350Nm/1800 rpm. To maximize fuel efficiency and ensure fun driving, the Legacy and Outback will have electric power steering.

I am sure this long-awaited super engine will impress a lot of people because of its high driving performance standards. For more information, you may visit Subaru.com.

The advancement of Japanese technology is unstoppable as of the moment. It’s as if every minute, they produce a new breed of technology. In the competition aspect of car making, they have had many cars that won contests, like the European Car of the Year. Concept-wise, the Japanese are said to innovative. They have many robots that cater the different needs of the people (elderly and the like).

If innovation is the key issue here, then nothing beats “i-unit” by Toyota. Toyota claimed that the vehicle was made not to be used like the usual car (travel great distances), but for mobility purposes. However advanced it may be, still, many critique the said vehicle.

Photo taken from http://www.space.com

The 2008 Infiniti EX35 officially hits the US market yesterday, according to an Infiniti press release. Mark Igo, Infiniti vice president and general manager, is proud to announce that the availability of EX35 in the US is �just in time for that last-minute holiday shopping.�

The EX35 is powered by a 297-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. It has a classy design and interior flexibility.

It can be noted that the EX concept exterior includes many signature Infiniti features such as the double-arch grille, distinctive LED taillights and large L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), among others.

The 2008 EX has four models — EX35 RWD (rear-wheel drive), EX35 RWD Journey, EX35 AWD (all-wheel drive) and EX35 AWD Journey. Prices start at $31,300 for the EX RWD and $34,850 for the EX RWD Journey. Europe will have to wait as the Infiniti EX series is reported to be available there in mid-2008.

The Inifiniti brand was first introduced in the United States in 1989.

For more information, visit Infiniti website.