Japanese Car Guide

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

I stumbled upon the news that the 2008 Mazda6 is now the leader in the mid-size sedan segment. I�d like to believe that. The 2008 Mazda6�s unparalleled performance, refinement and practicality are what earned it big sales success in the United States.

It was reported that the range-topping 3.0-liter V6 engine is responsible for its strong performance. Imagine, it can produce 212 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) and 197 lb-ft torque (at 5,000 rpm). It is the only sedan with a six-speed automatic transmission that enhances performance, drivability, smoothness and gas mileage.

This new addition to the sedan family has a new standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), 17-inch alloy wheels (i Sport models), security alarm system (Sport VE and Touring) BOSE� stereo system and two exterior colors (Volcanic Red and Silver Metallic). What more can you ask for?

Nissan Murano, it’s a twin metamorphosis of the mid-size crossover SUV by Nissan last December 2002 and was launched at 2003. it was the first of its kind by Nissan. It beat the Pathfinder as Nissan’s top-of-the-line SUV until the launch of the Armada in 2004. It was authored by the American branch in La Jolla, California. It was inspired by the Nissan FF-L Platform used by Maxima’s sixth generation and the Altima’s third. The Murano is the first and last version released by Nissan.

By 2006, the Murano leveled in-between the Xterra and Pathfinder, which champed over the Murano in size since 2005, wherein it immediately soared by becaming Nissan’s best-selling SUV, finally beating the Pathfinder off the top of the charts.

The “Japanese lifestyle” is a term used by some medical doctors that refers to the way the Japanese prepare their meals—less frying, more soups and raw fish.

But the definition of Japanese lifestyle nowadays has changed a bit and included cars in it. And the Honda FCX Clarity sure is a part of that healthy revolution.

It mainly runs on hydrogen fuel cells, so emissions of the said car are not toxic. However, the car has been made available only to the Southern California market since fuel stations that load hydrogen fuel are abundant in the said state (car manufacturing is also limited). The car too is a little bit expensive for the middle class market, but Honda promised that by 2018, they have the right technology to mass produce the said car.

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

Here�s a good news to all Japanese car lovers out there. Honda has just released two new models: the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe. According to Honda website, the two cars promise �a new automotive experience like no other.�

The newest Honda cars were built to suit our modern lifestyle. With the Accord Sedan, �comfort, luxury and advanced technology� are a showcase while the Accord Coupe matched performance with sports styling.

So, for all of you who would like to own these cars, talk to your trusted dealers and request a quote now.

To compare prices and features of these new Honda babies, click here.

Image Source: toywonders.com

The popular Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe has gotten a new top line model. The car, sporty as it looks, comes with a 2 door hatch back in GS, SE and GT model. It also offers Spyder convertibles in GS and GT. Its rear window is fitted with heated glass. The GS and SE prides with a 162hp, 2.4liter, four cylinder engine. While the GT has a 3.8liter V6 at 263hp. Newest release in 2008 is the SE V6 model that is fitted with the GT engine plus some added features. Optional Automatic transmission. The GTs have traction control as standard safety feature, while the new SE V6 has anti-skid system that is exclusively available for the model. The SE V6 is made elegant by the leather upholstery and the sunroof.

Image Source: www.thewebpitch.com
Aside from car indemnity and repairs, the skyrocketing price of gasoline gives extra burden to car owners. Today, each dollar spent on gasoline is worth a day’s meal for some people. That is why keeping energy becomes a topic of significance among car owners. They find ways to save gas and in the process, save money.

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

1. At all times keep your car in check. Keep in mind that when your car is in a poor state, the more it burns fuel.
2. Use your car air conditioner carefully. Air conditioners use up further energy so make sure they are on a lower situation. Never use air conditioner when your windows are not closed.
3. Arrange your trip precisely so you don’t use up more gasoline than natural. You can avoid unnecessary driving by checking for directions sooner than your trip.
4. Know the kind of gasoline suited to your vehicle. How? Read the Manual. This will keep you from using a pricier gasoline that is not designed for your car type.

The 2009 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV that seats eight passengers in a 3-row interior setting. It was first unveiled as the Pilot Prototype at the North American Auto Show last March.

The car has a 5-speed automatic transmission and is powered by a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. It is like an improved version of the first generation Honda Pilot. The engineers at Honda added more passenger and cargo space to the car and it seems to work quite well. The car’s value is just right for the enhanced power and economy features.

If you’re someone who’s adventurous, then this solid crossover is for you.

Image Source: http://www.jalopnik.com

Lexus F line is presently Toyota’s luxury division. A hard-edged performance car, the 2008 Lexus IS-F is Toyota’s match to popular luxury vehicles such as the BMW M3, Audi RS4 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

One can easily notice that the car has a sporty and handsome appeal. It also has an amazingly good sound at high RPM. It’s powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 416 horsepower, a guarantee that it has strong engine performance. The only disadvantage I see is the rock-hard suspension that matches pretty well with fast and furious drivers but not with plain motorists. It could have been better if the suspension has sport and regular modes for a more efficient handling.

But don’t get easily disheartened friends, overall I think it’s still an awesome car that’s worth a serious look.

Image Source: http://www.coolhunting.com

This is good news to Japanese car fans in Europe. Autoweek.com reports
that Nissan’s latest Qashqai model, the seven-seater kind, will be unveiled at the London Motor Show slated in July.

Nissan’s seven-seater Qashqai has the same powertrain with the other Qashqai models. Adjustments were made to the suspension and steering to accommodate the excess weight. It also comes with standard equipment such as roof rails and tinted rear windows, among others.

Sale of Qashqai in Europe starts in October while it is not sure when it will be coming to the United States. Customers will have two diesel and two gasoline engine choices for the car. Of course, expect to pay more since this is bigger and longer than the conventional five-seater Qashqai available in the market.

Image Source: http://www.allworldcars.com