Japanese Car

Honda Motor Co. aims to cut the cost of hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars to a hundredth of the present level to make them competitive with conventional cars, its engineer in charge of developing them said on Friday.

Yozo Kami, chief engineer in Honda's research and development operation, told reporters its fuel cell cars cost about 100 times that of typical gasoline models to manufacture and it needs to slash that by a tenth to the level of high-end cars and eventually to a hundredth to make it more competitive against conventional alternatives.

Kami said fuel cell cars could have a market share of 5 percent by 2020.

Mass production of hydrogen vehicles came closer to reality on June 17 when the Japanese government approved certification of fuel cell cars made by Honda and Toyota Motor Corp.. READ MORE...

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the launch in Japan of the all-new Serena minivan. As its tagline “SHIFT_capacity” implies, the Serena dramatically transforms the potentialities of a one-box vehicle by accommodating users’ diverse driving needs.

Design
The exterior design is built around the themes of “active” and “spacious” and features large side windows rendered with a distinctive, step-like spur character line and a modern-looking cubic body form that conveys a feeling of stability. READ MORE...

Another two weeks, or so, a total of 1,729 miles is on the odometer, and were still smitten with our long-term Mitsubishi Endeavor Limited.

So far so good... without even a hiccup from the SUVs mechanicals and all of its electronics working perfectly.

Mileage: 1,160 miles

Trevor: Another trip to Ikea, but this time the load wasnt as cumbersome as the four desks and monstrous bookcases I had to transport last time, if not any less expensive. I should buy shares in the place with all that Jennifer and I have spent there in the last year alone. I think that investing in Mitsubishi might be a better long-term bet, however, as the stock price is way down and the companys core products are truly excellent. Youve heard me go on and on at how engaging the Endeavor is to drive, but the same is true of all of the Japanese companys models. For instance, I just brought the little Lancer Ralliart back to Mitsubishis handler, and what a blast that car is. Its like an EVO-light; nowhere near the power of the brands flagship WRC replica, but still amazingly nimble and a sheer delight to run through the gears. Its great to get back into the Endeavor though, as it offers a lot of dynamism behind the wheel and a great deal more practicality.

Mileage: 1,259 miles

Had to "fly" to the airport for an early morning flight; which I was late for as usual. Virtually no traffic made for a speedy commute, and the Endeavor was an ideal conveyance. Circuitous highway ramps were dealt with quickly, and with imperceptible body-roll, while the SUV put long straightways behind its rearview mirror in record time. Its a fun vehicle to drive fast, unusual in this segment, and never during my expedited trip did I feel out of control. Even if you dont drive as quickly, the same control will be there when you need, which just might be when trying to avoid some crazy SUV driver attempting to get to the airport at 5AM.

Mileage: 1,291 miles

Jennifer: Trevor left the Endeavor at the airport parking garage while he was away on a trip to who-knows-where, and I didnt have access to it for an entire two days. Instead I had a small sedan, and it was a pain to get the kids in and out of. Kaden, our four-year old, is enamored with the Endeavors rear center armrest, especially now that its cupholders are fully stocked with water bottles. I always have water bottles in them for both kids, and my four-year old can easily pull it out, take a drink and put it back. READ MORE...

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release in Japan of an all-new Step Wagon (Step WGN). Featuring a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, the new Step WGN offers superior comfort and a compact body along with sedan-like handling and maneuverability. Attractive features such as floor panel design, a first for a production passenger minivan, help create a comfortable and inviting interior. The new Step WGN goes on sale May 27 at Honda automobile dealers throughout Japan.

This all-new third generation Step WGN combines the spaciousness of a minivan with the driving performance of a sedan. Based on the concept “Fun-derful Mover,” the new Step WGN offers high-value, next-generation utility in a comfortable vehicle that’s fun to drive and fun to use.

The new Step WGN is built on Honda’s unique low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, and offers the same interior height as the previous model. However, the vehicle’s center of gravity is 40mm lower and floor height 60mm lower. Reductions in vehicle height of 75mm and in vehicle length of 45mm make the new Step WGN more compact and give it enhanced drivability, yet the interior is spacious and accommodating. The lower center of gravity helps improve maneuverability, resulting in sedan-like handling, stability, and ride comfort. The highly functional packaging of the new Step WGN makes it ideal for a wide variety of everyday activities.

Major Features of the All-New Step WGN
< Packaging and utility >
· Spacious, easy-to-drive, and with sedan-like dynamic performance, the new Step WGN is based on Honda’s innovative low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform. This design maintains the Step WGN’s ceiling height of 1,350 mm while lowering vehicle height by 75 mm. A compact engine compartment allows for an even shorter-nose front end, maintaining the Step WGN’s cabin length at a generous 2,800 mm while reducing overall vehicle length by 45 mm. The result is a spacious interior in a compact, easy-to-maneuver body.

· Floor height at the second seat row is 390 mm, highest in the minivan class. While increasing leg room for second-row passengers, the one-step floor also makes it easy for children and older passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.

· The second- and third-row seats can also be stowed to create a 1,675 mm-long cargo space with a generous 1,541 l luggage capacity (figures are for tumble seat-equipped vehicles).


· Two large-capacity covered storage compartments have been added to the upper instrument panel, and the glove compartment is nearly twice as large as in the previous model. There is abundant space in all three seat rows for storing personal belongings and small items.

· Many features have been optimized for improved visibility and to reduce blind spots: the low and unobtrusive meter panel; low, flat windshield wipers; large triangular vent windows; the specially shaped front pillar cross-section and third-row headrests; and specially positioned door mirrors.

· The tilting/telescoping steering column, which for allows a driver-optimized steering position, is standard on all types.


· Even with a longer wheelbase and wider tires, all versions of the new Step WGN boast the smallest turning radius in the minivan class: 5.3 m.

< Styling >
Exterior Styling
The sleek aerodynamic upper body narrows toward the rear, while the rectangular lower body trims the airflow. The Dynamic Character Line sets off these two areas for an especially distinctive appearance.

· From the side, the short nose and long wheelbase convey the spaciousness of the cabin, while the deep, gradually widening Dynamic Character Line symbolizes the Step WGN’s dynamic performance.


· The square shape of the rear reflects the spaciousness of the Step WGN’s cabin, and the wide combination taillights emphasize the wide-stance, low-center-of-gravity design of the automobile.


· Front and rear lower skirts, tailgate spoiler, and dark chrome headlight sub-reflectors—options for the sporty models—further accent the Step WGN’s low center of gravity and premium appearance.


Interior Styling

· The interior of the all-new Step WGN is spacious, inviting, and relaxed—providing all the comfort and amenities of one’s own living room at home.

· For the first time in a production passenger minivan, optional floor paneling for the second- and third-row seats is available in either Natural or Brown to complement the interior color schemes—a unique feature that makes the Step WGN even more comfortable and inviting.


< Powertrain >
Engine


· The economical and environmentally friendly DOHC i-VTEC engine combines Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC), which optimizes intake valve timing in response to engine load. The 2.0 lDOHC i-VTEC engine provides smooth acceleration from low speeds, and the 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine provides high-torque output at any engine speed.
The 2.0 l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a 114 kW (155 PS) power rating with 188 N·m (19.2 kg·m) of torque.
The 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a 119 kW (162 PS) power rating with 218 N·m (22.2 kg·m) of torque.


Transmission
· The 24Z FF’s CVT (continuously variable transmission) delivers smooth, seamless acceleration, and the torque converter assures powerful starts; together they generate highly responsive power at all rpm ranges. The steering wheel-mounted paddle shift features 7-speed mode for a manual-shift feel.

< Chassis and Body >
· The new low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, including a newly designed rear suspension and fuel tank, reduces the roll tendency often observed in minivans with high centers of gravity. Optimized suspension settings and high-rigidity mounts allow for highly stable handling as well as superior ride comfort.


· The reduced front and rear overhangs, newly designed suspension, and lower center of gravity all help reduce the moment of inertia, and the Step WGN’s aerodynamic characteristics have also been improved. As a result, freeway cruising stability and resistance to the effects of crosswinds have both significantly increased.


· Increased rigidity throughout the body and highly rigid support of the sliding doors and tailgate are important factors in the Step WGN’s sedan-like handling stability and ride comfort.


· A secondary balancer suppresses engine vibration and, in combination with acoustic insulation, helps reduce engine noise. Optimized acoustic materials reduce road noise to create a quiet cabin in which conversation can be enjoyed in any seat.


< Advanced Features >
· The new Step WGN is equipped with the Intelligent Highway Cruise Control (IHCC) vehicle speed and distance control system.

· The Honda HDD InterNavi System with Progressive Commander features an 8-inch-wide display positioned for easy visibility to minimize the need for the driver to shift his or her line of sight.

< Safety Performance >
· The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system—which includes the Antilock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and sideslip control—works in combination with the DBW electronic throttle control that optimizes engine torque to achieve precision handling.


· The Collision Mitigation System (CMS) uses a millimeter-wave radar to calculate the distance between the Step WGN and the vehicle ahead.

· The Step WGN is also designed to mitigate injury in the event of impact with pedestrians, particularly to their head and legs, through the use of impact-absorbing structures.

· In addition to front-seat i-side air bags, a side curtain airbag system protects all three rows of seats.

Source : Autoindex.org

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release in Japan of an all-new Step Wagon (Step WGN). Featuring a low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, the new Step WGN offers superior comfort and a compact body along with sedan-like handling and maneuverability. Attractive features such as floor panel design, a first for a production passenger minivan, help create a comfortable and inviting interior. The new Step WGN goes on sale May 27 at Honda automobile dealers throughout Japan.

This all-new third generation Step WGN combines the spaciousness of a minivan with the driving performance of a sedan. Based on the concept “Fun-derful Mover,” the new Step WGN offers high-value, next-generation utility in a comfortable vehicle that’s fun to drive and fun to use.

The new Step WGN is built on Honda’s unique low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, and offers the same interior height as the previous model. However, the vehicle’s center of gravity is 40mm lower and floor height 60mm lower. Reductions in vehicle height of 75mm and in vehicle length of 45mm make the new Step WGN more compact and give it enhanced drivability, yet the interior is spacious and accommodating. The lower center of gravity helps improve maneuverability, resulting in sedan-like handling, stability, and ride comfort. The highly functional packaging of the new Step WGN makes it ideal for a wide variety of everyday activities.

Major Features of the All-New Step WGN
< Packaging and utility >
· Spacious, easy-to-drive, and with sedan-like dynamic performance, the new Step WGN is based on Honda’s innovative low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform. This design maintains the Step WGN’s ceiling height of 1,350 mm while lowering vehicle height by 75 mm. A compact engine compartment allows for an even shorter-nose front end, maintaining the Step WGN’s cabin length at a generous 2,800 mm while reducing overall vehicle length by 45 mm. The result is a spacious interior in a compact, easy-to-maneuver body.

· Floor height at the second seat row is 390 mm, highest in the minivan class. While increasing leg room for second-row passengers, the one-step floor also makes it easy for children and older passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.

· The second- and third-row seats can also be stowed to create a 1,675 mm-long cargo space with a generous 1,541 l luggage capacity (figures are for tumble seat-equipped vehicles).


· Two large-capacity covered storage compartments have been added to the upper instrument panel, and the glove compartment is nearly twice as large as in the previous model. There is abundant space in all three seat rows for storing personal belongings and small items.

· Many features have been optimized for improved visibility and to reduce blind spots: the low and unobtrusive meter panel; low, flat windshield wipers; large triangular vent windows; the specially shaped front pillar cross-section and third-row headrests; and specially positioned door mirrors.

· The tilting/telescoping steering column, which for allows a driver-optimized steering position, is standard on all types.


· Even with a longer wheelbase and wider tires, all versions of the new Step WGN boast the smallest turning radius in the minivan class: 5.3 m.

< Styling >
Exterior Styling
The sleek aerodynamic upper body narrows toward the rear, while the rectangular lower body trims the airflow. The Dynamic Character Line sets off these two areas for an especially distinctive appearance.

· From the side, the short nose and long wheelbase convey the spaciousness of the cabin, while the deep, gradually widening Dynamic Character Line symbolizes the Step WGN’s dynamic performance.


· The square shape of the rear reflects the spaciousness of the Step WGN’s cabin, and the wide combination taillights emphasize the wide-stance, low-center-of-gravity design of the automobile.


· Front and rear lower skirts, tailgate spoiler, and dark chrome headlight sub-reflectors—options for the sporty models—further accent the Step WGN’s low center of gravity and premium appearance.


Interior Styling

· The interior of the all-new Step WGN is spacious, inviting, and relaxed—providing all the comfort and amenities of one’s own living room at home.

· For the first time in a production passenger minivan, optional floor paneling for the second- and third-row seats is available in either Natural or Brown to complement the interior color schemes—a unique feature that makes the Step WGN even more comfortable and inviting.


< Powertrain >
Engine


· The economical and environmentally friendly DOHC i-VTEC engine combines Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC), which optimizes intake valve timing in response to engine load. The 2.0 lDOHC i-VTEC engine provides smooth acceleration from low speeds, and the 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine provides high-torque output at any engine speed.
The 2.0 l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a 114 kW (155 PS) power rating with 188 N·m (19.2 kg·m) of torque.
The 2.4 l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a 119 kW (162 PS) power rating with 218 N·m (22.2 kg·m) of torque.


Transmission
· The 24Z FF’s CVT (continuously variable transmission) delivers smooth, seamless acceleration, and the torque converter assures powerful starts; together they generate highly responsive power at all rpm ranges. The steering wheel-mounted paddle shift features 7-speed mode for a manual-shift feel.

< Chassis and Body >
· The new low-floor, low-center-of-gravity platform, including a newly designed rear suspension and fuel tank, reduces the roll tendency often observed in minivans with high centers of gravity. Optimized suspension settings and high-rigidity mounts allow for highly stable handling as well as superior ride comfort.


· The reduced front and rear overhangs, newly designed suspension, and lower center of gravity all help reduce the moment of inertia, and the Step WGN’s aerodynamic characteristics have also been improved. As a result, freeway cruising stability and resistance to the effects of crosswinds have both significantly increased.


· Increased rigidity throughout the body and highly rigid support of the sliding doors and tailgate are important factors in the Step WGN’s sedan-like handling stability and ride comfort.


· A secondary balancer suppresses engine vibration and, in combination with acoustic insulation, helps reduce engine noise. Optimized acoustic materials reduce road noise to create a quiet cabin in which conversation can be enjoyed in any seat.


< Advanced Features >
· The new Step WGN is equipped with the Intelligent Highway Cruise Control (IHCC) vehicle speed and distance control system.

· The Honda HDD InterNavi System with Progressive Commander features an 8-inch-wide display positioned for easy visibility to minimize the need for the driver to shift his or her line of sight.

< Safety Performance >
· The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system—which includes the Antilock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and sideslip control—works in combination with the DBW electronic throttle control that optimizes engine torque to achieve precision handling.


· The Collision Mitigation System (CMS) uses a millimeter-wave radar to calculate the distance between the Step WGN and the vehicle ahead.

· The Step WGN is also designed to mitigate injury in the event of impact with pedestrians, particularly to their head and legs, through the use of impact-absorbing structures.

· In addition to front-seat i-side air bags, a side curtain airbag system protects all three rows of seats.

Source : Autoindex.org

TOKYO (Reuters) - The leaders of Japan and Malaysia confirmed they had reached an agreement in principle on a free trade pact on Wednesday, a deal achieved after overcoming some major differences on Malaysia's automotive policy.

Japan's accord with Malaysia, Southeast Asia's biggest passenger car market, is expected to lead to its fourth free trade agreement (FTA) and comes at a time when Tokyo has stepped up its pursuit of FTAs as it is keen not to lose ground to China.

The FTA is part of a broader Japan-Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement that will forge "closer economic relations through cooperation, liberalisation, and facilitation in trade and investment", the two countries said in a joint statement.

The deal was confirmed at a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The agreement needs to be fleshed out in working-level talks before it can be signed and come into force. Japanese officials declined to give a timetable for when that may happen.

Malaysia will lower tariffs on goods such as cars, car parts and steel while Japan improves market access for agricultural products including fruit.

The deal may provide momentum to other free trade talks involving Japan, some analysts said.

"The more FTAs you achieve, the more models you have (for future negotiations). It may be an accelerating factor," said Sanae Suzuki, a researcher at the Institute of Developing Economies-JETRO.

Japan has signed only two free trade pacts so far, with Singapore and Mexico, due to a reluctance to discuss politically sensitive farm products.

It has reached a broad agreement on a free trade pact with the Philippines, and is in talks with Thailand and South Korea.READ MORE...

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced the names of its new SUV and new kei minicar models. Mitsubishi Motors is planning to introduce the new SUV model on the domestic Japanese market this autumn and the new kei minicar early next year. The new SUV model will take on the name "Outlander" while the new kei minicar will be christened "i". Flowing through the veins of both are the "Sporty DNA" and "SUV DNA" that identify Mitsubishi Motors cars. These characteristics have been evolved through technology and know-how feedback harvested in the course of Mitsubishi Motors long-running and highly successful participation in the Dakar Rally, World Rally Championship and other motorsport arenas. Given graphic expression in the design, specifications and performance of the new models, these details clearly illuminate the company's approach to car development and building.

1. Outlander
The new SUV's Outlander moniker evokes an image of an adventurer heading at speed for unknown lands. The name Outlander will be the standardized model name in all global markets.

The new Outlander has been developed as the "next generation SUV which combines a flexible utility with the sporty style."
Outlander is distinguished by the following main features:
-New 2.4-liter engine with aluminum cylinder block.
- New platform with high crash safety.
- New Body and chassis that have technologies grown by the Lancer Evolution models.

Outlander sits on a newly developed platform, which Mitsubishi Motors plans to phase in on its C-segment models.


2. i
Mitsubishi Motors has decided to christen the latest addition to its kei minicar range "i". This new-age car encourages the owner to express him/herself ("I") fully. Starting with the letter "i" "innovation," also served as a keyword in the development of the car. As a "next-generation innovative kei," to deliver levels of safety, handling and stability that go well beyond the norm for its size classification, "i" becomes the first Mitsubishi Motors model to employ a rear-midship layout.

2005-05-23
Contributed by Autoindex.org

Lexus, and to a lesser extent Infiniti, really set the car world on their ears when they first burst onto the market about 15 years ago. Since then, the premium Japanese brands have been serious contenders for the dollars of the reasonably well heeled.

Over the course of that decade and a half, Lexus has changed its marketing from relentlessly pursuing perfection to passionately pursuing perfection. And they continue to make excellent cars that are often considered to be as perfect as a car can be.

The latest in their stable are the 2006 GS 300 and GS 430, the third generation of the sporty sedan that sits below the LS 430 flagship and above the ES 330 and IS 300 entry level sedans. "Sporty" and "entry level" being relative terms, of course.

The third generation looks sharp — in fact to these eyes it’s easily the most attractive of the GS series to date. I liked the Italian-styled original, but the second generation kind of left me cold. This new one is a work of art, though, sleek and beautiful and reeks "state-of-the-art." It's gorgeous.

The GS has always been rear wheel drive, which is great, but the new generation GS 300 is also available with an optional all wheel drive system and that’s the version I got to try. My tester listed at approximately $78,000 Canadian and, as one might expect, it is a really nice car.

The new engine in the "lower end" GS is a 3 liter V6 that puts out 245 horsepower at 6200 rpm. Torque is rated at 230 lb. ft. @ 3600 rpm. Decent figures, but not earth shattering. Lexus bandies around such descriptors as "Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI), Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) and Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i)," technical jargon that translates into smoothness, grace and competence, though not cheek flattening acceleration.

The GS’ 6-speed automatic transmission shifts like silk and has a pretend manual setting, as it should. Alas, that pretend manual setting is really pretend and didn’t add a lot of joy to this driver’s life. Surprisingly, I found myself preferring the fully automatic setting most of the time. I imagine a six-speed manual would be a blast, but I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for one.

The GS features a sport-tuned double wishbone suspension that could be a tad stiffer but which is definitely no wallower. And to add a little more satisfaction for the driver, you can switch the car between default, snow and power settings. The latter was obviously my favourite, but the snow setting proved very capable and handy during my test drive when we got a hefty dump of springtime snow.

The 17 inch wheels look great and of course they’re equipped with disc brakes with ABS. There’s also traction and stability control, and all this stuff combined to work very well on the snowy streets; the GS could be driven confidently and comfortably regardless of how lousy it was outside.

I liked the GS’ lighting system, too. Its High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are bright and cover a good area. Lexus says they also last ten times longer and provide three times more power than conventional halogen, while using 30 percent less power. An automatic mode turns the low beams on or off according to the ambient light outside. On one particularly dreary day, the lights would come on and the instruments change to their "night look," when we drove under overpasses. It was kind of neat.

Ease yourself into the driver’s seat and you're at home virtually immediately. The leather front seats feel great. They're comfortable, heated — and air conditioned — and they adjust every way except into the fourth dimension. The car’s instrumentation is also wonderful, well laid out, easy to read and attractive to boot. Everything you need to touch in the car is at hand and for the most part quite straightforward. The California walnut trim is very classy.

Driver and front passenger seats each come with three memory settings, so many that you could forget which one you've programmed your seat positions into!

The GS also has a really neat system of keyless operation. You can leave the fob in your pocket because you can unlock the car without it, and once you're inside you start the Lexus with a button on the dash. Likewise, when you get out, you can lock the car without using the fob. I loved this feature for no particular reason other than it was really cool.

There’s a rain sensing setting on the windshield wipers, though the Lexus and I agreed to disagree about when it should activate. We always seemed to be second guessing each other. Regardless of when they come on, however, the wipers and washers do an excellent job.

Speaking of second guessing, the GS comes with a plethora of built in nannies. There’s a parking assist that hollers at you (well, it doesn't really holler; it’s much more pleasant sounding than that) if the car senses it’s about to get dinged. And who can blame it? The LCD screen on the instrument panel shows you the direction from which that ding is about to be inflicted and indicates in which direction you should turn the steering wheel to avoid the insurance claim. It's just like having your spouse in the passenger seat, except that you can shut it off.

Since we had plenty of snow while I was making my neighbours jealous, I discovered on a couple of occasions that the anti-crash nanny would chime its warning every time the car stopped for a red light, as falling snowflakes fooled it into thinking I was mowing down pedestrians. It was the perfect time to use the shut off button, which is hidden with some other little used controls in a neat little panel to the left of the steering wheel.

The weather also offered a wonderful opportunity to test the GS 300’s all wheel drive capability, which was great - the car was stable and secure regardless of the road conditions.

Lexus positively piles on the safety equipment. The bounteous bevy of belts and bags includes driver and passenger knee airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, 3-Point belts for everyone, and plenty more. It also supposedly has a pre-crash warning system that, when it senses a collision, tightens the seat belts and gets ready for impact. This probably eliminates the need for the built-in nannies to yell "We’ll all be killed!"

But that’s stuff you never want to have to think about as long as you know it’s there. There are a lot more fun things to consider about a car such as this.

The audio system, for example. My tester came with the famed Mark Levinson option and it’s really deluxe. I was delighted to learn it plays about every kind of disc you can imagine short of those old 12 inch laserdiscs or, shudder, vinyl records. It handles 5.1 channel DVD-Audio and dts music discs and, though I didn’t have a chance to try it, Super Audio CD (SACD) discs as well. This ups the ante on the system I tried in the Acura TL, whose stereo blew me away at the time.

As with the TL’s, the Lexus head unit automatically senses the different types of disc, making it unnecessary for the driver to do anything except hit "PLAY." And that’s exactly how it should be.

It's a wonderful system and it sounds great, positively thundering. Except that for some reason on my tester the front centre channel wouldn’t work on 5.1 discs. This meant that on The Who’s "Tommy," for example, there were no lead vocals, making the Lexus’ cabin sound like karaoke night for Who fans. This was a lot of fun when I was alone in the car, but it wasn’t what the system was designed for.

On the other hand, the navigation system is very good, quite easy to use, and the LCD screen doubles as a touch screen for audio adjustment controls and the like, and it even displays a rear view camera for when you're backing up.

Car companies (not just Lexus) need to do something about those damn lawyer screens you have to click through, though. They're as annoying as having a real lawyer in the car.

Well, maybe not quite.

Speaking of HVAC, the GS 300 has dual zone automatic climate control, of course, and it kept us quite toasty. Once, okay twice, I tried the seat air conditioning but since it was horrid outside it didn’t take long to turn my butt into a block of ice. I cur-tailed that part of the test because I didn’t want to put glacier-like scrapes on the leather upholstery.

As you've undoubtedly guessed by now, I really liked the Lexus GS 300 AWD.

And yet….

Driving it didn’t quicken my heartbeat as much as I thought it would. While it’s easily one of the nicest vehicles I've driven, superbly designed and executed and undoubtedly a most satisfying ride for many years to come, it didn’t make me want to head straight out to my favorite twisty bits. The car is wonderfully smooth, competent and comfortable, but lacks that last bit of performance that would raise the GS’ status from "Wonderful car, but…" to "I’ll mortgage my soul to have it!"

I imagine the V8 powered GS 430 would up the fun to drive factor a lot, so it’s probably just as well that I didn’t get to drive it or I'd be mortgaging my soul even as you read this….

On the other hand, the V6 will be more economical to run which, considering the current price of the premium gas the Lexus burns, could add up over the years.

I wonder how this car would have felt to drive if Lexus had slapped its logo on the new 3.5 liter V6 in the just-released Toyota Avalon, which I drove the week after I had the GS 300. It has more power and leaps to attention when prodded by the right foot in a way this Lexus doesn't, quite. The engine seems like overkill in the Avalon, but perhaps it could be just what the driving doctor ordered for the GS 300.

Then again, there’s always that V8….

Bottom line? Other than my angst over the V6, a few nitpicks here and there and an audio system problem that would be covered by warranty (and which most people would never notice, since 5.1 discs aren’t popular yet), this car does seem darn near perfect.

And I'm passionate about saying that.
Jim Bray publishes TechnoFile Magazine at www.technofile.com. His varied careers have included journalist, technology retailer, video store pioneer, and syndicated columnist; he does a biweekly column on CBC Radio One's The Business Network.

Suzuki Motor Corp. introduced its third-generation Escudo in Japan.

Originally introduced in 1988, the Escudo sport-utility vehicle gained international fame as the Vitara/Grand Vitara.

The New Escudo was previewed as the Concept-X2 at the New York Autoshow earlier this year.

New Escudo features unibody, ladder-frame chassis. It is equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system with locking central differential. There's all-independent suspension around.

Major external dimensions: LxWxH (mm): 4390x1810x1695 mm. Wheelbase: 2640 mm.

There are two engines: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol, capable of 107 kW (145 PS) @ 6000 rpm and 193 Nm @ 4000 rpm; and a 2.7-liter V6 petrol engine capable of 135 kW (184 PS) @ 6000 rpm and 250 Nm @ 4500 rpm. Transmission options for the smaller engine include five-speed-manual or four-speed auto, while the bigger engine gets a five-speed auto.

Standard equipment includes high-intensity discharge headlamps, satellite navigation, electronic stability program, ABS with EBD, front dual airbags, side curtain airbag, ISOFIX child seat fixings etc.

Monthly sales target in Japan: 15000 units.

----
Contributed by Autoindex.org

If you have been spending the past few weeks honing your skills on the latest Sony PlayStation2 game, Gran Turismo 4, you might have some idea of what to expect from this Nissan. The GT-R Z-tune is every Japanese car fan's dream, and has a specification that's more suited to a video game than the public road.

Despite being axed 18 months ago, the R-34 Skyline GT-R has been resurrected by the firm's motorsport division, Nismo, for one last fling. And Auto Express took the wheel on an exclusive drive to see what two years of development work has achieved.

The first problem to overcome was the lack of brand new examples of the standard all-wheel-drive two-door. So Nismo sought out used models in mint condition to form the limited run of 20 Z-tunes. The company then rebuilt them into road-going track cars.

And the result is mind-boggling. The normal 2.6-litre twin-turbo engine is bored out to 2.8 litres and packed full of race parts. Pumping out 500bhp at a deafening 6,800rpm and 540Nm of torque at 5,200rpm, the Z-tune provides astonishing acceleration. READ MORE...

Japanese car makers Toyota and Nissan, Asia's industry leaders, announced today that US sales of cars and trucks increased more than 25 percent last month, while sales at General Motors and Ford Motor Co fell.

Toyota sold 210,466 vehicles in April, up 26 percent from a year ago, while Nissan sold 91,621 cars and trucks, a 32 percent advance. GM, the world's largest car maker, said sales of cars and trucks fell 3.9 percent 385,939, and Ford's sales dropped 1.5 percent to 281,292. DaimlerChrysler AG sold 225,351 vehicles, a rise of 8.7 percent. READ MORE..

Toyota is destined soon to become the world's number carmaker. It will do so by pleasing most of the people most of the time, with cars like the Camry, says Dave Moore.

I n Toyota's seemingly inexorable quest for the position as the world's most prolific carmaker, the success of the Camry is paramount. It has been the best-selling sedan in the United States on and off for years, with only Honda's Accord and, occasionally, the Ford Taurus keeping it honest.

It's not quite such a ubiquitous sight in New Zealand and Australia, were the sedan market is dominated by the rear-driven Falcon and Commodore. But the Camry more than holds its end up and performs well enough in terms of sales to help keep the Toyota brand at No. 1 overall in both countries.

There probably would be a few more Camrys about here if we were afforded the model proliferation enjoyed stateside. There, it is possible to buy a long-wheelbase sedan (the US Avalon), a coupe, a peoplemover and even a convertible version of the Camry template, while both the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX330 are built on top of the basic Camry underpinnings, as is the luxurious Lexus ES300 sedan READ MORE...

There is no limit to sport and luxury at the Seoul Motor Show, ranging from a domestic model with gull-wing doors to Mercedes-Benz's 720 million won Maybach 62.

The automakers have no aspirations for huge sales in Korea when their supercars go on sale this year. Just a handful of orders can match the revenue from scores of mass-produced vehicles.

Proto Motors Co., Korea's sixth-largest automaker, is showcasing its handmade Spirra, a lightweight carbon-fiber-bodied car that has already been sold abroad.

It became an instant hit on the first day of the motor show, with the Proto's first domestic sale of its 320-horsepower supercar. The Spirra, which features distinctive gull-wing doors, will go on sale in Korea in September. Two models will be available in trims costing about 80 million won and nearly 100 million won.

"Considering that foreign handmade cars of similar performance are way over 400 million won, the Spirra's price is highly competitive," said Kim Han-chul, chief executive of Proto Motors.

Focusing on the niche market, Proto Motors, which registered locally in 2003, hopes to sell 30 cars this year.

Another speedster that is drawing a lot of attention is Chevrolet's sixth-generation Corvette, perhaps the quintessential American sports car. The Corvette, priced at around 90 million won, is slated for sale locally in the second half of this year.

The new version boasts a V-8, 400-horsepower engine, but is 15 percent smaller, 35 percent lighter and quieter, says General Motors Corp., which introduced the model in 1956.

The new Corvette is equipped with all the high-end electronic technologies such as keyless entry, DVD-navigation system with voice control, and XM satellite radio and OnStar.

U.S. carmaker Ford is showcasing its new Mustang sports car to promote its young and ambitious image. Ford Sales and Service Korea began receiving domestic orders for the car in early April.

Honda Korea also is displaying its S2000 sports car, which was born to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japanese automaker in 1999. The number 2000 stands for the engine displacement of two liters and debut year. However, the displacement of the 2004 version has been increased to 2.2 liters.

Separately, Honda announced yesterday that it will deliver all of its money earned through souvenir sales at the "Enjoy Honda Lounge" in its KINTEX booth to UNICEF.

German carmakers BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz unveiled the BMW 328, Audi RS4 and M-B SLR McLaren sports cars.

The BMW 328 is a classic sports car designed loosely around a model first made in 1931. The streamlined car weighing only 810 kilograms won more than 400 races back then.

BMW Group Korea held a signing ceremony yesterday to build a 500 million won academic center on the premises of Yonsei University's new graduate school of business, to provide diverse academic support including data on the European economy, business administration and culture. German professors will be invited to teach. READ MORE...

There is no limit to sport and luxury at the Seoul Motor Show, ranging from a domestic model with gull-wing doors to Mercedes-Benz's 720 million won Maybach 62.

The automakers have no aspirations for huge sales in Korea when their supercars go on sale this year. Just a handful of orders can match the revenue from scores of mass-produced vehicles.

Proto Motors Co., Korea's sixth-largest automaker, is showcasing its handmade Spirra, a lightweight carbon-fiber-bodied car that has already been sold abroad.

It became an instant hit on the first day of the motor show, with the Proto's first domestic sale of its 320-horsepower supercar. The Spirra, which features distinctive gull-wing doors, will go on sale in Korea in September. Two models will be available in trims costing about 80 million won and nearly 100 million won.

"Considering that foreign handmade cars of similar performance are way over 400 million won, the Spirra's price is highly competitive," said Kim Han-chul, chief executive of Proto Motors.

Focusing on the niche market, Proto Motors, which registered locally in 2003, hopes to sell 30 cars this year.

Another speedster that is drawing a lot of attention is Chevrolet's sixth-generation Corvette, perhaps the quintessential American sports car. The Corvette, priced at around 90 million won, is slated for sale locally in the second half of this year.

The new version boasts a V-8, 400-horsepower engine, but is 15 percent smaller, 35 percent lighter and quieter, says General Motors Corp., which introduced the model in 1956.

The new Corvette is equipped with all the high-end electronic technologies such as keyless entry, DVD-navigation system with voice control, and XM satellite radio and OnStar.

U.S. carmaker Ford is showcasing its new Mustang sports car to promote its young and ambitious image. Ford Sales and Service Korea began receiving domestic orders for the car in early April.

Honda Korea also is displaying its S2000 sports car, which was born to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japanese automaker in 1999. The number 2000 stands for the engine displacement of two liters and debut year. However, the displacement of the 2004 version has been increased to 2.2 liters.

Separately, Honda announced yesterday that it will deliver all of its money earned through souvenir sales at the "Enjoy Honda Lounge" in its KINTEX booth to UNICEF.

German carmakers BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz unveiled the BMW 328, Audi RS4 and M-B SLR McLaren sports cars.

The BMW 328 is a classic sports car designed loosely around a model first made in 1931. The streamlined car weighing only 810 kilograms won more than 400 races back then.

BMW Group Korea held a signing ceremony yesterday to build a 500 million won academic center on the premises of Yonsei University's new graduate school of business, to provide diverse academic support including data on the European economy, business administration and culture. German professors will be invited to teach. READ MORE...

When your road test vehicle turns up with 23,000km on the clock, it's a surprise when you realise it feels as good as a brand new example, Dave Moore explains.

When reaquainting yourself with a car as honest and complete as a Maxima, it is no surprise when you note that it's as quiet, smooth- riding and comfortable as you remembered 18 months before, at its launch.

However, upon noting the odometer reading of just over 23,000km, it's a genuine shock to realise that it felt no different to the Maxima that picked you up the week before from the airport – with about 22,500 fewer kilometres clocked up.

There really wasn't much to show for it either.

Some tyre wear is understandable. However, there wasn't much else, just some slight stone chipping under the Maxima's rounded aerodynamic chin and a scuff mark on one of its smart alloy rims, both of which could have been done in a few hundred km of driving, not necessarily a year's worth or more.

It was just as uncanny inside. Apart from some heelmarks near the pedals, and some wear on their rubber pads, there was absolutely nothing to indicate that the Maxima Si road test car had enjoyed just under a year at the hands of road-testing journalists throughout New Zealand. Which is probably up to three years in more forgiving hands. READ MORE...