Tag Archives: Japan

Mazda3 And CX-30 Get Mild Updates In Japan Including New Special Editions

After the Mazda CX-3 Super Edgy, the automaker announced a series of special trim levels of the Mazda3 and the CX-30 in Japan, alongside small updates on the e-SkyActiv X motor.

Those include tweaking the intake port and exhaust silencer of the gasoline engine to produce a richer sound for spicing up the driving experience during acceleration. Additionally, engineers have updated the gas pedal feel for a greater “sense of unity with the car”. As a refresher, the e-SkyActiv X is a mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 183 hp (137 kW / 186 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque.

Read Also: Mazda3 And CX-30 Updated In Australia With MX-30’s Mild-Hybrid Powertrain

In terms of the new trim levels, the Smart Edition is available for models equipped with the e-Skyactiv X engine. It brings more comfort and safety equipment including an active driving display, smart brake support, high beam control system, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Meanwhile the Black Tone Edition, which is available for all powertrain variants of both models, is visually differentiated by the black 18-inch aluminum wheels, the gloss-black mirrors, and the red stitching inside the cabin.

Read Also: We Drive The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo, A Luxurious Performance Crossover For The Masses

The pictured Mazda CX-30 Black Tone Edition is fitted with optional aero components including the bumper and side-sill extensions.

Following the example of the more recent CX-30, all Mazda3 models get a new dimming turn signal which, according to Mazda, gives “a sense of life” in the car. Last but not least, the Platinum Quartz Metallic is a new color option for the Mazda3 and the CX-30, while the Polymetal Gray Metallic is added to the palette of the Mazda3 Sedan.

Orders for the mildly updated Mazda3 and CX-30 are open in Japan as of today, with vehicles arriving in dealerships in late November.

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One Does Not Simply Modify A Nissan GT-R Like This

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The world might have been waiting for the next-generation Nissan GT-R for quite some time now, but the current R35 is still pretty competitive.

The same applies to its styling, which might not be as fresh as when it was first introduced, but due to numerous revisions still holds its own. However, one GT-R owner in Japan decided overhaul the design of their own car and the result is, let’s say, questionable.

The image you see was recently posted to Instagram and shows the GT-R at a gas station. It has been modified in such a bizarre way that it beggars belief.

Read Also: Nissan GT-R 50 By Italdesign Test Car Heads To Japan As Companies Tell Us To “Stay Tuned”

We actually stumbled upon a separate image of this GT-R in mid-2020 and at the time, it was spotted rocking the rear bumper of a Honda Civic hatchback. It looked pretty bad back then, but is now even more distasteful because of the overhauled rear fascia that appears like it’s made up of various front grilles from different cars.

It’s not just the rear fascia that has changed since the car was first spotted last year, though. Look closely and you’ll notice that the standard rear wing now sports bizarre Pokemon-style endplates. Additionally, the car’s front and rear wheel arches have been extended while angular louvers have been affixed above the rear window and there are all manner of bulges and scoops on the roof. While we don’t have any images of the vehicle’s front end, we can see that it features additional wing mirrors mounted on the front wheel arches.

Mugen Gives Tiny Honda S660 Roadster A Big Dose Of Attitude

We’ve been drooling over the Honda S660 ever since the mid-engined kei car launched in Japan in 2015.

Unfortunately, rumors of Honda taking the diminutive sports car global have been greatly exaggerated, leaving us no option but to merely report on the various variants, special editions and custom body kits the automaker has launched over the past five years.

Mind you, the latest S660 project is not an official Honda effort, but that doesn’t make it less interesting. On the other hand, you could say it’s semi-official, given the very close ties between Honda and Mugen Power.

See Also: Honda Access Gives S660 An Active Rear Spoiler, Other Cool Accessories

On August 28, the tuner will be releasing styling and suspension upgrades for the facelifted 2020 S660. On sale at Honda Cars and Mugen Parts dealers across Japan, the parts are inspired by the Mugen S660 Concept unveiled at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon.

For the exterior, the custom parts include a front aero bumper, side skirts, and rear aero bumper, all made of vacuum-formed PPE. Replacing the standard item, the front bumper features a two-tone finish combining the vehicle’s body color with a Dark Gun metallic paint, while it can be had with optional LED fog lights and aero illumination.

At the back, the aero bumper is compatible with both the Mugen sports silencer and the standard muffler. It comes exclusively in the vehicle body color and replaces the standard one. Tying the two custom bumpers together are the large side skirts Mugen Power spoilers. The skirts are attached to the bottom of the body sides and come in a two-tone finish combining the body color with Dark Gun metallic paint.

Rounding out the exterior upgrades are the newly designed ‘FR8’ forged aluminum wheels in a Graphite Gun metallic finish. Interestingly, they come in a staggered setup with 15×5-inch rims on the front axle and 16×6-inch ones at the back, with 165/55 R15 and 195/45 R16 tires respectively.

When it comes to improving the S660’s driving characteristics, Mugen offers a set of Yamaha Performance Dampers, which vibrations and noises over rough surfaces and improve steering stability, maneuverability, and handling.

Bundled up, all these custom parts will set customers back 583,000 yen, or about $5,000. By the end of this year, Mugen Power says it will launch more custom parts for the Honda S660, including carbon front grilles, rear wings, engine hoods, sports silencers, and bucket seats.

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