Free Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

Yes, you read that correctly. Courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Japan, Automobilia Japonica is providing all its readers with a free Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. Just think of it as an お年玉 or New Year's gift.

Just follow the link below for more performance than you can shake a stick at:

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/special/papercraft/pdf/color/evo.pdf

Caveat: some self-assembly may be required.

Kei Car Drifting

The increasingly serious sport of drifting is most often associated with well-endowed rear-wheel drive behemoths, but these two in their Subaru Rex kei micro cars demonstrate that diminutive size and meagre power output do not negate drifting prowess. It would appear that all you need to master the art of hanging the back end out is 58ps (allbeit supercharged) and liberal application of the handbrake. Needless to say these two Subarus have been modified to better suit them to their raison d'etre, with a motorbike based oil cooler and special radiator preventing excessive overheating, and smaller, narrower wheels on the rear creating the necessary disparity in grip between front and back. It certainly adds a little comedy value to the traditionally competitive and deadpan drifting mix.

Civic Type R - Hot-footing it out of Showrooms in Japan

The Japanese Market Civic Type R - A Full 24BHP More Powerful Than Its Euro Counterpart

Living in aged, laid-back rural Japan where tail-back inducing octogenarian drivers, dawdling 660cc keijidousha (micro cars), and blanket 50km/h speed restrictions hold sway, and with the keys to nothing more exciting than a Subaru R1 (and the non-supercharged model at that) at my disposal, your trusty correspondent's current automotive life is somewhat devoid of high-octane excitement. Indeed, it is in the pages of this blog that I seek solace, living out my high-performance Japanese driving dreams vicariously through the written word.

However, several weeks ago, on the 30th March, a Honda press release announcing the launch of the Japanese market Civic Type R seemed to allude to the promise of light at the end of the low-octane tunnel. Despite its most bucolic of locations, surely my local Honda dealer, offering as it does every conceivable model in the Honda range for test drive, would be augmenting its test drive fleet by procuring one of the new Type Rs for my and other local enthusiasts' delectation. Having racked up considerable mileage on a European-market Accord Type R and having revelled in that vehicle's incredible front-end grip and the schizophrenic nature of its ebullient VTEC engine, I thus waited, eager to once again sample the delights of a new and hopefully further improved Type R Honda.



Passing the dealership several days after the new Type R went on sale, there she was, a box-fresh Civic Type R in pristine white - a shimmering high performance oasis in the desert of underpowered 660cc tedium. Perhaps more important however, were the 試乗車 stickers which had been applied to the car's immaculate flanks, duly indicating that this was indeed the demonstrator vehicle I had been waiting for and available for immediate test drive. And yet, the end to my period of enforced abstinence from high-performance motoring was not to be forthcoming. The usual array of work commitments precluded instant gratification, and any hopes of a test drive were thus regrettably consigned to the following weekend's "to do " list.

Having successfully navigated my way to the end of the working week, salivating with an ardour to match even the most rabid of Pavlov's dogs, I duly resumed efforts to appropriate a new Type R to provide a brief respite from my automotive ills. So it was that I found myself pacing back and forth in front of my local Honda dealer at a most ungodly hour one Saturday morning. Rousing myself prematurely from slumber however proved to be futile, for the sales staff, upon their arrival, duly informed me that the sole Civic Type R they had been allocated was already in the hands of a fortunate owner before proceeding to offer scant consolation in the form of some quality time with one of the umpteen "mini" vans in the Honda range. Thwarted and maintaining that I had little need for such a commodious vehicle I duly declined the kind offer and took my leave.


The Type R's Front Racing Style Seats


Having once again resigned myself to a life bereft of visceral automotive excitement a recent press release from Honda confirmed my suspicions that it would be best to abandon any notion of ever finding a new Civic Type R available for test drive. Indeed, according to Honda's blurb it would appear that the new Type R is selling extremely well - if not a little too well for those like me awaiting a test drive - and with sales so strong and demand outstripping supply it seems highly unlikely that demonstrator models will be winging their way back to showrooms anytime soon. In the month since the new JDM Civic Type R went on sale Honda dealers have received over 2100 orders for the high-performance model, far exceeding initial forecasts, which predicted somewhat meagre sales of only 400 units per month.


Any Colour So Long As Its White


While metallic black has traditionally been the prevalent hue for Euro Type Rs, the Japanese tend to be a little more patriotic in their colour selection, with the vast majority of Type Rs on Japanese roads showboating lustrous white paintwork to accentuate the red Type R detailing and evoke images of the Japanese national flag - it is also no coincidence that white is the national racing colour of Japan. It thus duly follows that of the 2100 vehicles ordered thus far a disproportionate number - 84% - have been specified with the Championship White paintwork option, with a mere 9% of customers opting for their vehicles in Super Titanium Metallic, and even fewer - 7% - electing Vivid Blue Pearl as their paint tone of choice.


Unloved - Type Rs in Vivid Blue Pearl and Super Titanium Metallic

Honda's press release also offered an insight into the types of buyer responsible for this disparity between supply and demand, citing, perhaps unsurprisingly, that demand for the Civic Type R is strongest among single twenty to thirty-somethings who enjoy their high-performance driving. However, in a bid to widen the Type R's appeal and lure more family-focused buyers and their offspring into the hot Civic's sculpted bucket seats, Honda will shortly be introducing the Super Deluxe Type R baby and toddler car seat. The Super Deluxe Type R baby seat, upholstered in the same contrasting black and red alcantara of its full-sized relatives, directly mimics the design of the Civic Type R's body-hugging front seats, duly ensuring that there will be no infants flying around the cabin as a result of high cornering speed and/or forces. The bad news however, as with the Type R itself, is that supply of the Super Deluxe Type R baby seat remains strictly limited, with only 300 of the seats going on sale at Honda dealers from July. Those wanting their offspring to ride in Type R style are thus advised to get in quick. Those of us with slightly larger posteriors to accommodate will however have to wait until the initial clamour for the new Type R dies down before being able to experience the sculpted goodness of the Civic Type R's racing seats.


The Super Deluxe Type R Baby Seat

New Mitsubishi Lancer - Make That Galant

In recent months rumours of the reintroduction of the Galant to Mitsubishi's vehicle line up in Japan have been gaining increasing currency in the local motoring press, with certain publications - including Automobilia Japonica - positing that the new vehicle would be dimensionally similar to the North American market Galant in slotting into Mitsubishi's range above the Lancer. However, to the consternation of many, in an unforeseen and outlandish move Mitsubishi Motors Japan today issued a press release, which, somewhat unsurprisingly, confirmed that the latest Lancer Evolution will indeed be named "Lancer Evolution X" in Japan when it goes on sale in the Autumn, but which, more surprisingly, also introduced the name of a further sporting saloon Mitsubishi plans to introduce to the Japanese market at the same time as the Evo - the Galant Fortis.

The New Mitsubishi Galant Fortis

However, in a bizarre act of corporate branding it would appear that the new Galant Fortis is in fact a Lancer, the new Galant being all but identical in appearance to the Lancer GTS already on sale in the North American market, only minus the GTS' rear wing and with the addition of some extra detailing on the front grille. Further details of the Galant Fortis are somewhat scarce at this juncture, with Mitsubishi's marketing blurb merely describing it as a high powered sporting saloon, which while being fun to drive also offers comfort, economy and high levels of safety - most revealing. The press release also states that the Galant Fortis will be equipped with Mitsubishi's newly developed aluminium block 2-litre MIVEC engine as found in American-spec Lancers, so a similar power output of 152hp is to be expected.


On the Lancer Evolution X front, Mitsubishi's latest press release didn't really provide any new information, bar the appearance of two new official photos, merely confirming that the new Evo will be equipped with Mitsubishi's latest S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system, and be powered by a turbocharged version of the new aluminium block 2-litre MIVEC engine mated to a six-speed clutch-less manual gearbox.



The Latest Official Photos of the Lancer Evolution X

So thus, in a strange twist of fate, it looks like the rumours are true, and the Galant is making a return to Japan, only this time it’s making its comeback as a Lancer.

News Snippet: Daihatsu's Exciting EV Race Coming to Tsukuba in May

Daihatsu's Copen EV

Love motor sport, but not overly keen on having your olfactory sensibilities besmirched by the accompanying aromas of scorched rubber and super-heated exhaust fumes; your aural senses assaulted by the banshee-like wail of internal combustion engines reaching their pre-defined engineering limits? If so, then Daihatsu may have an event which suits your exacting motors port needs down to the ground - the "Daihatsu Exciting EV Race", scheduled to take place at Tsukuba Circuit's Course 1000 in May.

An Electric Version of Daihatsu's Midget

With the EV nomenclature designating that this will be a race event solely for electric vehicles (standard production cars which have been modified to run on electricity, to be precise), the cacophonous orchestra of high-revving race-tuned engines and their attendant noxious odours which normally characterise such gatherings should be absent, making this the perfect event for those of a more delicate disposition who prefer their motor sport both tranquil and sedate.

While it remains to be seen just how "exciting' this form of eerily silent motor sport is, proceedings on race day are set to deviate from those of previous years, with the bulk of the action being focused on a time trial around Tsukuba's Course 1000 as opposed to the everyone-for-themselves fight to the finish style race of previous years. There will also be a gymkhana event, where beginners can try their luck in electrically powered go-karts.


The Atmosphere at the Exciting EV Race is Guaranteed to be Electric

With the "green revolution" progressing apace, it won't be too long before all motor sport becomes as muted an affair as Daihatsu's upcoming shindig, so those wishing to view tomorrow's motor sport today should make sure they are at Tsukuba on the 5th May. The event runs from 7am to 4pm and entrance for spectators is free. Those attending are however advised to bring their own soundtrack; ear defenders will however be surplus to requirements.

Mitsuoka Galue Convertible: Mustang Madness from those Purveyors of the Peculiar at Mitsuoka

The New Mitsuoka Galue Convertible



Mitsuoka, without doubt the most enigmatic of all Japanese carmakers, never fails to raise both eyebrows and smiles on the infrequent occasions it launches new models. Indeed, displaying its customary eccentricity in choosing to launch its latest visually challenging model on Friday the 13th (of April), Mitsuoka looks set to once again make waves with its new, dare we say it, handsome addition to the curious Galue range - the Galue Convertible.


The Mitsuoka Viewt (2nd Generation)

Mitsuoka, although outlandish in its approach to vehicle design, has, until now, more or less stuck to a tried and tested formula when concocting its singular automotive creations, traditionally taking a standard vehicle from any number of Japanese manufacturers, before then endowing these aforementioned vehicles with numerous styling cues lifted directly from various British automobiles of the 1960s. To witness evidence of this approach to automotive design, one need only look as far as Mitsuoka's most famous export and perennial bestseller - the Viewt. This vehicle, now in its second generation, adheres firmly to the Mitsuoka formula, taking a standard Japanese domestic market vehicle - in this case the Nissan March/Micra - and extensively reworking it, incorporating various elements of British car design circa 1960 to produce an end product which bears more than a passing resemblance to the getaway car of choice for armed robbers in 1960s London, the Jaguar Mark II. Indeed, this pattern of paying homage - although some purists may prefer the term “bastardising” - to classic British designs repeats itself across the Mitsuoka range, with the Daihatsu Mira-based Ray mimicking a Riley Elf and the larger Ryoga showing traces of Jaguar Mark X and early Jaguar XJ.


The Nissan Fuga-based Galue Saloon

However, the newly launched Galue Convertible - Galue being derived from the Japanese word 我流 meaning "to go one's own way" - looks set to live up to its name and jettison the ageing Mitsuoka philosophy of melding antediluvian British design with contemporary Japanese hardware. Although the new Convertible's sister model, the Galue Saloon, gave intimations as to Mitsuoka's new direction, fusing, as it does Japanese underpinnings with a British Bentley-esque front end and an American Cadillac-inspired rear, the Galue Convertible consolidates this new design philosophy, breaking with tradition and becoming the first Mitsuoka offering not to be based on Japanese hardware. Whilst the Galue Saloon is a remodelled version of the Japanese market Nissan Fuga, the Convertible model has gone further afield in search of its inspiration and is based on the American market Ford Mustang Convertible.


The Galue Convertible's Mustang-based Interior

While the Galue Convertible still exhibits strong traces of Mustang -most noticeably on its flanks and in its interior, which is, bar the edition of a Mitsuoka-embossed steering wheel, carried over almost wholesale from the Ford - the front and rear of the Mustang have been extensively refashioned, duly imbuing the Convertible with the idiosyncrasy necessary to bring it sufficiently into line with the rest of the Mitsuoka range. Mitsuoka have traditionally been keen to preserve the more traditional elements of car styling however, the Galue Convertible sees the company show a distinct disregard for the Mustang's iconic design, Mitsuoka's stylists giving the Mustang a frontal treatment which bears similarities to Bentley S2s of the 1960s. Meanwhile the rear styling of the Galue Convertible skips a couple of decades and crosses the Atlantic Ocean, imbuing the vehicle with heavy doses of Americana and a derriere reminiscent of a mid-1980s Cadillac Eldorado. The overall result, despite the use of such disparate design motifs, is surprisingly coherent and sufficiently unorthodox to justify both the vehicle’s Mitsuoka badge, and its hefty premium over a standard Mustang.


The Galue Convertible's Cadillac Eldorado-inspired Rear

The Galue Convertible will be offered with two power plants, both of which are Ford engines found in the Mustang: one a 4-litre V6 (213ps), and the other a 4.6-litre V8 with a power output of 304ps. Both models are equipped with a 5-speed automatic gearbox and are only available in left-hand drive. Meanwhile, body colours are limited to black, red, or white, with the leather interior available in either red or black. Those wishing to own one of these Anglo-American/Japanese automotive oddballs will be required to shell out 6,720,000 Yen (£29,000) for the V6, or 7,770,000 Yen (£33,500) for the V8. Eccentric exclusivity never came so cheap.

Mazda Roadster Mazdaspeed M'z Tune: Extra Poke for Significantly More Mullah

Mazda Roadster Mazdaspeed M'z Tune

While it remains an accomplished example of the budget roadster genre, the third generation of Mazda's epoch defining MX5 (Roadster) has been widely accused of having deviated from the uncompromising tenets of light weight and high performance so tenaciously adhered to by its two predecessors. Despite the introduction of a new 2-litre power plant (putting out 170bhp compared to the 146bhp of the previous generation's 1.8-litre unit) to the MX5 range as it embarked upon its third tour of duty, the performance of the Mark 3 has often been chastised as lacklustre, its apparent shortage of pep and élan when compared to its older two siblings singled out for particular critical attention. However, Mazda Engineering and Technology (henceforth Mazda E&T), the subsidiary charged with invigorating Mazda's standard line-up, aims to readdress the balance of power, and lead the MX5 back onto the path of righteousness with the recent launch of its Mazdaspeed M'z Tune model for the Japanese market.

The Mazdaspeed M'z (pronounced M's) Tune, based on the Japanese spec 2.0-litre Roadster RS complete with its soft top and six-speed manual transmission, in addition to offering an interesting take on the use of the apostrophe, also features an array of modifications which should see the somewhat languorous temperament of the standard RS dispelled and the tauter more vivacious character of its ancestors reinstated.

The first component of the standard car to receive Mazda E&T's attention is the engine. Although the M'z Tune ostensibly sports the same 2-litre unit as the standard Roadster RS, Mazda E&T have incorporated a plethora of subtle yet ingenious modifications into the standard engine to imbue the unit with increased potency and heightened responsiveness. Refinements such as a lightened, and hence more inertia resistant flywheel, coupled with the effects of a modified air duct increasing the rate of air intake to the engine and a remapped ECU, all work to sharpen the MX5's waning wits and improve both torque and acceleration over the standard car. Meanwhile, a thoroughly revised exhaust system, where a sports muffler and modified catalyser now see action, provides, through a reduction in exhaust resistance, further increases in get-up-and-go while concomitantly indulging the more enthusiastic listener with a more mellifluous exhaust note. While Mazda is yet to release official performance figures for the M'z Tune Roadster, it is thought that this throng of subtle, yet effective mechanical modifications will confer a 7% gain in power over the 170bhp produced my the standard 2-litre RS.

Mazda E&T's goal for its Mazdaspeed M'z Tune products (a range which also currently includes the M'z Tune RX8 and M'z Tune Atenza (Mazda 6)) is to endow its vehicles, not just with increased performance, but also with improved levels of refinement and drivability. Thus, to consummate these lofty goals, the MX5/Roadster M’z Tune employs specially developed Bilstein shock absorbers, which, in conjunction with new sports springs, should impart the M’z Tune’s ride and handling with a more overtly sporting feel. Meanwhile, to ensure that the new model is just as amenable to decelerating as it now is to accelerating, Mazda E&T have furnished the M’z Tune with Mazdaspeed brake pads, which should counter any over exuberant use of the enhanced performance faculties in double-quick time.

The Roadster Mazdaspeed M'z Tune Prototype as Seen at January's Tokyo Auto Salon

Externally, although the Roadster Mazdaspeed M’z Tune prototype exhibited at January’s Toyko Auto Salon was awash with aggressive styling cues, the charismatic aesthetic of the show car has been somewhat subdued for the production vehicle. Although the aero package of conspicuous frontal air dam, subtle side and rear skirts, and understated rear-wing are carried over from the earlier prototype, the seemingly decorative flourishes such as the provocative air ducts which adorned the flanks and bonnet of the show car have sadly failed to make the transition to the finished product. The attractive wheels of the prototype are also conspicuous in their absence, the M’z Tune making do with the standard offerings from the RS model, although the show car’s items are seemingly available as optional extras. The M’z Tune’s exterior is finished off in Mazdaspeed’s signature hue, the delightfully named Moist Silver Metallic.

The interior of the M’z Tune has also seen a number of revisions aimed at increasing the car’s sporting intent, the most notable of which are the new 3D Net semi-bucket seats which offer both driver and passenger alike with increased support for those more sinuous stretches of tarmac. The interior ambiance is further heightened by the addition of a Mazdaspeed-designed gear knob and Mazdaspeed inscribed scuff plates.

With a host of modifications honing the standard car’s already clearly apparent sporting potential, the Roadster Mazdaspeed M’z Tune is set to prove a more visceral and engaging addition to the MX5 range – the definitive MX5 for those frustrated by the stunted performance of the standard car. However, such raw unadulterated performance comes at a not insignificant price – the M’z Tune’s modifications adding \650,000(£3,000) to the price of the 2-litre RS and pushing the total to \3,150,000 (£13,700). Admittedly this is an indubitable bargain when viewed from the perspective of European MX5 pricing however, such a hefty premium for the performance and raw driveability the third generation MX5 should have demonstrated from the offset seems to run counter to the MX5’s ethos of performance on a budget.