Being the inquisitive sort, I decided to take a look at this immense beast in some detail, and discovered yet another JDM car with a tonne of history and character.

About the Century

Named in homage to the 100 year anniversary of Japan becoming an open, trading country, the iconic Toyota Century began production in 1967, built by under contract by Toyota by Kanto Auto Works, Ltd. One of the largest JDM cars of its type, the first generation of the car surprisingly remained essentially the same for the following 30 years till the second generation in 1997.

Almost all Toyota Century’s are painted black, and all are FR layout based, luxury full size 4 door sedans with 3 or 4 speed automatic transmissions. The first generation (1967–1997) Toyota Century was based on the Toyota Crown, and so the 1967 model carried an upgraded version of the Toyota 3V 2.6L v8, bored to 3.0L. Following years would see upgrades to the 3V till its retirement in favor of the 3.4 L 4V-U V8 (1973), and 4.0 L 5V-EU V8 (1982).

It wasn’t till the second generation Century in 1997, that the car would receive the V12. The most expensive luxury car in the Japanese market received the 206KW (276HP) 1GZ-FE V12, a considerable power jump from the outgoing 5V-EU’s 140KW (187HP) and also received a new 6 speed automatic transmission. It received a bevy of other features such as, electrically closing and opening doors, and massaging rear seats, but stylistically the interior and exterior remained almost identical to the 1967 model that started the namesake.

The Century is a very low volume car, and while not strictly handmade, the car is scrutinized as if it was handmade, and hence the quality is extremely high. Considered a tasteful and conservative sign of wealth and success, the car does away with a flashy show of chrome, gold and platinum (often leather is discarded for quality cloth) to reflect complete conservatism and hence traditional Japanese restraint and manners.

Made to order, the Century is also a car of choice for the Japanese Imperial family who ride in one of five specially customized of the Century aptly named the Century Royal.

Technical Specifications

1st Generation (1967– 1997)

Chassis Codes:

• VG20 (3.0L 3V)
• VG30 (3.4L 4V-U)
• VG40 (4.0L 5V-EU)
• VG45 (4.0L 5V-EU)

Engines : (Note the ‘V’ is not an indication of valve number)

• 3.0 L 3V (1967)
• 3.4 L 4V-U (1973)
• 4.0L 5V-EU (1982)
• All engines: EFI 16-valve OHV V8. Standard unleaded petrol.
• Consumption: 16.3L/100kms combined.

Transmissions:

• 3 speed automatic (Floor shift, unknown designation)
• 4 speed automatic (1973, Floor shift, unknown designation)

Suspension (1982):

• Front: McPherson strut shaped spring system
• Rear: Lateral rod attaching 4 link spring system

Dimensions:

• Width: 74.4 in (1890 mm)
• Height: 57.1 in (1450 mm)
• Length: 201.6 in (5120 mm)
• Wheelbase: 112.2 in (2860 mm)
• Curb Weight: 3885 lb (1760 kg)

Other Features:

• Dual air conditioner
• ABS
• Power front and rear seats
• Optional leather

Second Generation (1997– Present)

Chassis Code:

• GZG50

Engine:

• 5.0 L 1GZ-FE V12, VVT-i, EFI 48-valve DOHC. Regular unleaded.
• Power: 276HP/206KW @ 5300RPM
• Peak Torque: 355 ft?lbf (481 N?m) @ 4000RPM
• Consumption: 13.8L/100kms combined

Transmission

• 4 speed automatic (ECT-i)
• 6 speed automatic (ECT-i)

Suspension

• Front and rear double wishbone type air spring

Dimensions:

• Width: 74.4 in (1890 mm)
• Height: 58.1 in (1475 mm)
• Length: 207.5 in (5270 mm)
• Wheelbase: 119.1 in (3025 mm)
• Curb Weight: 4393 lb (1990 kg)

Other Features:

• Rear fog lamp
• ABS
• TCS (Traction Control)
• Optional leather
• Dual air conditioner
• Central locking
• Power windows
• Telescopic, tilting steering wheel
• Power front and rear seats, with massage function on the rear
• In-car navigation
• Driver, passenger side airbags.
• Power steering
• Self opening and closing doors with contact latch close

The new Kizashi follows some of the flowing lines we were shown with the Kizashi 2 concept, while clearly showing a refinement from the concept to an almost production appearance. Gone are the dazzling paint jobs, 4WD ride height, crossover sports wagon styling, and headlights. Instead version 3 of the Kizashi rides on 21 inch, 9 spoke chrome wheels, sports a new, sharper headlight design, wider split grille, a more muscular front end, and 350z style rear haunches becoming almost a 4 door sports car.

Along with the stunning stylistic update come some juicy details. The new Kizashi will carry a 300HP version of the GM’s new DOHC 24-valve 3.6L V6, come with Suzuki’s advanced i-AWD system mated to a paddle-shifted 6 speed automatic transmission and will comfortably seat 5 persons.

It’s one of the most solid close-to-production concepts we’ve seen and Suzuki claims we will see production of the Kizashi in some form in 2010, with construction planned to be at Suzuki’s new Sagara plant in Japan. Here’s to seeing Suzuki build this, and since we’re wishing, we might as well throw in a wish for the X-HEAD too.

Kizashi 3 Concept:

Perhaps one of the most interesting rumors of the year has been MT’s revelations that high level Nissan honcho’s are considering producing a four door version of the Nissan R35 GT-R.The car would apparently carry the original equipment on the standard GT-R, the 480-HP V6 VR38DETT, FSG-style 6-speed auto clutch gearbox, and AWD. However, considerable revisions to the car body structure in order to fit any decent seats in the rear would mean the car would be considerably more expensive, and of course, heavier than it’s already heavy brother.

What does this do to the GT-R namesake? Does it dilute the sports coupe into another high powered family car? It all depends on how much of a purist you are, and how good your knowledge of the GT-R is. The first GT-R — the 1969 PGC10 (later the KPGC10 coupe) Skyline GT-R (known as the “Hakosuka”) — was originally a four door car, not to mention the Autech and Nismo limited edition 4 door R33 Skyline GT-R’s of the 90’s.

That said, the GT-R is so named to distance itself from the old Skyline moniker. As Nissan’s premier flagship model, perhaps the 4door is better suited to Nissan’s premium Infiniti brand.

Bring on the Infiniti M38TT. Yeah, we just made that up.

[Source: Motortrend]

The last model Celica. Will we see styling cues from this?

But perhaps even more surprising is the rumor that the car will be engineered to a large degree by Subaru. In November Toyota confirmed rumours of a new sports car and Celica replacement, with the sports car being a collaboration between Subaru and Toyota, and now it seems the car is the performance model of the Celica line. However, the new car will not come with a Toyota bred turbo four in the tradition of the (somewhat) underpowered motor of the old model — instead it’s going to be carrying a Subaru Boxer turbo, most recently seen in the all grown up Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

The new model is said to come in two distinct performance variants. First, the base ‘GT’, packing a front engined, RWD drivetrain and naturally aspirated 2.0L 4 cylinder Boxer (most likely from the Impreza RX), designed to slide in under the $20,000 bracket. Secondly the full fat GT-4, which carries the new JDM STi’s 224KW (300HP) Boxer turbo and AWD system standard, with Motor Trend claiming the engine will be closer to the cars firewall in order to facilitate the installation of in-wheel electric motors to help with traction.

The GT and GT-4 will be built in in coupe and three-door hatch variants, but no five door variants because of Toyota and Subaru not wanting to compete in the Impreza’s arena, which is rather tongue in cheek considering this new car will inevitably be seen as either a Impreza in Toyota clothing, or as direct competition by tuners. This begs the question then; will the new GT-4 be a real contender in the hotly contested price for performance bracket? Will the Toyota be lighter, faster, and more capable than the new STi? Would Subaru shoot themselves in the foot, and does it matter considering Toyota’s widening stake in Subaru?

Does this mean Subaru will become more and more the performance arm of Toyota? Time will tell, but we certainly hope not.

However, compliance is as far as 12 months away (2009), and prices are expected to exceed AU$100,000 for the new Nissan supercar. Regardless, this is a big fist in the eye of Nissan Australia, as enthusiasts will now be able to grab the new car directly from the JDM without Nissan Australia’s interference!

[Source: Prestige Motorsport]

The strictly concept only (Sorry, guys and girls) Concept RA sports a 2.2 litre, DOHC 16-valve 150kw/201HP/420nm high output, clean burn diesel engine, as part of Mitsubishi’s new drive towards eco-friendly performance sports cars.

In order to achieve low consumption while not sacrificing performance means the Concept RA features Mitsubishi’s proprietary MIVEC variable valve control technology, an all aluminum space frame, variable diffuser/variable geometry turbocharger, peizoelectric injector system and also sports some impact resistant, recyclable plastic resin panels as part of it’s construction.

Environmental features include a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) in addition to the highly efficient 2.2 litre clean burning diesel.

Of course, the Concept RA sports Fulltime 4WD, Twin Clutch SST Transmission, and the new S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) most notably seen on the new EVO. As mentioned before on IJ, S-AWC is a combination of existing technologies, Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control, ABS and Active Stability Control.

Unfortunately though, all this is to be shelved as the car is designed purely as a concept, and won’t challenge either Honda’s offering in the new CRZ (CRX) or Toyota’s rumored new ‘AE86’.

PRESS RELEASE

MITSUBISHI Concept-RA

Illustrating the fact that thrilling performance and environmental responsibility need not be mutually exclusive concepts, MITSUBISHI Concept-RA features the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission used in the Lancer Evolution. The car is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine and uses an aluminum space frame body to reduce weight.
(1) Design
Developed as a “MMC technology showcase”, the design uses stylish sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that give powerful and eloquent expression to the car’s advanced technological features. Muscular wheel arches housing 21-inch wheels give graphic expression to the powerful drive torque and stopping power that Mitsubishi’s S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system transmits so effectively to the road surface, while an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car’s new powerful and clean diesel engine. MITSUBISHI Concept-RA also sports the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille fascia that marks Mitsubishi Motors new design identity, suitably tweaked to reflect the car’s sport coupe attributes.
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA uses red exterior coloring that graphically accentuates the beauty of its fluid body lines, counter-pointed by a matte black engine hood that imparts a strongly mechanical flavor.
The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit’s wrap-round control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver’s physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers a reassuring presence and peace of mind.
(2) Technologies
The MITSUBISHI Concept-RA’s S-AWC driveline adds Active Steering and Active Damper to the ACD*1, AYC*2, Sport ABS*3 and ASC*4 components that make up the system used on Lancer Evolution. S-AWC integrally manages these systems to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. All this adds up to intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent under all driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.
MITSUBISHI Concept-RA is powered by a new high-efficiency and low-emission 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo-diesel engine with MIVEC, which switches between low and high-speed cam profiles to drive intake valves, and piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection, allowing the use of a lower compression ratio. And with its VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger producing optimum boost characteristics at all times, the clean diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) and maximum torque of 420 Nm (42.8 kg-m). For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean power unit uses a new catalytic converter system that brings together diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies
For improved crashworthiness and to reduce weight MITSUBISHI Concept-RA features a new body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum members, as well as engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from high impact-resistance and easily recyclable plastic resin.

*1 Active Center Differential
*2 Active Yaw Control
*3 Sport Antilock Brake System
*4 Active Stability Control

via MMC

No word on the specification level of this MINES GT-R but we’ll try find out.

How much aggression can you cram into that little four-door? A lot, from it’s frowning headlight design and positively evil demon rear end, this new Concept is sure to be a favorite if it goes to production.

Alto replacement? Swift replacement? Nothing is yet known what car in the makers mini car line up it will take, or if it will be a seperate model in it’s own right.

Since we’re in fantasy mode, we’d love to see this with a nice 1.3L and turbo strapped on for good measure!

And I bet you thought the GT-R was made by little ASIMO style robots.