The New Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205…limited to 400 only

Splattered with STi badging and high quality touches thtoughout, the new R205 comes with a brand new exclusive turbocharger, sports exhaust system, STi tuned dampers and coil springs, 18″ aluminium wheels,  exclusive grille and quarter panel upgrades, and retuned ECU.

The engine upgrades take the R205’s power to a very strong 325HP and 317.9 lb-ft of torque, with Brembo 6-pot breaks up front and 4-pot in the rear bringing the car to a quick, firm stop.

But don’t get to excited, availability for the R205 is currently limited 400 units in the JDM (that means Japan) only, and like previous incarnaitons, is not expected to land in the European, US or Australian markets (outside of grey imports).

[Ed: Your move, Mitsubishi.]

Subaru Impreza WRX STi R205

A pic of the Club Sports package from the new minisite

Specifications of exactly what goes into the Club Sports Package are thin on the ground, but expect a suspension upgrade, new wheels, aerodynamic/minor body upgrades, ECU changes and the awesome NISMO Data Logger Kit.

The Data Logger Kit enables drivers to download the abundant performance data from the GT-R to their computers via a USB cable in detail, and appears to be a NISMO only option specifically for the Club Sports Package.

Nissan will complement the GT-R with a NISMO tuned and dressed 370z, the Roox Highway Urban Selection concept, some Autech tuned Rider series vans,  a sports-oriented Skyline coupe and sedan package, and the 2008 Super GT XANAVI GT-R.

PRESS RELEASE

Nissan to showcase 9 exciting models at Tokyo Auto Salon

YOKOHAMA (January 6, 2010) — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., together with AUTECH Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co. Ltd. will present 9 exciting models equipped with the latest custom and after-market parts in the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association), to be held from January 15–17, 2010 at Makuhari Messe.
Tokyo Auto Salon

Nissan will showcase its transporter and hospitality cars used during it’s participation in the domestic racing series, recreating the exciting atmosphere of the race circuit. Included in this display is Nissan’s range of standard road cars stylized with the latest genuine aero body-kits that compliments the vehicles pure form. Autech will show its expertise in custom cars with its fun and relaxing Rider Series while NISMO will be presenting its NISMO Club Sports Package Custom, the 2010 Nissan GT-R equipped with the newly-developed “NISMO Data Logger Kit” and the XANAVI NISMO GT-R racecar that competed in the 2008 SUPER GT series.

Highlights of the exhibit include:

NISSAN area
Roox Highway Star Urban Selection
A distinctive, stylishly finished premium model based on the Roox, a light vehicle launched for sale in December, equipped with third-party custom parts such as an advanced HDD navigation system, lighting components with custom exterior, and stylized cabin interior.

Skyline Sporty Package-equipped car
This minor modification to the Skyline Sedan announced on January 6 raises the vehicle to a whole new level as a sports car. The model’s package includes a sporty aero body-kit, a sports muffler, and high-performance suspension.

Skyline Coupe Sporty Package-equipped car
Exhibited during the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon as a concept, this custom car has an aggressively designed aero-body kit that give out a sporty feel. It is now available to the public.

Autech Japan area
Rider Series
Autech Japan takes its Rider Series of custom cars, known for its punchy aeroform coating and emblematic front grill design, to a new level and incorporates the latest HDD navigation system into it.

• ‘Serena Rider Plus Navi HDD’
• ‘Cube Rider Plus Navi HDD’
• ‘Note Rider Plus Navi HDD’

NISMO area
Nissan GT-R 2010 Model: Featuring the NISMO Club Sports Package
The “NISMO Club Sports Package” is the fusion of Nissan GT-R and NISMO technologies — a package boasting a high level of sports performance. The Nissan GT-R 2010 model also includes the newly developed “NISMO Data Logger Kit”, which makes it possible for the driver to download their driving data via USB and view it on a computer. With this data logger kit, NISMO provides a new driving pleasure in which the driver has a full complement of options to analyze driving data acquired at the driving circuit.

XANAVI NISMO GT-R (2008 SUPER GT GT500 class: Drivers’ Championship winning car)
Presenting the car that Satoshi Motoyama / Benoît Treluyer used to win three races (including two victories in a row) in the 2008 SUPER GT. This racing car took home the series’ championship in its debut year.

FAIRLADY Z Version NISMO
Continuing in the spirit of the previous Z33 model Fairlady Z, this model builds onto the Fairlady Z’s high level of driving performance with added fun and sporty functionality.

NISMO will also have the “Kids & Ladies Ride Event”, where participants can experience what it’s like to be inside a racing car, and the “Pitwork Simulation”, where NISMO mechanics will be performing real tyre changes and other techniques.

NISSAN/NISMO collection booth
Nissan official merchandise, under the Fairlady Z, Nissan GT-R and NISMO motorsport range are available. Limited editions (996 pcs.) of the 1/64 scale model of the “XANAVI NISMO GT-R (#23, the 2008 SUPER GT Championship-winning machine) will also be on sale at this year’s event.

NISSAN Customize Website URL http://www.nissan.co.jp/EVENT/CUSTOMIZE/

[Ed: I’d say it’s a definite improvement, but I also have to ask why. Tommy Kaira is better known for sports and performance car makeovers and tuning. Times are tough with the drought in performance cars from Japanese carmakers ]

Tommy Kaira Prius

Tommy Kaira Insight

More:

• Tommy Kaira Prius
• Tommy Kaira Insight
• Tommy Kaira on Wikipedia

Mmm…yummy

The hot hatch is expected to debut sometime late in 2010 for the JDM, early 2011 for Australia, and the second half of 2010 for the USA with no word on the European maket.

The CR-Z will carry a 84kW (@6000 rpm) 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine  coupled with a 10kW electric motor in Japan, with the possibility of a 1.8 litre petrol only model for the US market. The petrol engine is expected to produce 145nM of torque, supplemented by a further 77nM from the electric motor (1000rpm) and mated to a CVT auto or 6-speed manual.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z

Aimed squarely at the popular hatchback and sedan Imprezas, the base Sportback will come in four cylinder 1.5L, 1.8L or 2.0L turbodiesel models, with the Sportback Ralliart recieving a 2.0L, 177kw/321nM turbocharged MIVEC four.

The Evolution X’s AWD system, Twin Clutch SST and Active Centre Differential round out the Sportback’s impressive list of features.

[Source: NetCarShow ]

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart:

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

The Japanese tuning scene lost a father and founder on Saturday with Hideki Tanabe of Amuse (Amuse Power-House) fame passing away. A master of the Japanese tuning scene, Tanabe will be sorely missed by fans and drivers across the world, and will be remembered for raising the bar on absolutely top notch work to another level of supreme quality, workmanship and dedication.

It’s business as usual at Amuse, and the ultra high quality parts and service that Tanabe embodied will continue.

Related: Please read this heartfelt tribute from NAGTROC, I cannot say it better myself.

Trust filed for bankruptcy in Tokyo’s District Court after weathering a serious downturn in demand over the past decade, compounded by even worse sales since February this year. Trust is currently USD$60 million in debt, and $43 million behind on loan repayments.

It’s a sad day for a hugely popular and respected firm.

[Sources: Autoblog]

Mitsubishi doesn�t state whether the Ralliart will be based on the 4door Lancer or the upcoming 5door hatch, however Carscoop states the USDM Ralliart will be based on 4 door lancer sedan, whereas Europe will get the 5 door hatch. Since Australia classically gets the closest equivalent on the JDM, we can expect to see the 4 door on our roads.

The Ralliart is expected to run a detuned 177KW, 240PS version of the EVO X 2.0L, dual valve VVT turbo 4 cylinder. Coupled to this is the magnificent 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission, and AWD with Active Centre Differential and Active Yaw Control.

The final form of the Ralliart in Australia is unknown, but given the competition between Subaru and Mitsubishi in this segment we can expect the Ralliart to slot firmly into position against the standard Subaru Impreza WRX — leaving the Evo X to tackle the WRX STi.

Being somewhat given to fantasy here at IJ, we’d love to see that Sportback concept reproduced in full for the hatchback. Given the standard new Lancer is being hailed as a runaway success for Mitsu, a return of the Ralliart Lancer is sure to be nothing less than a added cream in Mitsu’s profits in an age of high demand for fast, small, fuel efficient cars.

[Source: Carscoop]

Toyota are investigating all TRD Aurions that have currently been delivered and in production, and did not state when the sales halt would be lifted.

[Source: Carsales Network]