Production of JDM Honda Civic Type R to be ceased

Production of the JDM Honda Civic Type R will be ceased at the end of August, based on official information from Honda. Since my very first own car was a Honda Civic FD1, it's really sad to see the Type R version going away, but the current model reaches the end of its life cycle... let's hope that the new one will be even better!

Scoop: Toyota FT-86 "F" version

Although we still haven't seen the production FT-86, Japanese Best Car magazine claims that a hardcore "F" version will fit between the standard FT-86 and the track-ready "G" model.

Source: Best Car via Carscoop

Details about the new Suzuki Swift

After a series of posts about posh cars, now it's time to get down to earth. During the last couple of weeks, there was a number of spy shots and a couple of official images circulating on the web, but only now a full set of images has been released.

Personally, I don't like Suzukis, but the Swift is perhaps the only model worth looking if you are after a small car. The design of the current generation proved to be successful, never got it why though, and it seems that Suzuki didn't want to take any chances. The interior is much more modern and in conjunction with the new LCD display, at last, it's not bad at all.

In terms of the available engines, a new 1.2-liter petrol will be available producing 94 hp, which is capable accelerating the little car from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds (top speed: 165 km/h). To be honest, Suzuki really needs to fit some good engines and it would be good if it could benefit from the use of some VAG engines...

Source: Carscoop

First spy shots of upcoming Honda Civic

The Civic is one of my favourites cars, having owned one, and the next-gen has been caught for the fist time close to Honda's European development centre in Germany. Of course, the test car was completely disguised...

I have also read that Honda will continue selling in Japan only the hybrid version of the Civic, which means that the R18A1 engine will no longer be available.

Source: SecretNewCars.com

The Power of Dreams: This is why I love Honda!

One company that I truly respect is Honda and the NSX is the best Honda produced so far. Oh, and according to Setright, the best car at of all! 

Enjoy the video!!!

HONDA NSX (EXTENDED VERSION) BY FORMAT67.NET from FORMAT67.NET on Vimeo.

New Mazda MX-5 due in 2012

The next-gen MX-5 is expected to be launched in 2012 and in terms of design, Mazda plans to make much greater use of its Nagare design language.

Th new MX-5 is expected to be equipped with direct-injection Sky-G petrol engines and a weight target of 1000 kg has been set.

Source: Autocar

What we know about next-gen Honda Civic

My next car is going to be the new Civic, 4-door and made in Japan, which is expected to be introduced in 2011-2012.

So, what we already know, based on information from 2010 Mid-Year CEO's speech, is that the hybrid version of the Civic will be equipped with a high-output and compact lithium-ion battery, which will be supplied by Blue Energy, a joint venture company between GS Yuasa and Honda.

A new plug-in hybrid system for mid-size to larger vehicles is currently under development. Vehicles equipped with this new system are scheduled to go on sale in 2012 in Japan and the U.S. and therefore, it is very likely to see also a plug-in Civic.

In terms of petrol engines, Honda will continue advancing technologies to improve the performance and fuel economy of internal combustion engines. Honda will begin renewing its engine and transmission lineup starting in 2012 to further improve its fuel economy.

New special edition of Mitsuoka Himiko

Mitsuoka has released a special edition of Himiko, which is based on Mazda's MX-5. The soft-top model gest a two-tone scolour scheme, similar to the Himiko Classic HT equipped with a hardtop.

The Himiko is available with MX-5's 2.0 liter engine producing 170 hp when coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox and 162 hp when combined to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Production will be limited to 20 examples with prices starting from ¥4,880,000 in Japan.

Source: Mitsuoka

Daihatsu slightly upgrades Copen in Japan

Killed in Europe, the Copen will now be only available in Japan. Dressed with a new grill and front bumper, the Copen is also featuring a slightly modified interior with a new selection of steering wheels as well as leather seats.

The new Copen is now available across Daihatsu dealerships in Japan and is sold between 1.7 to 2.9 million Yen.

A glimpse of the new Suzuki Swift 3-door

Those photos appeared on the net showing the 3-door version of the new Swift with a bodykit as well.

To be honest, I am curious to see how the Sport version will look like and I hope that Suzuki will equip it with a decent engine (direct injection, stop/start system and a DSG style gearbox... please).

Honda Jazz Hybrid to debut in Paris

The Jazz Hybrid will make its world motor show debut at the Paris Motor Show in September and it will mark the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers.

The new model will feature the same engine as the Insight hybrid, the 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine is combined with a CVT gearbox with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models the Jazz Hybrid will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.  

Visually the Jazz hybrid is distinguished from the current Jazz range with revised headlights, with a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colors plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.

Inside the cabin is also given a fresh look with darker single color dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and stereo. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe. The Jazz hybrid will go on sale in some European markets in the early part of 2011, prices and full specifications will be announced in due course.

Source: Honda

Rendering of next-gen Honda Civic (2HC)

On the front cover of Japanese Mag-X magazine, there is a rendering of the next-gen 4-door Civic, codenamed 2HC. Unfortunately, I don't have any further info or access to read what Mag-X claims, but I will do my best in order to find out...

Live photos of all-new Suzuki Swift 3-door and 5-door (part 1)!!!

Yesterday the first batch of Suzuki Swifts arrived, including the 3-door version. All of them came from Hungary and I noticed that very few top-spec cars had also rear parking sensors fitted. I have to admit that although I still don't like the headlights much, overall it looks much better in reality and the interior is way better that its predecessor. The seat upholstery feels a bit cheap, but the seats should provide good support.

Some of them were also equipped with the auto gearbox and I feel that it is a shame that the CVT gearbox, which also has the option for changing gears via the paddle shifters, is available in Japan only. I really look forward for the Sport version.

Live photos of all-new Suzuki Swift 3-door and 5-door (part 2)!!!