Friday, September 4, 2015
Top 10 Amazing JDM Cars We Missed Out On
Yeah, we’re spoiled.
During the 1990s, North Americans could buy a lot of impressive machinery. Dodge Vipers, BMW 850is and Toyota Supras were available for mass consumption. But even with our mitts full of high-performance vehicles, we still wanted more.
We wanted what Japan was getting. It was the tail end of an economic boom and the Japanese automotive industry was pumping out an endless stream of high performance, specialized automobiles. A few of these made their way to our shores, like the Toyota Supra, Acura NSX and Mazda RX-7. But many more never made the journey across the Pacific and we were worse off for it. If only we could change history, here are 10 Japanese cars, in no particular order, we wish we could have bought.
1996 Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4
The Mitsubishi Galant that was sold in Japan may have looked similar to the one available in North America, but under the skin, it was actually very different. With a large variety of engines and drivetrains, it was the VR-4 that really sent our hearts racing.
Fitted with a 2.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine, the VR-4 made 276 hp and 271 lb-ft. of torque. It sent power to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed semi-automatic. The VR-4 could even be had with active yaw control, borrowed from the Lancer Evolution.
Best of all, the Galant wagon, known as the Legnum, could also be had with all these goodies.
Mazda-AZ-1-Autozam1992 Mazda Autozam AZ-1
In Japan, there is a special city car category of automobiles called Kei cars that are exempt from certain tax and insurance regulations. Designed to be affordable commuter cars, some manufacturers took the Kei car specifications and made serious sports cars.
The Mazda Autozam AZ-1 was one of those vehicles. Powered by a class-regulated 657-cc three-cylinder engine, the tiny turbocharged powerplant produced 63 hp and 63 lb-ft of torque. This may not sound like much, but the AZ-1 was only 129.7 inches long and weighed a mere 1,587 lbs.
The engine was also placed mid-ship behind the driver, powering the rear wheels. For anyone who wanted an NSX, but couldn’t afford one, the AZ-1 offered a 4/5 scale model alternative.
Toyota-Chaser-Tourer-V1998 Toyota Chaser Tourer V
Imagine for a second what would have happened if if we got the Chaser instead of the Camry in North America. Measuring roughly the same size, the Chaser was a mid-size sedan that strayed from convention at the time by sending power to the rear wheels.
Available in many different configurations, the Chaser Tourer V was the top dog of the lineup. Featuring a turbocharged 1JZ-GTE 2.5-liter V6, the Tourer made 276 hp – a number no Japanese auto-manufacturer would exceed at that time thanks to a gentleman’s agreement. A five-speed manual transmission could be equipped, further emphasizing this sedan’s sporty nature.
Nissan-Silvia-Spec-R1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero
North America did receive the Nissan 240SX during the 1990s, but if you knew what was lurking across the ocean, you were disheartened. Called the Silvia in Japan, the compact rear-wheel-drive coupe was offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that significantly increased performance.
In 1999, the ‘S15’ generation of the Silvia was introduced with Spec-R models boasting 250 hp from the turbocharged engine. Weighing well under 3,000 lbs for regular coupe models, the Silvia was a favorite budget performance vehicle. And if you wanted a little more, there was the Aero package that added, you guessed it, aerodynamic bits and pieces.
1999-Honda-Civic-Type-R1998 Honda Civic Type R
The EK Type R Civic may well be the best Civic ever made. The three-door hatchback came with a frantic B16B 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that put out an impressive 182 hp thanks in part to an 8,500 rpm redline.
With a curb weight around 2,400 lbs, the Type R was light. It also included all the proper go-fast goodies like a limited-slip differential, re-enforced body structure, Recaro bucket seats and even a Momo steering wheel. For those who wanted to take the Civic Type R to the next level, air conditioning, power windows, power steering and the radio could all be deleted when ordering the car for further weight savings.
1998 Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS
Imagine taking the mechanics of a Dodge Viper and putting a wagon body over them. That’s basically equivalent to what Nissan did with the Stagea Autech 260RS. Essentially a Nisan Skyline wagon, the Stagea came with either rear- or all-wheel drive and a whole lot more.
Just like the Skyline GT-R, the top-of-the-line Stagea included the legendary 2.6-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that produced a highly underrated 276 hp. A manual, all-wheel-drive, turbocharged super-wagon sounds like the stuff enthusiast dreams are made of – too bad we never got it over here.
Mitsubishi-Lancer-Evolution1992-1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Long before the EVO ever made landfall in North America, it was ripping up the mountain passes of Japan for years. First introduced in 1992, the compact super-sedan made around 245 hp from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Immediately used for rally racing, the Evolution would evolve throughout the 1990s to include more power and better performance. By 1999, the Lancer Evolution was on its sixth iteration and better than ever. It was highlighted by special Tommi Mäkinen edition that upgrade performance parts inside and out, making the EVO ever faster.
Subaru-Impreza-WRX-STI-22B1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STI
Right around the time the Lancer Evolution showed up, so did its arch nemesis, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Using the same WRC-mandated formula, the WRX STI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering all four wheels through a manual transmission.
Like the Lancer Evolution, the WRX STI continued to improve throughout the decade. But the ultimate 1990s WRX STI is easily the 1998 22B STI. With wider body work, an adjustable rear wing as well as a unique hood and bumper, the 22B is instantly recognizable as a special STI. Basically, every mechanical component received a significant upgrade including the engine, which was punched out to 2.2 liters in displacement, increasing power to 280 hp.
Very few of these cars were ever produced and, sadly, even fewer are still around today.
Honda-NSX-Type-R1992 Honda NSX Type-R
We may have received the NSX in North America, but Honda saved the ultimate version for Japan only. Called the Type-R, it was the highest performance NSX of the 1990s, thanks to extensive weight reduction that dropped the NSX’s curb weight from nearly 3,000 lbs. to just a hair over 2,700 lbs.
This was achieved by removing anything that didn’t aid in performance like the radio, speakers, spare tire, air conditioning and various sound deadening materials. To further enhance its track capabilities, the suspension was upgraded and lighter wheels were installed. A short gear ratio was installed for better acceleration and Recaro seats were installed for lighter weight and better support. And as a final touch, every one of the 3.0-liter V6 engines used in the Type-R were put through the same mechanical scrutiny as Honda’s racing engines.
Nissan-Skyline-GT-R1990-1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R
Man, did we ever miss out with this one. The Nissan Skyline GT-R may well have been the best “everyday” performance vehicle of the 1990s, and we never got the chance to drive one – new anyway. The decade would see three different generations of the GT-R come along, each earning a legion of loyal fans.
For the most part, all Skyline GT-Rs were powered by the RB26DETT 2.6-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine that produced a lot more than the official 276 hp ratings would have us believe. With a killer all-wheel-drive system and track-ready suspension, the GT-R couldn’t be touched by many cars during its time. And, the GT-R was highly tunable.
For those who wanted a little more factory-backed performance, there was the 1997 NISMO 400R that featured a plethora of performance upgrades, highlighted by an increased six-cylinder engine that pumped out a staggering 400 hp.
Why did Japan get to have all these amazing cars?!
By Mike Schlee Jul 24, 2015
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
How To Make Importing Japan Cars From Auctions More Profitable
When it comes to buying used Japan cars, the auction spots are the best places to look for to save huge money. Though the Japan car auction spots are the best places to buy used Japan cars at very cheap prices, there are several things to be noted. Hurrying to an auction spot to buy the cheap used Japan cars will drain your wallet and also will eat up much of your precious time.
If you can spare a little time reading this article, you can really make importing Japan cars from vehicle auctions more profitable.
Find someone to represent you before you head to the vehicle auction spot.
Finding the best deal in the Japanese vehicle auction spots is really hard. It greatly depends on your knowledge about the Japanese automotive industry and your bargaining skills. If you are visiting Japan for the first time, looking for used cars, then you will end up in loosing your time, energy and money. In this case, it is good to find someone who is knowledgeable about the Japan car industry to represent you.
There are many used Japan car exporters who will be ready to help you to find the best deals from the vehicle auction spots. You will just have to give them some cash for representing you. The cash you give them is just peanuts when compared to the cash savings associated with the used Japan car purchase from the vehicle auction spots.
Doing a bit of research in the Internet about the Japanese vehicle auctions will save your timeWith a plethora of information available at your fingertips, finding more information about the Japanese auto auctions in the Internet is no big deal. You can find the location of the Japanese auto auctions by just relaxing in your home. There are many websites that list the used Japan car auctions around the Country. It is better to find the location of the used Japan car auction site using the Internet before you physically head to the location. This will save much of your precious time and also will reduce the physical strain involved in searching the auction spot location.
If you are less aware of Japan used car auctions, it’s better to import them directly by ordering onlineAs already said, importing cars from Japan auto auctions require atmost knowledge about the automotive industry.
However, there is nothing to worry if you are not that vehicle savvy. You can still import used Japan cars at very cheap prices. There are many websites out there where you can buy used Japan cars as easily as you buy other products online.
Just like shopping any stuff online, once you place the order for a Japan used car, the car will be shipped to your doorsteps. All you have to do is to select the used Japan car of your choice with a few mouse clicks.
Plugged to the Internet? Importing a used Japan car is just a click away!
By: Yoichiro Shiba
If you can spare a little time reading this article, you can really make importing Japan cars from vehicle auctions more profitable.
Find someone to represent you before you head to the vehicle auction spot.
Finding the best deal in the Japanese vehicle auction spots is really hard. It greatly depends on your knowledge about the Japanese automotive industry and your bargaining skills. If you are visiting Japan for the first time, looking for used cars, then you will end up in loosing your time, energy and money. In this case, it is good to find someone who is knowledgeable about the Japan car industry to represent you.
There are many used Japan car exporters who will be ready to help you to find the best deals from the vehicle auction spots. You will just have to give them some cash for representing you. The cash you give them is just peanuts when compared to the cash savings associated with the used Japan car purchase from the vehicle auction spots.
Doing a bit of research in the Internet about the Japanese vehicle auctions will save your timeWith a plethora of information available at your fingertips, finding more information about the Japanese auto auctions in the Internet is no big deal. You can find the location of the Japanese auto auctions by just relaxing in your home. There are many websites that list the used Japan car auctions around the Country. It is better to find the location of the used Japan car auction site using the Internet before you physically head to the location. This will save much of your precious time and also will reduce the physical strain involved in searching the auction spot location.
If you are less aware of Japan used car auctions, it’s better to import them directly by ordering onlineAs already said, importing cars from Japan auto auctions require atmost knowledge about the automotive industry.
However, there is nothing to worry if you are not that vehicle savvy. You can still import used Japan cars at very cheap prices. There are many websites out there where you can buy used Japan cars as easily as you buy other products online.
Just like shopping any stuff online, once you place the order for a Japan used car, the car will be shipped to your doorsteps. All you have to do is to select the used Japan car of your choice with a few mouse clicks.
Plugged to the Internet? Importing a used Japan car is just a click away!
By: Yoichiro Shiba
Monday, January 12, 2009
2009 Nissan GT-R At-A-Glance
2009 Nissan GT-R At-A-Glance
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles.
This new package enables the use of the world's first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle's layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car.
This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.
Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.
The Nissan GT-R's new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.
Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic*1 system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.
Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking.
Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.
High-Performance Safety and Environmental TechnologiesThe Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.
Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.
Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.
Functional Design - High Performance Aerodynamics and StyleThe Nissan GT-R's styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience - as well as suggesting GT-R's "supercar" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R's aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.
The all-new GT-R's body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.
The front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders' trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow.
The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.
The Nissan GT-R's large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R's hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated φ120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.
The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R's paint - which utilizes a "double clear coat" and "anti-chipping" process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman.
An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar DutiesKey to the Nissan GT-R's usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.
Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.
The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.
Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R - each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button.
Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings
- Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R "supercar" application.
A high-speed, high-capacity CARWINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth® *2 audio function.
For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an "optimal gearshift map," to emphasize economical vehicle operation.
A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a supercar.
Source: Nissan. Edited by JSC Editor
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Going Green, Japanese Style
DAN HILTON
April 22, 2008
Standing amid a forest of grey office towers, breathing the acrid exhaust from a million Osaka tailpipes, or wandering through residential Tokyo neighbourhoods replete with emission belching factories and residential apartments, Japan's environmental innovations can be difficult to see and even harder to imagine.
Fortunately, Japan is rarely without paradox.
Japanese citizens today use about half as much energy as North Americans, yet have an even more energy dependent lifestyle. Relentless innovation and the nationwide embrace of conservation and sustainability — two characteristic Japanese values — have enabled Japan to reduce its energy consumption while at the same time expanding economic output, a rare accomplishment among industrialized nations.
Bicycles are still used by millions of Japanese commuters every day, and form a key link in Japan's modern and efficient public transportation system.
Here conservation and sustainability are driven not only by environmental interests, but by industrial development, technical innovation, GDP growth, and the endless pursuit of consumer happiness.
For 63-year-old Hiroko Morita, consumer happiness comes by the tankful.
Morita drives a Kei car (kei jidôsha: lightweight automobile). It looks and drives much like a regular compact car, but has disproportionately smaller dimensions. It is taller in height but shorter and narrower in length, yet lighter and astonishingly roomy for its size. It's also incredibly efficient. "It used to cost Y8000 ($77 CDN) to fill my old car's tank," explains Morita, "but this Kei car costs Y4000 ($37 CDN) and goes even farther between fill-ups."
Introduced in 1949 to help Japan's post war economy recover, the Kei car is once again poised to help save Japan — this time from choking exhaust fumes and high fuel prices. Powered by 660cc three cylinder gasoline engines (the maximum displacement allowed in the Kei class), many Kei cars can travel 20 kilometres on a single litre of fuel. They're also cheaper to insure, exempt from annual car taxes, and can be purchased without a police parking permit, required for larger vehicles.
But the greenest cars in the world will soon be a shade greener: by 2009, several Japanese manufacturers plan to introduce battery powered electric Kei cars, which many here hope will help Japan achieve Kyoto Protocol emission reduction targets of 6% below 1990 levels.
In Japan's efforts to reach those targets, the Kei car is not alone. With a public transportation network that includes over 27,000 kilometres of railway lines and uses bullet trains, express trains, subways, streetcars, buses, and plenty of bicycle racks, many in Japan have no need for an automobile, no matter how efficient. Public transportation has become the minivan of the nation, moving millions of people each day with incredible energy efficiency and keeping millions of cars off the roads.
Inside homes and offices, Japan's green technology is even more impressive. In addition to water-saving toilets, on demand hot water heaters, vacuum sealed refrigerators, bath water re heaters, and compact and highly efficient home appliances, new homes can be ordered with hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity and hot water. And in 2009, the government will provide further subsidies for consumers who wish to retrofit existing homes with the latest fuel cell technology.
Spurred by generous government incentives and climbing fuel prices, lightweight 'Kei' cars now account for over 35% of new car sales in Japan.
Trends come and go with unnerving haste in Japan, but the green trend shows no signs of abating. In home appliance and electronic shops, "low prices" signs have given way to "low kilowatt hour" tags and Energy Star rating labels. Television ads and government pamphlets promote the benefits of living cleaner, greener lifestyles. Recycle shops and flea markets, once unthinkable in Japan, can now be found in most Japanese cities. And in business and government buildings, "warm biz" and "cool biz" programs encourage thermostats to be turned down and air conditioners to be used sparingly.
Japan's environmental knowledge is now an export commodity, and goes far beyond hybrid automobiles, home use fuel cells, and low power appliances. In 1992, Japan's External Trade Organization (JETRO) launched its Green Aid Plan (GAP) to enable the transfer of energy and environmental technology to developing countries in Asia and around the world. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of rapid industrialization, something Japan knows all about, having made many of the mistakes itself.
It's also developed many of the solutions: since the 1970's Japan's industrial output has nearly tripled, but its energy usage has remained almost flat. As a percentage of GDP, the Japanese are the lowest users of energy in the developed world. They are also one of the highest re users of energy in the world. Nationwide recycling — which sees business and household waste washed, sorted, recycled, and often reprocessed into fuel used to generate electricity — helps ensure waste energy isn't wasted.
Alternative sources of energy such as wind and solar also contribute an increasing amount to Japan's domestic energy supply. Since 2003, the government has required energy providers to source specific quotas of energy from alternative domestic sources, such as solar energy that now contribute over 1.4 million kilowatts of power to Japan's grid.
Even with new technologies and forward thinking policies, there is a sense one lives on borrowed time in Japan. "As for climate change, it may be too late for we Japanese," explains 78-year-old Hiroshi Yamashita, a retired university professor who now collects vinyl recordings and tends a miniature forest of backyard Bonsai trees. "When sea levels rise, Japan will become Fuji Island."
Innovation has always been Japan's only hope, and the desire for energy autonomy, economic growth, and technological innovation is also a desire for survival. So it is for us all.
The cliché that Japan is "the future" has never been more compelling, because ours is a shared future of having to do more while using significantly less energy. In this sense, Japan is so ahead of the curve, it's almost out of sight.
April 22, 2008
Standing amid a forest of grey office towers, breathing the acrid exhaust from a million Osaka tailpipes, or wandering through residential Tokyo neighbourhoods replete with emission belching factories and residential apartments, Japan's environmental innovations can be difficult to see and even harder to imagine.
Fortunately, Japan is rarely without paradox.
Japanese citizens today use about half as much energy as North Americans, yet have an even more energy dependent lifestyle. Relentless innovation and the nationwide embrace of conservation and sustainability — two characteristic Japanese values — have enabled Japan to reduce its energy consumption while at the same time expanding economic output, a rare accomplishment among industrialized nations.
Bicycles are still used by millions of Japanese commuters every day, and form a key link in Japan's modern and efficient public transportation system.
Here conservation and sustainability are driven not only by environmental interests, but by industrial development, technical innovation, GDP growth, and the endless pursuit of consumer happiness.
For 63-year-old Hiroko Morita, consumer happiness comes by the tankful.
Morita drives a Kei car (kei jidôsha: lightweight automobile). It looks and drives much like a regular compact car, but has disproportionately smaller dimensions. It is taller in height but shorter and narrower in length, yet lighter and astonishingly roomy for its size. It's also incredibly efficient. "It used to cost Y8000 ($77 CDN) to fill my old car's tank," explains Morita, "but this Kei car costs Y4000 ($37 CDN) and goes even farther between fill-ups."
Introduced in 1949 to help Japan's post war economy recover, the Kei car is once again poised to help save Japan — this time from choking exhaust fumes and high fuel prices. Powered by 660cc three cylinder gasoline engines (the maximum displacement allowed in the Kei class), many Kei cars can travel 20 kilometres on a single litre of fuel. They're also cheaper to insure, exempt from annual car taxes, and can be purchased without a police parking permit, required for larger vehicles.
But the greenest cars in the world will soon be a shade greener: by 2009, several Japanese manufacturers plan to introduce battery powered electric Kei cars, which many here hope will help Japan achieve Kyoto Protocol emission reduction targets of 6% below 1990 levels.
In Japan's efforts to reach those targets, the Kei car is not alone. With a public transportation network that includes over 27,000 kilometres of railway lines and uses bullet trains, express trains, subways, streetcars, buses, and plenty of bicycle racks, many in Japan have no need for an automobile, no matter how efficient. Public transportation has become the minivan of the nation, moving millions of people each day with incredible energy efficiency and keeping millions of cars off the roads.
Inside homes and offices, Japan's green technology is even more impressive. In addition to water-saving toilets, on demand hot water heaters, vacuum sealed refrigerators, bath water re heaters, and compact and highly efficient home appliances, new homes can be ordered with hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity and hot water. And in 2009, the government will provide further subsidies for consumers who wish to retrofit existing homes with the latest fuel cell technology.
Spurred by generous government incentives and climbing fuel prices, lightweight 'Kei' cars now account for over 35% of new car sales in Japan.
Trends come and go with unnerving haste in Japan, but the green trend shows no signs of abating. In home appliance and electronic shops, "low prices" signs have given way to "low kilowatt hour" tags and Energy Star rating labels. Television ads and government pamphlets promote the benefits of living cleaner, greener lifestyles. Recycle shops and flea markets, once unthinkable in Japan, can now be found in most Japanese cities. And in business and government buildings, "warm biz" and "cool biz" programs encourage thermostats to be turned down and air conditioners to be used sparingly.
Japan's environmental knowledge is now an export commodity, and goes far beyond hybrid automobiles, home use fuel cells, and low power appliances. In 1992, Japan's External Trade Organization (JETRO) launched its Green Aid Plan (GAP) to enable the transfer of energy and environmental technology to developing countries in Asia and around the world. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of rapid industrialization, something Japan knows all about, having made many of the mistakes itself.
It's also developed many of the solutions: since the 1970's Japan's industrial output has nearly tripled, but its energy usage has remained almost flat. As a percentage of GDP, the Japanese are the lowest users of energy in the developed world. They are also one of the highest re users of energy in the world. Nationwide recycling — which sees business and household waste washed, sorted, recycled, and often reprocessed into fuel used to generate electricity — helps ensure waste energy isn't wasted.
Alternative sources of energy such as wind and solar also contribute an increasing amount to Japan's domestic energy supply. Since 2003, the government has required energy providers to source specific quotas of energy from alternative domestic sources, such as solar energy that now contribute over 1.4 million kilowatts of power to Japan's grid.
Even with new technologies and forward thinking policies, there is a sense one lives on borrowed time in Japan. "As for climate change, it may be too late for we Japanese," explains 78-year-old Hiroshi Yamashita, a retired university professor who now collects vinyl recordings and tends a miniature forest of backyard Bonsai trees. "When sea levels rise, Japan will become Fuji Island."
Innovation has always been Japan's only hope, and the desire for energy autonomy, economic growth, and technological innovation is also a desire for survival. So it is for us all.
The cliché that Japan is "the future" has never been more compelling, because ours is a shared future of having to do more while using significantly less energy. In this sense, Japan is so ahead of the curve, it's almost out of sight.
Green drivers turn to small, fuel-efficient Japanese imports
As governments encourage Canadians to reduce the automobile's environmental footprint, Les Smith believes he's already done his part thanks to his decision to purchase his Honda Acty.
"It looks like one of those big Hino trucks, only it's been through the wash," says the Vancouver school board worker. "It's very tiny."
The diminutive pickup truck belongs to a class of Japanese vehicle know as kei jidosha — literally, lightweight vehicle. They must conform to strict size and power limits, but in return get generous government tax breaks and special parking privileges in Japan's auto-choked cities.
Sales of kei cars and trucks, as they're called, have boomed, accounting for about a third of the total in a country where gasoline prices are only slightly higher than Canada's, but where conservation is fostered because Japan relies totally on imported oil.
Minicars, including models slightly larger than Japan's kei class, make up about 35 per cent of auto sales in Europe, where drivers pay the highest fuel prices in the world.
The challenge of putting comfort, space and driveability into a tiny package has often pushed designers and engineers in innovative directions. The 2007 Mitsubishi "i" was named Japan's car of the year.
Ottawa promises green tax credits
Environmentalists and transportation specialists believe minicars could be part of the solution to growing urban congestion and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
'What we found with the Smart is you could have a safe vehicle that was small and still fuel efficient.' —Patricia Procter, Transport Canada
Ottawa and provincial governments are encouraging the purchase of gasoline-electric hybrids through tax credits. Vancouver offers 50 per cent discounts for fuel-efficient vehicles parking on city-owned lots.
Federal Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon also announced this month it was expanding research into environmentally friendly vehicles through a new ecoTechnology program.
Transport Canada program manager Patricia Procter says her $15-million, four-year budget almost quadruples the money the previous Advanced Technology Vehicle program had available to evaluate promising automotive technologies such as battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles.
"Our goal is to not only show the consumers what could be available, but actually work and have some tangible results that we would share with the auto industry and the consumers about the benefits of introducing them into Canada," says Procter.
4,000 Smart Cars sold in 2005
The earlier program looked at a number of vehicles, including several Japanese kei cars and trucks, but didn't have the money to do rigorous testing, says Procter. It did manage to facilitate the introduction of Mercedes-Benz's Smart car, a diesel-powered two-seat urban runabout, in 2005.
The company sold about 4,000 Smarts in its first full year but sales slid to just over 3,000 last year — still ahead of expectations, says spokeswoman JoAnne Caza.
Based on surveys and her program's displays at auto shows, Procter says there's some appetite among consumers for small, fuel-efficient vehicles, at least for city use. But North American motorists remain leery of tiny cars in their world, where trucks and SUVs rule the road.
"Consumers had a big fear of the size of vehicle. If it was small it wasn't really safe," Procter says of the car show feedback. "What we found with the Smart is you could have a safe vehicle that was small and still fuel efficient. Large doesn't necessarily mean better."
"It looks like one of those big Hino trucks, only it's been through the wash," says the Vancouver school board worker. "It's very tiny."
The diminutive pickup truck belongs to a class of Japanese vehicle know as kei jidosha — literally, lightweight vehicle. They must conform to strict size and power limits, but in return get generous government tax breaks and special parking privileges in Japan's auto-choked cities.
Sales of kei cars and trucks, as they're called, have boomed, accounting for about a third of the total in a country where gasoline prices are only slightly higher than Canada's, but where conservation is fostered because Japan relies totally on imported oil.
Minicars, including models slightly larger than Japan's kei class, make up about 35 per cent of auto sales in Europe, where drivers pay the highest fuel prices in the world.
The challenge of putting comfort, space and driveability into a tiny package has often pushed designers and engineers in innovative directions. The 2007 Mitsubishi "i" was named Japan's car of the year.
Ottawa promises green tax credits
Environmentalists and transportation specialists believe minicars could be part of the solution to growing urban congestion and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
'What we found with the Smart is you could have a safe vehicle that was small and still fuel efficient.' —Patricia Procter, Transport Canada
Ottawa and provincial governments are encouraging the purchase of gasoline-electric hybrids through tax credits. Vancouver offers 50 per cent discounts for fuel-efficient vehicles parking on city-owned lots.
Federal Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon also announced this month it was expanding research into environmentally friendly vehicles through a new ecoTechnology program.
Transport Canada program manager Patricia Procter says her $15-million, four-year budget almost quadruples the money the previous Advanced Technology Vehicle program had available to evaluate promising automotive technologies such as battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles.
"Our goal is to not only show the consumers what could be available, but actually work and have some tangible results that we would share with the auto industry and the consumers about the benefits of introducing them into Canada," says Procter.
4,000 Smart Cars sold in 2005
The earlier program looked at a number of vehicles, including several Japanese kei cars and trucks, but didn't have the money to do rigorous testing, says Procter. It did manage to facilitate the introduction of Mercedes-Benz's Smart car, a diesel-powered two-seat urban runabout, in 2005.
The company sold about 4,000 Smarts in its first full year but sales slid to just over 3,000 last year — still ahead of expectations, says spokeswoman JoAnne Caza.
Based on surveys and her program's displays at auto shows, Procter says there's some appetite among consumers for small, fuel-efficient vehicles, at least for city use. But North American motorists remain leery of tiny cars in their world, where trucks and SUVs rule the road.
"Consumers had a big fear of the size of vehicle. If it was small it wasn't really safe," Procter says of the car show feedback. "What we found with the Smart is you could have a safe vehicle that was small and still fuel efficient. Large doesn't necessarily mean better."
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
1993 TOYOTA ARISTO 3.0V Twin Turbo
FOR SALE: 1993/06 Toyota Aristo 3.0V
ENGINE: 3.0L Twin Turbo
DRIVETRAIN: RWD, AUTOMATIC
COLOUR: Silver
STYLE: 4 Door Sedan
KILOMETER'S: 104,000 KM'S
OPTIONS: POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCK, POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, INTERMITANT WIPERS, POWER DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEATS, POWER STEERING COLUMN, POWER SUNROOF
Timing belt was changed last year at 97,000 km's. The engine is very smooth and quiet. Interior and exterior condition excellent.
FOB Osaka: 600,000 yen. or $5700 CDN
ENGINE: 3.0L Twin Turbo
DRIVETRAIN: RWD, AUTOMATIC
COLOUR: Silver
STYLE: 4 Door Sedan
KILOMETER'S: 104,000 KM'S
OPTIONS: POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCK, POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, INTERMITANT WIPERS, POWER DRIVERS AND PASSENGER SEATS, POWER STEERING COLUMN, POWER SUNROOF
Timing belt was changed last year at 97,000 km's. The engine is very smooth and quiet. Interior and exterior condition excellent.
Check my website for more vehicles: www.jdmimports.ca
FOB Osaka: 600,000 yen. or $5700 CDN
1993 SUZUKI ALTO WORKS TURBO
FOR SALE: 1993 SUZUKI ALTO WORKS TURBO
ENGINE: 660cc INTERCOOLER TURBO
DRIVETRAIN: FRONT WHEEL, AUTOMATIC
COLOUR: BLACK / GOLD TRIM
STYLE: 2 DOOR / HATCHBACK
KILOMETER'S: 33,000 KM'S
OPTIONS: POWER WINDOWS, POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, INTERMITANT WIPERS, REAR WIPER, REAR SPOILER, AFTERMARKET SUZUKI CAR MATS, ALL WINDOWS ARE DOT AND HAS REAR HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT.
ALTHOUGH THIS WAS A 3.5 GRADE VEHICLE AND MECHANICALLY SOUND, THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT MEET OUR STANDARDS WHILE THE INTERIOR WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. ONCE I GOT THE VEHICLE I DECIDED TO BRING IT UP TO PAR:
*NEW BLACK PAINT W/ PERAL
*NEW PAINT ON THE EXTERIOR TRIM MOULDING (THIS WAS TAKEN OFF AND PAINTED SEPARATELY, SO UNDER THE TRIM IS BRAND NEW BLACK PAINT AS WELL)
*4 NEW GOODYEAR TIRES 165/60/13
*NEW SPARK PLUGS
*NEW BATTERY*NEW AIR FILTER
*NEW OIL FILTER*OIL CHANGED
*ENGINE BAY STEAM CLEAN*EXTERIOR DETAIL
*INTERIOR DETAIL
YOU CAN LOOK AT SOME BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES ON MY WEBSITE; http://www.jdmimports.ca/
THIS CAR DOES LOOK AND DRIVE LIKE A NEW CAR.THE ONLY ISSUE I HAVE WITH THE CAR IS THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT DO A GOOD JOB WIRING HIS DOOR SPEAKERS AND INSTEAD OF GOING THROUGH THE DOOR HINGE AREA JUST BYPASSED IT AND WENT THE EASY WAY. NO DAMAGE BUT HAVE TO LET YOU KNOW.
FOB JAPAN 600,000 YEN
ENGINE: 660cc INTERCOOLER TURBO
DRIVETRAIN: FRONT WHEEL, AUTOMATIC
COLOUR: BLACK / GOLD TRIM
STYLE: 2 DOOR / HATCHBACK
KILOMETER'S: 33,000 KM'S
OPTIONS: POWER WINDOWS, POWER STEERING, AIR CONDITIONING, INTERMITANT WIPERS, REAR WIPER, REAR SPOILER, AFTERMARKET SUZUKI CAR MATS, ALL WINDOWS ARE DOT AND HAS REAR HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT.
ALTHOUGH THIS WAS A 3.5 GRADE VEHICLE AND MECHANICALLY SOUND, THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT MEET OUR STANDARDS WHILE THE INTERIOR WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. ONCE I GOT THE VEHICLE I DECIDED TO BRING IT UP TO PAR:
*NEW BLACK PAINT W/ PERAL
*NEW PAINT ON THE EXTERIOR TRIM MOULDING (THIS WAS TAKEN OFF AND PAINTED SEPARATELY, SO UNDER THE TRIM IS BRAND NEW BLACK PAINT AS WELL)
*4 NEW GOODYEAR TIRES 165/60/13
*NEW SPARK PLUGS
*NEW BATTERY*NEW AIR FILTER
*NEW OIL FILTER*OIL CHANGED
*ENGINE BAY STEAM CLEAN*EXTERIOR DETAIL
*INTERIOR DETAIL
YOU CAN LOOK AT SOME BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES ON MY WEBSITE; http://www.jdmimports.ca/
THIS CAR DOES LOOK AND DRIVE LIKE A NEW CAR.THE ONLY ISSUE I HAVE WITH THE CAR IS THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT DO A GOOD JOB WIRING HIS DOOR SPEAKERS AND INSTEAD OF GOING THROUGH THE DOOR HINGE AREA JUST BYPASSED IT AND WENT THE EASY WAY. NO DAMAGE BUT HAVE TO LET YOU KNOW.
FOB JAPAN 600,000 YEN
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