Video: Lexus IS-F Racing Concept

The Lexus IS-F Racing Concept was unveiled at the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this month. Unfortunately, due to our lack of the Japanese language, we still haven’t managed to gather any information on Lexus’ DTM-lookalike racing concept. What we did manage to find however is a video clip of the car, that you can check out right after the jump. -Continued

Via: Autoblog.it

Nissan Tiida / Versa S-tune PROTO by NISMO

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the Detroit Show overlapped the Tokyo Auto Salon, we missed out on many presentations that occurred in the Japanese capitol. One of them was the Nissan Tiida (or Versa in N. America and elsewhere) tuned by NISMO. The Tiida S-Tune PROTO concept featured a subtle bodykit that included front and rear aprons, spoilers and NISMO livery along with new alloy-wheels. NISMO also fiddled around with the compact hatch’s suspension, brakes and engine unit. -Continued

Via: Diariomotor , Source: Nissan

Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR Concept With 260HP 2.2L i-VTEC

This undeniably impressively supped up Civic Type-RR is the work of Mugen and it made its debut at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon. Apart from the overly aggressive bodykit that includes an aluminium bonnet, a carbon-fibre front end and a large rear-wing spoiler, the Mugen Civic Type-RR Experimental Spec boasts a series of mechanical upgrades, the most important being the K20A engine that has been bored out to 2.2-litres. The result is an output of 260 HP and a maximum torque figure of 235 Nm or 173 lbs/ft.

As one would expect, Mugen also upgraded the Type-RR’s wheels, brakes and suspension. Inside, the Japanese tuner stripped the Civic’s cabin and added a heap load of carbon-fibre parts along with a new set of bucket seats. –More pics after the jump

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: Mugen

Renault 4L Replica Based On Suzuki Lapin

Japanese consumers just love classic European minis. In fact they love them so much that they have created replica kits for about every famous Euro mini that you can think of. At this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, the Japanese tuning firm “DAMD” presented a Renault replica 4L kit for use on the Suzuki Lapin mini (a JDM retro-looking kei hatch). The 4L which is pronounced "Quatrelle" in French, was Renault’s answer to the Citroen 2CV. It was presented in 1961 and it remained in production for 33 years until 1994. Renault managed to sell more than eight million 4Ls in more than 200 countries. -More images after the jump

Via: Motorpasion

Honda’s 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon Offerings: Civic Type-R & Inspire Concepts

At this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon (January 11-13), which is the Japanese equivalent of the US SEMA and the European ESSEN tuning shows, Honda will display two custom designed concept vehicles. The race-track ready Sports Modulo Type R is based on the Civic Type R, and according to Honda, it demonstrates how aerodynamic performance and design can be brought together to enhance a vehicle.

The less dramatic Touring Modulo Inspire Concept, based on the new Inspire (Accord), features a combination of sporty and luxury elements. We’ve added high-res pictures of both cars after the jump, but if you want to see more pictures, click here for the Touring Modulo Inspire and here for the Sports Modulo Type R. -Continued after the jump

Press Release

TOKYO, Japan, January 9, 2008– Honda Access Corporation, manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts and accessories, announced that it will feature two Modulo concept vehicles in its exhibition at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2008 with NAPAC, to be held from Friday, January 11, to Sunday, January 13, 2008, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Japan.

The theme for the Honda display will be “Realizing Dreams Together”, and the focus will be on road-going models that display the true value of Honda Access products and demonstrating how those products deliver what customers really desire.

The two concept vehicles are designed to take the appeal of the sedan to a higher level through new approaches to customization. The Sports Modulo Type R is based on the Civic Type R, and demonstrates how aerodynamic performance and design can be brought together to enhance a vehicle. The Touring Modulo Inspire, based on the new Inspire, is a luxury vehicle that combines a sporty character with a premium feel.

Also on display will be Civic Type R, Step WGN and Fit models, and motorcycles featuring Honda’s most advanced equipment. The latest Honda car navigation and audio systems and other genuine Honda accessories will also be presented. .

1 Honda Access Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

2 Modulo is an original Honda customization brand.

3 Sponsored by the Tokyo Auto Salon Association with the cooperation of the Nippon Auto Parts Aftermarket Committee (NAPAC)

Overview of Tokyo Auto Salon 2008
Dates:
Friday, January 11, 9am to 6pm: Press Day; 1pm to 6pm:Special General Admission
Saturday, January 12, 9pm to 6pm: General Admission
Sunday, January 13, 9am to 5pm: General Admission

Location:
International Convention Hall, Makuhari Messe (Japan Convention Center), Chiba, Japan

Press Conference by Honda Access: Exhibition Overview
Date:
Friday, January 11, from 9:30

Location:
International Convention Hall, Makuhari Messe (Japan Convention Center), Chiba, Japan, Central Hall, Exhibit #431, Honda display

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Automobiles: 2 vehicles
Sports Modulo Type R, Touring Modulo Inspire e

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Automobiles: 2 vehicles
StepWGN, Kids Bike Transporter

Motorcycles: 1 vehicle
Forza Z Audio Package

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Team Honda Access Civic (2007 Super Endurance ST4 Class Series Championship Car)

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Automobiles: 6 vehicles
Fit Active Plus, Fit Sports Neo, Fit Luxe’ster
Modulo StepWGN, Modulo Odyssey Absolute, Modulo Zest Sport

Motorcycles: 2 vehicles
Gold Wing 1800, Shadow 750

2009 Mazda RX-8 Facelift Images Revealed

A full set of images featuring the revised Mazda RX-8 have found their way on several Japanese sites today, prior to the car’s public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 11 and at the Detroit Show on January 13. The car you see in these pictures is the all-new RX-8 RS version which will be available only in Japan. Alloy wheels, aerokit and Recaro bucket seats apart, the US and consequently, the European version of the facelifted RX-8 will feature the same styling changes as the JDM model. -Continued after the jump

Outside, the 2009 RX-8 gets a new front fascia that includes slightly redesigned headlamps, a new bumper with larger air intakes and a revised grille. In the car’s rear-end, there’s a revised bumper along with new tail-lights. In the interior, the only significant change seems to be the slightly redesigned centre-console. Since there’s no press release out yet, we don’t know whether Mazda proceeded to any mechanical upgrades.

Pics via: carview