日本自動車デザインコーナー「Japanese Car Design Corner」

Lexus GS OEM wind deflectors

2021-08-16T14:33:00.004+01:00

Finally managed to fit the original Lexus wind deflectors / レクサス純正　サイドバイザー (0861130820 / 14-3056513549)! They integrate very nicely with the design of the car and I think I prefer the looks with them on :-)

Please check also my Instagram account - kosutasu300 & Twitter - @kosutasu

Lexus GS 300h in Copper Brown (Amber Crystal Shine)

2021-02-05T17:18:00.001+00:00

One of perhaps the nicest colours in the Lexus range is the Copper Brown, or alternatively as called in Japan, Amber Crystal Shine (アンバークリスタルシャイン〈4X2〉). It is not easy to capture how it looks in reality, and I was initially put off by the original pictures that the dealer took. I opted for a Sonic Silver GS instead, but it was a sale that went wrong in many ways and I had to return the car.

Well, that was for the best, as I finally decided to get this beautiful GS and the colour is absolutely amazing, at least in my opinion :-)

New Nissan Fairlady Z (400Z) - rendering

2020-06-11T01:16:00.001+01:00

Nissan has already teased us with the upcoming Fairlady Z (400Z) and this rendering may be very close to the real deal. The rear lights seems influenced by 300ZX Z32 and it will be very nice if that's true!

New Lexus IS coming June 10

2020-06-01T13:39:00.001+01:00

Lexus announced today that on June 10, the new IS will be revealed. Following recent news from Japanese publications, the new IS is expected to be based on the existing platform, instead of a newly developed one, but we will have to wait just a few days in order to find out more. Although the current model looks modern and still very nice in terms of exterior styling, the interior looks outdated and introducing a fresh styling is thus much needed.

Thoughts about EVs and options under £30k

2020-05-22T14:22:00.002+01:00

At first, my reaction towards the new automotive era was no thanks, just give me a V8, or even better a V12. However, no-one can deny that electric cars is the future. And the future is not just a change in powertrain technology, it's also about sustainability and solving transportation problems, thus car sharing, autonomous driving and energy management are the things to follow.

EVs have additionally a benefit in terms of reliability, as electric motors are not just much more efficient, but also simpler and thus more reliable. However, battery technology is not up to speed at the moment. The analysis results of existing electric cars in use are encouraging in terms of battery durability and some manufacturers dare to offer even 10 years/1,000,000km warranty! I was recently reading an article about Nissan Leaf patrol cars in UK that are in service since 2016, and the only maintenance they have required so far was just replacing once the front brake pads.

It is true also that EVs bring benefits to manufacturers at the moment as well, as by dropping the CO2 emission levels in their line up, they have to pay less money to the EU. On the other hand, manufacturers still make most of money from each vehicle when that is equipped with an internal combustion engine.

Main constraints at the moment include battery cost (will need to drop below $100/kWh), weight, and of course fast charging. Another issue is the way to charge, as in many cases, especially if you live in an apartment with off street parking, charging your car when home is not really feasible... Even charging connectors are not standardised so far and thus there are over 5 different types.

Software is another aspect of modern vehicles that must be right and it's becoming even more important with EVs. As more and more functionality is being added, and the more autonomous kind of assistance is being introduced, good software is vital. Even basic things like correct battery charge management depends on software, thus having an impact not only on the experience, but also on the reliability of the vehicle.

And now perhaps the most critical issue. Driving range. If we consider that 18-20kWh are required to cover 100km, and the battery weight is around 0.15kWh/kg, you can easily understand that for covering 500km, the batteries will need to weight around 700kg! On the other hand, if we want to drive an EV, not just for the low cost and maintenance, but also as it is a solution for sustainability, using a huge powerpack is not the solution, as the bigger the batteries, the more CO2 emissions produced during production. For the future, fuel cell vehicles will likely be the solution for covering long distances, but having the appropriate infrastructure is more challenging than pure EVs.

Another drawback at the moment is the price tag for purchasing an EV. Most of the available models are over £40k (e.g. Tesla Model 3 with 254 mile range) and offerings from Audi, Jaguar etc start from over £60k. I did some basic calculations for my family, as soon we will need to buy a second car and we were considering a used car around £2,500. If though we buy an EV and use it as the main car for my daily commute, and the existing one as the second one, in six years time, an EV would break even if the tag price is £30k.

A 35-50kWh powerpack seems to be therefore the sweet spot based on the current battery technology, weight and vehicle price. Three cars have caught my attention as a result, Lexus UX300e, Honda e and Mazda MX-30. The first one will undoubtedly cost over £30k, but for sure it's going to have better build quality and a warranty to beat. So, in my case, this means that most suitable will be either the Honda, or the Mazda.

The Honda e looks amazing, combining retro looks, reminding me the N360, high tech inside, along with some really nice touches like the wood like trim. I am not sure if all those screens will be easy on the eyes, especially during night driving, but this car definitely gives you the feeling that this is the future. I am so glad that Honda decided to produce it, as it is a company that is innovative and it was about time to bring something out of the ordinary in the market. On the plus side is also that the rear wheels are driven and both axles are pushed towards the ends ensuring that it is going to be a fun little car.

Next is the Mazda MX-30. It makes more sense if you have a family, looks very good too and promises to drive well. Inside it looks more analogue and closer to what we have been used to. One disappointing thing is that the infotainment is using an 8.8" screen and it has a rotary selector for operating it, which seems a bit odd. For sure in terms of ergonomics, when driving, it is more convenient, but I would expect a touchscreen. When starting your journey and want to enter an address, having a keyboard is way more practical and honestly I cannot understand why they didn't include a touchscreen as well. Oh, Soul Crystal Red is another positive, as this colour looks simply fantastic. However, I have come across with complaints regarding excessive chipping and it's really a shame. I tried to find if there is any mention that Mazda has managed to resolve the issue (it has been reported mainly for 2017 and 2018 models), but haven't managed to find anything.

As soon as the lockdown is over and a test drive is available, I will take both of them for a spin and share my initial impressions :-)

New Toyota Yaris Cross - live photos & thoughts

2020-04-28T12:51:00.003+01:00

First of all, it has really been a long time since I posted on this blog and that was a combination of many changes that came to my life, plus relocating also to the UK. Changes were all for a good reason and I just thought it would be nice to share some thoughts again.

The last few years, there is a plethora of new models on sale, up to the point where I have lost my interest and passion. Major European manufacturers have nearly lost count what they are producing, suffering also in terms of reliability and spare part availability. It is just pointless to have so many models doing almost the same, while at the same time, core values seem to have disappeared. Japanese manufacturers seem to hold better, with Lexus not following this path and still making the best quality cars out there. I was really surprised when I visited my local Lexus dealer and had an ES for a test drive. Brilliant family car with nice design and amazingly reasonable price tag!

Lexus has been very successful having a distinctive design language and I feel that they have done an excellent job. This however is still not the case for Toyota, as cars like the C-HR and the new Corolla are not bold examples of good design. Especially the C-HR makes me wonder on the decisions been made. The design is full of lines and cuts, with no balance... Anyway, on the new Yaris then. The new generation is a very big improvement and although I may find the new Jazz's front end better, it is nice to look at, and finally with a design that says I am a Toyota. The Mirai, as well as the new Supra have started having a common design language, and it is good that they have continued with the new Yaris. The big surprise though is the new Yaris Cross. Without having the drama of the new Yaris, with simpler lines and with a very well balanced design make it a very nice looking car! Also, having it raised and by offering 4WD as an option, is a very smart idea as the SUV title can been rightfully claimed, unlike other manufacturers that think that by adding some bits of unpainted plastic to look more rugged can do the trick.

The gold paint used for presenting it was also a very good decision, as it definitely catches the eye, but made me wonder how it will look in the basic version and in a less striking colour, such as white. So, I managed to get along with some photos and although it doesn't look the part as in gold and with big wheels, it is still a nice looking car.

Source: Creative Trend

Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO (A57) by ignition model

2017-09-15T12:17:00.000+01:00

The Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO 2000GSR (A57) is the latest addition to my collection and it is an impressive model indeed!

The level of detail is very high, including 14" Hayashi Street wheels, pulling tire & lowdown specification, front lip, front and rear fenders, genuine side stripes, dual muffler and Recaro seats.

Mazda Savanna (S124A) by ignition model

2017-08-31T09:12:00.003+01:00

It has been really a long time since the last ignition model arrived from Japan, so it is very exciting to have this 1/43 Mazda Savanna (S124A) model in red added to my collection. The model has lowered suspension, Watanabe 14" wheels (bronze), front lip & rear spoiler!

New Lexus LS officially revealed!!!

2017-01-09T14:54:00.002+00:00

The all-new Lexus LS (previous post) was officially revealed in NAIAS and you can read the press release here. Although there is no point in reproducing what has been already released, it is definitely a beautiful car!!! The design is simply amazing, and along with the new Lexus LC, they are by far the best looking cars for sale on the planet!

Mazda Savanna RX-7 (FC3S) by ignition model

2016-12-29T08:40:00.001+00:00

Last model received for the year is this amazing Mazda Savanna RX-7 (FC3S) by ignition model in yellow colour!!! The model has lowered suspension, 16" wheels, aero mirrors, large-diameter mufflers and Recaro seats, and it does look the part when sitting next to my RX-7 (FD3S) ignition model!

Nissan Fairlady Z (Z31) / 300ZX by ignition model

2016-12-29T08:27:00.000+00:00

This is one of the last ignition models arrived from Japan for this year, and as usual, the level of detail is very impressive indeed! It is a very nice addition to my collection, especially when displayed next to the Z32 model I already got by ignition (earlier post). The specific model has lowered suspension, 16" wheels, front lip spoiler, rear spoiler, large-diameter single muffler and Recaro seats.

Toyota Soarer 3.0 GT Limited (Z10) White/Gold by ignition model

2016-11-16T17:00:00.001+00:00

Yet another beautiful model arrived! This is a Toyota Soarer 3.0 GT (Z10) White/Gold model in 1/18 scale by ignition model (IG0370)! The specific model has lowered suspension, 15" wheels, front lip spoiler, rear spoiler and dual muffler attached!

Toyota Celica 1600GTV (TA22) by ignition model

2016-09-16T19:38:00.000+01:00

It is pretty much obvious that ignition models are by far my favourite ones!!! My contact in Japan was able to get me the limited edition version of the Toyota Celica 1600GTV (TA22) model, with only 120 pcs made. The specific model has a carbon fiber bonnet, lowered suspension and cambered (onikyan 鬼キャン) SSR type 14” wheels, front and rear spoilers, as well as front and rear fenders in matt black.

Toyota Celsior 1989 model by Hi-Story

2016-09-16T18:59:00.002+01:00

This Toyota Celsior C-Ttype 1989 model by Hi-Story is the second Celsior model added to my collection (earlier post) and I opted for the White Pearl Mica Toning G version. Unfortunately, photos don't do justice to the colour. Hi-Story models are handmade and for its price, I am very happy with it!

More Tomica Toyota Crown models!

2016-09-16T15:10:00.002+01:00

Following the previous Tomica Crown models I already got (previous posts), I added a few more to my collection :-) !

Crown Coupé HT - gen. 5 (3 million units sales anniversary)
Crown US version - gen. 1 (LV-日本車の時代3)
Crown RS20 - gen. 1 (Toyota Crown CM Collection 1963 - 2010)

Scoop: New Honda Civic Type R

2016-09-14T20:34:00.000+01:00

Mag-X has has published info about the new Honda Civic Type R, which in August 2017 is going to make its debut in Japan. Sales of the new Civic have began in the US, with the European debut scheduled for the Paris Auto Salon in October. Sales in Japan will start during the second half of 2017. Price of the new Civic Type R is expected to be below 5,000,000 ¥.

Source: Mag-X

Tomica Toyota Crown Custom model

2016-09-13T07:43:00.000+01:00

One more Tomica model was added to my Toyota Crown collection, this time a Crown Custom - gen. 4 (LV-N108a), part of the Tomica Limited Vintage series.

Toyota Supra 3.0 GT (MA70) by ignition model

2016-09-08T07:19:00.000+01:00

Following the arrival of the silver Toyota Celica XX 2800GT (A60) model (earlier post), now a silver Toyota Supra 3.0 GT (MA70) model was added to my collection (here you can see the Ebbro version I got back in 2010)! The specific ignition model has lowered suspension, 18” BBS wheels, front lip spoiler, genuine rear spoiler mounted and Recaro seats. The model is limited to 160 pcs only.

Toyota Celica XX 2800GT (A60) by ignition model

2016-09-06T07:19:00.000+01:00

Another ignition model arrived straight from Japan! This time, I ordered the Toyota Celica XX 2800GT (A60) in Silver / Gun Metallic colour (IG0710). The specific model has lowered suspension and cambered 14” wheels (onikyan 鬼キャン), Recaro seats and a dual muffler. I already had a very nice Celica XX model by Dism (earlier post), but this is a very beautiful model and limited to 160 pcs only!

Mitsubishi Galant Σ Hardtop 1984 brochure

2016-09-01T08:39:00.001+01:00

Between 1976 and 1987 over three generations, the Mitsubishi Galant sedan sold in Japan was suffixed with the "Σ" badge. This a brochure of the 5th-gen Galant Σ Hardtop (E15A型), definitely one of the most beautiful Galant models produced.

Source: 旧車カタログコレクション

Toyota Celsior F Package 2004 model by WiT's

2016-08-30T13:55:00.001+01:00

The Lexus LS wasn't available in Japan until 2006. Until then, a domestic version badged as Toyota Celsior (トヨタ・セルシオ) was sold in Japan. This is the third-gen Celsior / LS (F30型) and the actual model colour is called White Pearl Crystal Shine. Although the photos cannot show the beauty of the colour, in real life, it is very impressive indeed!

Mitsubishi GTO twin turbo MR 1998 model by WiT's

2016-08-30T13:06:00.000+01:00

Mitsubishi GTO (aka 3000GT) is one of my favourite Japanese sports cars from the 90s and WiT's produced two models of it. The first one was the GTO twin turbo 1990 model, while the other one was the GTO twin turbo MR 1998 model. Unfortunately, my absolute favourite version was the 1994–1997 Z15A, but since I couldn't find it as a model, I opted for the GTO twin turbo MR 1998 one.

Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT-B model by WiT's

2016-08-30T11:38:00.000+01:00

This Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT-B 1997 model is definitely going to look very nice along with my other Legacy models (earlier post)!!!

Honda Civic Type-R EP3 model by WiT's

2016-08-30T11:28:00.000+01:00

The Honda Civic Type-R EP3 model was the only Civic Type-R missing from my collection, so now with the arrival of this model, it is complete!

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 model by WiT's

2016-08-30T11:20:00.002+01:00

Back in 2014, I asked my contact in Japan to buy for me a few WiT's models, but it wasn't until this week that I arranged to have them delivered. It was a good thing that I bought them back then, since WiT's closed in March 2016. That's really a shame, as their models were among my favorite ones, and also, they had planned some very nice models for the future that I intended to buy (e.g. Lexus LX 570 2015年型, Lexus RX 450h F SPORT 2015年型, Lexus GS F 2015年型 & Mazda Eunos Cosmo 20B Type SX 1994年型 ).

The production of the Toyota Land Cruiser J70 stopped back in 2004, but in 2014, Toyota decided to put it into production for just one year (earlier post)! That was for celebrating the 30th anniversary of the model. WiT's released two versions, a van and a pickup. Although I was after the van version, I finally got the pickup one... Still a nice model to have in my collection though!

日本自動車デザインコーナー 「Japanese Car Design Corner」