Suzuki Debuts Brand New MR Wagon in Japan

Suzuki has announced the arrival of its new home market MR Wagon kei car, which has been fully redesigned for the first time in five years featuring a fresh styling and a brand new 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine matched to a continuously variable transmission.

The Japanese firm's kei car is built on a newly development platform and measures just 3,395 mm long, 1,475 wide and 1,625 tall. With a wheelbase 65mm longer than its predecessor at 2.425mm, the new MR Wagon promises to offers increased passenger space as well as a little more ride comfort and improved stability on the road.

In Japan, Suzuki offers the 0.7-liter three-cylinder engine in naturally aspirated and turbocharged flavors, which produce 54HP and 64HP respectively, while buyers can also opt between front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Other highlights include a touch screen audio system on the upper part of the center console and the availability of an ESP system with Hill Hold Control.

The boxy shaped kei car is available for order in Japan with prices starting from 1,131,900 Yen (about US$13,700).

First Look at Wald's 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Black Bison Sports Package

No sooner than Wald International showed off the finished Toyota Land Cruiser Black Bison Edition, the crew over at Japan's 'house of styling' revealed their latest Black Bison project in the form of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan (codenamed W212). We've only got a teaser photo to go by for now as the tuning company did not release any information whatsoever. However, expect the Black Bison Edition Sports Line package to include a full body kit, new alloy wheel designs and more likely than not, suspension and brake upgrades as well as interior enhancements.

NISMO Nissan 370Z with 350HP Debuts in Japan

Shortly after the release of the NISMO 370Z in the USA, Nissan proceeded to the domestic launch of its factory-tuned Z car. The JDM NISMO 370Z features the same upgrades as its American counterpart including a modified version of the 3.7-liter V6 engine that churns out 350 horsepower compared to the standard car's 332HP. Only difference is that while the US-spec model is offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Japanese buyers may also opt for the 7-speed automatic transmission.

The NISMO package also ads 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 245/40 R19 tires up front and 275/35 R19 at the rear, stiffer suspension and a high-performance brake system.

The coupe's exterior styling is modified with a functional aero kit that includes an extended nose, unique rear fascia, large wing and specific side sills, while the interior is upgraded with a set of sport seats, special door trims and NISMO gauges plus contrasting red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gearbox knob and handbrake lever.

In Japan, Nissan has priced the NISMO 370Z at 4,935,00 Yen (about $51,400 US) for the 6-speed manual gearbox model and at 5,040,000 Yen (approx $52,500 US) for the automatic version.

New Toyota Crown Hybrid Special Edition: Since When does 'Special' mean 'Entry-Level'?

Correct us if we are wrong, but doesn't 'Special Edition' denote that a specific model is equipped with extra features beyond the usual and perhaps even some unique styling cues? Maybe for you and me, but not for Toyota. The same firm that has been (ab)using meaningless groups of letters like GLi, XLE, LS and SE to describe the grade level of its models for decades now, decided to release an entry-level, cut price domestic version of its Crown Hybrid model called 'Special Edition' to help boost sales.

Compared to the standard Crown Hybrid that was introduced in Japan in early 2008, the Special Edition model has given up an array of comfort, convenience and even safety features such as leather upholstery, Toyota's Pre-Crash Safety System, automatic wipers and some other elements that we were unable to translate from Toyota's site.

The result is a reduction in price of around 10 percent, to 5.4 million Yen or roughly $56,100 US at today's exchange rates.

The full-size, rear-wheel drive Crown Hybrid sedan is moved by a 292HP 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and a 48HP electric motor producing a maximum combined output of 340HP. As stated by Toyota, the Crown Hybrid achieves a fuel efficiency of 14.0 km/l (7.2lt/100km or the US equivalent of 32.9 mpg) according to the Japanese test cycle.

2010 Honda Stream MPV Receives the Mugen Treatment

Here's some more Mugen news for all you Honda fans. Along with the release of the first photos of the European specification Civic Type-R 3-door hatchback, the Honda parts specialist revealed its updated tuning package for the discreetly facelifted Stream MPV. Mugen's aero body kit features all the usual pieces such as a front spoiler, a rear spoiler and a roof-mounted rear wing. Additional exterior modifications include a sport grille, side skirts and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Owners of the 2010 Stream can also order a sports suspension, beefier brake system, a performance muffler with a single exhaust pipe and a sport air filter.