The Tajima EV Mini Sport is an all electric single seater mini formula 1 looking vehicle price around $23,000 USD (without battery) and weighs 300kgs using steel tube space frame and resin bathtub like body. The EV has a motor output of 0.59KW, delivered to the rear wheels via a drive belt which can be powered by lead or lithium polymer batteries delivering ranges of 25km (lead battery costs $2500 USD) or 90km (lithium battery costs $5500 USD) It produces a top speed of 70km/h. The Tajima Motor Corp is run by Japanese race driver Nobuhiro Tajima.

[Source: MadWhips.com]

This post is kind of a big deal because this event marks my 2nd year in a row attending the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 (Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Review) and because this post is CarZi.com’s 1000th post!!

Checkout last years Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Pictures to get a taste of what the Tokyo Auto Salon entails. Check MadWhips.com next weekend for all my photo coverage!

Even with down yet slowly recovering economic conditions affecting everything global & automotive, the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon will be celebrating it’s 28th anniversary this year with approximately 300 companies in attandance (2009 had 334 companies which drew 230,000 visitors in 3 days!!).

Last year, among the 334 companies that were in attendance the two that really stood out produced some custom Lamborghini Murcielago 4×4 ATV and a custom Ferrari Suzuki Hayabusa Trike which garnered much attention from the crowd and automotive blogs/magazines around the globe.

Finally, my trip to Tokyo’s flagship Nissan Ginza Showroom gave me the timely opportunity to provide the world with the first detailed up close photo album of the Nissan GT-R Spec V which saw 40,000+ views in less than 24 hours!

Bottom line is that the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 is in less than 5 days and before I make my attendance I will be hitting Hakuba, Japan for some sick world class powder snowboarding If you happen to be at the show and see me (i’ll be one of a few tall white guys) don’t be shy and say hi!

Exhibition Name: TOKYO AUTO SALON 2010 with NAPAC

Exhibition Dates:
January 15, 2010 (Friday) 09:00–18:00 (Trade and Media Day)
January 16, 2010 (Saturday) 09:00-18:00 (Open to the public)
January 17, 2010 (Sunday) 09:00-17:00 (Open to the public)

Location: MAKUHARI MESSE (Nippon Convention Center)
International Exhibition Hall (Halls 1 through
2-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Girls
2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Girls Part i
2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Girls Part ii
2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Girls Part iii

[Source: e-Auto-Salon.net]

Toyota officially unveiled their FT-86 concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009. It’s creation previews the joint development between Toyota & Subaru to create a sports car. The FT86 “embodies speed and the excitement of driving that give cars their appeal as well as environmental performance.”

The Toyota FT86 concept car is powered by a Subaru naturally aspirated 2.0L Boxer gas engine. It is expected to deliver 160 and 200 hp with a 6-speed manual transmission, ADVICS brakes, and rear-wheel drive.

[Source: WorldCarFans.com]

Check out the leaked Lexus LFA production and press release pictures and specs leaked ahead of its Tokyo Motor Show debut which hits the land of the rising sun in less than a couple hours!

SPECS:
0-62 MPH (100 km/h): in 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 201.94 MPH
Production: Limited to 500 units
Price: $375,000 USD

This monster has a 4.8-liter 72-degree V10 delivering 560 hp at 8,700 RPM with 354 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 RPM. It redlines at an appropriate 9,000 RPM has titanium valves, connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, dry sump lubrication and a titanium exhaust manifold. It is controlled by a 6 speed sequential gearbox fitted to a Torsen limited slip differential.

It weighs 3,263 pounds with a 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution, has a power-to-weight ratio of 5.8 pounds/hp and it’s body is 65 percent carbon fiber!! It comes with 20-inch BBS wheels wrapped in 265/35 ZR20 Bridgestone tires in front and 305/30 ZR20 in the rear.

[Source: Autoblog.com]

The WALD International Black Bison styling kit is now available for the RX450h. In essence what you get is a very aggressive yet stylish front end. The modified front clip gets bigger air inlets and the silver inserts below the fog lamps are a nice touch and stand out like the horns of a Bison. WALD has successfully modified and produced the WALD Nissan GT-R and WALD Lexus IS-F, both of which get full CarZi support!

There is an all new roof spoiler and the wheels, shod with wider rubber are the best bits on the car. The brushed silver look stands out from the all black car. You can also get the interiors trimmed with special alloy pedals set and specific floor mats that have a red border so that you know they are there. Every part of the car continues the black theme and even the pedals are sort of dark grayish in shade. The basic doormats alone start at 23,100 Yen. Add another 40,000 yen if you want the alloy pedals.

Prices for the styling kit are not yet available but if you want your Lexus RX to look menancing among the crowd of Lexus SUV’s, this is one kit you must have! Enjoy the pictures.

Related WALD Pictures Galleries
WALD Nissan GT-R Black Bison Edition PICTURES
WALD Mercedes C Class Black Bison PICTURES
WALD Bentley Continental GT Black Bison PICTURES
WALD BMW M5 Sportsline PICTURES
WALD Mercedes CL Black Bison Edition PICTURES
WALD Lexus IS F Black Bison Edition PICTURES
BMW E90 3 Series Modified by Wald International

[Source: CarScoop]

I don’t know very many people who own a Ferrari F40, let alone have their race winning Ferrari F40 hanging upside down on the ceiling (with working headlights) in the bar of their home. This past January 2009 I made my first trip to Japan to photograph the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Review & 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Pictures. While in Japan I was presented with the opportunity to house visit Ricky Chiba of Team Taisan!

I stayed in Tokyo for 10 days with one of my best friends Adrian Grey, who I grew up with for the first 15 years of my life YET haven’t seen in the last 15 years due to geography. Adrian has been in Japan for 8 years is and successfully co-founded the creative agency SET which specializes in unique marketing solutions SET Japan. Adrian and Sato San were responsible for hooking me up with this home visit and interview with Tokyo Businessman Yasutsume Chiba also know as Ricky Chiba of Team Taisan.

Sato San, Ricky Chiba, Anthony Carbone

SIDE NOTE about Adrian and his company SET in JAPAN
For those of you unfamiliar with QR Codes (Quick Response Codes), they are small 1 inch x inch dot matrix (two-dimensional bar code) being used extensively in AsiaEurope as a way to connect consumers with mobile websites. They were initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing. These codes are read by your mobile phone’s camera (when you take a picture of it) which direct you to a specific mobile website for information on a product, service.

Ricky’s custom built house includes a subterranean garage (Batcave) which house many of his Porsche racing cars which include a 956, 962C, GT2, RSR, GT3R, an Indy car, a pristine Bentley Azure, Vipers, Skylines, Jaguars and more. Ricky Chiba’s passion for cars and motor sports started at a young age, and he has some of his first pictures drawn by him on display in his house. His bar area also includes his Porsche 911 996 GT3R winning cup car, the engine from the Ferrari F40 on the ceiling is a center piece under a glass table and race tires converted into coffee tables!

Taisan Kogyi KK is a group of family owned Engineering companies founded by Ricky Chiba’s father. The company is internationally known for its range of specialized pumps used in industry & manufacturing, AND naturally for it’s own motor racing team – Team Taisan!

Team Taisan was formed in 1984 and unlike most first ranked motor racing teams, Team Taisan did not have unlimited financial or major motor manufacturer backing. This is what blows me away and provides further testament to Ricky’s personal motto “keep the dream alive”. To Ricky, racing is a symbol of life’s endless challenges – of the need to always strive to do better, to shoulder disappointments, to sustain an ambition to WIN! AND WIN HE HAS.

Shortly after forming, Team Taisan was quick to enter the lime light by winning the Japanese Sports Car Championship for 3 consecutive years 1985-1987, as well as the Japan Touring Car Championship in 1989. They went on to win the Japanese Grand Touring Championship (JGTC) in 1995, 1996 & 1998. They have also placed 8th in the INDY 500!

With more than 58 Wins in 25 years of racing (again without major motor backing), it was Ricky Chiba’s relentless pursuit of his childhood dream coupled with his passion of motor sports which have led to his amazing success to date!

Many thanks once again to Adrian and Sato San for giving me this amazing opportunity to visit with Ricky Chiba: a passionate entrepreneur, and above all a legend!!

[Source: Photos WhipDaddy, Video SetJapan]

In case you missed watching the Koenigsegg CCX vs Ferrari 430 Scuderia VIDEO here is another great video of a Nissan GT-R vs Koenigsegg CCR Evolution. Strap on some headphones and enjoy.

Related Koenigsegg CCR Posts
1000hp Bio-Fueled Koenigsegg CCXR CRASHED
Koenigsegg CCXR Video and Pictures
Koenigsegg CCX vs Ferrari 430 Scuderia VIDEO
Koenigsegg CCX & CCXR Special Edition Unveil in Geneva
Koenigsegg Quant Concept Pictures

[Source: YouTube.com]

For the 2nd year in a row Lexus is planning to enter it’s Lexus LF-A prototype 2 seater supercar in the 24 hour Nurburgring Endurance Race (Officially called the 37th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2009) during May 21-24, 2009. Naturally this contender is race equipped with roll cage and special crash/fire friendly gas tank as well as a GT size race wing and other aerodynamic tweaks that you can see from these photos. For those of you new to Gazoo Racing, they are the experts responsible for running the Lexus teams in Japan’s SUPER GT series of races.

This version of the LF-A will run the Division 2 SP8 class, which means that this version of the LF-A is close to the production version which is expected to be officially unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show.

The Lexus LF-A sports a 4.8L V10 engine delivering 500+hp and a paddle-shift sequential manual gearbox. Data recorded from the races are used by Engineers to further fine tune and tweak the LF-A’s performance.

Related Lexus LF-A Posts
2011 Lexus LF-A Spy Photos from The Nurburgring
Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A

[Source Photos: WhipDaddy @ Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 ]
[Story Source: AutoGuide.com]

Furthering Harish’s post on the Toyota Scion iQ (Pictures & Details), a short video has hit the web for our viewing pleasure. Keep in mind that this iQ that you see was built by Five Axis for the New York Auto show and is not what the stock version will look like. This car is already sold on the Japanese market and there were 4 Modified Toyota iQ’s at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Modified Toyota Scion iQ Posts from TOKYO
Toyota iQ White Falcon
Toyota iQ Verbal Concept
Gazoo Racing Toyota iQ
Toyota iQ European Fashion Concept

[Source: YouTube, MadWhips]

The Smartcart is the little city run-about and is currently very popular in Europe. The Americans are warming up to the Smart ForTwo Coupe and Smart ForTwo Cabriolet and during these recent economic times, more and more people are looking for smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient modes of transportation.

This Toyota Scion iQ is powered by a 1.3L 4 cylinder VVT-i engine, Five Axis custom stainless exhaust, 18 inch custom wheels with nickel finish prototyped by MetalFX, Yokohama S drive tires, TEIN Super Street coil over suspension, Five Axis wide body conversion kit and custom accented headlights and taillights.

Toyota believes it has a contender with it’s recently launched Scion iQ in the USA. Toyota will be selling the iQ through its Scion brand in North America. You can check out Anthony’s Tokyo Auto Salon exclusive pictures of 4 different modified iQ’s HERE: Toyota iQ as they have been on the Japanese market since October 2008.

Scion’s sport novel features and have captured the hearts of people who want something radically different and the iQ is no different. The iQ sports a 3 + 1 seating configuration. The concept is fairly simple and here is how it works – There are 4 seats in the normal configuration; two at the front and two in behind. The trick lies in the asymmetrical dashboard design due to which, the passenger beside the driver sits way forward and this creates enough room behind for an extra full sized adult.

The space behind the driver is just about sufficient for a kid. However, as we can see it, its more of a luggage shelf covered in soft foam and fabric. It’s clever too, the fuel tank is flat and housed beneath the floor as this means that the wheels are pushed to the corners resulting in a 78.7 inch wheelbase. Scion says that it gives the IQ a “Confident Stance”, ya whatever that means.

This is a clever concept and helps make use of valuable space in such a small car that is just 10 feet long. The IQ is actually meant for three adults plus luggage. It is 127 inches long and 71.4 inches wide and that means one thing – You can pretty much cram it in any space you get along the road and enjoy the film that you desperately came for.

The IQ was launched in Japan and Europe in 2008 and this show concept was created in association with Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif. While the normal IQ is a funky looking small car, these guys showed what can be done in terms of customization and they have ended up with one stunning IQ. The aggressive exteriors get over sized 20-inch nickel finish wheels that look perfect for those huge wheel arches and wouldn’t look out of place on a Import tuner. Also completing the tuned look are the custom made front air dam, aero headlamps and HID LED lamps.

The funky interiors complement the exteriors and attention to detail is stunning as found in the illuminated door handle, the swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash, an illuminated Scion iQ logo on the passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum toned interior panels. Iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas, combined with the custom exterior paint finish the interiors.

The Scion iQ features a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. The instrument panel has a speedometer, warning lamps, and a multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle through the odometer, average speed, temperature and eco lamp. The eco lamp illuminates during efficient driving to help the driver achieve maximum fuel economy.

“We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation. If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, you know it’ll be easy to personalize,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president.

While Scion is very optimistic, the IQ might be expensive when you consider its price in Europe which is around 10,000 Euros. At this price, the IQ is missing the point – It is out of reach of people who want it the most. So lets wait and see if Scion prices it competitively here.

Modified Toyota iQ From TOKYO AUTO SALON 2009
Toyota iQ White Falcon
Toyota iQ Verbal Concept
Gazoo Racing Toyota iQ
Toyota iQ European Fashion Concept

Press Release

Scion Reveals iQ Concept at the 2009 New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 8, 2009 — At the New York Auto Show today, Scion unveiled a special concept version of the iQ micro-subcompact car designed to meet the transportation needs of young urban trendsetters.

Scion’s iQ concept is a new urban vehicle with a revolutionary package that is just over 10 feet in length and accommodates three plus luggage. As more and more urban centers are revitalized with a new sense of purpose, energy, and creativity, young people are moving in from the suburbs to embrace new urbanism and are looking for a car that suits their needs and delivers high emotional value.

Scion’s iQ concept is the intelligent answer to this need for highly emotional and efficient urban transportation. The convenience of having work, entertainment and culture nearby for young city-dwellers is a significant draw to urban centers. The vehicle must be able to navigate narrow, congested streets, park in tight places, have impressive fuel economy, and have compelling design and function.

“Scion’s iQ concept turns traditional auto design upside down,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just the opposite with its innovative features and iconic urban design, and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand. Our young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward thinkers, and we think they will appreciate what iQ has to offer.”

The production iQ is currently sold in Japan and Europe. Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif. took the iQ to the next level with aggressive exterior and interior modifications that show the vehicle’s potential for personalization.With its 78.7-inch wheelbase, the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. At the same time, its overall length of 126.9-inches, overall width of 71.4-inches, and short front and rear overhangs allow the iQ to fit in virtually any city parking space. The front-mounted differential and repositioned steering rack decrease front end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang.

Pushing the wheels of the small, bold concept towards the four corners of the body gives the iQ a confident stance. The custom 18-inch wheels with a nickel finish and wide tires fill the wheel well, adding to its surefootedness. The iQ’s custom front air dam, aero headlamps and high-intensity LED driving lamps signal urban road readiness.

“We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation,” said Hollis. “If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, you know it’ll be easy to personalize.”

The iQ’s profile is defined by a strong and high beltline. Smooth lines glide from the large, dark finish headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wrap around the rear emphasizing the concept’s geometric beauty. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design.The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the thick rear diffuser, creating a substantial presence. A center-mounted trapezoid exhaust adds to the vehicle’s distinctiveness, while large, matte-finished rear taillights help keep the vehicle visible.

The iQ’s interior fuses function, style and entertainment. Attention to detail and modern accents can be seen in the illuminated door handle; the swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash; an illuminated iQ logo on the passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum toned interior panels. Iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas, combined with the custom exterior paint, provides a balance of freshness and sophistication. Black matte scuba-like polyurethane covers the seat bolsters and is also used on the headliner with a bright green topstitch for a contemporary finish.

The iQ features a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. With the push of a button, the touch-screen articulates to reveal the entertainment hub. The touch screen can also play movies while the vehicle is parked. When not in use, the screen lays flat on the dash with a translucent cover that emits a colorful display of light patterns to make the interior even more unique.

A few quick strokes to the black panel below the entertainment hub, or steering wheel controls, command the audio system to shuffle through a music library. The center cluster also features three control knobs for dual front heating and air conditioning settings. The driver and front passenger each have a knob that displays their desired temperature and controls their temperature and fan settings. The center knob dictates zone control for both occupants.

The instrument panel has a speedometer, warning lamps, and a multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle through the odometer, average speed, temperature and eco lamp. The eco lamp illuminates during efficient driving to help the driver achieve maximum fuel economy.

Comfortable front passenger legroom was achieved with a newly-engineered, compact air conditioning unit located behind the center of the front console. The iQ employs a glove bag, with the same textured, honeycomb fabric as the front and rear seats, that can be easily snapped on and off for storage or additional legroom.

Rear seating can accommodate one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver. Extra slim front seat backs provide rear passengers with legroom. The rear seats are 50/50 and fold flat for increased utility. In addition, the rear seat cushion lifts up to reveal a small flat storage space that can be used for pocket-sized portable music players, small books, digital cameras, or slim laptops.

The iQ does not skimp on safety and is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA); and nine SRS airbags, which includes the world’s first rear window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver and front passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag; and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.

[Source: Automoblog.net]

Japanese tuner Wald International has just released their modified version of the new Lexus RX 350. Their new tuning package includes some aesthetic upgrades such as a new front clip, new side skirts, rear spoilers, rear bumper and diffuser and a 4 pipe exhaust system and Wald forged wheels. Checkout some of their recent tuning packages which I was able to see up close at this years Tokyo Auto Salon, which included the WALD Nissan GT-R Photos, WALD Mercedes CL Photos and WALD Lexus IS F Photos.

Related WALD Pictures Galleries
WALD Nissan GT-R Black Bison Edition PICTURES
WALD Mercedes C Class Black Bison PICTURES
WALD Bentley Continental GT Black Bison PICTURES
WALD BMW M5 Sportsline PICTURES
WALD Mercedes CL Black Bison Edition PICTURES
WALD Lexus IS F Black Bison Edition PICTURES
BMW E90 3 Series Modified by Wald International

[Source: Wald.co.jp]

Well it’s already that time of the year here in Toronto, Ontario, all the tuners are anxious to switch off their winter tires and replace them with the low profiles and hit the streets to flash their latest modifications. Performance World is this years first custom car and truck show and takes place next weekend March 13, 14, 15, 2009 at the International Center – 6900 Airport Rd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Don’t forget to checkout my coverage from last year: Performance World Girls Part 1, Performance World Girls Part 2, Performance World Girls Part 3.

Check back here next weekend for the pictures!

Performance World Bikini Models Pictures 1

Performance World Girl Models Pictures 2

Performance World Girls Pictures 3

Photo Albums From The Show
2008 Performance World 114 Photos [Album 1 of 7]
2008 Performance World Mustangs 120 Photos [Album 2 of 7]
2008 Performance World Tuners 94 Photos [Album 3 of 7]
2008 Performance World [4 of 7]
2008 Performance World [Album 5 of 7]
2008 Performance World [Album 6 of 7]
Performance World 2008 [Album 7 of 7]

[Source: PerformanceWorld.com, WhipDaddy]

Here is a 701hp Honda S2000 tuned and built by T1 Race Development. Car has stock motor, transmission, and rear end. Bullseye Power S372R turbo, dual 44mm TiAl wastegate, T1 1000 cc saturated fuel injectors, T1 Race 4″ side exit downpipe.

[Source: YouTube via RaymanHasnoo]

In October 2008 we covered some photos which came across our desks of a Verde Ithaca Modified Nissan GT-R with a matte finish from Singapore rumored to be simply a vinyl cover job. Yesterday I found these pictures of what could be another Verde Ithaca Nissan GT-R. From what I can tell this one appears to be painted and not vinyl wrapped. The similarities include: RHD, both have the same LED aftermarket fog lamps. Differences, this one appears to be painted (checkout the headlight lip vs the vinyl wrapped one) it also has Verde Ithaca painted calipers and rear wing, different wheels and different side skirts. What do you think Josh?

Related Verde Ithaca Posts
ZR AUTO IMSA GTV Gallardo with 1000hp
Verde Ithaca Novitec Ferrari F430 Pics (Real or FAKE?)
Verde Ithaca Novitec Ferrari F430 Photos (Its Real)

Related Modified GT-R Posts
WALD NISSAN GT-R Pictures from Tokyo Auto Salon 2009
Nissan GT-R R35 Photos – Tuned by Garage Defend
Nissan GT-R Performance Parts by Mine’s Motor Sports
Modified Nissan GT-R with HRE Wheels Pics
Modified GTR R35 – Top Secret Aero Kit Photos
HKS Nissan GT-R – R35 GT570 Racing Tune Kit
Nissan R35 GTR Modified by Wald International
Nissan GT-R Nismo Parts + Tuners
Powerhouse Amuse Nissan R35 GT-R (Photos + Video)

[Source: Lorraine Yee via Singapore Exotic Car Spotter]

In addition to the cool Lamborghini Murcielago ATV 4×4 I saw at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 (REVIEW) (PICTURES), I also saw this interesting and slick looking Ferrari Suzuzi 1300 Hayabusa Trike! The information sheet is included below, but my Japanese reading skills are a little rusty!

Related Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Posts
2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Girls Part i
2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Girls Part ii
2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Girls Part iii

Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Review
Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 Pictures

[Source: WhipDaddy]