Friday, January 31, 2014

Let's Do The News! (January 31, 2014)

What we learned today...

- IT'S THE NEW NISSAN LATIO!*

*Sort of. The facelifted model of the Nissan Latio N17 (sold in other countries as the Versa, Almera, and the Sunny) is sold in Thailand recently with the new face as seen from the Nissan Teana L33 as well as the refined interior. It went on sale earlier at a starting price of 433,000 Baht but when will the latest minor change hit Japan?

Report: http://indianautosblog.com/2014/01/nissan-sunny-facelift-launched-in-thailand-114483


- BBC planning a male-oriented channel

Looks like all hands on deck for the BBC because the British TV conglomerate plans for a male-oriented TV channel called BBC Brit. Doesn't say that much but by the time the Beeb launched this new male-focused channel for real men, its maiden broadcast kicks off with BBC's Top Gear following with the reality show titled Dragon's Den.


- V-Class


2015 Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Think of the new V-Class as Germany's answer to luxury MPVs such as the Chrysler Town and Country, Toyota Alphard, and Nissan Elgrand. This brand new model (replacing both the Viano and Vito) combines luxury and convenience all in one unique package. The only engine available is a 2.1L diesel engine with three different configurations mated to a 7G-Tronic.


- Subaru to reveal sixth-gen Legacy on Chicago

2015 Subaru Legacy teaser

This February's Chicago Auto Show 2014, Subaru will reveal the sixth-generation Legacy (in sedan trim) to the general public. There are some suspecting rumors that for this new generation, the Touring Wagon (as seen in all generations) will not be added because of the Levorg. So, what would it look like upon its regeneration?

- 6-speed manual for Mazda Axela 2.0 petrol variants

Mazda announced a new variant for the third-generation Mazda Axela and this time, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L engine is mated to a SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed gearbox! On sale this April 2014 (to coincide with Japan's 8% vehicle consumption tax), it's all about being a driver-focused Axela thanks to the added power and the freedom to drive. However, it's available only in Sport hatchback model and it costs from 2,268,000 to 2,505,600 Japanese Yen.


- Tommykaira ZZ reboot

トミーカイラZZ
New Tommykaira ZZ

A small company called GLM (Green Lord Motors) gave a reboot to one of our favorite Gran Turismo cars, the Tommykaira ZZ, and for the newest reboot of the 21st century, the new Tommykaira ZZ is what you can refer to it as Japan's answer to the deceased Tesla Roadster. The electric motor generates an astonishing 305PS of power output and 415Nm of torque output. Because it weighs around 850kg, the 0-60mph time is 3.9 seconds. Only 99 units will be made, each costing an eye-watering 8,000,000 Yen or around 79,000 US Dollars.


Renault discontinues Fluence ZE

Following the bankruptcy of Israel's BETTER PLACE, Renault sadly announced the discontinuation of the Renault Fluence ZE electric midsize saloon. It's Korean equivalent, the Samsung SM3 ZE, will live on because of the South Korean government's support for electric cars.


TTFN and Happy Chinese New Year!

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