Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/" rel="tag">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hyundai/" rel="tag">Hyundai</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/kia/" rel="tag">Kia</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mitsubishi/" rel="tag">Mitsubishi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/nissan/" rel="tag">Nissan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/" rel="tag">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suzuki/" rel="tag">Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/south-korea/" rel="tag">South Korea</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><small><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/top-ten-2009-large08.jpg" alt="" /><br />
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</small></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/toyota/">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/honda/">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/nissan/">Nissan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/hyundai/">Hyundai</a> and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.<br />
<br />
These numbers come from the latest report by<em> Ward's Auto</em>. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/gm/">General Motors</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/ford/">Ford</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/chrysler/">Chrysler</a> were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.<br />
<br />
If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the <em>Ward's</em> source link below.<br />
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[Source: <a href="http://wardsauto.com/ar/asians_closer_50_100108/">Ward's Automotive</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/report-asian-automakers-closing-in-on-50-share-of-u-s-auto-sa/">Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/report-asian-automakers-closing-in-on-50-share-of-u-s-auto-sa/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19316264/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/report-asian-automakers-closing-in-on-50-share-of-u-s-auto-sa/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Report: All 165 Lexus LFA supercars earmarked for Japan already spoken for
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/" rel="tag">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lexus/" rel="tag">Lexus</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/first-drive-2011-lexus-lfa/#19"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/lfa-atspeed.jpg" /></a><br /> <small>Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></em></strong></div>
<br /> We knew the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/lfa">Lexus LFA</a> was fast, but we didn't know just how fast until reports came in of the rapid rate at which wealthy Japanese customers are snapping it up. In the three months since the final car was unveiled, all 165 examples of the Toyota division's supercar have reportedly been spoken for.<br /> <br /> Whereas in North America, the allotment of LFAs will be leased in order to counter speculation, in Japan (as <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/lexus-lfa-to-be-sold-in-europe-through-one-dealership/">in Europe</a>), buyers will be able to buy their super-Lexi outright, at a price of 37,500,000 yen (~$410k USD) apiece. If the remaining 335 examples destined for markets abroad go as quickly as Japan's allotment, we could be looking at one of the fastest cars ever made - in one sense or another.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2011-lexus-lfa/low/">First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2011-lexus-lfa/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/lexuslfafd_06_thumbnail.j pg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2011-lexus-lfa/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/lexuslfafd_02_thumbnail.j pg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2011-lexus-lfa/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/lexuslfafd_01_thumbnail.j pg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2011-lexus-lfa/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/lexuslfafd_07_thumbnail.j pg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2011-lexus-lfa/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/lexuslfafd_03_thumbnail.j pg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> [Source: <a href="http://response.jp/article/2010/01/13/134738.html">Response</a> via <a href="http://www.leblogauto.com/2010/01/lexus-lfa-deja-rupture-stock-japon.html">Le Blog Auto</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/report-all-165-lexus-lfa-supercars-earmarked-for-japan-already/">Report: All 165 Lexus LFA supercars earmarked for Japan already spoken for</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://response.jp/article/2010/01/13/134738.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/report-all-165-lexus-lfa-supercars-earmarked-for-japan-already/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19315499/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/report-all-165-lexus-lfa-supercars-earmarked-for-japan-already/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Toyota launching G Sports Series cars at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/" rel="tag">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tokyo-auto-salon/" rel="tag">Tokyo Auto Salon</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/design-style/" rel="tag">Design/Style</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/toyota-g-sports-series-0/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/01-ft-86-live-abjp-630op.jpg" alt="" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><sma ll>Toyota FT-86 and Prius G Sports Series - Click above for image gallery</small></em></strong></div>
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Seems like Toyota is doing everything in its power to shake the fuddy-duddy, emotionless appliance image its built for itself over the last fifteen years or so. First came word that ToMoCo's Mr. Toyoda stated the brand needed to get sportier. Next came the very welcome news that along with Subaru, Toyota would be introducing a lightweight, RWD sport coupe (<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/toyko-2009-preview-toyota-ft-86-concept-brings-back-the-hachiro/">now known to be the FT-86</a>) that would cost about $20,000. Finally, there's the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/lfa/">LFA</a>, the $500,000 Lexus, that if <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/2011-lexus-lfa-first-drive/">the reviews</a> are to be believed, just might be worth every penny.<br />
<br />
That's all well and good, but what if you want a sporty Prius?<br />
<br />
Meet the G Sports Series. To quote Toyota, the G Sports Series, "<span class="normal">is designed for customers who strongly desire to own a unique vehicle, offering them a personalized interior and exterior design along with sports-driving performance." Put another way, Toyota is bringing the aftermarket in-house.<br />
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With a total of five vehicles getting the G Sports Series treatment, Toyota is looking to offer customized sportiness to whomever wants it. Only two of the five cars however are U.S. market vehicles: the Prius and the FT-86. The Prius gets one hell of a body kit, including sleek rear-wheel skirts. While far from beautiful, we have to say that we like the G Series Prius much better than the regular one.<br />
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But, the real news is the G Sports Series FT-86. Because it's the FT-86 is still officially a "concept" Toyota isn't revealing any hard data beyond RWD, 2.0-liters and six-speed manual. Good enough for us. As far as the G Sports Series version goes, it's a little busy and the rear wing is beyond unnecessary. Still, we're quite excited. <br />
<br />
Especially as the front of the FT-86 might just be revealing an intercooler. Which would mean a turbocharger. Or is that just a fancy radiator? Well, you know the Subaru version is going to have an intercooler... Just to add to the speculation, check out the drift-o-rific video <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/toyota-launching-g-sports-series-cars-at-tokyo-auto-salon-w-vid/#continued">after the jump</a>.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-g-sports-series-0/low/">Toyota G Sports Series</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-g-sports-series-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/01-ft-86-hi-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-g-sports-series-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/02-ft-86-hi-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-g-sports-series-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/03-ft-86-hi-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-g-sports-series-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/gss30-1263577119_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-g-sports-series-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/04-ft-86-hi-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: Toyota]<br />
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</span><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/toyota-launching-g-sports-series-cars-at-tokyo-auto-salon-w-vid/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Toyota launching G Sports Series cars at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/toyota-launching-g-sports-series-cars-at-tokyo-auto-salon-w-vid/">Toyota launching G Sports Series cars at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/toyota-launching-g-sports-series-cars-at-tokyo-auto-salon-w-vid/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19318427/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/toyota-launching-g-sports-series-cars-at-tokyo-auto-salon-w-vid/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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TAS 2010: Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid concept packing 400-hp 3.3-liter V6, AWD [w/video]
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/" rel="tag">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tokyo-auto-salon/" rel="tag">Tokyo Auto Salon</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid/"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/01-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid-630op.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><sma ll>Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept - Click above for image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Back in November, the rumormill was set ablaze when reports began to surface that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/rumormill-toyota-mr2-to-be-reborn-with-hybrid-power/">Toyota was working on a new MR2 packing hybrid power</a>. Today, those rumors have been laid to rest... kinda.<br />
<br />
In addition to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/toyota-launching-g-sports-series-cars-at-tokyo-auto-salon-w-vid/">G Sport Series FT-86 and Prius</a>, Toyota trotted out a concept at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tokyo-auto-salon/">Tokyo Auto Salon</a> based on the third generation MR-S (ZZW30). Although the MR2 was nixed in the U.S. in 2005 (and in Japan in 2007), Toyota and its partners at Gazoo saw fit to resurrect its midship drop-top by fitting a 3.3-liter V6 where the old 1.8-liter four-cylinder used to reside and an electric motor mated to a THSII hybrid system up front. That's right, the MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept is all-wheel drive, and between the two mills, it's churning out over 400 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). <br />
<br />
But despite its boosted output, the 2,800-pound concept is a bit on the porky side compared to its 2,200-pound predecessor. Toyota claims it can run to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds - still better than the stock ZZW30, but at what a cost to the MR2's supreme chuckability? While there's no chance of Toyota putting the MR2 Sports Hybrid Concept into production, this could point the way for things to come - for better or worse. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/tas-2010-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid-concept-packing-400-hp-3-3-li/#continued">Make the jump</a> for a promo video.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid/low/">Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/01-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/02-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/03-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/04-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/05-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://gazoo.com">Gazzo</a> via <a href="http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/01/toyota-unveils-mr2-sports-hybrid.html?utm_source=fe edburner&utm_medium=feed& utm_campaign=Feed:+Carsco op+%28CARSCOOP%29">Carsco op</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/tas-2010-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid-concept-packing-400-hp-3-3-li/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>TAS 2010: Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid concept packing 400-hp 3.3-liter V6, AWD [w/video]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/tas-2010-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid-concept-packing-400-hp-3-3-li/">TAS 2010: Toyota MR2 Sports Hybrid concept packing 400-hp 3.3-liter V6, AWD [w/video]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/tas-2010-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid-concept-packing-400-hp-3-3-li/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19319098/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/tas-2010-toyota-mr2-sports-hybrid-concept-packing-400-hp-3-3-li/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Mitsubishi ponders Triton pickup production in States
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/" rel="tag">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mitsubishi/" rel="tag">Mitsubishi</a></p><a href="http://wardsauto.com/ar/mitsubishi_maufacturing_f uture_100113/"><img hspace="0" height="420" width="630" vspace="4" border="1" align="top" alt="MItsubishi Triton" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/630triton.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Mitsubishi's been having a rough time of it lately here in the United States. Last year, sales fell 44.8 percent. Ouch. Even worse, Mitsu's lone U.S. manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois is way under capacity. How far under? Well, the Normal plant's website lists its capacity at 135,000 vehicles per year. Only thing is, back when that plant was a joint Chrysler/Mitsubishi venture it could pop out 240,000 cars per year. Last year, Normal made just 18,501 vehicles.<br />
<br />
As you might imagine, Mitsubishi's uncertain as to whether the Normal plant will remain open. One solution might be to introduce and build their <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/a-game-of-chicken-mitsubishi-wants-to-import-triton-pickup-and">Triton pickup truck</a> in the U.S.. America's been sorely lacking in the small pickup market for the last 15 years or so, and the Triton would be a welcome player to the segment. <br />
<br />
Only thing is, because of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/report-all-ford-transit-connects-arrive-in-u-s-with-full-inter/">notorious chicken tax</a>, Mitsubishi would need to build about 50,000 to 60,000 Tritons a year to make the endeavor worthwhile. Last year's 44.8 percent drop in business meant that Mitsubishi only sold 53,986 cars and trucks last year. Anyone else sense a problem? Even if Mitsubishi's sales rebound over the 100,000 unit mark, it's doubtful that 50 to 60 percent of that total would be a small pickup truck, especially as Mitsubishi's mid-size truck, the Raider, was quietly discontinued last year. <br />
<br />
[Source: <a href="http://wardsauto.com/ar/mitsubishi_maufacturing_f uture_100113/">Ward's Auto</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/16/mitsubishi-ponders-triton-pickup-production-in-states/">Mitsubishi ponders Triton pickup production in States</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/16/mitsubishi-ponders-triton-pickup-production-in-states/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19316197/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/16/mitsubishi-ponders-triton-pickup-production-in-states/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Lexus brings IS F Circuit Club Sports Concept to TAS
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/" rel="tag">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lexus/" rel="tag">Lexus</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tokyo-auto-salon/" rel="tag">Tokyo Auto Salon</a></p><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/isfccs.jpg" /><br />
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The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/is+f">Lexus IS F</a> is a curious car. 416 bristling horsepower, one of the world's sweetest-sounding engines and an 8-speed flappy-paddle 'box that shifts faster than you blink are all excellent. However, it looks a little odd, has funny tailpipes and weighs too much. That last little bit - the IS F's big bones - turn a really great road car into something of a pig on the track. We know this because we drove an IS F at Laguna Seca. <br />
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Seeking to rectify this a bit, while also fulfilling <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/toyota-launching-g-sports-series-cars-at-tokyo-auto-salon-w-vid/">Mr. Toyoda's corporate sportiness maxim</a>, Lexus brought the IS F Circuit Club Sports (CCS) Concept to the Tokyo Auto Salon (Japan's version of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/">SEMA</a>). What turns an IS F into an IS F CCS? We're glad you asked. Short answer: carbon fiber, and plenty of it. The hood, roof, trunk, front winglets, door sills and rear extractor are all made from lightweight, unpainted carbon fiber. Can't forget about the wing - it's also CF. <br />
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Lexus saw fit to upgrade the power a bit, too. The engine is untweaked, but a new exhaust system reportedly adds a dozen ponies, raising the 5.0-liter V8's output to 428. It's hard to say for certain from just the photos, but those brakes also appear to be carbon ceramic, too. All in all, the mods probably save around 125 pounds. That'll certainly help out on the track, though an additional 125 lbs. on top of that would be even better. Also, the odds of the IS F CCS making it to a Lexus dealer near you are zero.<br />
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[Source: <a href="http://www.leblogauto.com/2010/01/tokyo-salon-2010-live-lexus-is-circuit-club-sports-concept.html">Le Blog Auto</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/lexus-brings-is-f-circuit-club-sports-concept-to-tas/">Lexus brings IS F Circuit Club Sports Concept to TAS</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:49:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/lexus-brings-is-f-circuit-club-sports-concept-to-tas/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19319499/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/lexus-brings-is-f-circuit-club-sports-concept-to-tas/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Tommy Kaira presents Nissan GT-R "Silver Wolf" edition
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/japan/" rel="tag">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/nissan/" rel="tag">Nissan</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/tommy-kaira-silver-wolf-nissan-gt-r/"><img hspace="40" height="347" width="620" vspace="4" border="1" align="top" alt="Tommy Kaira Silver Wolf" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/web-silverwolf-01.jpg" /></a><br />
<small>Tommy Kaira Silver Wolf Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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Japanese tuning enthusiasts (and racing sim fanatics everywhere) have come to know <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/tommykaira">Tommy Kaira</a> as one of the best in the business. The Japanese outfit works its magic on Skylines, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/impreza">Impreza</a>s and more, and has now released a tuning package for the current <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/NissanGTR/">Nissan GT-R</a>.<br />
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Called the Silver Wolf, this GT-R sees its engine left intact, but gets treated to a full body kit, plus new rolling stock, brakes, exhaust and suspension components. The carbon fiber widebody package gives Godzilla a serious attitude adjustment, while the functional components - if Tommy Kaira's previous offerings are anything to go by - promise to squeeze that extra bit of performance out of this Japanese icon. Click the thumbnails below for a closer look.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tommy-kaira-silver-wolf-nissan-gt-r/low/">Tommy Kaira Silver Wolf Nissan GT-R</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tommy-kaira-silver-wolf-nissan-gt-r/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/silverwolf-01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tommy-kaira-silver-wolf-nissan-gt-r/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/silverwolf-02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tommy-kaira-silver-wolf-nissan-gt-r/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/silverwolf-03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tommy-kaira-silver-wolf-nissan-gt-r/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/silverwolf-04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tommy-kaira-silver-wolf-nissan-gt-r/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/silverwolf-05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=h ttp://www.tommykaira.com/tkcars/tkcars.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3DTommy%2BKair a%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff& rurl=translate.google.com &twu=1">Tommy Kaira</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/tommy-kaira-presents-nissan-gt-r-silver-wolf-edition/">Tommy Kaira presents Nissan GT-R "Silver Wolf" edition</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=h ttp://www.tommykaira.com/tkcars/tkcars.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3DTommy%2BKair a%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff& rurl=translate.google.com &twu=1>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/tommy-kaira-presents-nissan-gt-r-silver-wolf-edition/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19319803/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/tommy-kaira-presents-nissan-gt-r-silver-wolf-edition/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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