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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

24/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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When Nissan fist unveiled the updated 2012 GT-R back in October, the Japanese automaker announced a total of six different models. Now you can add one more to that list thanks to the GT-R RC… that’s Racing Competition.

Build by Nissan’s in-house NISMO motorsports division, this track-only model loses plenty of weight thanks to an interior that has been entirely stripped out, not to mention a carbon fiber hood and trunk. But with the GT-R already quite the heffer, it still weights 3,351 lbs even in racing trim.

Added track goodies include a roll cage, upgraded brakes, an adjustable suspension, air jacks, special Advan wheels and a 31.67-gallon fuel cell.

Priced at ¥20,790,000, that’s a staggering $250,000. Yikes.

GALLERY: 2012 Nissan GT-R RC

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[Source: NAGTROC]

Unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon, get more 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon news here.

16/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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Hardly the most attractive car on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the TES Concept T-Sports might be one of the most exciting for regular folks in search of an affordable sports car.

Since the first introduction of Toyota‘s FT-86 Concept, rumors have surfaced that the cost of development of the car has risen and that consumers will have to carry that burden by paying more for the vehicle. With Toyota’s plans for an affordable sports car in trouble, the automaker has reportedly been planning a more entry-level version of the car.

No one at Toyota is saying as much, but the TES Concept T-Sports might just be the answer. While about as pretty as Snookie, unlike the reality star, it’s what’s underneath that counts. You see, this early prototype was built by the Toyota Engineering Society (TES) in response to a questionnaire that asked what sort of vehicles they thought Toyota needed to build. The answer: an affordable sports car. And like the FT-86 it’s front-engine, rear-wheel drive.

Powered by Toyota’s 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine this concept makes 109-hp, but weighs under 2,000 lbs. The car is 150-inches long and 65-inches wide, making it just over a foot shorter in length than the FT-86.

Toyota isn’t commenting, but this concept certainly hints at the fact that engineers are studying plans for a baby FT-86.

GALLERY: TES Concept T-Sports

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See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage here and see more of Toyota’s TAS concepts after the jump.

Plus get more Toyota FT-86 news and info at FR-SForum.com

Continue Reading…

16/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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First debuting at the Australian International Auto Show, Lexus rolled out the CT200h F-Sport model as part of its display at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon. Unlike the IS-F Club Performance Accessory or the IS-F CCSR, this F-Sport model is confirmed for production.

Taking the new Lexus hybrid hatchback to a more dynamic level, the CT200h F-Sport gets light-weight wheels, an F-Sport suspension setup (with lowering springs and sway bars), plus a complete aero kit. Inside, goodies include an F-Sport steering wheel, pedals, and an F-Sport instrument panel. F-Sport models will also be available in this limited edition Flame Blue paint.

We’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed for the rest of the F-Sport/TRD track items for the IS-F.

GALLERY: Lexus CT200h F-Sport

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Read AutoGuide’s 2011 Lexus CT200h Review by Clicking Here

Get more CT200h news and info at CT200hForum.com

16/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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Looking forward to Subaru‘s version of the Toyota FT-86 Concept? Sure you are! But what if you could get your hands on another STI-tuned Toyota-derived Subie. Um….. maybe not.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the Trezia STI gets an overhaul by the legendary Subaru Technica Institute.

Never heard of the Trezia? We don’t blame you. It’s the newest addition to the Subaru lineup overseas aimed at expanding Subaru’s sales there with a down-market model. A result from the continued cooperation between Subaru and Toyota, it’s actually just a rebadged Toyota Verso MPV. In fact, unlike the rest of the Subie lineup, it’s not even AWD.

No engine modifications have been made to the small 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, leaving power at a meager 107-hp – although an STI muffler might free up a few fractions of a pony. There is a complete aero kit and, as well as an STI tuned suspension and some plus-sized light weight wheels.

OK, so it’s no sports car, but for a box-on-wheels people mover, it’s about as stylish as they come.

GALLERY: Subaru Trezia STI Concept

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Check out the rest of AutoGuide’s 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon coverage here.

16/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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If you’re looking for the VIP section at the Tokyo Auto Salon, this is it. The RH9 Club, is a loose network of tuner shops that have built Nissan GT-Rs that can run a 9 second quarter mile or faster.

As the legend goes, the shops all meet and discuss tuning ideas and even build parts under one RH9 brand name. The list of exclusive tuners reportedly includes such big names as: Top Secret, Top Fuel, Jun Auto, Signal Auto and about a dozen more.

The collection of cars gathered at the Tokyo show wasn’t limited to GT’R's however, and it’s not clear if the RH9 club has expanded to include other vehicles or if these are just some of the other cars build by RH9 member shops.

Check out all the pics below and see our complete 2011 Tokyo Auto Show coverage here.

GALLERY: RH9 Cars on Display at Tokyo Auto Salon

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15/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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A year ago Honda officially announced the introduction of the HSV-010 GT race car, the company’s successor to the NSX in the Japanese Super GT Series. A purpose-built race car with a 500-hp 3.4-liter V8 engine, sadly, no production car will ever be derived from the HSV-010. That new is all the more disappointing when you see just how stunning a creation the car is.

A total of four teams competed with Honda’s new race car in the Super GT series, with the No. 18 Weider Racing Team car (above) taking the pole in its first two races and topping the podium in only its second race.

Stealing the show at the Honda Racing booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon, check out the full gallery of pics below in case you doubt why.

GALLERY: Honda HSV-010 GT

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See all of AutoGuide’s 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon coverage here

15/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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It wouldn’t be the Tokyo Auto Salon without an appearance by a few specific tuners and that list includes Top Secret. Best known for building unmistakably gold high-powered machines – like the Toyota Supra – the Top Secret display in Tokyo this year includes a stunning Nissan GT-R.

Sporting a special aero kit (including a carbon fiber front splitter and large rear spoiler) the GT-R gets the gold treatment and is accompanied by two Honda CR-Zs as well as a Suzuki Colt. None of the cars are close to stock and the dark gray CR-Z even has an HKS turbo kit.

Check out all the cars (and a few extras) in the gallery below. And see our complete 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon coverage here.

GALLERY: Top Secret Nissan GT-R, Honda CR-Z

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14/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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One reason to attend the annual Tokyo Auto Salon tuner show is to see Japanese Domestic Market vehicles extensively modified by some of the best aftermarket companies in the business. A second reason is to have a good laugh.

A car culture that can deliver the NSX and GT-R, is also responsible for 1980s-era Transformers-styled big rigs and Hello Kitty themed Ferraris. A tuner by the name of Joy Worx most certainly fits into the latter category, debuting a new hydraulics-equipped commercial truck with an excessively Japan-themed paint job.

But there’s more. Check out the hidden rear wheels (inside flared fenders no less) and the absolutely massive rear spoiler that’s certain to come in handy when it’s completely dumped (yes, that’s sarcasm).

GALLERY: Joy Worx Truck

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14/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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Over in Japan, the Lexus GS is sold as the Toyota Mark X, meaning that you can get the rear-drive sedan at a more affordable price.

While not exactly the most dynamic diver’s car, the folks at Goodyear Racing though it would be perfect for their new race car – if you can consider the D1 Grand Prix drift series racing.

Debuting the car at the Tokyo Auto Salon, it’s hard not to love the NASCAR-esque look of the machine, with what Goodyear Racing refers to as a DTM-style widebody. There’s now word on a powerplant, but the car is scheduled to hit the track for testing soon in order to be ready for the start of a new D1 GP season.

GALLERY: Goodyear Racing Toyota Mark X Drift Car

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See AutoGuide’s 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon coverage here

14/01/2011 | By: Colum Wood

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Nissan/Infiniti tuner Impul chose the Tokyo Auto Salon to make the public debut of its new 651S tuning package for the new Infiniti M luxury sedan.

While some of the aerodynamic modifications aren’t to out taste, thankfully Impul isn’t just some plastic-fantastic shop. They actually offer a full line of modifications.

Shown on this car is a spring and shock combo package, as well as a big brake upgrade with 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston rear. Added power comes thanks to a dual-exhaust system, as well as a retuned ECU and larger throttlebodies. Those upgrades are, however, only offered for the M37 and M25 models (yup, they have an M25 in Japan) and Impul has yet to announce any performance upgrades for the big-dog M56.

GALLERY: Impul 651S

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