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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.

15/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Honda is hoping to build a following with its line of Modulo parts in Japan, in a bid to replicate the the success that Mugen has had. On display at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Honda showcased three different Modulo-equipped versions of its Insight hybrid.

First up is a mostly stock looking Touring Modulo Insight, featuring a short list of Modulo parts than can be purchased through dealerships. Up next is the Modulo Touring race car (yup, a hybrid race car), which Honda is using to build awareness and credibility for its Modulo line of parts.

Finally, Honda displayed its Insight Sports Modulo Concept, which takes a look at where Modulo parts may go in the future. The Modulo Concept carries a theme of “Exciting Eco” and is equipped with a new front bumper, lower grille, diffuser and LED lighting. The wheels are certainly interesting, looking like some of the aerodynamic designs currently used in Formula One.

GALLERY: Modulo Equiped Honda Insights

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15/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Even though Nissan’s readily available market vehicles were the center of attention at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, the company’s flagship GT-R also had an offering from NISMO: a Club Sports Package. The Club Sports Package doesn’t overhaul the exterior of the GT-R, but rather includes a new data logger for track use and a fine collection of suspension tuning modifications.

The data logger allows owners of this Club Sports model to record all of the vehicle’s telemetry and then download it via a USB stick. Owners can then examine the data at home or on their laptop, as well as share it with other drivers. This new setup will be particularly helpful for those looking to get the most out of their GT-R on the race track.

And speaking of the track, NISMO also displayed its Super GT race car.

GALLERY Nissan GT-R Club Sports and NISMO GT-R Race Car

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Tokyo Auto Salon 2010: Lexus IS-F CCS Concept

Light-weight Lexus could foreshadow hard-core production model

14/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Tucked away towards the back of Toyota’s booth at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon was this IS-F CCS Concept that looks to be a lightweight version of the performance-minded sedan. Not much details could be found on this CCS Concept, but we definitely fell in love with the bright orange shade and carbon fiber accents. The hood, trunk, and spoiler were all constructed on carbon fiber while the front bumper and side skirts got a mild trim accent and the rear bumper its own carbon fiber diffuser. A slightly different exhaust system also appears to be a part of the package, as do the light weight wheels. It also doesn’t take an expert to see that this IS-F features a significantly lowered suspension.

Looking at the IS-F CCS Concept, we can’t help but think of the equally-orange BMW M3 GTS, which debuted recently in Germany as a track-only club racer. Is Lexus thinking of offering a similar model, or perhaps a light-weight street legal version? We certainly hope so.

GALLERY: Lexus IS-F CCS Concept

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Tokyo Auto Salon 2010: HKS Kansai Service Alive and Well

HKS shows off tuned GT-R, EVO and even a Suzuki Swift at Tokyo Auto Salon

14/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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HKS Kansai Service, a workshop in Japan that is part of the HKS group, had an impressive display of vehicles and products showing off their tuning prowess. Included among them were a previous-generation Skyline R34, a brand new R35 GT-R and EVO X. And let’s not forget the least of the cars on display, a tricked-out Suzuki Swift. HKS is sure to be planning parts for subcompacts like this, with news that Mitsubishi is planning to bring the Swift to North America.

We were surprised to see that tuning Japanese car’s isn’t just a one way street with Japanese tuners buying only made-in-Japan parts. In fact, many of these HKS cars sported carbon fiber aero kits and accessories from SEIBON North American.

GALLERY: HKS Kansai Service display at 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon

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14/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Several years ago D.A.D took center stage at the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan and the SEMA in Show North America by showing off their crystal-encrusted Mercedes-Benz SL. For TAS 2010, D.A.D added another SL to their collection sporting a gold theme rather than the bright white crystal theme we’ve come to love feel nauseous about over the years  Impressively enough, D.A.D also had a DVD playing, which showed the gaudy Mercedes prowling various streets around the world.

GALLERY: D.A.D. Mercedes-Benz Cars at the Tokyo Auto Salon

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14/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Wheel manufacturer BBS turned to the European market to appeal to the Japanese consumers at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon. The company’s RN wheel was the feature item on a pristine white Porsche Panamera 4S. And in true sensible BBS style, the fitment was conservative, as is the design. That design looks to be the perfect style for the Porsche Panamera: a luxurious one-piece that isn’t too busy or too sporty.

As the Panamera continues to grow on us, this set of BBS wheels is certainly helping.

GALLERY: BBS Porsche Panamera

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14/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Not to be left behind with all the other Japanese aftermarket manufacturers that have taken to the trend of modifying hybrid/green cars, Tommy Kaira not only impressed with its GT-R at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, but with its Prius and Insight offerings too. Earlier this month both vehicles were released to the public and onto the Internet but this was our first opportunity to get up close with the vehicles in person and we’re quite impressed.

Both Eco-Sports Edition vehicles, part of the new Tommy Kaira Eco Spo line of aerodynamics for hybrids, carry a mixture of light weight carbon fiber and fibreglass body accents that are both conservative and appealing.

GALLERY: Tommy Kaira Eco Spo Honda Insight and Toyota Prius

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14/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

IMG_3565.jpgInterestingly enough, Nitto Tires in Japan turned towards a VW for its main display vehicle.  The new VW Scirocco is definitely attractive in its own rights.  Sporting KW Suspension and displaying Nitto’s NT05 rubber, this Scirocco is one of the cleanest we’ve seen yet worldwide.

GALLERY: Nitto Tires VW Scirocco

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14/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

IMG_3616.jpgPassing by the Junction Produce booth at TAS 2010, nothing groundbreaking was on display; rather they stuck to their tradition of clean styling on luxury sedans.  Several Lexus (Toyotas) were on display carrying what we’ve come to expect over the years from JP.  Unfortunately there wasn’t much new to report from them, but their display cars are always worth taking a look at.

GALLERY: Junction Produce

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14/01/2010 | By: Jason Siu

IMG_3730.jpgNissan had their Roox on display, a minicar that originally debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2009.  Despite its small size, Nissan has marketed their Roox minicar as the most spacious four-seater in its class.  With the minicar tuning craze that is seen all over Japan, especially at TAS, we can only think that Nissan has itself another winner with the Roox.  For the Noth America market however, we’re not too sure – we probably won’t ever set our eyes on one outside of Japan.

GALLERY: Nissan Roox

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