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McLaren JC96 – Japan-Only Tribute to a 1996 Racing Triumph

McLaren has pulled the covers off the JC96, a special edition of the 750S built to honour the brand’s success in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship almost three decades ago. Back in 1996, the team secured the Drivers’ Championship with the iconic McLaren F1 GTR, and this latest creation serves as a nod to that victory.

Just 61 units will be produced, and they will all remain exclusive to the Japanese market. Each example carries a distinctive ‘Tiger Stripe’ livery inspired by the racing F1 GTR, matched with ultra-lightweight 15-spoke forged alloys and bespoke cabin touches that echo the motorsport connection.

The exterior is dressed with unique detailing across the splitter, rear wing and door mirror caps, while the colour palette includes Memphis Red, Titanium Silver, Ice White and Graphite Grey. Those seeking something more unusual can explore McLaren’s bespoke paint programme. Finishing touches come in the form of gloss black roof and diffuser elements, striking gold brake callipers with red McLaren logos, and further subtle accents across the body.

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Nissan Unveils Advanced Autonomous-Drive Technology with Public Road Test in Japan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has taken a major step forward in autonomous mobility by successfully conducting Japan’s first test of a self-driving vehicle with no human driver onboard in an urban environment. The trial, which took place in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district, marks a crucial milestone in Nissan’s efforts to introduce autonomous driving (AD) technology as part of a future mobility service in Japan.

Addressing Mobility Challenges with Cutting-Edge Technology

Nissan’s latest autonomous technology aims to tackle key transportation issues, including the growing shortage of drivers caused by Japan’s aging population. By leveraging its advanced research and global expertise, Nissan is positioning itself as a leader in mobility solutions that offer greater freedom and accessibility.

The technology integrates key insights from Nissan’s research in Japan, the Nissan Advanced Technology Center in Silicon Valley, and the U.K.’s evolvAD project. These efforts contribute to the company’s broader goal of ensuring AD systems can adapt to diverse traffic conditions worldwide.

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Nissan and Mitsubishi Join Forces on Autonomous Driving and Energy Storage Solutions

Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi are joining forces to launch a new joint venture focused on services for self-driving and electric vehicles (EVs), slated for establishment by the close of fiscal 2024. Their primary objectives include offering Level 4 autonomous driving services — allowing vehicles to operate independently under specific conditions — and integrating EV batteries for home energy storage and other innovative uses.

Equally funded by Nissan and Mitsubishi, this venture will kick off verification tests in 2025. Nissan is taking the lead on vehicle development for autonomous driving, while Mitsubishi is advancing AI-powered systems to optimise routes. Based on these advancements, the joint venture will introduce unmanned taxi services and more, aligned with government deregulation, initially launching in Yokohama and Namie, where Nissan is actively testing automated driving technology.

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Japan to Boost EV Battery Production – Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic, Subaru, and Mazda Involved

Japan is intensifying its efforts to bolster electric vehicle (EV) battery production with an investment of $2.4 billion in subsidies to strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain. The government has earmarked support for 12 projects focusing on storage batteries and related components, aiming to expand Japan’s annual battery production capacity by 50% to 120 gigawatt-hours (GWh), up from the current 80 GWh.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ken Saito, emphasised that this initiative is designed to improve Japan’s battery industry’s global competitiveness. Major automotive and battery manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic, Subaru, and Mazda, are involved in these efforts, which reflect Japan’s strategic push to increase domestic battery production.

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Suzuki Motor to Develop Self-Driving Minicars for Rural Japan

Suzuki Motor Corporation is collaborating with Nagoya-based startup Tier IV to develop autonomous driving technology specifically for minicars, aiming to address the unique transportation needs of Japan’s less-populated regions. This initiative is a strategic move to meet the increasing demand for compact, self-driving vehicles capable of navigating narrow and often challenging rural roads.

Investment and Partnership

Suzuki has made a strategic investment in Tier IV, contributing to a substantial 8 billion yen capital increase. This partnership will see Tier IV develop a prototype of an autonomous minicar using existing Suzuki models. The goal is to integrate this technology into Suzuki’s next-generation vehicles, leveraging Tier IV’s expertise in autonomous systems.

Historical Collaboration

The two companies have an established relationship, having jointly tested a Suzuki car equipped with Tier IV’s autonomous driving system in 2022. This successful collaboration set the stage for deeper integration of Tier IV’s technology into Suzuki’s vehicle lineup.

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Limited-Edition Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport Unveiled for Japanese Market

Subaru has announced the launch of a new limited-edition model, the WRX S4 STI Sport, aimed at the Japanese market. Limited to just 500 units, the special variant introduces a selection of unique features and styling enhancements, making it an exclusive offering for enthusiasts. The sales will be conducted through a lottery system, open for entries from January 12 to 28.

Distinctive Features

The WRX S4 STI Sport boasts several notable upgrades, including the fitment of 19-inch BBS forged wheels finished in Super Black and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires. The exterior showcases a revised black front grille, blacked-out badges, and a black lip spoiler on the decklid. Additional styling touches include Crystal Black Silica-painted wing mirrors and a roof antenna.

Performance Enhancements

Performance-wise, the limited-edition model benefits from a tower bar under the hood and a stiffening bar at the rear, contributing to an enhanced driving experience. Under the hood, it retains the 2.4-litre horizontally-opposed turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, delivering 271hp and 375Nm of torque.

Customised Interior

The WRX S4 STI Sport features a unique interior with a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel adorned with silver stitching, shift boots showcasing silver stitching, and specially designed Recaro seats in the front. These seats are upholstered in ultra suede material with contrasting stitching, providing both comfort and a sporty aesthetic. The suede material extends to parts of the instrument panel, armrests, and centre console.

Exclusive Availability

Priced at 6,237,000 yen (RM198k), this limited edition WRX S4 STI Sport is anticipated to generate significant interest, with Subaru employing a lottery system for sales. The exclusivity of the model, coupled with its distinctive design elements, is likely to appeal to Subaru enthusiasts and collectors alike.

12 Syarikat Bekerjasama Untuk Menghasilkan Cip Komputer Yang Berkuasa

Dua belas syarikat besar dari industri kenderaan, elektronik, dan cip komputer bergabung untuk membentuk kumpulan yang dikenali sebagai “Advanced SoC Research for Automotive” (ASRA). Kumpulan ini akan bekerja untuk menghasilkan cip komputer yang berkuasa, khususnya System on Chip (SoC), untuk kenderaan.

Syarikat-syarikat dalam ASRA termasuklah Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Denso, Panasonic Automotive Systems, Cadence Design Systems, MIRISE Technologies, Renesas Electronics, Socionext, dan Synopsys.

Kenderaan masa kini menggunakan kira-kira 1,000 cip komputer untuk pelbagai fungsi seperti pemanduan automatik dan sistem multimedia. ASRA, yang dipimpin oleh pembuat kenderaan, ingin menggabungkan pengetahuan syarikat-syarikat cip dan elektronik untuk membangunkan teknologi cip baru yang dipanggil “chiplet” untuk kenderaan.

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Subaru Teases Limited-Edition WRX S4 STI Sport For Japan

Subaru has teased the WRX S4 STI Sport ahead of its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. This model previews a special edition of the performance sedan with notable handling upgrades, set for a limited production run. Although likely to remain exclusive to the Japanese market, the prototype hints at exciting changes.

The WRX S4 STI Sport prototype is based on the WRX S4 STI Sport R EX, the flagship trim of the WRX in Japan. The teaser image reveals distinctive features, including new BBS-style wheels and a modified ducktail spoiler on the trunk. Notably, the WRX, S4, and Symmetrical AWD emblems are finished in black, adding a touch of sportiness.

While specific details about the interior and other exterior enhancements remain undisclosed, Subaru promises more than just cosmetic changes. The WRX S4 STI Sport is touted to deliver “enhanced handling” and a “premium drive feel,” indicating significant chassis upgrades. The focus seems to be on refining the driving experience, with less emphasis on powertrain modifications.

Under the hood, the special edition is expected to retain the turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer engine found in all JDM-Spec Subaru WRX variants. Generating 271hp and 375Nm of torque, the engine is paired with a CVT automatic transmission, and power is transmitted to all four wheels through Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system.

Details about the WRX S4 STI Sport prototype will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, scheduled for January 12-14 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

All-New Toyota Alphard And Vellfire Launched In Japan

After months of teasing and speculating, Toyota has officially unveiled the all-new Alphard and Vellfire.

Sales have begun in Japan with the fourth-generation model available in two variations: an HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) and an ICE (internal combustion engine). In the future, a PHEV version will also be released as a part of the business’s strategy to become carbon neutral.

Exterior

Both MPVs have the same width (1,850 mm) and wheelbase (3,000 mm) but are longer than before (4,995 mm). Depending on the model and version, the height of the MPVs barely changes, ranging between 1,935 mm and 1,945 mm.

According to Toyota, these measurements are required to ensure that the MPVs adhere to the 5,000 mm length and 1,850 mm width limits of Japan’s standard automatic parking systems. Nevertheless, the development team was able to add 5 mm and 10 mm, respectively, to the distance between the front and second rows of seats and the second and third rows.