Takayanagi Miluira: A Retro-Styled, Pocket EV from Japan

In a world where “grown-up” EVs like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are all about numbers and specs, the little open-top Takayanagi Miluira from Japan doesn’t take itself very seriously. Featuring a design that resembles cars from the early 1900s, it measures just 2.18 meters (85.8 inches) in length and can only accommodate the driver.

The interior follows the vintage styling theme of the exterior, though we’re not sure if the material covering the steering column is real wood or plastic, but, in any case, it’s too “loud” as far as color and texture goes.

According to the manufacturer's website, the Miluira has a range of 35 km (22 miles) and can reach a top speed of 60 km/h or 37 mph. Both figures attest that the little EV could be used for short commutes, as long as the weather has no objections.

When the Miluira hits the market in 2011, it will be priced from 6.3 million yen or about $74.768. See, we told you that this car really isn't very serious... Even so, the Japanese EV is quite eye-catching and we wouldn’t mind taking one for a spin.

By Csaba Daradics

Source Takayanagi , Via: Treehugger

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It Came From Japan: Ferrari F40 Stretch Limousine

Pop quiz, hot shot; what’s better than a replica Ferrari F40? If you said an actual Ferrari F40, then you are dead wrong. The correct answer is a replica Ferrari F40 limousine. Fortunately (for us), such things actually exist.

So where would one find such an automotive monstrosity? In Japan, of course! You know, the country that brought us the Mitsuoka Orochi, melon flavored chocolate and a pillow shaped like a kneeling woman’s lap.

With an asking price of just ¥580 (US$6.90) - which is either a misprint or how much confidence the seller has in this vehicle’s worth - this remarkable collision of Japanese underpinnings and European style comes with a CD changer, air conditioning, power steering and windows, keyless entry, sunroof, ABS, an anti-theft system, 19-inch wheels and leather bucket seats. Not to mention the “hearty” 1.6 L powerplant under the hood.

Admittedly, it’s probably nothing more than a Honda Accord or Toyota Corolla under all that new bodywork (the seller says it's a 1989 model), but come on - for US$6.90, what did you expect? As always, take a look at our gallery and let us know your opinion in the comments section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: Goo-Net

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Nissan Leaf Debuts in Japan, Prices Start at 3mill Yen or $35k

With the 2011 Car of the Year Award secured, Nissan is rolling out the Leaf EV starting from Japan. The zero-emission electric hatch will go on sale in Japan on December 20th, followed shortly after by the U.S., while European customers will have to wait until later in 2011.

The base price in Japan has been set at 3,764,250 yen (US $45,000 at today’s exchange rates), with the consumption tax included. That’s a lot of money, but, fortunately for the Japanese, the EV is eligible for a 780,000-Yen government incentive, which brings down the cost to 2,984,250 yen or US $35,677.

It’s also fully exempt from the country's automobile acquisition tax and weight tax until fiscal year 2011. And that’s not all: as an EV that complies with the “Automobile Green Tax Scheme”, the Leaf’s automobile tax is reduced by 50% for a period of 12 months.

Nissan prepared a few convenient after-sales services as well. For a monthly rate of 1,500 yen (US $18), the company offers a “zero-emission support program”, which includes, among other things, maintenance, charging at Nissan dealers, discounts for Nissan rent-a-car services and emergency support.

Dealers can also provide a “one-stop service” simplifying the purchasing process and the preparation of a charging environment at the client’s residence.

Nissan says that, thanks to its 2,200-strong dealer network, there’s at least one quick-charge unit available within a 40-kilometer (25-mile) radius throughout the country. With a minimum range that’s at least four times that, the Leaf can be used as any other car, including for cross-country trips.

By Csaba Daradics

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New 2012 Toyota Yaris / Vitz to be Revealed on December 22, Returns 62.3mpg

Toyota Motor Corp. has confirmed the Japanese market launch date of its all-new Vitz supermini, which we will come to know as the Yaris. Seen for the first time through a series of leaked brochure shots that hit the interwebs earlier this year, the 2012 Vitz will be introduced in Japan on December 22. While Toyota did not say when it will blow the covers off the European and North American market Yaris, expect to see a world premiere at a major car show sometime next year.

The Japanese company said that aside from the edgier design language, the new subcompact will shine in terms of fuel efficiency with the 1.3-liter gasoline engine model, which features a start-stop system, returning up to 26.5km/lt, equal to 62.3 mpg US and 3.8lt/100km, with CO2 emissions of just 88g/km.

According to Toyota, the new Vitz will be the one of the most fuel-efficient models in its Japanese market range.

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New Subaru Trezia Adds Impreza Face to Toyota Verso-S MPV

Meet the all-new Trezia, the latest in a long line of Toyota models turned into Subarus as part of the ongoing partnership between the two Japanese automakers. It's essentially a rebadged version of the Toyota Verso-S (called Ractis in Japan), which was introduced in Europe at this year's Paris Motor Show.

The differences between the Trezia and its Verso-S twin are limited only to the Impreza-like front grille, the chrome treatment on the tailgate trim and of course, Subaru's logos. Everything else, including the interior and even the alloy wheel and hub cover designs remain unchanged.

Like the Toyota Ractis in Japan, the Trezia will offer buyers a choice of a 1.3-liter or a 1.5-liter engines as well as front- or all-wheel drive layouts. Prices in Japan range from 1.36 million Yen to 1.87 million Yen.

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