This year’s festival is particularly special as it marks NISMO’s 40th anniversary. Expect to see a parade of legendary machines like the NISMO 270R, the NISMO 400R, and the R34 GT-R Z-tune.

These icons will be joined by the latest in the NISMO road car lineup, ranging from the March NISMO to the high-performance Nissan GT-R NISMO.

Motorsport legends that have solidified NISMO’s reputation will grace the track for demonstration laps. Examples include the Nissan Formula E race car and the CNF-powered Super GT Nissan Z NISMO GT500 showcasing the future of racing technology.

Now in its 25th year, the NISMO Festival is a heartfelt fan appreciation event. The annual “NISMO Cars Parade Run” will feature a comprehensive lineup of NISMO models, past and present.

Race car exhibitions, driver talk shows, interactive experiences, and exclusive merchandise shops are all part of the package.

Takao Katagiri, the head of Nissan’s Motorsports Business Unit and president of NMC, added: “We are immensely grateful for the dedication of our fans over the past four decades. The longevity of the NISMO brand is a testament to this devoted community. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you at the festival.”

Further details and ticket information will be available this fall on the NISMO Festival website, so mark your calendars.

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Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has announced the addition of the “250” series to the Land Cruiser lineup in Japan. Alongside this, it has also released the special edition models ZX “First Edition” and VX “First Edition.” These special models are limited to a total of 8,000 units.

The all-new “250” series was created with the role and mission of supporting people’s lives by offering ease of handling based on strong off-road performance.

The development team set out to return the Land Cruiser Prado, which shifted toward high-end and luxury over time, to the light-duty model that customers have come to expect.

Under the keyword “back to the basics,” they defined the development concept as “The Land Cruiser: a vehicle that supports customers’ daily lives and one they can trust.”

With the same robust GA-F platform as the “300” series, the “250” series has pursued exceptional off-road performance. It is the first in the Land Cruiser lineup to feature electric power steering (EPS) and a Stabilizer with Disconnection Mechanism (SDM).

EPS reduces kickback during off-road driving, ensuring ease of handling whether on or off-road, while the SDM enables the front stabilizer state to be locked or unlocked at the touch of a button, delivering driving performance and ride comfort when off-road and handling stability when on-road.

The “250” series is available with two types of powertrains: a 2.8-litre direct injection turbodiesel engine with Direct Shift-8AT and a 2.7-litre petrol engine with 6 Super ECT.

The 2.8-litre turbodiesel offers up a maximum of 500Nm of torque from 1,600-2,800rpm, while the 2.7-litre petrol engine puts down 163hp and 246Nm of torque.

Power is sent to all four wheels by a full-time 4WD with TORSEN limited-slip differential (LSD) on the centre differential. The electric rear differential lock provides powerful off-road driving performance on rough roads, while the degree of freedom in front and rear driving torque distribution has been expanded to achieve even greater driving stability.

The “250” series adopts the traditional wheelbase of 2,850mm from the Land Cruiser “80” series with a body size of 4,925mm in length and 1,980mm in width. 408 litres of luggage space is available, and the second and third rows of seats can be folded to liberate more carrying capacity.

The special edition ZX “First Edition” and VX “First Edition,” which were designed with the spirit of returning to the origin of the Land Cruiser, are being sold to commemorate the launch of the “250” series. A total of 8,000 units will be sold.

The ZX “First Edition” is based on the ZX turbodiesel, and includes special equipment such as round Bi-Beam LED headlights, matte black painted aluminium wheels, and 18-inch off-road tyres to emphasize its return to its roots.

The VX “First Edition” is based on the VX petrol and turbodiesel versions, and features an exclusive Sand exterior colour and Dark Chestnut interior colour. Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate with advanced functions are also available to further enhance safety and security equipment.

To support customers in customizing their Land Cruisers into their own unique vehicles, they can now choose interior and exterior items from both JAOS and Toy-Factory brands in addition to Toyota genuine parts and MODELLISTA parts.

Photo Credits: Toyota

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Aston Martin continues its ultra-luxury retail strategy and investment in customer experience with the opening of a new landmark location in one of the most sophisticated luxury capitals of the world, Tokyo.

Following on from the opening of the brand’s first global flagship location, Q New York, in 2023, Aston Martin today opens the doors to Aston Martin Ginza, a new state-of-the-art showroom within the prestigious luxury hotel, The Peninsula Tokyo. 

The first showroom in Asia to fully embrace the ultra-luxury brand’s refreshed corporate identity, the new two-storey landmark location boasts an impressive area of 324 square metres.

This accommodates the display of three iconic Aston Martin models, a large digital media wall and a stunning customer lounge, allowing clients to create their own intimately personal Aston Martin.

Forming part of Aston Martin’s continued expansion in Japan, the ultra-luxury showroom seeks to capitalise on growing retail demand for Aston Martin in recent years, helped by the strong local appetite for the supercar of SUV’s, DBX707 and excitement for Aston Martin’s next generation of sports cars, including the multi-award-winning DB12 and new Vantage. 

Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin, said, “Tokyo is one of the most important centres of luxury in the world. Having been the number one city location for new Aston Martin sales in 2023, we are delighted to double our retail presence with this stunning new landmark showroom in the five-star hotel, The Peninsula Tokyo.”

“Reminiscent of our first global flagship location in New York City, the state-of-the-art showroom highlights the investment being made in our ultra-luxury retail and customer experience strategy, with further flagship locations and landmark showrooms planned across our retail network.”

“With two fantastic locations and some of our strongest market penetration within the luxury segment, Tokyo holds huge growth potential for Aston Martin. With a goal to provide the highest levels of customer experience available in the luxury segment, we are on a mission to share our passion for the Aston Martin brand with the people of Japan.”

“Helped by the introduction of amazing, market-leading products, we see huge potential for Aston Martin to build on its existing loyal customer base in Japan. We are excited by the opportunities for Aston Martin Ginza, which is located at the centre of one of the key luxury destinations within Tokyo,” said Ken Arai, Company President of GRAZ Automotive Holdings which will operate Aston Martin Ginza.

“Putting the customer at the heart of our dealership experience, we look forward to providing a warm welcome to Aston Martin Ginza.”

Recognising the growing trend of personalisation across the luxury segment and building on the success of Q New York, the Aston Martin Ginza brings the pinnacle of the Q by Aston Martin bespoke service to Japan, providing a sanctuary for clients in Tokyo to create their own intimately personal Aston Martin. 

In 2023, Q by Aston Martin achieved unparalleled success, experiencing a 36% global growth year-on-year. Capitalising on the prevailing trend of personalisation within the realm of luxury goods, the growth of Aston Martin’s bespoke service has been further propelled by the introduction of exclusive limited-edition products, such as the iconic DBR22, the awe-inspiring DBS770 Ultimate, and the extraordinary Aston Martin Valkyrie and Valour. 

Ginza, one of the most popular commercial districts in Tokyo, is not only home to many major commercial facilities and flagship stores of luxury brands, but it is also one of Tokyo’s richest historical neighbourhoods, comprised of many successful multi-generational businesses and the world-famous Kabuki Theatre.

The Peninsula Tokyo, which faces the Imperial Palace and Hibiya Park from its prestigious location in the Marunouchi area, immediately adjacent to the entrance to Ginza, has for nine consecutive years received the highest five-star rating in the hotel category from the Forbes Travel Guide.

Mark J. Choon, Managing Director of The Peninsula Tokyo, added: “We are privileged to welcome the ultra-luxury British brand, Aston Martin, to the Peninsula Tokyo in Ginza, and to be part of a captivating blend of Japanese tradition and modernity. We look forward to welcoming Aston Martin’s owners with our legendary Peninsula Hospitality.”

Photo Credits: Aston Martin

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The all-new 2025 INFINITI QX80 resets the full-size luxury SUV segment benchmark. It brings together an understated yet detailed style, intelligently integrated technology and a commanding, effortless driving experience.

As the flagship of the lineup and the first new model in INFINITI’s product renaissance, the all-new QX80 delivers extraordinary comfort, convenience and technology for all three rows.

The exterior embodies Artistry in Motion. In front, QX80 wears the newest iteration of the signature INFINITI double-arch grille complementing the illuminated INFINITI emblem, which now has a more three-dimensional appearance.

In a nod to the Japanese principle of thoughtful hospitality, the all-new QX80 features a dramatic welcome sequence that includes activation of the available INFINITI Light Path, and flush door handles that automatically extend when approaching the vehicle with the key fob.

In the interior, QX80’s dashboard concept uses two 14.3-inch displays. The latest INFINITI inTouch system comes with Google built-in, so that Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant are the latest available to further make the drive comfortable.

A separate, 9-inch touchscreen mounted below provides convenient control of all climate functions, as well as front seat heating or cooling operations and a selection of QX80’s drive modes.

A segment-first technology, available Biometric Cooling, helps keep the second row at a comfortable temperature. An infrared sensor integrated into the vehicle’s headliner detects when a passenger is hot and near-instantly adjusts the temperature and air flow to send cool air to the second row.

In addition, Front Wide View9, a world-first technology, uses cameras to provide a wide view of the sides of the vehicle across both 14.3-inch displays. Similarly, innovative functions include Invisible Hood View, which uses advanced image processing to take footage from the vehicle’s exterior
cameras to project an image of what’s directly in front of the vehicle onto the in-car displays, and the Journey Diary function can capture photos or videos from the forward-facing camera to share on social platforms.

The Klipsch premium audio system, another segment-first technology, is on the QX80. Lighting can also help set the mood with 64-color Personalized Ambient Lighting, incorporated within the dashboard and doors.

All models feature a standard VR35DDTT 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged engine, rated for 450hp and 702Nm of torque. Complementing the new engine is a 9-speed automatic transmission with a 40% wider gear-ratio range, allowing for both responsive acceleration and efficient highway cruising.

Also, the available Electronic Air Suspension and Dynamic Digital Suspension further refine the ride and handling of the QX80. The air suspension lowers by 30.5mm at speed for aerodynamic improvements. When parked, it can lower by 71mm from normal to an Easy Access level, significantly easing the ingress and egress of passengers or loading or unloading baggage.

For use in more rugged terrain, an off-road setting raises the air suspension 61mm above the QX80’s normal ride height. The Dynamic Digital Suspension allows constant measuring of the vehicle’s motion, helping automatically regulate damping force with electronically controlled capability.

Additional ride and handling enhancements include a frame with 58% greater lateral stiffness versus the preceding QX80 and the adoption of an electric power steering rack, which has 300% increased torsional stiffness and facilitates advanced driver assistance features.

As standard, the QX80 includes an extensive list of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including ProPILOT Assist 2.1, applied to INFINITI models for the first time, that elevates the experience by allowing attentive drivers to take their hands off the wheel in certain freeway driving scenarios.

The QX80 is expected to reach US retailers later this summer with a starting MSRP of US$82,400. Other markets with an appetite for humongous SUVs such as the Middle East would probably also see the QX80 sold in their region.

Photo Credits: Nissan/INFINITI

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Dedicated to “pursuing the ultimate driving pleasure,” the GT-R R35, affectionately known as ‘Godzilla’, has steadily evolved since debuting in 2007 as Nissan’s flagship super sports car.

Premium Edition Godzillas are available in six grades – Pure Edition, Black Edition, Premium Edition, Premium Edition T-Spec, Track Edition engineered by NISMO, and Track Edition engineered by NISMO T-Spec.

The Premium Edition T-spec and the Track Edition engineered by NISMO incorporate high precision weight-balanced piston rings, connecting rods and crankshafts, previously only available in the NISMO Special Edition, for snappier revs and faster turbo spooling.

Both models also feature GT-R-exclusive aluminium takumi certification name plates as well as gold-coloured model number plates in the engine compartment. The Premium Edition is available with a special new interior colour, Blue Heaven.

Two NISMO variants will also be available – the NISMO, and the NISMO Special Edition.

All editions come with Nissan’s six-speed dual-clutch transmission with all-wheel drive and are Japan-market only or JDM as known in enthusiast circles.

Although orders can now be placed at Nissan dealers and Nissan High Performance Centres in Japan, production is limited and Nissan says that some orders might not be accepted.

We don’t know of anyone crazy enough to parallel import this new Godzilla into Singapore. Given the new vehicle tax and emissions structures currently in place, a base-model Pure Edition could likely cost close to $500,000 once COE is also factored into the equation.

For context, that’s double or more what Godzilla cost to own in Singapore when it first came out in 2007. Let’s not even talk about what the NISMO variants would cost to bring to Singapore.

The Nissan GT-R online catalogue can be perused here.

Photo Credits: Nissan

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Born in 1983 as the “Tokyo Exciting Car Show,” the now famous Tokyo Auto Salon motorshow has blossomed into the crème de la crème of tuning culture, a must-attend rendezvous for anyone with gasoline in their veins.

Each year is like a box of chocolates at the Tokyo Auto Salon – you never know what you’re going to get.

The diversity is staggering, a smorgasbord of styles and innovations that cater to every taste, whether you’re into sleek racers or quirky, tricked-out rides. 

If you’re planning a visit, brace yourself for the crowds. This year’s event was a record-breaker, drawing a whopping 230,073 attendees.

With 378 exhibitors showcasing 893 vehicles, the event is a treasure trove of automotive marvels spread across 4,329 booths. Let’s not forget the goodies – the aisles are lined with everything from snazzy stickers to exclusive collectables.

From the classics to the latest tech, the Tokyo Auto Salon is a haven for car aficionados.

While tuning giants like HKS and Blitz have taken a step back from full builds, they still dazzle with their array of bolt-on upgrades for fan favourites like the Nissan GT-R and the GR86/BRZ.

It’s not just the modding maestros that steal the show; major car manufacturers roll out their big guns too.

This year, Toyota revved up the crowd with their revamped GR Yaris, while Suzuki turned heads with their sprightly new Swift.

For those who breathe octane, TAS is an experience, a pilgrimage to the Mecca of car culture. The buzz, the innovation, the sheer spectacle of it all – it’s something you’ve got to witness firsthand.

As the halls empty out, one thing’s for sure – I’ll be back. See you at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2025!

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The Toyota Land Cruiser, now 72 years old, has been a staple of the rough and tumble worldwide. Remember, the Aussies have a saying that goes something like, “if you want to head bush, take a Land Rover. But if you want to come back out again, take a Land Cruiser.”

Toyota’s legendary reliability and simplicity meant that the Land Cruiser rarely broke down, and when it did, it was relatively easy to fix with a rock and some string while deep off the beaten track. And when talking about Land Cruisers going off the beaten track, people often think of scenes such as these:

The image one would have in mind is likely that of the Land Cruiser 70 Series, which was launched in 1984 as a heavy-duty model primarily
for commercial use and in harsh environments. And so, in 2023, Toyota has re-introduced the Land Cruiser 70, albeit for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) only.

Featuring a 2.8-litre direct-injection turbo diesel engine that puts out 204hp and 500Nm of torque, this new 70 Series will not be left wanting in the rough and tumble of nature.

Its superb abilities off the beaten track primarily derive from a six-speed automatic transmission that’s mated to a part-time selectable four-wheel drive (4WD) system featuring electronic differential locks, and everything’s mounted to a tough ladder frame.

Aiding these foundational aspects of the Land Cruiser 70 are an array of driving and braking control systems, including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

On the inside, this 70 Series seats five and features cavernous cargo capacity in the back. Also equipped are Back Monitor and Toyota Safety Sense which features the new Pre-crash Safety, auto-control lighting, and drive-start control functions for greater peace of mind.

Being basic and straightforward is what makes the Land Cruiser 70 perfectly suited for the rough and tumble.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price or MSRP is JPY4,800,000 plus applicable local fees and taxes (accurate at the time of this article). Toyota expects a production volume of 400 units per month.

Given this number, we won’t be surprised if this Land Cruiser 70 becomes available in other markets through grey-import channels IF Toyota decides to keep the 70 Series JDM-only.

We certainly hope to see a few units running around in Singapore, although not in mountain climbing as the image above suggests. Maybe Bukit Timah Hill and Mount Faber negotiating-guise.

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2023 marks 110 years since founder Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford officially formed the partnership that went on to create the first Aston Martin car, igniting more than a century of ultra-luxury high performance sports cars, cutting-edge innovation, and high-octane racing success.

Celebrating this momentous achievement is Aston Martin Arcadia, which will feature 110 of the most unique and prized Aston Martins from across the globe, including special, limited edition sportscars from Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon, UK, and the prized collections of passionate Aston Martin owners from across the Asia Pacific region.

Gregory Adams, Regional President – Asia said, “we are very proud to host our first ASTON MARTIN ARCADIA event in Japan to commemorate our 110th anniversary.”

“The first-of-its-kind event promises to be a special three days where we can celebrate our past, present and a glimpse into our future with the likes of Aston Martin Valhalla being displayed to our passionate customers in Asia. The iconic line-up of 110 cars showcases our passion for performance, technology, impeccable craftsmanship and exceptional design and I can’t wait to warmly welcome our owners, fans and community.”

This event is also designed to bring together Aston Martin owners from across the Asia Pacific region will take place in Japan from Friday 17 November to Sunday 19 November 2023. Here’s the itinerary.

Friday, November 17 and the morning of Saturday, November 18 @ The temple of Senso-ji, Tokyo 

The Concours d’Elegance will include a selection of the most esteemed Aston Martins spanning a century of the British brand’s history, with everything from heritage cars through to the latest ultra-luxury high performance models that Aston Martin has to offer.

The lineup of vehicles will also include unique models such as the first mid-engine hybrid Valhalla, a replica 2023 Aston Martin Formula One car, the thrilling open cockpit DBR22, and the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation. The Concours d’Elegance entrants will be examined by respected judges from Japan and the UK who will assess the vehicles on criteria including elegance and beauty.

Across both days, the event will be open to the public to revel in the glory of Aston Martin’s finest sportscars, with an award ceremony scheduled for the morning of November 18. Following the award ceremony, an owners’ parade is planned at a venue near Tokyo.

Saturday, November 18 @ Fuji Speedway Hotel

A Gala Dinner and charity auction will welcome a limited number of Aston Martin’s owners from across Japan and other countries within the wider Asia Pacific region. 

Sunday, November 19 @ Fuji Speedway

The track day will be the largest ever Aston Martin track gathering in the Asia-Pacific region. The event will begin with a grid walk, followed by a driving session for each model/category.

A museum of vintage vehicles is also planned for the pit lane. The event will be open to the public.

More details can be found on the Aston Martin Arcadia website.

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Another day, another SUV. This time, it’s from Lexus.

The Japanese marque is set to launch a new SUV, dubbed the LBX, that will join the ranks of the UX, NX and RX models. Lexus has not revealed much thus far, only mentioning a reveal debut date on 5 June 2023 in Milan, Italy.

Other than that, they have not released any further official details, aside from two teaser images. One image depicts the rear of the car, showing its taillights positioned fairly high up.

The other gives us a glimpse of the LBX’s front fascia, looking similar to the Lexus RX which was introduced not too long ago. Seems like Lexus is trying to unify its SUV lineup, giving each model sleek looks and a futuristic facade. If the LBX is anything to go by, it would probably be represented as a mini-me to the existing Lexus RX.

We’ll have to wait till the 5th of June to get more updates. Stay tuned!

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And there are lots of reasons to like this new model. The latest Nissan X-Trail comes with upgraded features, advanced technologies, and improved performance.

Electrified generator

For those who are not familiar with the e-POWER platform, the petrol engine serves as a generator to produce electricity, while electric motors power the car. 

The Nissan X-Trail is also the first e-POWER model to come with the new e-4ORCE system, an all-wheel-control system with twin electric motors that deliver massive torque, stability, and agility. It also provides optimal traction, minimises wheel slippage, and enables smooth starting and driving even in slippery conditions.

One pedal driving, or e-Pedal in Nissan speak, is one new creature comfort feature in the new X-Trail, transforming the accelerator pedal into both an accelerator and a brake. This way, you don’t have to shuffle your leg during traffic jams.

As with most new cars on the market today, the Nissan X-Trail comes with advanced safety technologies that provide the driver with confidence, security, and peace of mind on the road. For instance, the intelligent forward collision warning system detects potential obstacles on the road and alerts the driver in advance to prevent accidents.

Elevated cabin

Screens galore in the cabin of the all-new X-Trail e-POWER, with three large interior display screens – a 12.3-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, a 12.3-inch NissanConnect navigation system, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The interior is fully decked out in black premium leather upholstery, and an option is available to upgrade to amber-coloured Nappa leather. If we reference other Nissan e-POWER models, the Nappa leather is an item that customers should really get. It’s that good.

Modern, muscular styling

The exterior styling of the new 4th-gen X-Trail has been styled very much in line with Nissan’s current design language, with elements such as the floating two-tone roof, V-motion grille, and blockier proportions all resulting in a more imposing road presence compared to its predecessor. As seen on the Qashqai unveiled earlier this year, the headlight cluster on the X-trail appears to be moulded within the bodywork. At the rear, split taillights allow for a wider trunk opening. 

The new X-Trail will be available in 10 body colours with 5 two-tone combinations, a welcome sight that gives customers more to choose from, instead of the usual monochromatic colour palette a lot of modern cars tend to offer.

Interested?

The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER is now available for test drives and bookings, with a retail price starting from $254,800 (accurate at the time of this article).

Early bird specials include complimentary ceramic coating, 12 months of free road tax, $1,000 worth of petrol vouchers, a special trade-in booster of up to $33,000, and up to 50,000km of free servicing.

Interested buyers can visit the Nissan showrooms or this highlighted text to learn more about the car and its features.

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