Mitsubishi previews its Latio fighter

Mitsubishi Concept G4

What ths is is Mitsubishi's vision of an upcoming compact sedan that competes to the likes of the Nissan Latio sedan. It's called the Concept G4 and it uses the present day Mirage compact as its foundation and it's another one of the Thai eco cars.

Details remain light for now but Mitsubishi says that the G4's design leaves a sharp impression as it drives off into the distance.

Story: http://paultan.org/2013/03/26/mitsubishi-concept-g4-global-sedan/

The end of an era for Sergio Pininfarina

Very sad moment to hear one of the finest in the automotive industry is gone without a reason. Now, we heard that famed car designer, Sergio Pininfarina, passed away at the age of 85.

Back in 1966, Sergio took over the Pininfarina when his father passed away. During his reign, Pininfarina was collaborated with other car makers such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Chevrolet, Bentley, Volvo, and others even the Hyundai Lavita MPV.

PRESS RELEASE:

Turin, July 3 2012 - Life Senator Sergio Pininfarina, Honorary Chairman of the Pininfarina Group, passed away last night at his home in Turin. Until the last moment his wife Giorgia and sons Lorenza and Paolo were close to him.

The Board of Directors and the Company gather around the family in the undying memory of the entrepreneurial figure of Sergio Pininfarina, who led the Company for many years with steady hand bringing the business in the world, following the tradition of elegance and style constantly renewed with the highest standards of innovation and harmonious beauty.

Sergio Pininfarina was born in Turin on September 8, 1926. He graduated in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic of Torino in 1950, then he began his career in the family firm, Carrozzeria Pinin Farina; in 1960, he undertook the responsibility of General Manager of the firm; in 1961 he became also Managing Director and in 1966, at his father's death, he took over the Chairmanship of the Company; in 2006 he became Honorary Chairman. In 1961, the President of the Italian Republic, Giovanni Gronchi, changed by decree the name Farina in Pininfarina. In 2005 he was appointed Life Senator for honouring the Country by high merits in the social field.

Among the most significant stages of his activity in Pininfarina: from 1955 to 1958, the planning and the construction of new facilities at Grugliasco (Torino); the construction of the new Studies and Research Centre inaugurated in 1966; in 1972, the Wind Tunnel on 1:1 scale started its activities, the first in Italy and one of the few in the world; in 1979, Pininfarina took the form of an holding Company; in 1982, a new company "Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche S.p.A." was settled at Cambiano (Torino); in 1986, a new plant in San Giorgio Canavese - near Turin - started operating; in the same year, Pininfarina successfully entered the Italian Stock Exchange; in 1986, with the setting up the company "Pininfarina Extra S.r.l.", the Pininfarina Group enlarged its design activities towards all the areas of the industrial design, beyond the traditional one of the means of transport; in 1987 a new plant in Bairo Canavese is acquired; in 1991 "Pininfarina Deutschland GmbH" was set up; in 2002 it is inaugurated in Cambiano the new Engineering Centre; in 2003 the incorporation of the new Company "Pininfarina Sverige AB".

Main past positions include:

From 1974 to 1977 he has been professor of "Car Body Design" at the Polytechnic of Torino. President of the Industrial Association of Torino (1978-1984);

Member of the European Parliament (1979-1988);

President of the Federation of Industrial Associations of Piedmont (1983-1988);

President of International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (1987-1989);

President of Confindustria (1988-1992);

Board Member of AUME (Association for the Monetary Union of Europe, 1989-1997);

Vice President of UNICE (Union of Industrial and Employers' Confederations of Europe, 1990-1994);

President of Comitato Leonardo - Italian Quality Committee (1993-1996);

Co-President of "Comitato per la Direttrice Ferroviaria Europea Transpadana" (1991-2001);

President of Banca CRT (2001-2002);

Chief of the Italian delegation in the Intergovernmental Italian- French Commission for the new high-speed railway link between Lyon and Turin (2001-2005);

Chairman FIDIA S.p.A. (1996-2006);

Co-President Italy-Japan Business Group (2004-2007);

Chairman Editrice La Stampa S.p.A. (2004-2008);

Member of the Board of Directors of Ferrari S.p.A. (1969-2011).

Sergio Pininfarina received numerous honours. The main are: he was appointed "Cavaliere del Lavoro" by the President of the Italian Republic (1976); Légion d'Honneur (Chevalier, 1979, and Officier, 1997), "Honorary Royal Designer for Industry" (1983), Foreign Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (1988), Designer Lifetime Achievement Award (1991), Super Trophée de l'"Automobile Magazine" (1992), "Guglielmo Tagliacarne" award (1994) , the "Italy in the World" award (1994), the Career Award Compasso d'Oro (1995), the "France-Italie" Award (1997), "Lion d'Oro" (1998), "Trophée du design" (1998), Premio Leonardo (1999), "Head of the Century in the International Automotive Hall of Fame" (2001), the award "Torino libera" (2001), Business and Culture Award (2003), Palme d'Or du Festival Automobile International (2005), Automotive Hall of Fame of Dearborn, Michigan (2007); European Automotive Hall of Fame of Geneva (2008).

He received 4 Honorary Degrees: in 1993 the Honorary Degree in Economics and Commerce by the LUISS-Rome; in 2002 the one of the Royal College of Art of London and the one in Industrial Design of the Polytechnic of Milano; in 2004 the one as Doctor of Fine Arts from the College for Creative Studies-CCS of Detroit;

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/legendary-designer-sergio-pininfarina-passes-away/

Honda NSX Concept in Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama

2012 Honda NSX Concept

In case you haven't know, at February 4 to 5, Honda made a special Japan premiere of the 2012 Honda NSX Concept at the Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama. It looks the same as the 2012 Acura NSX Concept as seen at the 2012 NAIAS but the Acura badges are swapped with Honda badges to be more Japanese.

Scoop: http://www.honda.co.jp/welcome-plaza/event/2012/20120204/

Video from LOVECARS Web Automotive Club:

Suzuki XA Alpha Concept has one thing...

2012 Suzuki XA Alpha Concept

As seen on the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, the Suzuki XA Alpha Concept is an off-roader design study that questions one thing...

Is this the next-generation Jimny or is it something else? Something's bothering us now...

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/is-this-the-next-generation-suzuki-jimny

Takeri

2011 Mazda Takeri Concept

To be on display at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show at the end of the year, the Mazda Takeri concept follows the tradition of the new Kodo -Soul of Motion- design philosophy that was applied on the Mazda Shinari Concept last year. Needless to say that this concept sedan looks as good as the Shinari and the SKYACTIV technology fits well to provide three steps; idling stop, regenerative braking, and electric drive technology that we get from hybrids.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2011-takeri_concept/

Le Traction Utilitaire Basse du futur

2011 Citroen Tubik Concept

Oh my...

The Citroen Tubik Concept, to be unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show this month, showcases the future of the Citroen TUB van. It is part of Citroen's Multicity Project that shows the future of mobility.

Could the Tubik concept hints us the future of Citroen commercial vans or is it just for explanations. For me, one look of the Tubik concept's face looks like a gas mask. (Laugh). I can almost imagining why would Citroen made such a odd-looking concept car that shows the future of mobility...

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/citroen/2011-tubik_concept/

Urban Zone

2011 Audi Urban Concept

2011 Audi Urban Spyder Concept

Nope, I'm not referring to some show on ABS-CBN. I'm referring to the two Audi Urban Concepts revealed ahead from their world premiere at Frankfurt.

Both the Audi Urban Concept and the Audi Urban Spyder Concept are a 1+1 sports car study that shows the principles of lightweight construction, efficiency, and reduction. These concept cars are powered with two e-tron electric motors and a Li-ion battery which is great for city driving.

This is the future of eco driving according to Audi...

Born Electric

BMW Concept i8 and BMW Concept i3

BMW Concept i8 and BMW Concept i3 previews the newest electric cars from BMW under the BMW i Brand, which provides zero emissions and good for the environment. Both the i8 and the i3 will be produced and on sale in the year 2013 worldwide.

The i3 is more of a city compact electric car while the i8 is an electric sportscar. Never realized that BMW renamed this concept from Vision EfficientDynamics Concept to BMW Concept i8.

They'll be making a world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

What do you think?

The first bite of FT-86

Song played on my Personal BGM: Freaky by Koda Kumi

From the Album: Kingdom

The FT-86 Concept burns through the streets of Madrid

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota unveiled the FT-86 Concept to the public and this concept sports car draws a vision of what will the 21st century Hachiroku will look like. IT was a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (makers of Subaru cars) and it pays homage to the Sprinter Trueno AE86, one of the most popular Toyota sports cars in the past. With Toyota Motor Corporation having close ties with the Gran Turismo franchise, they decided to immortalize the FT-86 Concept as one of the playable cars of this game. Since this is utterly new, it was listed as a Premium Tier car.

Testing its capabilities at Fuji Speedway

Most GT5 players already have one of these future Toyota sports car because it is attainable by winning the FR Challenge at the Beginners Series A-Spec. When fully tuned, the FT86 Concept can go as much as 374HP/8700rpm worth of power output, 239ft-lb/7400rpm of torque output, weighs 890kg, and 516 Performance Points. That was from mine so results may vary.

TOKYO DRIFT!

For those who think that the FT86 Concept is not good enough because turbo is not its necessity, the FT86 G Sports Concept is their turbocharged alternative. Appeared at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon as part of launching Toyota's new G Sports (G's) line-up, the FT86 G Sports Concept is a revision of the FT86 Concept but with some aggressive touches such as the carbon fiber hood, sporty G Sports rims, and a rear spoiler that fits well to be called the "Takumi Fujiwara" of the future.

Resting its engine at Lucerne Chapel Bridge

Most of them already have one because they won it as a prize car at the FR Challenge B-Spec race. Once fully tuned, the FT86 G Sports Concept can achieve 382HP/7900rpm of power, 255ft-lb/7400rpm of torque, weighs 910kg, and it has 517 Performance Points. Not quite good with its statistics but it sure is a collector's item. Little known fact that the FT86 G Sports Concept comes with the Maziora paint that is uniquely pearlescent (GT5 calls it Color Shift) and it comes 9 Maziora colors such as Maziora Everest, Maziora McKenley, Maziora Matterhorn, Maziora Mazeran, Maziora Seyfert, Maziora Trapezium, Maziora Plreadesll, Maziora Andromeda, and Maziora Andromedall. Think you can collect them all if one FT86 G Sports Concept costs 500,000 credits? If not, you still have a chance getting one of those paint jobs as a log-in bonus. Probability can be 5%.

Brothers in arms

They're showing it who's got the nerve
to be on the production line!

Having both the FT86 concept and the FT86 G Sports concept immortalized on GT5 is such a great idea because both Toyota Motor Corporation and Gran Turismo have close ties. As in real life, when will they come out in production form? Time will tell but in the meantime, you have to make do with these concept Toyota sports cars on GT5.

XV Concept - The next Impreza XV?

Subaru XV Concept '11

"Could that be the next Impreza XV?!"

At the Auto Shanghai 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries unveiled the Subaru XV Concept, hinting a possible crossover at Subaru.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/auto-shanghai-2011-subaru-s-crossover-concept-unveiled

In my understanding, the XV Concept in Shanghai is actually a crossover hatchback version of the Subaru Impreza Concept as seen on Los Angeles late last year. With the next Impreza making its New York debut this year, my understanding is, could the XV Concept be possibly be the next Impreza XV?!

The Next GS?

Lexus LF-Gh Concept '11

Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled the concept premium hybrid sedan, the LF-Gh (Lexus Future Grand Touring Hybrid), ahead from its New York debut!

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/lexus-unveils-lf-gh-ahead-of-new-york-debut/

The question was, could this be the next Lexus GS?!

New Beginning of Another 100 Years

GM Korea Mi-Ray Concept '11

On the press day of the 2011 Seoul Motor Show, GM Korea Company (formerly GM Daewoo Auto and Technology), the Korean arm of General Motors, unveiled a concept sports car called Mi-Ray. Mi-Ray is derived from the Korean word "Mirae" meaning "future", which the Japanese word for "future" is "mirai" as well.

This is a new beginning of another 100 years for Chevrolet. For GM Korea, this is how the future shape up for the global American car maker reaching its centennial anniversary.

With the Chevrolet brand introduced to the Korean market and replacing the Daewoo nameplate, I think it was such a good idea for Mike Arcamone, the CEO of GM Korea Company.

For 100 years, Chevrolet runs deep. In South Korea;

"Chevrolet is the car."

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/seoul-motor-show-chevrolet-unveils-mi-ray-concept-car

An edge closer to become reality

2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept

Back in the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled the FT-86 Concept car. The design study follows what will the next Toyota sports car would look like. Of course, due to closer ties between Toyota and Gran Turismo, this concept car was featured in Gran Turismo 5 either a prize car or purchasable car. The FT-86 concept marks the partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and Fuji Heavy Industries (maker of Subaru vehicles) and it was slated for production early next year.

In the 81st International Motor Show at Geneva, Switzerland,Toyota Motor Corporation beefs up the FT-86 even further with the introduction of the second chapter of the FT-86 concept car called the "FT-86 II Concept", a design study that is almost there to become reality.

2011 Toyota FT-86 II Concept

In celebration of its Geneva debut, Gran Turismo TV pulled the wraps for the concept movie seeing how the FT 86-II behaves in the world of Gran Turismo. That was the coolest image movie I've ever saw.

Check out the FT-86 II Concept in action at:

http://us.gran-turismo.com/us/news/d5563.html

Who knows, the FT-86 II Concept will be soon be featured on the next GT5 update!

Minagi

Mazda Minagi Concept sketch

Mazda's Kodo -Soul of Motion- Design just get even more advanced since the reveal of the Shinari concept last year at the Mondial D' Automobile in Paris, France. Now, looks like this is the sketch of the upcoming Mazda concept crossover coming at the 2011 International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, under the name of MINAGI.

Minagi? Looks like why most Mazda concept cars are in Japanese names and they did it again! It's even hard to Google Translate the alphabetic word "Minagi" from English to Japanese.

I have a funny feeling that the Minagi name was derived from some character in the anime, Air, but what's MINAGI?

The Minagi is part of the Kodo -Soul of Motion- design philosophy and this concept's going to debut in Geneva this March!

Powerhouse of Proton Concepts at the 2010 KLIMS!

Just like Lotus showing off a powerhouse of concept cars at the Paris Motor Show 2010, Malaysian automaker Proton unveiled a powerhouse of five concept cars at this year's Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.

2010 Proton Tuah Concept

2010 Proton Lukiu Concept

2010 Proton Lekir Concept

2010 Proton Katsuri Concept

2010 Proton Jebat Concept

First was the Tuah Concept, a medium sedan concept that if once heads to production, it will ruin the Kia Forte and Hyundai Avante MD for sure. 

Second was the Lekiu Concept, a crossover based on the Proton Exora MPV. 

Third was the Lekir Concept. Eh? A Proton Concept Sports Car based on the axed Lotus Europa? I know that the Europa is gone, but why they would made such a too-little, too-late, concept car based on some axed British sports car? Never mind, still it looks handsome.

Fourth was the Katsuri Concept. I'm not sure about this concept car but it hints on the Proton Saga's minor change coming to Malaysia since the Saga MC unveiled at the Thai Motor Expo 2010. 

Last but truly my favorite, the Jebat Concept, a sportier concept sedan based on the recently launched, Mitsubishi Lancer EX-based, Inspira sedan. I love the way it looks. So cool!

These concept cars were named after the Malaccan Hang (warrior) in Malaysian history. It represents Malaysian quality for the brand and shapes up the brand's image. If most of these go into production, best to hide our cars!

Photo: Paultan.org

Corsa Bingo!

The kind of Corsa is some kind of a Corsa that made us yell bingo! Opel's UK subsidiary brand, Vauxhall, outfitted the Vauxhall Corsa (the pre-facelift version) with loads of bingo balls and the body is wrapped with some bingo sheet, kinda like the bingo cars all piled up.

Called the Corsa Bingo Ball Special, this is some kind of an art car to be displayed at the Vauxhall Bingo Club at Manchester this December 1st.

Whoever says Bingo, gets one of these specially designed Corsa.

The Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (formerly known as the Opel Vita in Japan until Opel's Japanese demise in 2006) is a compact car that is more of an eco car targeted for the European market. there will be a minor change coming next year!

If I were living in Great Britain, I would have to get the free ticket quick because up to 500 people can get it.

Scoop:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/26/can-a-vauxhall-play-bingo-well-of-corsa-it-can/

What to learn from the Kodo design...

When Mazda introduced the Shinari concept sedan to the public in Milan, Italy, this concept car gave birth of the brand's new design language, KODO.

Just what is a Kodo design? After the success of the Nagare design from concepts to production cars (Atenza, Biante, Axela, new Premacy), this new Kodo design implemented on the Shinari concept represents the "Soul of Motion".

Soul of motion? Everyone has a "Soul of motion" to keep themselves motivated. This concept car's new design philosophy "Soul of motion" depicts the way we, car enthusiasts, react.

Deciding which production car will wear the new face is a hard decision, but this new Kodo design philosophy is much more majestic than the previous Nagare design.

Imagine a Mazda car armed with the Kodo design and the future SKY engine. This results to a much greater purpose...

Ah...the soul of motion. Everyone has their own soul of motion.

The next Impreza?!

Could this be the next Impreza?! As I know, this is a 2010 Subaru Impreza Concept as seen in this year's Los Angeles Auto Show.

This is kinda awkward that this could be the next Impreza in the future, but AFAIK, Subaru tries to implement its new design philosophy under the  Confidence in Motion strategy.

It is a concept, but with that new trademark design, what production car will Subaru strike first with this?!

Possible targets:

The battle of the "Korean car designs"

With the "Peter Schreyer design" plunged all over Kia Motors since the face-lifted Lotze/Optima/Magentis takes place since June 2008, and the fluidic sculpture from Hyundai taken the new role since the face-lifted Verna/Accent Korean Domestic Model sedan takes place since last year of June, most car enthusiasts with the passion of Korean cars can't tell the difference which Korean car design will prevail. To the eyes of the enthusiast, one must think about which design will win....

BUT WHICH WILL PREVAIL?

Kia's new Peter Schreyer design?

or

Hyundai's fluidic sculpture?

Before you decide, here are some explanations on both of these designs:

From the Kia side, when Peter Schreyer takes place as the new design chief of Kia Motors, he revolutionize Kia's new design platform with the form of the H-grille. It was introduced on some concept cars and production models such as this:

and on the Hyundai side, the fluidic sculpture is an abundance on most concept cars in past auto shows and now, this new design language is applied in most models:

Now, you know...

With the new look of these Korean car makers, there is no surprising that these two Korean car designs is truly a battle of wits. It's quite a spectacle for me who wanted to take a look on these designs. I can't wait to see who wins...

What's a dakimakura?

OK guys, you may not know what this is, but when it comes to this there is just one big question you ,anime otakus in the bedroom, may ask:

"Excuse me, but, what's a dakimakura?"

You may not know what a dakimakura is but here is a sample of what it looks like:

You see, that's how a dakimakura looked like, if I hoped that Comic Alley, the number one anime merchandise store in the Philippines, sells one of these cutesy pillow covers for your tall pillows.

A dakimakura is a kind of a tall pillow cover with a picture of an female anime character on it. (Like I shown it to you)

I know it sounds too weird to be true, but in the eyes of an otaku, its his or her (if any) prized possession in their bedroom.

To all otakus living in the Philippines, feel free to ask any of the anime stores all over your favorite malls (SM, Festival, Town Center, Greenbelt, or any mall you know) and tell them if the dakimakuras are on sale.

Take your time, guys!