JDMpire

This leaked photo of the upcoming Nissan 370Z looks like something more than the typical photohshopped speculation that graces the pages of Japanese car magazines. The headlights are reminiscent of the 2009 Nissan Maxima and something that hopefully does not spread throughout the Nissan range. One design cue I do like though: the shape of the side glass evokes classic Zs.

[Carscoop via Autoblog]

According to Autoblog, the footage here is of the Lexus LF-A running the ADAC Rundstrecken Trophy Endurance, where it took the fastest lap time of 9:06. Keep in mind that the circuit is not the same as the one where the GT-R set its record lap. This was just a warm up for the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance later this month.

[Autoblog]

Nissan issued a press release today, outlining its business plans for the next four years. Among them, the new models coming up in 2008: Teana, Infiniti FX, Maxima, Bakkie successor, Qashqai+2, a mini SUV, Cube, Z and Infiniti G37 Convertible. All are nice and good, but I’m actually more interested in seeing the new Cube than the G37. The Cube is such a classical design; I hope they don’t mess with success.

Not to be outdone by Mazda, Honda and Toyota, Subaru is also coming out with a 7-seater human hauler. A teaser brochure has been found, with a silhouette that looks suspiciously similar to the Subaru Exiga concept from the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

[NASIOC via Autoblog]

Last week saw the announcement of two more salvos from Mazda and Honda into the crowded Japanese minivan market. This week, it’s Toyota’s turn, with an all-new redesigned Alphard. However, the flagship ubervan has now been split into two models, with its reskinned twin called the Vellfire. (more…)

Well it was bound to happen. Ever since the 1996 Honda Civic, headlights have been getting bigger and bigger, closing the gap between their upper edges and the windsheild. Now there’s a car on which the headlights actually extend all the way to the A-pillars like one long DLO. It’s the new Biante minivan from Mazda, about which no specs have been revealed. They’re just taunting us with the vans now. Check out more pics after the jump. (more…)

Here is the only picture available of the Honda Freed, a new 7-8 or 5 seater vehicle to be released by Honda later this month. No other information is available, except that we wish we could be “freed” from the tyranny of the JDM minivan.

[Honda]

Subaru has just launched a suite of driving assist technologies on its JDM Legacy lineup called “Eyesight.” It warns the driver when pedestrians cross the car’s path, prevents unintended acceleration when both brake and gas pedal are applied simultaneously, has a lane departure scanner, monitors drivers to make sure they’re awake, and has the ability to set cruise control to follow the car ahead by a certain distance. As part of Subaru’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebration this year, 50 lucky winners will get ¥500,000 credit when they buy a new Legacy to use towards the Eyesight.

[Subaru]

Nissan is about to embark on an Asia-wide goodwill tour, showing off how its cars are green and high-tech. The R2D2-driven Pivo2 will be part of the showcase. It kicks off in Taipei, Taiwan and runs through May 15 there before moving on to India, Indonesia and Singapore.

[Nissan]

A special edition of the Toyota Isis minivan-with-wagon proportions goes on sale May 7. Called the Platana Limited, it comes in either turquoise or metallic gray with a silver wood-grain interior, Optitron illuminated gauges and automatic sliding doors that can be opened from the key fob.

[Toyota]