JDMpire

So that’s what they mystery car was from the G8 Summit lineup. I had heard Nissan had an FCV X-Trail in the works, but as you can see, this light blue cornering machine doesn’t look anything like the current X-Trail, or even this other green-cred seeking X-Trail Clean Diesel. Congrats, Nissan, you have fooled me.

But you can’t fool me into thinking this FCV’s lap of 11:58 around the Nürburgring really counts for much, because it’s the only hydrogen powered car to ever attempt a record. Let’s get the Honda FCX Clarity out there and see how it fares. It wouldn’t be it’s only time out on the track.

[Source: Nissan]

It’s not uncommon for Japanese manufacturers to put out travel guides to help their customers enjoy their cars. They’re not just automakers - they’re purveyors of mobility lifestyle! The latest is Honda’s S2000 tour, in which they make me wonder what it takes to get a job driving a Honda S2000 all over Japan.

Honda USA has just announced a new section on their website for the 2009 Fit. From the doors forward, it actually looks completely different from the JDM Fit, resembling the 2008 Fit more than anything. The base engine of the US model is the 1.5L unit, unlike Japan’s 1.3, and of course the requisite taillight differences are present.

[Honda]

Honda wants you to know that the new Open Study Model concept, unveiled today at the London Motor Show, is merely a design study and not intended for production as the next S2000 or otherwise. The low-emissions OSM shares the stands with the FCX Clarity and CR-Z, showing that green cars can be fun too.

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In the IDM (Italian Domestic Market), Honda has released a limited edition Civic Type-S Fireblade as a homage to its CBR1000RR Fireblade motorcycle. Since Honda got its start making bikes that competed rather successfully in legendary races like the Isle of Man TT long before moving into automobile production, I find this match up completely awesome.

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It’s coming, it’s coming, the Cube is coming! As you know I’ve been a long-time admirer of the Cube ever since I first laid eyes on and drove one in Japan. For years, there have been rumors that the funky asymmetrical two-box compact is coming to the US and I have been spasming at the possiblity

Nissan USA announced it officially recently and and has now created a minisite for American Cubists (first 500 people can even get a free T-shirt, which still works at the time of this posting). So why am I not happy? Because the Cube coming to the States is going to be the next-generation model, whose world premiere will be at the LA Auto Show in November. The current Cube is one of the best automotive designs of all time, and it will be hard to top. And in fact, if this spyshot is correct, impossible to top.

Mitsubishi will unveil the newly redesigned Montero Sport at the upcoming Moscow Motor Show. Those crazy Russians and their love for all vehicles sport and utility! This one has 7-passenger seating and a Triton-like front end, while the rear end evokes the Lancer Evo.

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Mitsubishi is deviating from the Pajero for its new Dakar racer, opting for a Lancer Sportback-based body instead. It will be powered by a 260hp 3.0L turbo diesel capable of 480 pound-feet of torque. Mounted under a 1900kg body draped across a tube frame, it’s ready to scare the crap out of alpacas as it thunders across Argentina and Chile in January 2009.

[Mitsubishi]

Honda has released photos of the 2009 Acura RL in all its robotic parrot beaked glory. This will be a holdover until the next-gen Legend/RL debuts, with rumors of a V8 or V10 surrounding the flagship sedan. Until then, keep your fingers away from that grille!

[Honda]

The Mazda compact crossover concept to be revealed at the Moscow Motor Show now has a name and photo. Kazamai means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese and is part of Mazda’s ongoing series of Nagare, or “flow,” concepts that have been making the auto show circuits recently. But let’s face it, after the Furai, everything else is just going to look tame.

[Mazda]