Japan's 213 Motoring Builds the Ultimate Six Hummer H2

For those still living in 2005, 213 Motoring (Japanese tuner Calwing's US division) has got just what you need to get to the prom in style: a supremely decked-out 6-wheeled H2.

The metropolitan tank gets a huge dose of Extenze to fit that extra axle (and super-size the interior), a body kit, a new exhaust system and a dozen extra lights on its nose.

Inside is just what people have come to expect from limousines: leather, plush carpeting, big TV screens, and liquor. Just what you need to get the party started.

By Phil Alex

Via: Jonsibal & 213 Motoring

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Honda to Terminate Civic Type R Sedan

It's the end of the road for Honda's Civic Type R sedan as the Japanese automaker announced it will discontinue production of the car at the end of August, 2010. However, Honda will make amends to fans by continuing to import the three-door Civic Type R Euro hatchback into Japan.

The first-generation of the Civic Type R four-door sedan was launched in 1997 and was produced at Suzuka Factory. The second-generation model followed in 2001 and was produced at Honda's UK plant in Swindon, while for the current, third-generation Civic Type R, which was released in 2007, production returned to the Suzuka Factory.

The current model, which is sold only in Japan, makes use of a high-revving, naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter inline four that puts out 225HP at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm at 6,100 rpm, with power channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

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Honda to Release Refreshed 2011MY Civic Type R Euro in Japan this Fall

Seeing that the limited edition 2009 Civic Type R Euro hot hatch has been well received in Japan, exceeding sales of 1,850 units since its release in November of last year, Honda has decided to offer its domestic buyers a second run of its hot hatch.

The Japanese automaker said that it will soon reveal a 2010 model year version of the Civic Type R Euro with an "updated exterior design", without getting into any specific details.

As with '09 model, the revised Civic Type R Euro will be produced in Europe at the firm's manufacturing plant in Swindon, UK, with sales in Japan scheduled to start this fall. Once again, the three-door hatchback will be offered in a limited number of units.

The current model year Civic Type R Euro is powered by a rev-happy 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 201 HP at 7,800 rpm and 142 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm.

*Photo: 2009 Honda Civic Type R Euro

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Fiat 500 Convertible Receives the Diesel Styling Treatment

Following in the footsteps of the 500 with the tin roof, Fiat has applied the "Diesel" treatment on the convertible version of its succesful mini. And by "Diesel" we're not referring to the firm's Multijet engine but to the famous clothing and lifestyle brand that has helped design this limited edition model.

Just like the 500 by Diesel saloon of which nearly 6,500 units have been sold, the special edition 500C is distinguished by unique cosmetic features inside and out.

These include an exclusive set of 16-inch alloy wheels, new rear trim with faux air vents, yellow brake calipers on the 1.4 100 HP version and the satin finish chrome detailing on the bumpers and side mouldings.

Inside, the cabin has been dressed up with dark denim style fabrics with yellow stitching and the head of the famous "Mohican" on the gear lever knob and the special satin chrome colored dashboard.

The Fiat 500C by Diesel range comes with four Euro 5 engine versions including the 1.2 69HP and 1.4 16v 100HP petrols and the 1.3 Multijet 75HP and 1.3 Multijet II 95HP diesels with manual or automated transmissions.

The Diesel variant of the 500C will have its world debut in Japan on April 12 with sales set to begin in May. In Italy prices will start from €18,000, equal to US$24,000 at today's exchange rates.

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Honda CR-Z's Domestic Market Sales Soar - 10x More Orders than Expected

The Wall Street Journal reports that orders for Honda's CR-Z were ten times higher than expected. Honda was initially hoping for sales of 1,000 units per month in its home market, but total orders have now exceeded 10,000.

With debuts in the US and Europe in the next few months, the Japanese auto maker seems to have few obstacles between it and its goal of 40,000 to 50,000 units per year.

It's not difficult to make the connection between Toyota's technical hiccup and Honda's boost in hybrid sales. People lost trust in their favorite brand, and now they fell back on the next best, comparable, recognizable thing.

"If Honda can gain sales, they are going to promote the brand at the expense of Toyota. They are not blind to the situation," says Chris Richter, automotive analyst at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets.

"Honda is the second-largest hybrid car maker by volume after Toyota, and its Insight hybrid car was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the U.S."

As for sales, the sports car marketing trick must have worked: 90% of the cars were ordered by males in their 30s and 40s. Anyone care to guess how people on this side of the Pacific will react?

- By Phil Alex

Via: WSJ (Sub. Req)

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