Showing posts with label Japanese cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japanese cars. Show all posts

Monday, November 6, 2023

#Lexus Plans 620-Mile Range, Quick-Charging EV

[Auto Styling News]


Japanese luxury car brand Lexus has formally begun its journey to full electrification by 2035 by introducing a peek at the production version of the LF CZ at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

The Japan Mobility Show replaces the erstwhile Tokyo Motor Show as the region's biggest automotive festival, transforming into a holistic and lifestyle-centered trade show.

This LF-CZ or Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst uses DIRECT4 All-Wheel Drive Technology that Lexus took from the RZ.

There was not much to go on about the concept model except for the batteries it will be fitted with. 

The LF-ZC will have a prismatic, high-performance batteries that has twice the range of current EVs in the market today. That means it will have up to 620 miles of distance to travel on a fully-charged power source. 

As AutoStylingNews previously noted, Toyota, Lexus' parent company, recently announced that it will pioneer and bring to market long-lasting, quick charging batteries in the coming years,  which explains why it has largely remained out of the EV market.

The pre-production photos of the concept show a sleek luxury car that aims to compete with the electric cars Cadillac, Tesla and Luxid, and Mercedes are planning for the near future.  Lexus says the first LF-CZ variant may in fact be a hatchback. 

Lexus plans to sell this next-generation model in 2026, with an aim to give Lexus a full electric lineup by 2026.
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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

2023 Prius Has Striking New Design

[Auto Styling News]


Striking from any angle, Prius’ sleek new design profile  is features smooth curves and sharp details. And optional 19-in. alloy wheels give it an even sportier look. The sexy full length glass sunroof curves gently down to the rear of the vehicle, offering great interior light and visibility.

It comes with the added bonus of 194 horsepower and up to 54 MPG. The new hybrid will cost you $27,450 (MSRP) but this is lower than all new purely Electric Vehicles. It's well worth a look.

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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.


(Photos: Toyota USA)

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Toyota Recalls All Electric Vehicles

 

Toyota Motor Corp in late June said it would recall 2,700 of its first mass-produced electric vehicles (EVs) for the global market because of a risk the wheels could come loose.

The world's largest automaker by sales submitted the recall of the bZ4X SUVs to Japan's transportation ministry. Of the 2,700 vehicles, 2,200 were earmarked for Europe, 260 for the United States, 10 for Canada and 110 for Japan, the company said.

The recall marks a remarkable failure not just for the Japanese company, which prides itself so much on quality, but for the electric market itself, which is undergoing stresses in light of the shortage of parts for electric vehicles due to supply chain issues related to the shutdowns during covid-19.


Wednesday, July 13, 2022

#Toyota CEO Urges Slowing Down The Rush To EVs

[Auto Styling News]


Toyota's stance on electric vehicles has been in sharp contrast to many other major players in the industry. While the brand finally has a modern EV in the form of the bZ4X, it is still electrifying its lineup at a slow pace, reports Car Buzz.

Last year, the company's CEO warned that a sudden transition to EVs at the expense of internal combustion could damage Japan's economy, and more recently, it said that it's important to give customers in different regions the choice of an EV or a conventionally-powered vehicle
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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

Monday, November 22, 2021

#Nissan Unveils Electric #Ariya SUV

[Auto Styling News]


The all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya electric crossover model is getting closer to its upcoming U.S. on-sale date with the opening of a special reservation portal, giving customers the opportunity to be one of the first to purchase the most advanced and connected Nissan vehicle ever.  

Four Nissan Ariya SUV models will initially be available for sale in late 2022.

The preliminary 2023 Ariya reservation model lineup, specifications and initial MSRP starts at $45,950 for the Venture+ front-wheel drive model. Pricing for additional Ariya models will be announced at a later date.


Additionally, the first 10,000 reservations made before Jan. 31, 2022 will qualify for a two year free EVgo membership plus $500 in charging credits upon purchase. That's worth up to an estimated 5,000 miles of EV driving for the Ariya Venture+.

The all-new Ariya is "the embodiment of the new Nissan," says Michael Colleran, senior vice president, Nissan U.S. and Marketing and Sales. "Ariya leverages our decade of expertise selling mass-market EVs, uniquely positioning Nissan and our dealers to deliver both a thrilling vehicle and outstanding ownership experience."


The company says the Ariya will be a cornerstone to the Nissan NEXT global transformation plan and is the first production model to represent the company’s new electrified brand identity.

Nissan has for years sold electric vehicles like the Leaf, but this SUV is taking this to the next level.

Visually, this crossover bears a scary similarity to several others hitting the market this year and next. The front end, at least, bears Nissan's signature styling, but the sides and rear could be mistaken for a Hyundai, or a KIA. Or the new electric Ford Mustang SUV.

Not that it's in any way unpleasant to look at, it's just that once a trend gets started, every car company copies it, endlessly.

Nissan has announced a target that more than 40 percent of its U.S. vehicle sales by 2030 will be fully electric, with even more to be electrified. 
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Auto Styling News is a blog that covers car concepts, newly released models, and the auto industry.

Monday, January 13, 2020

#SONY Surprises With #Tesla-Like Electric Car #Concept At #CES2020 [Auto Styling News]


Sony says it wants us to re-imagine mobility as we know it. To that end, its electric, self-driving vehicle prototype, the VISION-S, was unveiled this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and ... it looks a whole lot like a Tesla.

Considering its company name, Sony will no doubt be up to the challenges of creating a technologically stunning vehicle, albeit its first one. It will (says the company) feature 33 sensors around the car, offering 360-degree vision of the road. It can park itself, with a "summon" feature similar to Tesla's, and of course has self-driving capabilities. Like the Tesla, it will feature ongoing software updates.

Now to the looks: From a side profile, one might be forgiven if you mistake it for a Tesla S. It has the same general shape, including the squared-off rear end. But there are some interesting differences. The Tesla's front looks as though it forgot the grille, placing a flattened panel in its place. The VISION-S, however, looks somewhat nicer, with an almost Porsche-like rounded front end. It headlamps are attractive, and a bar with a stylized feature that looks like two hands coming together, meeting in the middle.

The rear-panel window, as with all of the side windows, are squared off and form a straight line from front to back. That gives it a rather conventional style, and a bit out of step with current design of most other vehicles (including the Tesla S) which have door panels that swoop gently upward as they work their way to the back of the vehicle.

The rear, aside from being squared off like a Tesla, also has lights that resemble the Musk vehicle. And many following this car will undoubtedly believe they are following a Tesla.

Of course, this is a "prototype" (not a CONCEPT, says Sony) so things *might* change between now and actual production, a date for which was not announced in Las Vegas.

Overall, this is not an ugly vehicle, and will give Tesla a run for its money, especially if it can offer greater tech inside the cabin than Musk's car, at roughly the same price. And Sony brings with it a credibility and name recognition for high quality technology, so Elon must be slightly nervous,


Monday, August 26, 2019

#Acura Previews Future Styling With Stunning Type S #ConceptCar [Auto Styling News]


Acura recently unveiled the Type S concept, which it insists will be the basis of future vehicles and help it differentiate itself from its lesser sibling, Honda.

The concept will, says the company,  heavily influence the character of the upcoming, second-generation TLX Type S cars, and they will develop two Type S performance variants in the next two years.

The "S" probably stands for "Stunning," because this concept is just that.

It has a clear, unmistakable silhouette, and a powerful and aggressive front end that will turn heads. 

Building on the style of the Acura Precision Concept, the Type S Concept's powerful form is characterized by a wide track and low stance, with an expansive hood that stretches forward from the A-pillars.

The large "A" symbol within a top-to-bottom pentagon-shaped grille (which is seen on many cars today, notably Lexus) and the stunning, cat-like - "Jewel-Eye" Acura calls them - LED headlamps work together well. One hopes a strong exhaust note in the rear of the vehicle combines to give it enormous presence as it approaches its destination. Indeed, this marks the return of the S Type performance range after an absence of decades.

Functional large center and side intakes, capable of supplying required airflow to a high-performance engine and brake package, round out the front. If "round" could be used in describing the shapes, which are angular, masculine, and, again, aggressive.

The side view features jutting lines that arch upward, ending in muscular wheel arches at the rear.

The sharp and distinctive tail features a deck lid with a sharply creased center line (drawn from the hood) and integrated forged carbon spoiler. "Chicane" LED taillights, a large rear diffuser and quad chrome exhaust outlets complete the look.

In addition to the rear decklid spoiler, forged carbon – created by bonding layers of carbon on top of one another to exceed the strength of traditional interwoven carbon – is applied to the front and rear splitters, side sills, rear decklid spoiler and multi-spoke 21-inch wheels.

The Type S concept's bespoke "Double Apex Blue Pearl" paint reflects a liquid and electric hue that pays homage to blue Type S heritage models, including the acclaimed 2007-2008 TL Type S. "Double Apex Blue Pearl" employs Nano pigments and a color-infused clear coat that impart a sense of fluidity and motion, and enhance the paint's luster and brilliance.

One hopes future production models feature an option to drive home a shade a stunning as this.

Friday, June 28, 2019

Nissan Study Shows Strong US Support For Sedans [Auto Styling News]


Recent research reveals that the youngest generations of car buyers – millennials and Generation Z – may have their sights set on sedans, meaning American auto manufacturers may have erred when they pulled the plug on producing future sedans.

According to a survey of American car owners commissioned by Nissan, desire for sedans remains strong. Among overall respondents who don't currently own a sedan, 78% would consider buying one, and younger respondents reported an even higher affinity for the body style.

For its part, Nissan recently unveiled its latest sedan, an all-new version of its subcompact Versa, which features an energetic new design inside and out along with technology not generally seen in the subcompact class.

Last year, Nissan also introduced the  sixth generation Altima, sporting lower, wider and more athletic proportions than its predecessor. Nissan also recently unveiled the refreshed Maxima, adding safety and convenience features along with updated styling.

 "We see great opportunity in the sedan segment, which is why we're continuing to launch all-new and refreshed products," said Rob Warren, director and chief marketing manager at Nissan North America. "Sedans are still extremely popular with our customers, so as our competitors exit the category, they're creating even more prospects for Nissan."

Nissan surveyed car owners and non-owners in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 65 and found: A top choice: 78% of American drivers
eration X car owners agreed.

Perhaps a major rethink is in order over at Ford, GM and Dodge/Fiat, before they lose an entire generation to Japanese and Korea automakers.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

#Toyota Supra Looks Great, But Some Only See A BMW [Auto Styling News]


Sports car enthusiasts have been waiting more than 20 years for the return of Supra and will soon be able to purchase the 2020 Toyota GR Supra for about $50,000.

For those fans and collectors anxious to be among the first owners of this iconic sports car, the initial 1,500 production Supras for the U.S. will be Launch Edition models starting at $55,250. Each will be uniquely numbered and have distinctive features signifying the exclusivity and excitement of Supra’s return. Toyota dealers will be handling all orders and the Launch Edition models go on sale in Summer 2019 starting at $55,250.

The Supra Launch Edition will be available in exterior colors of Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black or Renaissance Red 2.0, each featuring high-contrast red mirror caps and 19-inch forged matte black alloy wheels.

The Absolute Zero White and Nocturnal Black Supra Launch Editions will have a red interior. Each of the racing-inspired seats will be wrapped in red leather, with red leather steering wheel grips, and a red center console with carbon-fiber accents.

The Renaissance Red 2.0 Supra Launch Edition will feature a black leather-trimmed interior, with black seats, a black steering wheel, and black center console. The black interior will also feature carbon-fiber accents.

The first 1,500 Supras will feature an individually numbered carbon-fiber badge on the passenger-side dashboard complete with a graphic of Toyota Motor Corporation President and Master Driver Akio Toyoda’s signature.

CONTROVERSIAL DESIGN
The design bears a great resemblance to the most recent iteration of the car, the A80, which was produced from 1993 to 2002. The final design bore some resemblance to the 2014 FT-1 concept car, though with much toned down features.

The Supra is powered by two BMW-sourced engine options, and some critics say the interior is ripped from a BMW Z4. The exterior, too, has been accused of having a rather Teutonic/German style, and in a way, that's not an entirely bad comparison. (Though BMW is openly saying that the Z4 has a more powerful engine!)

The Pontiac-like nose juts outward, dangling between the two, large headlamps, which look like panthers about to pounce. They are placed on a bulging, Z4-like hood, that begs the question, "What's under that thing?" before one even asks the question. The side windows are small, and are finished off with a Hofmeister-kink style rear window. In front of both wheels are large, Lexus-like vents (likely not operational or useful.)

Another cut exists on the hood parallel with the windscreen that makes one wonder if the car has been in a knife fight. There's little question, however, whether it WON that fight. This small car screams masculinity in a way a Miata never could.

The rear of the Supra really shows the amazing curves on this thing. While rear visibility seems severely compromised by the large rear spoiler, the heart-shaped curvature of the rear window, indented rooftop and C-pillars - which curve inward at a sharp angle - are a sight to see, and the tail lights sit atop two large cuts that swoop downward, forming dramatic frames to the dual exhaust ports.

In short, this BMW-like Toyota is a quite ballsy sports car, and whether Toyota purists will enjoy the few Lexus-like hat-tips in the design or whether they'll shun it like they would a 3-series sedan remains to be seen.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

#Nissan Debuts 2019 Altima, Resembles Maxima Styling [Auto Styling News]



Nissan today revealed the all-new Altima, bringing excitement back to the mid-size sedan segment with expressive styling (which resembles older brother Maxima) and the first available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in a Nissan sedan in the U.S. and advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility features, including ProPILOT Assist.

The car bears a striking resemblance to the Vmotion 2.0, a concept vehicle released last year showcasing Nissan’s new sedan design direction, is the winner of the 2017 EyesOn Design Award for Best Concept Vehicle.

The 2019 Altima goes on sale in the U.S. in the fall, followed by other global markets at later dates. The sixth generation of Nissan's best-selling sedan made its world debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, alongside the first North American showing of Nissan's Formula E racing car. "

This new Altima builds on 25 years and more than 5.6 million Altima sales to date – but to us, this is just a starting point," said Denis Le Vot, senior vice president, chairman of management committee, Nissan North America, Inc. "That's why we decided to shake up the midsize segment in terms of design, driving enjoyment and technologies that are advanced and affordable."

The Nissan VMotion Concept



Photos: Nissan USA

Monday, February 26, 2018

#Mazda Vision Coupe Concept Wins French Award [Auto Styling News]


The Mazda Vision Coupe concept was named the “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” on at the 33rd Festival Automobile International held in Paris, France.

Revealed in 2017, the Vision Coupe concept is a design model signalling the styling of the next generation of Mazda cars. Featuring a simple and flowing “one motion” form, it embodies a more mature interpretation of the company's KODO/Soul of Motion design language tempered with a Japanese aesthetic. 

Taking its cues from the Mazda Luce Rotary coupe and other models from Mazda’s design heritage, the Vision Coupe's styling is elegant and projects a luxury feel. Clearly, this would be the company's "halo" car if it was ever produced close to this design (however unlikely that is.)

Vision Coupe uses reflections to express a sense of vitality; the next step for KODO design,” said Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s Managing Executive Officer in charge of Design and Brand Style. “This car embodies a delicate Japanese aesthetic, and to be recognized here in the ‘City of Art’ two years after RX-VISION was awarded the same honor is very gratifying. We want to retain our identity as a Japanese brand as we continue making cars with global appeal.”

The award celebrates the freshest, most creative and most beautiful of the current crop of concept cars, as chosen by a jury of prominent designers working in fashion, architecture and other industries. Mazda RX-Vision won the same honor in 2016, making this a double win for the two concept models that will guide the design of the next generation of Mazda cars.

Photo: Mazda USA

Monday, February 12, 2018

#Infiniti Q Inspiration #Concept Previews Design Language [Auto Styling News]



Previewing a new generation of Infiniti vehicles, the Q Inspiration Concept proposes how an innovative VC-Turbo powertrain, next-level autonomous drive technologies, and a unique human-centric interior could enrich the experience of drivers in the mid-size sedan segment.

While this vehicle, per se, won't be hitting the road in the 2020s, Infiniti says this represents the next step in Infiniti design.

The exterior of the Q Inspiration Concept features clear and concise lines with dynamic and confident proportions. It is the first manifestation of Infiniti's new form language for an era of advanced powertrains. The concept sheds classical sedan forms with its coupe-like appearance and elongated silhouette, presenting Infiniti's design vision for vehicles in this segment.

Monday, January 15, 2018

#Lexus Previews "Flagship Crossover" LF-1 Limitless At Detroit Int'l Auto Show [Auto Styling News]

Like molten metal being forged into a fine Japanese sword, the lines of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept have the potential to shape the future of a flagship luxury crossover for Lexus.

Revealed at the North American International Auto Show, this concept - billed as the brand's "flagship crossover" - signals the very real direction of the brand. And it's spectacular.

Lexus established the luxury crossoversegment two decades ago with the global debut of the
RX 300 at Detroit. It remains the top-selling luxury crossover despite nearly 50 competitors that have
since entered the segment.

Like its name, the possibilities for powertrains are limitless. Lexus says the LF-1 concept could be powered by fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or even all-electric. By around 2025, every Lexus model around the world will be available either as a dedicated electrified model, or have an electrified option.

Love it or hate it, the "hourglass" spindle grille design is becoming the standard already on all Lexus vehicles. And here, it's accentuated and has evolved into something quite beautiful - even if you're still wary of it appearing on YOUR car.

The innovative LF-1 was created at CALTY Design Research in California. The design language is rooted in the simple yet elegant design concept dubbed “molten katana”. This design visualization fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword. Imagining that shift from a smooth, flowing mass into a solid, chiseled shape formed the basis for the fluid, yet aggressive design of the LF-1 Limitless.

The Lexus LF-1’s exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio gives it an athletic profile that’s more sports car than station wagon. Combined with a cabin that sits deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis and aggressive 22-inch wheels barely contained under bulging fenders, the LF-1 has a powerful stance that conveys its performance intentions at a glance.

The low roofline and elevated ride height further emphasize that this is a crossover designed for performance with practicality.

What do YOU think?


Photos: Lexus.com

Monday, August 21, 2017

#Toyota FT-4X Concept Promises "Rugged Charm" In SUV [Auto Styling News]


The Toyota FT-4X is a four-wheel drive toolbox penned by Toyota’s Calty Design Research Inc. in Newport Beach, California. Toyota is billing the design style as "Rugged Charm" for "casualcore" (rather than "hardcore") outdoor driving. In other words, an mini-Ute sport utility vehicle.

But it's design is indeed striking, perhaps overly emphasizing the "X" over and over again in it's exterior. Could it be, after decades of neglect, that a car company is aiming a car at Generation X - now aged 35 to 52? Nah. It's aimed at Millennials, who likely will not be able to plunk down the $28K or more for this vehicle, due to their huge

But Toyota is sure committed to the design, with X's showing up in the front end, rear hatch and even in the interior.

Calty President Kevin Hunter opines, “The Toyota FT-4X is not simply a concept where style meets function; it is a thoughtful, charming and engaging experience that adds real pleasure and convenience to the journey. We focused on how a crossover vehicle can add fun and value to casual adventures both in and out of the city, thinking about how someone would use it, and what they would love to do with it.”

Toyota says, "A shift from multiday, extreme, high-effort excursions to brief, unplanned, casual adventures is an overwhelming reality for Generation Y. Millennials are fond of the outdoors, but operate almost always indoors. They enjoy venturing into to new neighborhoods and national parks, but hardly plan ahead. Their countless interactions on social media bring inspiration." Et Cetera. Et Cetera.

About that exterior, stylists imbued an X Theme throughout the concept. At the center of a vertical X (which bows outward) is a door handle. At the rear, the bowed vertical X can be seen at the rear hatch, again placing the door handle at the center and creating a protective space.

The rear hatch is billed as a "modern engineering marvel." (C'mon, Toyota!) called Multi-Hatch, it opens two ways: horizontally in Urban Mode, and vertically in Outdoor Mode. Urban Mode splits the hatch in half and makes for easier curbside gear loading when clearance is limited.

The rear features an odd window running up from the wheel well, and the back gate itself shouts "Nissan Cube." But overall, it has good dimensions.

At the center of the nose’s vertical X is a classic, extra-large embossed TOYOTA logo that’s flanked by bright LED headlamps. Like the rear, reflective tie down hooks set in the lower bumper add to the crossover’s looks and deftness. Another nod to classic FJ Land Cruisers and Pickup models of yesteryears: the recognizable horizontal orientation of the FT-4X’s grille, headlights, and bumper.

We'll see if this boxy, yet somewhat charming, X-looking, GenY-focused machine makes it exactly as drawn to the market.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

#Infiniti Set To Unveil #QX50 Concept At Detroit Auto Show [Auto Styling News]


Infiniti is set to debut its QX50 concept at this month's 2017 Detroit Motor Show, an evolution of the QX Inspiration Concept it teased in Beijing in 2016.

The luxury brand says the QX50 Concept could be adapted for production. What's clear is that it will show the company's design direction for the future. And it's a pretty sweet direction!

A preliminary review of the earlier concept, which again, will likely be replicated in the soon-to-be-revealed "real" concept:

The bold front grille on the "teaser" concept is the place to start - with a large badge that really works for the vehicle and gives it the proper "heft." The LED headlamps are thin, as is the current trend, and they wrap around the side of the hood, standing atop mighty air scoops, which may or may not be functional. Attractive creases continue down the sides, with an indention that do clearly help with drag coefficient. The roof bars are classy and add distinction.

The "reverse Hofmeister kink" in the rear pillar is carried over from other models, and is distinctive. The rear features another large logo and beautiful tail lamps.

The QX50 Concept will feature what Infiniti calls the "first production-ready incarnation" of its semi-autonomous ProPilot system, which can handle stop and go traffic for the driver, keep the car inside a lane, and maintain distance to a vehicle in front.


Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Wooden #Setsuna Concept Car Is a Work of Art [Auto Styling News]

Toyota's Setsuna concept is made of wood. It's therefore a ridiculous concept, right? Well...

The Setsuna defies the notion that cars should only be seen as industrial products loaded with the latest technologies. 

Toyota says this unique wooden roadster was conceived to embody the affection owners grow to feel for their cars, and to show how cars continue to change and offer new value as they are taken care of with love over time.


Traditional Japanese techniques such as okuriari and kusabi were used so that the wood could be joined without nails or screws. Okuriari, which allows the exterior panels to be fitted and taken off without using any nails, not only increases the strength of joints but also makes it possible to make partial changes to dovetailing and mortise joints if the fastenings have worn down. 

This means it's possible to continue using the car without additional processing of the main body. In joints of the frame, split tenons are fastened to through tenons that have been pushed through several parts to hold the frame together. 



The Setsuna's body is composed of 86 handmade panels. Considerable thought was given to the design and creation of each panel from the outset, and each of these panels will develop and change differently as the car ages. Eventually, when repairs become necessary, individual panels can be replaced rather than needing to replace the entire body.


Small details, like the beautifully crafted wooden mirrors, really make this a work of art as much as a design study. The lacquer finish used on parts of the vehicle has been carefully applied by hand. To bring out the grain of the wood, wipe-lacquering has been used for the door mirrors, seats, steering wheel, and body banding lines. 

Rather than normal lacquer, which is applied in layers, this method involves repeatedly applying lacquer to the surface and wiping it to set the lacquer along the grain of the wood, creating a combined texture from the wood grain and the lacquer. The intensity and color will change with use over time, becoming even more beautiful and evoking a completely unique impression at different moments spread out in time.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Touching Subaru ad highlights 2013 BRZ styling

This touching ad is from Subaru for the 2013 BRZ, for the Japanese market. You don't really need a translation, the emotions are universal.