Mazda to Introduce New Clean Diesel Models in Japan Starting with the CX-5

So far, despite its popularity in other regions, particularly in Europe, diesel vehicles has yet to win Japanese consumers. This is mainly due to costs associated with the emission of NOx reduction technologies that are required for diesel engines to meet the country's strict rules on exhaust gases.

Mazda says it has solved this problem with its brand new SKYACTIV-D diesel 2.2-liter turbo that made its debut on the CX-5 crossover.

According to the company, SKYACTIV-D 2.2 is the first diesel passenger car to go to Japan Post New Long-term Regulations emissions of oxides of nitrogen, without expensive (NOx) aftertreatment technology.

In addition, Mazda claims the CX-5 SKYACTIV-D 2.2 will be the first passenger model in the country to combine an idle stop system called Clean Diesel i-stop, which can restart the engine in 0.4 seconds.

The CX-5, 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine is rated at 175 hp and 420 Nm (309.7 pounds-feet) and associated automatic transmission, provides an estimated fuel economy and 18.6km/lt (the same is 43.7mpg U.S. or 5.4lt / 100 km) is the Japanese JC08 test cycle mode.

New CX-5 SKYACTIV-D 2.2 will be on sale in Japan in the spring of 2012.

 

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New 2012 Isuzu D-MAX Pickup Truck is the Chevy Colorado's Asian Twin

Isuzu has long since abandoned the American passenger and truck market, but still has strong ties with General Motors, which was once its largest shareholder.

This week, the Japanese automaker unveiled its new pick-up D-Max was designed in collaboration with GM and is a model from Chevrolet Colorado 2012-sister, which made its debut Wednesday. While on separate occasions, the two models were presented pickup in Thailand.

Outside, the new D-MAX 2012 limited treatment and style of the back and custom trim pieces, while inside, the changes in Colorado are limited to the choices of color and the dashboard .

Body-in-frame Isuzu D-MAX launched in Thailand three diesel engines, including two 115HP 2.5-liter produces 136HP, and a larger 3.0-liter power unit has 177 horses.

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Renault Rolls Out Pure-Electric Frendzy Minivan Concept in Frankfurt

At the 64th International Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault lifted the veils off the fourth concept car to demonstrate the brand's new styling DNA, the Frendzy minivan that doubles as both a passenger car and a commercial van.>

It's dual role is evident from the vehicle's asymmetric body style. The driver's side represents the passenger perspective as it features center opening doors complete with side windows, while the passenger's side promotes the commercial aspect as there’s no glazing or center pillar, just a single conventional door and one sliding side door that incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. The latter can be used to display messages or adverts.

"The concept of an asymmetric body design was the most logical way to express this vehicle’s two roles," says exterior designed Deyan Denkov.

"From the very start, I wanted to move away from the traditional format for commercial vehicles and, in doing so, show that this type of vehicle could also be more emotional, more dynamic and more attractive. I took inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including unconventionally shaped aircraft such as the Airbus Beluga and the Antonov 224," Denkov added.

Like Renault previous concept cars such as the DeZir, the Frendzy is a pure electric vehicle. Its powertrain is borrowed from the production Kangoo Van Z.E.

 

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