D Car — July 2004

An all-new Ings aero kit for the Legacy is due this summer. Work only recently began, but we have obtained the first design drawings! The design is provisional, but the kit appears to include a front bumper, side skirts, and rear half-bumper. Its concept is “a fusion of luxury and sport,” with a refined look that still suggests sporty performance. Pricing is not yet set because it depends on the mounting method, but Ings hopes to finish a demo car for the Auto Gallery event in early August.

Michelin introduced its PAX system in 1998. Toyo Tire has now joined Pirelli, Goodyear, and Sumitomo Rubber in partnering with Michelin to manufacture and sell it. PAX combines a dedicated tire and wheel, support ring, and pressure-loss warning system. Even with zero tire pressure, the vehicle can travel 200 km at 30 km/h. The system also offers responsive handling because the tire deforms less, while the dedicated wheel is light and durable. Production is difficult, however, and Ube Automotive is currently the only manufacturer. The system has a lot to offer, and its future is worth watching.

The rear is hard to make out, but from the front it has a composed, understated look.

New Golf

One of Volkswagen’s most popular models, the Golf received its first full redesign in six years and went on sale June 9. The new model features direct-injection FSI engines, a six-speed automatic—the first in its class—and multi-link suspension. It delivers smooth performance despite its power. Prices: E ¥2,404,500; GLi ¥2,782,500; GT ¥2,992,500.

The Golf gets a full redesign after six years…

…and a new model arrives!

square

Roppongi

Ings’ new Legacy aero kit, coming soon

An exclusive scoop, before anyone else!

The Golf keeps its instantly recognizable design while gaining a fresh new look.

A custom Cube based on the Nissan model appeared in a Roppongi café’s display area. It has a gleaming grille, distinctive push bar, and wood side panels for a stylish finish. The parts can be ordered with a new car or purchased separately. For details, call Kazushi Mitaka at 0422-39-1307.

Ings hopes to finish its Legacy demo car in time for the August event. Other projects in development include aero for the Impreza GDB, Fairlady Z33, and more. Details may appear in the next issue. Ings is clearly one of the industry’s most dedicated aero specialists, and its summer effort is impressive. We will be watching closely.

A stylish custom Cube appears at a Roppongi café!

The luxurious interior has fully automatic climate control that can be adjusted independently for driver and passenger.

The luxurious interior features fully automatic climate control with independent settings for driver and passenger.

Falken’s previous demo cars were based on the Lancer Evolution VIII, Z33, and S2000. Two more siblings are on the way: a Supra-based car is being built by Trial, and Subaru Customize Studio is developing a demo car based on its wide-body Impreza. Details are still under wraps, but both may be unveiled by the end of July.

The Falken family is growing! The new demo car will be based on a Supra.

This FRP rear-gate panel fits over the original rear gate.

Could the PAX system change how we choose wheels and tires?

Front bumper ¥54,000; grille ¥48,000; rear bumper ¥36,000 Window panel ¥19,500 Rear bumper ¥54,000; gate ¥57,000

Roppongi Square

FALKEN

Back’s Café

Address: 5-1-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Go Building, B1 Hours: 6 p.m.–5 a.m.; closed Sundays and holidays Drinks and light meals are served; floor staff wear race-queen outfits.

This is a Falken demo car based on a Z33. The rear trunk was removed to install an Alpine audio system. It may look familiar…

…to many readers.

Release

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D Car — July 2004

About this issue

Page 132 — English draft translation