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Mazda3 And CX-30 Get Mild Updates In Japan Including New Special Editions

After the Mazda CX-3 Super Edgy, the automaker announced a series of special trim levels of the Mazda3 and the CX-30 in Japan, alongside small updates on the e-SkyActiv X motor.

Those include tweaking the intake port and exhaust silencer of the gasoline engine to produce a richer sound for spicing up the driving experience during acceleration. Additionally, engineers have updated the gas pedal feel for a greater “sense of unity with the car”. As a refresher, the e-SkyActiv X is a mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 183 hp (137 kW / 186 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque.

In terms of the new trim levels, the Smart Edition is available for models equipped with the e-Skyactiv X engine. It brings more comfort and safety equipment including an active driving display, smart brake support, high beam control system, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Meanwhile the Black Tone Edition, which is available for all powertrain variants of both models, is visually differentiated by the black 18-inch aluminum wheels, the gloss-black mirrors, and the red stitching inside the cabin.

The pictured Mazda CX-30 Black Tone Edition is fitted with optional aero components including the bumper and side-sill extensions.

Following the example of the more recent CX-30, all Mazda3 models get a new dimming turn signal which, according to Mazda, gives “a sense of life” in the car. Last but not least, the Platinum Quartz Metallic is a new color option for the Mazda3 and the CX-30, while the Polymetal Gray Metallic is added to the palette of the Mazda3 Sedan.

Orders for the mildly updated Mazda3 and CX-30 are open in Japan as of today, with vehicles arriving in dealerships in late November.

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2022 Nissan GT-R Unveiled In Japan, “T-spec” Edition Coming To US Priced At $138,490

Nissan unveiled the updated GT-R range for the Japanese market which includes two limited editions – the GT-R Premium Edition T-spec and the GT-R Track Edition Engineered by Nismo T-spec. The company has also announced the GT-R T-spec, which will be available in North America from this winter in very limited numbers.

Starting with the Japanese-spec GT-R, it is going on sale in the second half of October. The T-spec variants will be produced in a total of 100 units and buyers will be selected by a ballot. The upgrades over the regular GT-R include carbon-ceramic brakes, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, a version-specific engine cover, and special badging, while they are available in two new colors – Midnight Purple and Millennium Jade.

According to Nissan, the Midnight Purple paint is inspired by color-shifting of the aurora borealis

The Premium Edition T-spec variant starts in Japan from 15,904,900 Japanese Yen ($144,595) and can be distinguished by the wider Rays forged alloy wheels finished in bronze. There is also an exclusive interior design and version-specific suspension setup.

Besides the long name, the Track Edition engineered by NISMO T-spec also gets a new roof and trunk lid made of carbon fiber for weight reduction, plus lots of Nismo goodies. This variant starts from 17,881,600 Japanese Yen ($162,565) and is the most expensive of the range. In contrast, the cheapest GT-R in Japan starts from 10,828,400 Japanese Yen ($98,444) while the regular Track Edition engineered by NISMO starts from 14,636,600 Japanese Yen ($133,065).

Just after the premiere of the updated GT-R for Japan, Nissan US also announced the GT-R T-spec edition for North America, which slots above the GT-R Premium grade and will be available in Millennium Jade and Midnight Purple. The Millennium Jade was previously offered on the limited edition R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nür, but this is the first time it is available in the US market. As for the Midnight Purple, Nissan calls it a “modern interpretation” of the Midnight Purple III from the R34 V-Spec and the Midnight Opal from the 2014 R35 GT-R.

The T-spec can be distinguished by the wider front fenders, 20-inch Rays forged aluminum alloy wheels finished in gold, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fiber rear spoiler, body-colored mirrors, black hood ducts, and T-spec badges. Inside we find more badges and the Mori Green color option, premium semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with pearl suede accents and a quilted Alcantara headliner.

Under the bonnet, there is the VR38DETT twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 producing 565 hp (421 kW / 572 PS) and 633 Nm (467 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission thanks to the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system.

Nissan states that a “very limited number of models” of the T-spec will be available for sale in North America this winter, at a price of $138,490. The GT-R T-spec will join the 2022 GT-R NISMO, which is a limited run of 300 units that have already been sold out.

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Nissan’s Euro-Bound Ariya Will Be Built In Japan, Not The UK

Nissan will build European Union-bound examples of the all-electric Ariya in Japan instead of the UK as initially expected.

The Japanese carmaker had considered building the Ariya at its Sunderland assembly plant in the UK. However, with the prospect of a no-deal Brexit looking increasingly likely, Nissan has decided to build the Ariya in Japan and ship them to Europe.

As noted by Nikkei Asia, a no-deal Brexit will see British auto exports face a 10 per cent tariff in the EU. By comparison, Japanese-made vehicles face a lower 7.5 per cent tariff which, in 2026, will be abolished entirely.

Handling production of Ariya models heading to Europe and the United States will be Nissan’s plant in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture just north of Tokyo. Meanwhile, those sold in China will be manufactured locally.

The Nissan Ariya was unveiled in production-form back in July and retains the same striking looks as the concept. Depending on the market, four different powertrain configurations will be available.

Sitting at the base of the range will be a rear-wheel drive version with a 65 kWh battery and an electric motor producing 215 hp and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. Sitting above this model will be another rear-wheel drive version with the same output and a 90 kWh battery pack. Two all-wheel drive versions with two electric motors are also coming, the first of which has a 65 kWh battery as well as 335 hp and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm), while the other uses a 90 kWh battery and pumps out 389 hp and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm).

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