Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe Sales to Start in Japan in February 2010, Jazz - Fit Hybrid at the end of 2010

For some twisted reason, Honda likes to remind us every once in a while that the CR-Z hybrid sports coupe and the hybrid version of the Jazz - Fit will enter production. But to completely fair, at least this time the Japanese automaker released some new information in the form of the JDM launch dates. According to Honda, customers in Japan will be able to buy the CR-Z from February 2010 and the Fit Hybrid (Jazz in Europe) sometime before the end of 2010.

Honda added that the start date for European sales of the spiritual successor of the CR-X coupe that is based on the 2007 Tokyo Show CR-Z concept car will be released toward the end of 2009.

And what about the Jazz Hybrid? Well, Honda's exact words were "the IMA system will also be introduced into the award-winning Honda Jazz within the next few years." In other words, don't expect to see the hybrid supermini arriving at Honda's European showroom any time soon.

First Look at Wald's 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Black Bison Sports Package

No sooner than Wald International showed off the finished Toyota Land Cruiser Black Bison Edition, the crew over at Japan's 'house of styling' revealed their latest Black Bison project in the form of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan (codenamed W212). We've only got a teaser photo to go by for now as the tuning company did not release any information whatsoever. However, expect the Black Bison Edition Sports Line package to include a full body kit, new alloy wheel designs and more likely than not, suspension and brake upgrades as well as interior enhancements.

NISMO Nissan 370Z with 350HP Debuts in Japan

Shortly after the release of the NISMO 370Z in the USA, Nissan proceeded to the domestic launch of its factory-tuned Z car. The JDM NISMO 370Z features the same upgrades as its American counterpart including a modified version of the 3.7-liter V6 engine that churns out 350 horsepower compared to the standard car's 332HP. Only difference is that while the US-spec model is offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Japanese buyers may also opt for the 7-speed automatic transmission.

The NISMO package also ads 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 245/40 R19 tires up front and 275/35 R19 at the rear, stiffer suspension and a high-performance brake system.

The coupe's exterior styling is modified with a functional aero kit that includes an extended nose, unique rear fascia, large wing and specific side sills, while the interior is upgraded with a set of sport seats, special door trims and NISMO gauges plus contrasting red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gearbox knob and handbrake lever.

In Japan, Nissan has priced the NISMO 370Z at 4,935,00 Yen (about $51,400 US) for the 6-speed manual gearbox model and at 5,040,000 Yen (approx $52,500 US) for the automatic version.

New Toyota Crown Hybrid Special Edition: Since When does 'Special' mean 'Entry-Level'?

Correct us if we are wrong, but doesn't 'Special Edition' denote that a specific model is equipped with extra features beyond the usual and perhaps even some unique styling cues? Maybe for you and me, but not for Toyota. The same firm that has been (ab)using meaningless groups of letters like GLi, XLE, LS and SE to describe the grade level of its models for decades now, decided to release an entry-level, cut price domestic version of its Crown Hybrid model called 'Special Edition' to help boost sales.

Compared to the standard Crown Hybrid that was introduced in Japan in early 2008, the Special Edition model has given up an array of comfort, convenience and even safety features such as leather upholstery, Toyota's Pre-Crash Safety System, automatic wipers and some other elements that we were unable to translate from Toyota's site.

The result is a reduction in price of around 10 percent, to 5.4 million Yen or roughly $56,100 US at today's exchange rates.

The full-size, rear-wheel drive Crown Hybrid sedan is moved by a 292HP 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and a 48HP electric motor producing a maximum combined output of 340HP. As stated by Toyota, the Crown Hybrid achieves a fuel efficiency of 14.0 km/l (7.2lt/100km or the US equivalent of 32.9 mpg) according to the Japanese test cycle.

2010 Honda Stream MPV Receives the Mugen Treatment

Here's some more Mugen news for all you Honda fans. Along with the release of the first photos of the European specification Civic Type-R 3-door hatchback, the Honda parts specialist revealed its updated tuning package for the discreetly facelifted Stream MPV. Mugen's aero body kit features all the usual pieces such as a front spoiler, a rear spoiler and a roof-mounted rear wing. Additional exterior modifications include a sport grille, side skirts and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Owners of the 2010 Stream can also order a sports suspension, beefier brake system, a performance muffler with a single exhaust pipe and a sport air filter.

Honda Updates Stream MPV, Adds Sporty RST Version to the Range

It's mid-life facelift time for the Honda Stream, a Japanese market compact MPV with three rows of seats that looks like a cross between a people carrier and a station wagon model. The subtly refreshed Stream gains a restyled front bumper, a new grille, upgraded features and different trim options for the interior plus a revised suspension. In other words, nothing to get excited about. However, Honda did add a new variant to the lineup called RST that attempts to give some 'R-Type' flavor to the compact MPV.

And by flavor we don't mean a high-revving four-pot but an exterior styling package that includes among other parts, a new rear bumper with a diffuser and specific tail lights, new 17-inch alloy wheels, body-hugging seats, sportier interior trim with aluminum decor and contrasting red stitching on the leather steering wheel and gear knob along with a sportier suspension setup.

And since the RST is supposed to be "sporty", the Japanese automaker decided to remove the third row of seats for weight saving reasons - that's what Honda supports in its press release. Would of made some sense if the RST was offered with a R-Type powertrain, but since it is available with the same 140HP 1.8-liter and 150HP 2.0-liter i-VTEC engines as the rest of the range, it just makes it less practical and nothing else.