Now that hybrid cars have taken the top sales spots in Japan for the last few months, that country's Transport Ministry is reportedly launching an investigation to determine whether it's wise to require hybrid automobiles to emit an artificial sound when operating with the internal combustion engine switched off. The thinking is that hybrids may be more dangerous to the blind due to their quiet operation under electric power.

According to an unnamed official, the government's 13-member panel – consisting of a diverse group of scholars, vision-impaired groups, consumers, police and automobile industry officials – "decided to consider introducing a sound-making function" on all hybrids at its first meeting on Thursday, July 2. The panel hasn't yet decided what sound hybrids should make. We'll cast our unofficial vote in the direction of cowbells.

The issue is well-known in America, where the government has launched Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Acts in each of the last two years to study the supposed problem. Naturally, there is some opposition to artificial noise generators on hybrids. "On the other hand, we should pay attention to residents (along roads) as hybrids are excellent in reducing noise," added the Transport Ministry official.



Photos Copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AFP via Google]

In any game of chicken, it's all about who flinches first. Ever since its first running in 1963, the Japanese Grand Prix has bounced between Fuji Speedway and Suzuka Circuit, the former dominating in the '60s and '70s before the latter got the exclusive in the late-'80s through 2006, at which point Fuji took over again. The rivalry is about more than just the tracks, though: With Toyota owning Fuji and arch-rival Honda owning Suzuka, the back-and-forth has become something of a turf war between the country's automotive powerhouses.

Two years ago, the two tracks worked out a deal that would have the race alternating year to year, sort of like Germany's arrangement between Hockenheim and the Nürburgring. However, emerging reports suggest that tightening belts at Toyota could spell trouble for Fuji Speedway. The costs of hosting a Formula 1 grand prix event continue to escalate, and those costs may be harder to justify for the cash-strapped auto giant – especially if ticket sales don't cover the budget. Honda is likely in no better a financial situation, as evidenced by their unfortunate withdrawal from the sport. But if Toyota flinches first, Honda might win the race... in one sense or another.

[Source: F1-Live | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

Ever roll through some sleepy burg and notice the townsfolk have painted each fire hydrant, recycling bin or park bench as its own work of art? That's one thing... but how about a whole country? Only in Japan, where the same famously zany locals fascinated with sailor costumes and neon lights on dump trucks have done it yet again. Only this time, their attention has shifted to manhole covers. Yes, manhole covers.

We don't know anything about this fad, how it began or how pervasive it is – we'd be glad to hear from you in our comment section below if you do – but from the look of the pinpointed map available at the link, it seems the craft has grown quite pervasive across the whimsical island nation. Check out a slew of our favorite examples in the gallery below, and try not to wonder how the artists didn't get run down by oncoming traffic while painstakingly completing their masterpieces.



[Source: ittemia.jp]

Turn 10 Studios has blessed us with another round of screen shots from the upcoming Forza Motorsport 3, as well as a few more hints regarding the tracks and vehicles in the game. The previous update had a Le Mans theme, but this time the focus is on Japan, highlighted by a selection of both cars and tracks from the Land of the Rising Sun.

While the complete line-up of Japanese cars hasn't been released, those listed give us a good idea of the range of vehicles due to be offered. You'll be able to drive everything from sub-compacts like the 2008 Toyota Yaris S and 2009 Honda Fit Sport to the race cars from the Super GT series including the Nismo Nissan GT-R. Of course, Japanese icons are also available, including the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STi as well as the latest range of sports cars like the Lexus IS-F and Nissan 370Z.

As far as tracks go, you'll be able to drive on some of Japan's best race venues including the Suzuka, Twin Ring Motegi, and the Tsukuba. With over 100 real-world tracks available in the game, we're guessing this is only a small sampling of the list. Stay tuned for Turn 10 Studio's bi-weekly updates, and be sure to check out the new high-res screen shots in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!




[Source: Forza Motorsport]

Hear about those reports last week of a potential tie-up between Suzuki and Volkswagen for microcar development? Osamu Suzuki, chief executive at the automaker that bear his name, heard the same rumors that we did, and they apparently came as news to him. Though Suzuki falls short of denying outright that any potential deal could be struck, he told the Chunichi Shimbun daily (via Reuters):

So far there's been absolutely no contact (with Volkswagen). Lately, we've been the victim of a lot of rumors (of equity tie-ups and cooperation deals).

Suzuki sells more mini cars – albeit tiny 660cc Kei urban runabouts – in Japan than any other automaker not named Toyota, yet it has a limited footprint in most other markets. Thus, it's not surprising that rumors of impending partnerships are common. In this case, though, it would seem that reports of a potential 10% stake by VW are at least a bit premature.


[Source: Reuters]

Akio Toyoda, the new President of Toyota and grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda, is predicting another two years of tough times for the auto industry. In order to stay afloat, the Japanese automaker, under the direction of Toyoda, will build more autonomous operations in North America and concentrate on a more region-specific lineup to help the company pull through the recession.

While the company will be steered "back to basics," the changes will not involve plant closures – Toyota wants to make sure it retains capacity for when the market bounces back. Toyoda will also personally take a 30% pay cut this year. "The new Toyota sets sail in very stormy waters," said Toyoda at his first news conference. "But right now we're working at full speed to cut costs and jump-start sales with the support of various government incentives being rolled out... We want to do everything possible to avoid a third consecutive year of losses."

[Sources: Reuters / Reuters]

According to reports from Reuters and Manager Magazin in Germany, Volkswagen is keen to purchase a 10% stake in Suzuki in order to cooperate on future small cars for emerging markets. In its home market of Japan, Suzuki is the second-largest automaker behind Toyota and dominates the tiny Kei car market alongside Toyota-owned Daihatsu.

These miniature 660cc vehicles are extremely popular in Japan's dense urban settings and Volkswagen reportedly believes this class of automobile holds great promise for emerging markets. In India, for example, Tata Motors has seen a great deal of success with its diminutive Nano, which is billed as the cheapest car in the world.

Suzuki already enjoys a measure of success in Tata's home turf, where its Maruti Suzuki subsidiary offers the Alto, which has been the best-selling automobile in India since 2004. At this time, both Suzuki and Volkswagen are declining comment, but VW chairman Ferdinand Piech has praised the Japanese automaker numerous times in the past.



[Source: Retuers]

The JDM Nissan Fuga is due for a comprehensive overhaul, and according to a report by Japan's Holiday Auto, we can expect to see the redesigned sedan at this fall's Tokyo Motor Show.

The sketches above were inspired by a recent batch of spy shots and as expected, the Fuga – which serves as the basis for the Infiniti M in the States – will undergo a thorough exterior makeover, taking cues from the Essence concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show. The headlamps will continue to be stretched further over the fenders, while the taillights and bumper will be more smoothly integrated into the bulbous rump. We're hoping the most interesting element of the Essence – the curved, creased and indented C-pillar – will make a successful transition from concept to production. Expect the Fuga to go on sale in Japan early next year, with the fully-redesigned Infiniti M to debut soon thereafter.



[Source: Holiday Auto via 7Tune]

A "Toyota insider" has supposedly spilled a few more beans to 7Tune about the upcoming front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe the automaker is collaborating on with Subaru, and according to the source, the 2+2 will carry a few of the Lexus LF-A's design cues when it hits the market next year.

Although Lexus' "L-Finesse" styling has remained exclusive to Toyota's luxury brand, certain elements of the language have begun to filter down to the automaker's mainstream models, specifically the recently released Venza CUV. The rendering above hints at some of the lines that could make the cut on the production version of the "086A," but contrary to past reports, 7Tune's tipster says that the Toyota and Subaru versions won't be remarkably different – only the front grille, headlamps and taillights will be unique. The report goes on to say that Toyota is desperately trying to keep the price below the two million yen mark (a little over $20,000) and, coinciding with earlier rumors, Subaru is actively considering offering an STI version of the coupe.

In a related story, ToMoCo's new president, Akio Toyoda – the exec who recently piloted the LF-A around the Green Hell during the 24 Hours of Nürburgring – told Auto Motor und Sport, "This sports culture, which we have neglected for so long, will again be maintained." Toyoda clearly wants to see the automaker back on the radar of enthusiasts and the first example of this newfound focus could find its way onto the stage at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

[Sources: 7Tune, Auto Motor und Sport via Japanese Nostalgia Car]

The boys over at Subaru Tecnica International must have some extra time on their hands lately. Sure, they opened a museum recently, and may have even lent a hand with Ken Block's new Gymkhana ride. But after canceling their iconic World Rally Championship program, we can mentally picture the tumbleweed rolling through their garage. Thankfully, if the latest rumors from Nihon Car are any indication, the STI crew may have a new project on their hands: a racing version of the new Legacy for the Japanese local Super GT series.

Although details are few and far between at this point, the Legacy STI would reportedly compete in the series' second-tier GT300 class, not in the top-level GT500. The GT300 category closely mirrors production car specs, so don't expect any wild conversions, but STI would surely push the envelope here, especially considering that their super-sedan would have to dice it with the likes of Porsche GT3s and race-prepped Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Privateer team Cusco won a race last year at Sepang with a GT300-spec Impreza, where the all-wheel-drive proved an advantage, but there's no telling what could happen if Subaru throws the weight of its factory support behind a works racing effort.

[Source: Nihon Car]