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The Robot Astronaut Named Kirobo

Japan takes things to a whole new level with, Kirobo. Designed by Dentsu with Toyota and the University of Tokyo, Japan is planning to be the first to launch a talking robot into space. Named Kirobo, which is derived from “kibo” meaning hope in Japanese and robot.  This robot uses some of the latest voice-recognition software made by Toyota. Standing about 13 inches tall and weighing about 2.2 pounds, Kirobo is capable of recognizing human emotion and body language and is also able to respond. His mission is set for August when the Japan Space Agency will be bringing him along with them, where he will hold the first human-robot conversation in space aboard the International Space Station.

Source: HuffingtonPost

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NEW Hyper Rev Vol#172 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution CT9A and CZ4A (book #11)

The latest Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions Hyper Rev has just been published on 06/26/2013.  Models covered are CT9A and CZ4A.

Previous released Lancer Evo Hyper are still available;

http://www.more-japan.com/hyper-rev-mitsubishi-lancer-evo/

 

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Track Battle: Ford Fiesta ST vs Toyota GT86

Interesting little test between the Ford Fiesta ST and the Toyota GT86. Considering the fact that not everyone is going to take both to the track but it should show a little handling comparison between the two. Imagine the potential both could bring with some performance upgrades.

via EVOTV

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NEW! Concept G Exhaust for FR-S & BRZ

New Tanabe exhaust for Scion FR-S & Subaru BRZ is now available! This Medalion Concept G is a single muffler, cat-back exhaust system designed for increased power in a lightweight system.

Part #: T80166R
MSRP: $690.00 

Continue reading

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A Visit to Signal Auto

Here some snaps from out visit to Signal Auto in Osaka just days before Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year. They were hard at work finishing of the KE72 wagon that was on display in their booth. For pictures from Tokyo Auto Salon, please check here Continue reading

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Throwback Thursday: Tanabe Super Medalion Racing

Although discontinued, Tanabe’s Super Medalion Racing Exhaust still share many characteristics that many exhaust systems manufactured today use. With Tanabe’s rich history in racing in mind, this exhaust was produced to maximum performance from your highly-tuned engine. Built to be a lightweight cat-back system, this system allows the muffler section to be overhauled or to facilitate the replacement of the fiberglass packing. In completing the whole exhaust and to give the aggressive look, this exhaust was equipped with an up-turned tip that many race cars use.

More Products: Tanabe-USA.com

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Tanabe Sustec S-0C Coilover kit for 2011-2012 Honda CRZ (#TSC148)

SUSTEC PRO S-0C is for those who desire both high performance and maximum comfort from a suspension system. S-0C is ideal for performance and street applications.

Dispelling a popular belief that a firm or harsh ride is a sign of a performance suspension, the short stroke, shortened case dampener of the S-0C is extremely unique in that its internal construction allows it to deliver superior handling without sacrificing strength or ride comfort.

Unique double-cylinder design allows for full suspension stroke within the shortened shock body while Low-pressure gasses ensure smooth rebound characteristics for additional ride comfort.

NOW Back in Stock

APPLCATION: 2011-2012 HONDA CRZ

PART# TSC148

www.tanabe-usa.com

 

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2013 Super GT Round 3 Malaysia

Round 3 took place this past weekend in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit. Super GT’s top class have produced some of the fastest GT racing cars in the world. Some of the most dominant cars come from Japan’s Big 3 automakers; Honda, Nissan, and Toyota/Lexus. It’s interesting to see at how much output these manufacturers come up with.

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Tanabe Sustec Strut Tower Bar

The strut tower bar is arguably one of the least expensive upgrades that can provide a very high degree of benefit that is felt immediately after installing. Often one of the first modifications performed on a vehicle, the strut tower brace improves handling and stability of a vehicle.

The Sustec Tower Bar has been very popular due to its low price and high functionality. By connecting the strut towers, and creating a balance, the shocks are prevented from independently moving and causing small changes in suspension geometry.

While simple in appearance, the design of the centershaft has a significant amount of engineering put into it.

The construction is reinforced extruded aluminum, which features dual reinforced lips on the underside, as well as tapered ends for additional rigidity. The centershaft is very lightweight, so weight is not added to reinforce the chassis.

The end plates are 100% steel for maximum strength and durability. Extremely budget tower bars commonly use aluminum end plates, which are highly subject to deformity and breaking.

The 100% steel end plates are engineering for durability, so that the stress properly transfers to the bar, and does not overstress the welds and mounting brackets.

 

It is always recommended to raise the vehicle when installing so that the load of the shock and uppermounts on the shock towers are relieved and balanced out. When raised, and the tower bar is placed onto the vehicle, the preload can be adjusted and set. After it is bolted on and the car is lowered, each shock tower will have equal load and will prevent independent movements of each shock.

This will provide and extremely noticeable difference after installing. If a tower bar is installed on a car that is not raised, great benefits will be missed.

http://www.tanabe-usa.com/towerbar.asp

 

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Nom noms in Japan!

Here’s a little collection of some of the food and drinks that I had while in Japan earlier this year. The food was phenomenal and some things that were so simple and can have here every day, was just plain better in Japan. Maybe because everything wasn’t greasy and/or fried…. And you’d be amazed at what you can find in vending machines out there! Continue reading

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