With so much thrust and grip, the Purple Dragon version of the TR2 Turbo would have been able to dominate the contemporary street racing scene - assuming someone managed to get their hands on it!
3 Likes
7th Generation Tanaka Aventus (2010-2018)
Tanaka Aventus 3.7 L shown
The 7th generation Aventus was actually scheduled to be revealed on 2008, but during that time, the global economic crisis was still there, so they just continued selling the 6th generation Aventus. While recovering from the crisis, the engineers figured that they could work on the 7th generation Aventus. It was revealed at in 2010. It is the only generation where it is only available with a V6. However, consumers still liked the car as it was more economical than its rivals. All trims can go over 30mpg. AWD is not available. However, people did not like its long-term reliability. While other Tanaka vehicles are reliable, the Aventus seems to be lower than the other models.
Tanaka Aventus 3.7 G shown
This is the 3.7 G, the base model. Alloy rims are standard. The interior is made of luxurious leather with a luxury SatNav system. It can do 30.5mpg. The 3.7 litre V6 produces 351HP.
Tanaka Aventus 3.7 L shown
This is the 3.7 L, the top-of-the-line model. The undertray is changed to a fully clad. It also has a luxury infotainment system. It only has 4 seats. It can now do 31.1mpg.
Tanaka Aventus 3.7 G facelift shown
Tanaka Aventus 3.7 L shown
The 2015 facelift introduces new things such as LED headlights and taillights and more. The wheel design is new. The place where the license plate sits at is now black to make the design more contemporary. It is also more reliable. The 3.7 litre V6 now produces 353HP. Slightly more powerful. Sales are going stronger, but fall down in 2017 and 2018. It is replaced by the new 8th generation Aventus that was revealed at the 2019 North American Auto Show.
9 Likes
For those who never got a chance to drive the infamous TR2 Turbo Purple Dragon, the Trinity would have been the next best thing, with AWD traction, ample turbo power and light weight. The surprisingly good fuel economy and low purchase price would have been icing on the cake.
1 Like
The Tanaka AA Platform - 7th Generation Aventis and 1st Generation Ascent (2015-Present)
The all-new 7th Generation Tanaka Aventis
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 G shown
The 7th Generation Aventis was introduced in 2015 to replace the outgoing generation. The engine is a brand new unit for 2015, the J-Series. The 2.2 litre direct injection version of J-Series was used in the 3rd generation Tanaka Atlantis revealed in 2019. For the Aventis, a 2 litre Multi-Point Fuel Injection version is used. To reduce complexity and cost. The design is also new. It is now more aggressive to attract younger customers. But also modern at the same time to keep it from looking dated.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 B shown
This is the Aventis 2.0 B, the base model. It has steel rims with a hudcap on it. The interior is standard with a basic infotainment system. It can do 40.2mpg. The transmission is a 7-speed advanced automatic.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 G shown
This is the Aventis 2.0 G, the mid-level trim. The bumper is slightly different as it has fog lights. The rims are now alloy. The interior is now standard with a standard infotainment system. It can do 39.2mpg.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 S shown
This is the Aventis 2.0 S, the sportier model of the G. Changes include wider medium compound tires, 18-inch alloy rims, lower ride height, sportier suspension setting, more powerful engine (J20MPEFI-C1 EarthBoost producing 204HP), a ducktail spoiler on the trunk and a new front bumper. The brake calipers are now red. AWD is now standard on the S and TR version. The transmission is a 6-speed manual, making it a driver’s car. It can do 0-60mph in 7.62 seconds. It can also do 1.01g.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 TR shown
This is the ultimate version of the Aventis, the 2.0 TR, which was introduced in 2017. Tuned by Tanabe Racing, the TR is now lighter than the 2.0 S thanks to 18-inch magnesium rims and a now standard 10s safety. The hood now has a vent to allow the engine to breathe even more. There is a rear-wing to produce downforce. There is also a lip at the front bumper. There is also a rear diffuser at the rear bumper. The J-Series engine (this version: J20MPEFI-D1 EarthBoost) is now pushed to 304HP and it now revs up to 8200RPM. The tires are switched to sports compund and are also now wider to give as much grip as possible. Combined with the lower ride height and a sportier suspension setting, the 2.0 TR can do 1.16g. The differential is now a mechanical LSD instead of the viscous LSD’s used in other trim levels. It can now accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.47 seconds. The steering is now switched to the traditional variable hydraulic system to allow drivers to communicate with the drivers. Launch control is also now available in the 2.0 TR.
Since 2015, 500000 units of the 7th generation Aventis has been sold worldwide. The Tanaka Aventis has always been Tanaka’s best-selling model and this one is no different. It has outsold the previous generation Aventis in the first year and has been going great ever since.
The brand-new Tanaka Ascent
Tanaka Ascent 2.0 G shown
Tanaka has been watching the markets carefully and found out that crossovers are getting more popular. So they decided that the platform that the 7th generation Aventis is perfect for a crossover. However, they didn’t want to make a hatchback. So instead, they turned it to a crosswagon. The Ascent is introduced at the same time as the Aventis. The design is mostly the same with a more rugged look.
Tanaka Ascent 2.0 G shown, tow hitch is part of the optional towing package.
The Ascent is available with AWD as standard. The engine is the J20MPEFI-C1 unit, the same as the Aventis 2.0 S. The ride height is increased. Other than that, it is basically the same car as the Aventis. It can do 34.2mpg. The 2.0 G is the only trim level.
A black Tanaka Ascent 2.0 G towing a full-interior trailer.
In terms of sales number in North America, the Ascent has slighly more than the Aventis. This car is mostly used by moms for grocery-getting and by families for road-tripping. But occasionally, the Ascent is used by off-roaders to climb up the mountains and to tow things.
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5 Likes
The Epitome of 90s Tanaka Luxury (The 5th Generaton Tanaka Aventus)
Tanaka Aventus 5.0 L shown
This is the 5th generation Tanaka Aventus, introduced in 1996. This was one of the longest wheelbase of Tanaka models on the 90s. Its only focus is luxury and it is one of the best selling Aventus generations. It is also one of the customer’s favorite car because of its very long wheelbase for its time, the Aventus was very roomy inside. It is up to par with its german rivals. For the first time, the Aventus is equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension system that makes this feel like riding on the cloud. This was also the first Aventus to be equipped with a V8 and a computer-controlled automatic transmission. It ended production in 2005 where it is replaced by the 6th generation Aventus.
Tanaka Aventus 5.0 G shown
This is the base version of the Aventus. The 5 litre V8 produces 313HP and 314lb-ft of torque. It has a luxury interior with luxury cassette player. The rims are 16 inches 5 spoke alloys wrapped around medium-compound tires.
Tanaka Aventus 5.0 L shown *
This 5.0 L was introduced in 1997 as part of Tanaka’s Personality Program (TTP). Here, customers can choose their paint finish, interior colour, interior trim pieces, choice of rims and etc. All the little details can be added like a customized door sills, colour of interior lights, colour of stiching and piping, etc. Even flag poles can be added. The interior is a hand-made interior by the workers of TPP and a luxury CD player. The rear seats are now 2 individual reclining captain seats instead of the bench seats of the 5.0 G. There is an in-built refrigerator that replaced the centre seat.
* This example shown in the picture above is equipped with a gloss black paint and two-tone rims. The interior is beige with an oak wood interior. The interior is not equipped with any piping options.
“Tanaka Aventus ‘Bippu’ style”
The 5th generation Aventus has appeared in many movies where the Yakuza gang is involved. Nowadays, used 5th generation Aventus are popular in the VIP stance scene. The most popular body kit is from “Emotion Body Kits” which is installed on this car. This one has an accuair air suspension sytem. Shown on this picture, it is on its lowest setting.
Reliability Issues
Unlike other Tanaka models of the 90s, the Aventus is quite unreliable. The engine is quite reliable, but the electricity parts of this car are not. The CD player, traction control and basically any other electrical parts of the Aventus are very problematic. That is why you should never buy the Aventus without any service history. Always bring it to any official Tanaka dealership or any Tanaka-approved dealership for a pre-purchase inspection.
7 Likes
The 70s Brown…
Tanaka Aventus 6.0 L shown
This is the 2nd generation Tanaka Aventus. It was in production from 1978-1980. Compared to the first generation (which has a wheelbase of around 2.8 meters), the 2nd generation has a longer wheelbase (around 3.1 meters). This made the car being more spacious, but also slower and heavier. Their original plan is to make their Inline 6 more powerful. However, they did something else.
The CL60MFI-A1 engine under the hood of the Tanaka Aventus 6.0 L
That’s right, it’s a V12. They glued 2 of their Inline 6 into a V-engine. At the time where people have small 4 cylinder engines in the fuel crisis, this Japanese company put a V12 into a large luxury car. With the V12, they made power easily. The 2nd generation Aventus made 235HP. It is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This generation is more reliable than the previous one. The V12 is super smooth.
The only available trim level is the 6.0 L. The interior is made of luxury leather and pillows with loads of wood trimming and a luxury 8-track. The rims are 17-inch alloys. It can do 0-60mph in 9.19 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph (BECAUSE OF HOW MUCH OF A BRICK THIS IS!). Exclusive for the 2nd generation Aventus is a colour called Century Brown, which is the colour used on the pictures above.
The 2nd generation Aventus were used as a government car in Japan in the 70s. The Japanese emperor at the time owned this car. Unfortunately, this is a Japan-only car. It is not exported to any other countries. This is the only generation of the Aventus to use a V12.
I am very proud of this design. Let me know what you think? Is it 70s enough?
9 Likes
I like your 70´s style generally. ther are some little things that are not optimal, the sidebars seem to be one piece, so how do you open the doors?
I think the indicators on the side are too big, also the on the front, they are to long, but that´s my personal taste. 
The 4th Generation Tanaka X-Series (2010-2019)
Tanaka 450X shown
This is the 4th generation Tanaka X-Series. It was released in 2010 being the first X-Series powered by a V8, the Z-Series, instead of a turbocharged V6 from the previous generation. This newly-designed V8 was the basis for the engine used in the 2nd and 3rd generation Tanaka Akuma. The one in the X-Series were the naturally-aspirated versions. This generation has the longest wheelbase of any X-Series generations yet with a wheelbase of around 2.8 meters. This generation was also the first and probably last to use a lightened AHS steel chassis. To make it look beautiful, the designers has made the hood long with a smaller cabin than usual, which is why people complain about the tight space in the rear seats. The philosophy of the technology detox works well with the X-Series, making it a driver’s car even though it’s a GT. The design is a little bit ahead of its time thanks to its unique taillights. It is also the first generation to use LED running lights.
Tanaka 450X shown
This is the 450X, the base model. Equipped with the Z45DI-A1 unit producing 422HP and 325lb-ft of torque going through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission for the first time, a mechanical LSD (this is the last generation to use them) and an active comfort suspension. It was RWD. The X-Series has a luxury interior combined with a luxury infotainment system. It can do 22.3mpg. The rims are 19-inch alloys wrapped around medium-compound tires. The 450X can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and can do 172mph flat-out.
Tanaka 450X S shown
This is the 450X S, the top-of-the-line model until 2017. The 450X S has a sportier suspension setup, slighly wider sport-compound tires and 20 inch alloy rims. It is also lower. The Z45DI-B1 unit produces 458HP and 339 lb-ft of torque. The springs are active sports. It can do 21mpg, accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and has a top-speed of 175mph.
2015 Facelift
Tanaka 450X Facelift shown
A facelift for the X-Series occured in 2015. The facelifted versions have new headlights (the LED running lights can also be used a turn signals), new rims for both 450X and 450X S, a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, an electric LSD and slighly better all-round quality. But the biggest change of them all is the introduction of the AWD versions and a new trim, the 450X TR. Because of the new AWD system, the front tires of all 450X were thicker than the RWD models.
Tanaka 450X S Facelift shown
The 450X S has a bigger change. Not only are the rim designs new, but they are also now made of magnesium. The 450X S also have a more agressive diffuser to fit in with the more aggresive rims.
Tanaka 450X TR shown
In 2017, the 450X TR was released. It is a special edition only for 2017 and 2018. The 450X TR is based on the 450X S AWD. Only 300 of these are ever made. They only made so few of them because they did not want to damage the X-Series’ reputation of being a GT. The 450X TR were considered as supercars because of the supercar levels of performance. Tuned by Tanabe Racing, this version used the Z45D1-A1 Earthboost unit from the 2nd generation Tanaka Akuma which produces 585HP and 557 lb-ft of torque, has a sportier suspension setup, wider tires and fenders, 19-inch carbon-fibre rims, a new body kit, a wing, carbon-fibre trim pieces, removed rear seats, sports interior, launch control and more just to name a few. The X-Series is lighter than any of the facelifted models. The pre-facelift models are still lighter. The result is that 0-60mph happens in only 3 seconds flat and has a top-speed of 181mph.
ILLUSION…
Example: Tanaka 450X (pre-facelift) shown, equipped with 19-inch rims, looks like 18-inch
Did you know that the X-Series rims look smaller than they actually are?
The lip of the rims are made black to blend in with the tire. The reason behind this is because the size of the rims affect the looks of the car. Too large and the car looks weird. This design however stopped with the facelifted 450X with the new rims, but still continues with the 450X S and 450X TR. Because of its 20-inch rims and the new rim design (which has a very thin lip), they decided to make the whole lip black and leave the spokes untouched. This makes those 2 versions look very agressive.
7 Likes
Breaking News - Tanaka Motors Announces Bankruptcy!
Tanaka Model 5 shown
Tanaka Motors, a major Japanese car company, had announced bankruptcy. They will close all plants and free up thousands of people working there. As their new job, Tanaka bicycles are looking for more employees. The Tanaka bicycles have some history to the Tanaka Heavy Industries. With the Model 1 produced from 1962-1969, Model 2 from 1969-1979, Model 3 from 1980-1995, Model 4 from 1995-2006, and its current iteration, the model 5 from 2006-present. Tanaka Heavy Industries is looking to expand and had now started to making air-conditioning and TV’s. This sparks a new beginning in the future history, introducing the Tanaka Home Equipments.
April Fools Day!
7 Likes
The 3rd Generation Tanaka Aventis (1980-1985)
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 Turbo shown
The 3rd generation Tanaka Aventis was released. The car featured a very boxy 80s styling. This made the car look like the 80s, but the car has a lot of drag. Combined with the low power, the car has a very low top-speed. Its fuel economy is also not up to par with some other cars with the most economical version getting 21.4mpg and the thirstiest version getting 18.3mpg. Reliability was improved from the previous generations. This generation is most famous for its longitudinal front-wheel drive drivetrain in the sedan versions. This is the only rear-wheel drive generation other than the 1st generation. It was nicknamed “the block” because of its boxy shape.
Tanaka Aventis 1.8 B shown
This is the 1.8 B, the base model. It is equipped with the B18MPEFI-A1 unit (a 1.8 litre NA SOHC I4) making a mere 100HP going to the front wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission with an open differential. It has 13-inch steel rims, a semi-clad undertray, drum brakes on the rear, a standard interior with a basic 8-track and a hydraulic power steering. It can do 21.4mpg.
Tanaka Aventis 1.8 G shown
This is the 1.8 G. It has the same engine, same manual transmission (for the manual version), a 4-speed automatic transmission (for the automatic version), disk brakes in the rear, a standard 8-track and a variable hydraulic steering.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 S shown
This is the 2.0 S, introduced in 1982. It is only available in a coupe form. It has a new 5-speed manual transmission, the same interior as the 1.8 G, same equipments as the 1.8 G, a sportier suspension setup, wider 14-inch alloy rims wrapped around sports-compound tires, a new body kit, the rear seats ripped out, mechanical LSD, and vented brakes. It also has the BA20MPEFI-A1 unit (2 litre DOHC NA I4) producing 139HP going to the rear wheels. Yes, it is now RWD. This version is often used by drifters and street racers and have appeared in some animes.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 Turbo shown
This is the 2.0 Turbo, introduced in 1984. It is quite similar to the 2.0 S, but has a journal-bearing turbo on it. The BA20MPEFI-A1 T unit (2 litre DOHC tubocharged I4) producing 204HP. It has a 2.0 Turbo exclusive side skirts, a 2.0 Turbo exclusive hood (the hood scoop is on top of the turbo), and 14-inch magnesium mesh rims. Even with all this power, it only has a top-speed of 130mph. It can do 0-60mph in 7.14 seconds. Even with that problem and because the 2.0 Turbo is very affordable, a lot of college students still bought these. One thing they don’t like is the massive turbo lag due to having single journal-bearing turbo.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 Turbo X shown
This is the 2.0 Turbo X, the absolute pinnacle of the 3rd generation Aventis. It was released in 1985 and only 500 are ever built. Tanaka put every single technology from their Group B rally experience into the Turbo X. It is standard with AWD. Most of the turbo lag is now fixed with a single ball-bearing turbo. This version also bring new a 3-way high-flow catalytic converter, which makes this engine (this version is the BA20MPEFI-A2 T) more powerful (now making 228HP). It has vents on the bumpers and side skirts. It also has a new fully-clad undertray, shorter gear ratios for better acceleration, a standard cassette player and better aerodynamics. The result of all of that improvement is 0-60mph in 6.66 seconds and a top-speed of 132mph.
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2nd Generation Tanaka Atlantis (2010-2018)
Tanaka Atlantis 3.0 T used as an unmarked police car in the anime ‘Detective Conan’
The 2nd generation Tanaka Atlantis was released in 2010 to replace the very outdated 1st generation Atlantis. This is currently the best-selling generation with 3,162,693 cars sold worldwide from the 8 years of production. This was the first ever Atlantis to feature a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as Tanaka wanted to put the EarthBoost technology to more and more models. This was also the last generation of the Atlantis to use a multi-point fuel injection.
Pre-facelift (2010-2014)
Tanaka Atlantis 2.0 B shown
The 2.0 B is the base version. It is only available with the FE20MPEFI-A2 EarthBoost unit producing 166HP. It has a 5-speed manual transmission, viscous LSD, 17-inch steel rims and standard interior with a standard CD player. It can do 34.8mpg.
Tanaka Atlantis 2.0 G shown
The G versions can be either equipped with the same Inline-4 engine as the 2.0 B or the TC30MPEFI-A1 V6 engine (the smaller version of the T-Series engines found in the 7th generation Aventus) that produces 207HP. The changes are having a 7-speed advanced automatic transmission, a sunroof and 18-inch alloy rims. A way to differentiate a V6 version from an Inline 4 version is to look at the back. The I4 versions have a double exhaust while the V6 has 2 seperate exhaust on the left and right side of the rear of the car.
Tanaka Atlantis 3.0 L shown
The L versions are just G versions but with a premium SatNav system.
Facelift (2015-2018)
Tanaka 3.0 G Facelift shown
The 2015 facelift gives the Atlantis a new LED headlight unit, standard and premium infotainment system (for the B and G, and L versions consecutively), parking cameras as standard and panoramic sunroof as standard (only for the G and L versions) with the roof painted black to blend in. The 4 cylinder versions of the Atlantis had a completely new engine. The J-Series engines use in the 7th generation Aventis is also used in the Atlantis (the Atlantis version is the J20MPEFI-C1 EarthBoost) and now makes 204HP, making it more powerful, but also more economical. The V6 engines are also more powerful, now making 215HP. AWD were also optional. However, the facelift brought a new trim, the 3.0 T.
Tanaka 3.0 T shown
The 3.0 T was famous for being a sleeper. The only giveaway that this Atlantis is different from the other Atlantis is the intercooler behind the lower grill, the ducktail spoiler on the trunk, the slightly different body kit and the alloy rims which by the way, are optional for the G and L versions, only that this one is gray. The tires are wider and are now medium compound. The car sits lower and the suspension is slighly stiffer. But the biggest change is the engine. The engine is now twin-turbocharged as you can probably see from the intercooler. The TC30MPEFI-A2 EarthBoost unit now makes 417HP with only 91 RON pump gas. This engine was the first V6 engine to have a flex-fuel management. AWD is optional. The interior is just standard leather with standard infotainment system Safety equipments are reduced to standard 10s to reduce weight. For the FWD version, it can do 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 189mph. As for the AWD version, it can do 0-60mph in 5.95 seconds and has a top speed of 181mph. But just because of all of this, doesn’t mean that this car is a sports car. In fact, it is just a stupidly fast midsize sedan. It cannot corner as good as sports cars and it is very bloated. However, the 3.0 T was also famous partly because it was featured in the anime ‘Detective Conan’ and several Asian detective movies. The 3.0 T was often internationally known as the detective’s car.
Tanaka Atlantis 3.0 T AWD shown with the S-Package
The S-Package was introduced in 2016 because car journalists were dissapointed that the normal 3.0 T cannot compete with real midsize sports sedans in terms of cornering ability. Tanaka dealed with that by adding 19-inch magnesium rims wrapped around sport compound tires, making it only 4 seats, a fully clad undertray, mechanical LSD, 7-speed DCT, carbon ceramic brakes and a sportier suspension setup. The engine was left untouched. The result, 0-60mph happens in 4.9 seconds and the top speed is 189mph and it now has a way better handling. It can do 1.10 g’s. But the package costs an approximate extra of $9000 and it is only available for the AWD version of the 3.0 T. This however, made the journalists happier as they can now have a sleeper can destroy sports cars both at the straight line and in corners.
7 Likes
2nd Generation Tanaka Osaka (2015-Present)
Tanaka Osaka 2.0 G shown
This is the 2nd generation Osaka, introduced in 2015 to replace the outdated 1st generation. This is the 1st Osaka to ever feature a multi-link rear suspension, making it quite comfortable, the first Osaka to even have LEDs, let alone they are standard and the first Osaka to receive the 2.0 Active trim (making this version a sub-compact crossover). Tanaka wanted to push the EarthBoost technology worldwide. All versions of the Tanaka Osaka in all countries sold in have the EarthBost technology to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Tanaka Osaka 2.0 B shown
This is the 2.0 B, the base model. It is equipped with the J20MPEFI-A1 EarthBoost unit producing 160HP and 174 lb-ft of torque. It is FWD. It has a 7-speed advanced automatic transmission and a viscous LSD as standard. The rims are 16-inch steel rims with a hudcap on it wrapped around hard long-life compound tires. The interior are standard cloth with a basic infotainment screen on it. Every Osaka comes with all the latest safety technology except for autopilot, some of these features are not available in other countries like the Middle East and SouthEast Asia. It can do 41.5mpg.
Tanaka Osaka 2.0 G shown
This is the 2.0 G, the mid-range version. The changes for this version are standard infotainment system, 17-inch alloy rims and a fully-clad undertray. This can do 41.3mpg.
Tanaka Osaka 2.0 S shown
This is the 2.0 S, the sportiest version currently. It has a new body kit, sportier suspension, The J20MPEFI-B1 EarthBoost unit producing 171HP and 179 lb-ft of torque, vented brakes, a 6-speed manual transmission, a mechanical LSD and a wider sport compound tires. The 2.0 S was said to be quite fun around the corners from journalists. There is however an even sportier trim coming soon…
Tanaka Osaka 2.0 Active shown
If you don’t need sporty, the 2.0 Active is for you. It is now a crossover instead of a normal hatchback. It has a more rugged look to it. The market trend forces Tanaka to release this car, it was sold from 2016 until now and it is the one of the best-selling Tanaka model ever. it has an AWD system with a mechanical LSD, thicker tires and a higher suspension to improve its off-roading capability. The 2.0 Active was advertised for people who wants to go basically everywhere and the car has its capability to literally go off-road, unlike some of its competitors who just makes their cars look more rugged.
Sales Figures
The Tanaka Osaka has been a hit to the world. Majority of its sales comes from Europe and Asia. 1.6 million cars were sold in Europe, 2.5 million sold in Asia, 1.1 million sold in Australia (63% of its sales comes from the 2.0 Active), 1.2 million sold in the USA (the only version available in there is the 2.0 Active). The Osaka proved to be very popular. With the crossover craze skyrocketing, the 2.0 Active sales are also skyrocketing
12 Likes
Woah, I’d just like to say that the Osaka really is one of the most realistic looking cars i’ve seen in this thread and perhaps even the entire forum. The front lights look very nicely detailed and the custom “floating roof” design you’ve made works really well!
Really, do keep it up please, can’t wait to see more!
2 Likes
2 New Releases in 2 Auto Shows!
Take a look at the 2020 Tanaka Aventus EV in the 2019 Auto Shanghai.
Take a look at the 2020 Tanaka Okanawa in the 2019 New York Auto Show.
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The 4th Generation Tanaka Aventis (1995-2005)
The first car of many teenagers around the world, a Tanaka Aventis 2.0 S
The 5th generation Tanaka Aventis released in 1995 to replace the old 4th generation Aventis. When the car first hit the market, it was an instant success. It was very affordable and “quite-ish” reliable, perfect for a teenager’s first car. This was the first Aventis hatchback ever. People loved it because it is more spacious than previus generations because of being a hatchback. A new engine was also developed for the Aventis, the H-Series. It was made to replace the old and underpowered B-Series. This generation was also praised for having a very good fuel economy. Because Tanaka ditched the boxy styling and make the car look blobby, the car is now more slippery in the air.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 B shown
This is the 2.0 B, the base model. The H20MPEFI-A1 unit produces 109HP. It has 14-inch steel rims wrapped around hard long-life tires, a standard cloth interior with a basic cassette player, a hydraulic power steering, a 5-speed manual transmission, a viscous LSD, solid disk brakes and a semi-clad undertray. It can do 31.2mpg and weighs only 1085kg.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 G shown
This is the 2.0 G, an improved version of the 2.0 B. The changes are 15-inch alloy rims, a 4-speed automatic transmission for the automatic version and a standard cassette player. It can do 30.1mpg (for the manual version) and 28.3mpg (for the automatic version) and weighs only 1123kg (for the manual version) and 1128kg (for the automatic version).
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 S shown
This is the 2.0 S, the sporty version of the Aventis. The H20MPEFI-B1 unit produces 135HP. The biggest difference is that it swtiched to a 2-door hatchback. The rear seats are now seperated into two, not a bench rear seat. This version is the most popular as it is only slighly more expensive than the 2.0 B, but cheaper than the 2.0 G. There is only a 5-speed manual transmission available. It has 16-inch alloy rims wrapped around sports compound tires, a rear spoiler, vented disk brakes, a mechanical LSD and a lowered and sportier suspension. It can do 29mpg. 0-60mph happens in 7.99 seconds and has a top speed of 128mph. The 2.0 S were a tuner’s dream as the car was very modifiable.
This is the 2.0 TR, the ultimate version of the 5th generation Aventis. It was released in 1997 as the third model to receive the TR treatment. The 2.0 TR has an exclusive new engine from Tanabe Racing themseleves, the K20MPEFI-A1, which produces 168HP and can rev all the way up to 7500RPM. It has an even sportier suspension, a new body-kit, stripped out rear seats, a new rear wing, magnesium rims, wider arches, wider tires, a fully-clad undertray and reduced safety features. The result is 0-60mph in 6.43 seconds, can achieve 1.11g’s of cornering and a top speed of 138mph. The 2.0 TR only weighs about 965kg. The Aventis 2.0 TR was praised for its incredible handling by journalists, racing drivers and customers. Tanaka only made 5000 of these and these cars would go down as one of the great 90s Japanese cars.
7 Likes
I can imagine an Aventis 2.0 S or TR being used quite often in the Sunday Cup, FF Challenge or even the Clubman Cup in either of the first two Gran Turismo games… it just looks and feels so right for these lower-level events!
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Announcement from Tanaka Motors
Tanaka pulled the plug on the production of the 3rd generation Atlantis from the US and Europe. The few thousand cars made will be sold with heavy discounts to give way for a new inventory. The Tanaka Atlantis will only be available in Asia.
After 5 years of production of the 7th generation Aventis, Tanaka plans to introduce a new generation for 2020. It hopes to be sportier, bigger and better than the very popular 7th generation. Its new chassis supports both hybrid and electric applications. More information is not available yet.
A new midsize SUV from Tanaka will be revealed soon. It uses the shorter chassis of the recently revealed Okanawa fullsize SUV. An EV version of both the Okanawa and the midsize SUV will be available too.
The Brand-New 2020 Tanaka Ereceta
Tanaka Ereceta 2.0 G shown
New for the brand, the Tanaka Ereceta was introduced as a 7-seater premium midsize MPV only for Asia. Tanaka went brave for the styling of this car. It looks upscale, but also aggressive at the same time. These rims are used for the first time. The rims suit the car quite well. The Ereceta is based on the long-wheelbase version (2.8m) of the upcoming 8th generation Tanaka Aventis platform. The Ereceta and the upcoming Aventis will both be produced at Tanaka’s newly purchased Xi’an Plant for China for the first time.
Tanaka Ereceta 2.0 G shown
The 2.0 G is the base model, but also the most luxurious model. It has the J20DI-C1 EarthBoost unit producing 218HP and 201 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 7-speed advanced automatic. The interior is made of premium leather with premium wood trim and a premium infotainment system. The rims are 17-inch alloys. An AWD system is optional. It can do 39.3mpg (for the FWD version) and 38mpg (for the AWD version). The starting price is $24701 (without mark-ups). The AWD system is an extra $1000.
Tanaka Ereceta 2.0 S shown
The 2.0 S is a sportier version of the 2.0 G. It has the J20DI-D1 EarthBoost unit producing 224HP and 234 lb-ft of torque. The AWD system is standard. The tires are switched to wider medium-compound tires. The suspension is slightly stiffer and sportier. The brakes are vented. It can do 33.9mpg. 0-60mph happens in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph. The price is $26547 without mark-ups.
Tanaka Ereceta EV shown
The Ereceta EV is the electric version of the Ereceta. It uses 50kWh batteries for the front and back. It has a range of 205 miles. It weighs 2112kg. Everything else is the same as the 2.0 G. The price is $26844.
Tanaka hopes to see very good sales number for the Ereceta. The biggest market for these type of cars are China, Japan and Indonesia. The Ereceta will be on sale at late May for China and Japan, early June for Indonesia, and late July for the other Asian countries.
Sad News about Life...
Sad news: I will not post any new cars in the forum for approximately 2 weeks from now. I have an exam for 2 weeks and I need to study and prepare for the exam. So, I guess this will be my last post of a new car for 2 weeks.
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Some Success Stories May Not Have a Smooth Start
Tanaka GCR-1 #8 Racecar shown
Tanaka entered the Group C racecar with this, the GCR-1, for 1990 until the end of 1992. The GCR-1 was engineered by Tanabe Racing, Tanaka’s new race team. Tanaka raced for one goal, to win a championship. The car was originaly designed for 1985, but the engineering took a heck of a long time. In 1990, the GCR-1 made its debut at several races. The GCR-1 was okay, but the thing is that the GCR-1 is very hard to drive with over 800HP going to the rear wheels with tons of turbo lag. The cars climbed through the leaderboard until finally in 1991, the #8 car was in podium position. By that time, the drivers knew how to control this beast. Then at 1992, the #8 car driven by Nakaya Akura won a race at Suzuka Circuit. The team was very proud of this achievement and this exact car was then stored away inside the Tanaka Museum in Tokyo after the 1993 Championship was cancelled.
Tanaka GCR-1 #5 Racecar shown
This is the #5 car. This particular car raced at the 24 hours of Le Mans. There were also the #2 and the #4 car at there. Three of them was used to race at Le Mans. In 1991, #4 car was totaled. Then in 1992, the #2 car was totaled as well, leaving only the #5 car, However, it finished in 3rd at the same year. The car didn’t do as well as Tanaka thought to be. They have plans to race it again for 1993, but the championship was cancelled. That’s the end of Tanaka’s Group C story.
Specs
This is the bare bones chassis of the Tanaka GCR-1. It is has a carbon-fibre tub with push-rod suspension for the front and rear of the car. The engine is a 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged V12 (called the ‘XX35MPEFI-A1 T/R’) producing 804HP and 607lb-ft of torque. However, it has tons of turbo lag. In fact, peak power is at 7800RPM and peak torque is at 6500RPM. That means that drivers must shift into a lower gear than usual, or constantly pressing the clutch. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission going to the rear wheels.
This is the High Downforce version, the one that the #8 car is. It featured an extreme body kit with all the complete lips, canards, splitters, diffuser and a massive rear wing. They are equipped with 20-inch magnesium rims wrapped aroung very T H I C C racing slicks (let’s just pretend because it is actually semi-slicks…). Brakes are 3 piston vented for the front and smaller 4 piston vented brakes for the rear. It has a fully-clad undertray. The interior has only 1 seat and no radio at all. The car also has no traction aids, just like what the rules said. It can do 1.34 g’s (on a 20m radius circle) and 1.61 g’s (on a 200m radius circle). It can do 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 196mph. This one is the most recognizable one.
This is the low downforce version. The wing is now smaller and the canards are now gone, therefore create less downforce and less drag. This version was used by the #5 car. This one is exclusively made for Le Mans. Other than that, it is the same as the High Downforce version. It can do 1.32g’s (on a 20m radius circle) and 1.30 g’s (on a 200m radius circle). It can do 0-60mph in 5 seconds flat and can do 229mph.
The effects of he GCR-1’s victory
The GCR-1’s victory have made an impact to car sales. Global car sales have increased by 5% and the company has increased their cool factor. The GCR-1 is one of the most significant car for Tanaka because most other Tanaka models in the 80s were boxy and boring, the GCR-1 stood out from all of them and lead Tanaka to become cool again. This has encouraged Tanaka to build cool cars in the 90s. The GCR-1 inspired the Tanaka TR2 Turbo, the 2nd gen Tanaka Trinity and Tanaka’s supercars of the 2000s until now. The GCR-1 is now a legend.
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