Tanaka Heavy Industries (田中重工業) | OLD VERSION!

It’s not hard to see why in period - it really did look too much like a muscle car trying to be a grand tourer, which the 300X always was. However, the rarity of surviving examples could well lead to this generation of the model line being more sought-after - if not now, then soon. All that expensive tech (AWD, direct injection, etc) did little for its reliability or price when new, though.

Oh man I love the styling of the 300X! It’s so dynamic and slick yet somewhat aggressive :sparkles:

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Tanaka Motors 10-year plan starting from 2020


Tanaka Motors has plans for the next 10 years. The company is now moving more upscale to improve its brand image. By 2030, Tanaka wants all models to have a premium infotainment system or better (for the G and L models). As for the B, S and TR (for some vehicles) trims, they will have a minimum of a standard infotainment system or better. S and TR trims will have the premium infotainment system as an optional equipment. Tanaka also said that the Aventis will move up from a compact car to a compact executive car. By 2030, Tanaka wants all their models to have AWD. The company also moves forward to be a more eco-friendly company. By 2030, Tanaka will replace all their plastics with bioplastics and cloth seats replaced by recycled fabric. For any soft-top models, the canvass top will be replaced with recycled waterproof fabric. Tanaka will try their best to keep their cost as low as possible while still maintaining its strict reliability standard (Over 60 reliability points…) and all the good things to keep budget buyers interested. Previous owners of Tanaka vehicles will be given a 20% discount for their next new Tanaka vehicles (2020 and above).


So in conclusion, Tanaka wants to be more upscale, have AWD for all its models, improve its brand image and be more eco-friendly by 2030.

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Tanaka Summita (2015-Present)



Tanaka Summita 2.0 G Facelift shown

With the ever growing market for a crossover, Tanaka released the Summit. It is a compact crossover from Tanaka for the first time. The front and rear design is quite simple and minimalistic. It uses the same platform as the 7th generation Aventis, the AA Platform. It is the first time that Tanaka shared platforms across multiple models. AWD is standard across all versions as expected to match its rugged looks. Since the lsoon to be revealed 8th generation Aventis will leave the C-segment and move on to the D-segment, the Summit is here to stay in the C-segment.


Pre-facelift Version (2015-2019)


Tanaka Summita 2.0 B shown

The 2.0 B is the base model version. It uses the J20MPEFI-A1 Earthboost unit producing 160HP and 174lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed advanced automatic transmission. The interior is made of standard synthetic seats with a basic infotainment system (like every other models, available with Apple Carplay and Android Auto). It has steel rims with a hudcap on it wrapped around hard compound long life tires. It has a semi-clad undertray. It has the advanced 00s safety to save money. It can do 38.2mpg.


Tanaka Summita 2.0 G shown

The 2.0 G is a better-equipped version of the 2.0 B. The changed are new alloy rims, advanced 20s safety and a standard infotainment system. It can do 37.9mpg.


Facelifted Version (2020-Present)


Tanaka Summita 2.0 B Facelift shown

The facelifted version is introduced for 2020 and will be on sale on late 2019. The facelift brought some changes. The car is now more reliable, the engine now uses direct injection (J20DI-B1 EarthBoost) which makes 209HP and 213 lb-ft of torque, a side body cladding (to make it look more rugged), new rim designs, an advanced 9-speed automatic transmission and upgraded infotainment systems (to follow Tanaka’s 10-year upscaling plan), which means that the 2.0 B will have a standard infotainment system and the 2.0 G and upper having the premium infotainment system. The facelifted versions can do over 40mpg very easily.
The Summita 2.0 B Facelift costs $21237 and the Summita 2.0 G costs $23050, both without taxes, shipping costs, optional extras and mark-ups.


Tanaka Summita 2.0 Active shown with optional off-road tires

The 2.0 Active is more than just an even more rugged looking Summita, it also hold some off-road goodies such as optional off-road tires, an off-road sway-bar, a more powerful engine (using the J20DI-C1 EarthBoost unit) which now produces 233HP, higher suspension, a locking AWD system and an off-road undertray. This is the type of car you want really get dirty in. Not only does it have this rugged looks, it also has the ability to back it up. Without options and mark-ups, the Summita 2.0 Active costs $23439. The optional off-road tires costs an extra $110.


Tanaka Summita EV shown

The EV version uses dual 50kWh battery. Its range is 270 miles. A range extender is optional for $1000. It extends the range to 305 miles. The undertray is fully-clad to reduce as much drag as possible. The base price $27460 not including optional extras, taxes, shipping and mark-ups.


Sales number


From 2015, the Tanaka Summita was a huge sales hit. 3.3 million cars were sold in the USA, 3.1 million cars sold in Europe and 3.1 million cars sold in Asia. This is one of the best-selling Tanaka models ever since it has been introduced. Because the sales number were higher than the same class Aventis, Tanaka wants the Aventis to go up to a D-Segment to prevent sales being taken from the Summita.

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1st Generation Tanaka Raikan (2005-2015)



Tanaka Raikan 2.0 G Facelift shown

Tanaka wanted to get into the entry-level sports car market since they already have a supercar and a GT. So, they started developing it from 2003 and was introduced in the 2004 Tokyo Auto Show for the 2005 model year. The body was made from full aluminium with a monocoque chassis made of light AHS Steel. A front McPherson strut was originally planned, but because of the design, it couldn’t fit inside. So, Tanaka used double wishbones for the front. The rear is a multi-link setup. Since the 3rd generation X-Series uses a twin-turbo V6 at the time, Tanaka scrapped the V6 idea for the Raikan and replaced it with a modernized version of the Inline 4 from the 4th generation Tanaka Aventis 2.0 TR (the K-Series). The Raikan is only available in a coupe body style. While some people like the coupe, others complained that it needed a convertible model. The convertible model will be available for the next generation. Customers loved its sportiness, fun factor, its price and its very good fuel economy. When it first came out, the rear design was thought to be controversial. However, as time goes by, people got used to its looks.


Pre-facelift era (2005-2012)


Tanaka Raikan 2.0 B shown

The 2.0 B is the base model. It uses the K20MPEFI-A2 unit producing 177HP and 141 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission going to the rear wheels. The differential is a mechanical LSD. The rims are 16-inch 5-spoke alloys wrapped around medium compound tires. Despite the tires, it can still do 1.03 g’s. The brakes are vented as standard. It has a semi-clad undertray. The interior is made of standard cloth seats with a basic CD player. It has advanced 90s safety. It can do 0-60mph in 6.07 seconds, a top speed of 142mph, a fuel economy of 30mpg and a weight of 1014kg.


Tanaka Raikan 2.0 G shown

The 2.0 G was a fully-loaded 2.0 B. The changes are sports compound tires, a new rim design, a standard CD and advanced 00s safety. Acceleration and top speed is the same as the 2.0 B, but it is heavier (now 1046kg) and fuel economy is lower (now 28.9mpg).


Tanaka Raikan 2.0 S shown

This is the 2.0 S, the rarest 1st generation Raikan of them all. It is only available from 2007-2008. Only 350 of these were ever made because of the economic crisis. Originally, it was only for the JDM market. However, some people in Europe managed to get their hand on these cars. It was only available in RHD. What made this so special is that it is the only factory 1st generation Raikan to weigh under 1000kg (984kg to be exact). The engine is also tuned to make 203HP and 153 lb-ft of torque. The rev limiter was raised to 8200RPM to make sure that the power is better used. The exhaust is all straight through. The gearing was slighly longer. It has a fully-clad undertray with an active aero system and a rear diffuser. It has a basic CD player. The rims are made of magnesium to save more weight and the rear tires are wider. Safety features were reduced to save even more weight, the interior uses a little bit of carbon fibre and seats made of aluminium to save even more weight, the sway bars are now semi-active and the suspension is lower and stiffer. Camber was also more agressive. It can do 0-60mph in 5.34 seconds, a top speed of 149mph and can do 26.3mpg. Owners really loved these cars. As a result, only 88% of these cars were one-owner cars and thus, these versions are highly sought after. Although not a TR version, it is still few of the greatest Tanaka ever made.


Post-facelift era (2013-2015)


Tanaka Raikan 2.0 B Facelift shown

The facelift brought big changes. It includes a new front fascia, LED headlights, new rim designs, increased reliability, increased fuel economy (all versions can do over 30mpg very easily), increased satety features, new infotainment systems (to replace the outdated CD players) and most importantly, the K-Series engine is now direct injection (now called the K20DI-A1) which now makes 184HP and 147lb-ft of torque. The facelift also brought in 2 new trims, the 2.0 T (to replace the 2.0 S) and the 2.0 TR.


Tanaka Raikan 2.0 T shown

This is the 2.0 T. The K20DI-A1 EarthBoost unit (yep, it is turbocharged!) now making 246HP and 227 lb-ft of torque, all while also increasing fuel economy (it can now do 36.8mpg). The rim diameter is now increased to 17-inches. The suspension setup is sportier, and also lowered. It can do 0-60mph in 5 seconds flat and has a top speed of 160mph. The 2.0 T proved to be quite popular.


Tanaka Raikan 2.0 TR shown

This is the 2.0 TR, the fastest and best-performing version of the 1st generation Raikan. It was available only for 2014-2015. Only 500 of these were ever made. It uses the K20DI-B1 EarthBoost unit (the final iteration of the K-Series engine) making 267HP and 292 lb-ft of torque. It has a new body-kit, a hood scoop to cool the engine, a new rear wing, exposed intercooler, 17-inch magnesium rims, wider tires, a fully-clad undertray, a sports interior, a basic infotainment system, standard 00s safety, launch control, adaptive dampers and a lowered and sportier suspension setup. It can do 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds, a top speed of 160mph (drag limited) and can do 1.20 g’s of lateral grip in a 20m radius circle.

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Introducing the 2020 Tanaka Esquire (the 2nd generation)



Tanaka Esquire 3.5 L Executive shown

For the 2020 model year, the Esquire has been completely redesigned from the previous generation. It uses an extended version of the chassis of the upcoming 8th generation Tanaka Aventis and the already-released Ereteca. AWD is standard and the only engine options are the 3.0 litre V6 (3.0 G and 3.0 L) and the 3.5 litre V6 (3.5 L Executive). The Esquire is standard with a 7-seat configuration (middle-row are 2 captain chairs) with an optional 8-seat configuration. The front styling of the Esquire is inspired by the Ereteca. The overall design is both handsome, attractive and elegant.


Trims:


Tanaka Esquire 3.0 G shown

The 3.0 G is the base model of the Tanaka Esquire. It uses the L30DI-A1 Earthboost unit producing 302HP and 307lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed computer-controlled torque converter automatic transmission. It has viscous LSDs on all models and AWD is standard. The rims are 20-inch tri-tone “symmetrical” double 5-spoke rims wrapped around hard-long life tires. All 4 corners have 2-piston vented brakes, active-comfort suspension and adaptive dampers. The interior is made of premium leather with piano black trimming and a premium infotainment system. Only the 2nd-row seating are provided with screens to watch anything either via bluetooth or the CD-player. The safety is advanced 10s. A single-sunroof is standard with twin-sunroofs being optional for this trim. It can do 26.6mpg. The starting price is $62900 (without mark-ups and additional options).


Tanaka Esquire 3.0 L shown

The 3.0 L have couple of changes from the 3.0 G which includes extra chrome on the front grille and rear bumper, a luxury infotainment system, another 2 extra screens for the 3rd row seating and an additional autopilot system. The twin-sunroof is standard in this trim. It can do 25.7 mpg. The starting price is $68200 (without mark-ups and additional options).



Tanaka Esquire 3.5 L Executive shown

The 3.5 L Executive is currently the top-of-the-line version (coming soon is a more luxurious version) of the Esquire. The changes include using the bigger L35D1-A1 Earthboost unit producing 367HP and 360lb-ft of torque, a 9-speed computer-controlled torque converter automatic transmission, 21-inch tri-tone “symmetrical” double 5-spoke rims, the interior now made of luxurious leather with wood trimming, and semi-active dampers. Unlike other trims, it has its own panoramic sunroof/moonroof. It can do 25.9 mpg. The starting price is $84300 (without mark-ups and additional options.)


The Tanaka Esquire will start to be on sale on the first of July for Japan and China and the mid of July for the rest of Asia. US and Europe can have the Esquire, but only through a special order from select dealerships.

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Wow! This is amazing, I love it

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The Ereteca was already tested by the Fleet Manager Magazine and received good critics. Our experts see a lead in the van market for Tanaka Heavy Industries. CMT is planning to give up their vans, as the customers switch either to SUVs or to Tanaka models.

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It’s almost as if you have a background in designing cars, man. They’re that good

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@Baskent Thank you!
@GetWrekt01 I started designing cars by drawing when I was really young. After that I started playing in the Kee version, although my design is horrible. Then, I started playing UE4. The freedom of the UE4 engine gives is immense. This is why I can design like this, although my first designs in UE4 are also not that great. I even took an entire year experimenting with different stuff until what I can do best right now. My best advice for you is to keep practicing and seek advice in the discord channel. Thank you!
@CMT Would you like to review some of our future models (such as the Aventis and more, but you’ll have to wait and stay tuned…)? Or would you like to review some our current models?

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I’m not gonna lie, just going through your thread is giving me tons of ideas, designwise, and new stuff to play with(supercharging, twincharging and diesel engines).
You’re quite the example of practice makes perfect

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The all-new 2020 5th generation Tanaka X-Series in the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed


The all-new 5th generation had just been lauched in the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, check it out!

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The Production Version of the 2020 3rd Generation Tanaka Akuma Revealed!



Tanaka Akuma V8S on the left and the Tanaka Akuma V8R on the right

Since its debut of the concept in the 2019 Geneva International Auto Show, Tanaka went on continuing to improve the car both in looks, performance and affordability. The senior designer, Abura Nagasaki, is now happy with the new design. The new 2020 Tanaka Akuma is now greenlit for production with deliveries starting on late 2020.



Tanaka Akuma V8S shown

Appearance

The initial design that was revealed in the 2019 Geneva International Auto Show was a design proposal by a group of junior designers of Tanaka. Tanaka decided to use this minimalistic design initially in their prototype debut at Geneva as a blank canvas for improvements. The design received positive feedbacks. However, Abura felt that something was missing. Therefore, he redesigned the car to give a more aggressive look to it. The rear centre vent is enlarged to allow more cooling. The front is especialy redesigned. While some of the original headlight shape retained, the whole headlight unit is changed. LED DRLs are now flowing to the bottom of the bumper. The side vents, which used to be at the bottom of the headlights, are now surrounded with the LED DRLs. There is are new centre vents to direct air to parts of the car. In between those 2 grilles is a bar. The bar can be in an aluminium finish, body-coloured finish, satin grey finish and a carbon-fibre finish. Of course, the bubble roof is still there to make space for taller people and people who use helmets to track their cars. But now, there is a sunroof in between the bubbles. Overall, details have been added and tweaked. This makes the car very recognizable.


The bare chassis of the Tanaka Akuma V8R with all the suspension and drivetrain components…

Performance

Of course, the chassis and the drivetrain stays the same. A full-carbon-fibre body on a full carbon-fibre chassis with pushrod suspension all around 4 corners. AWD is standard with E-Diff. For the V8S, the Z47DI-A2 EarthBoost unit produces 658HP and 615lb-ft of torque while for the V8R, the Z47DI-B2 EarthBoost unit produces 716HP and 620lb-ft of torque. Efficiency is increased too.

Trim V8S V8R
Suspension Type (F/R) Pushrod/Pushrod -
Transmission 7-Speed DCT -
Differential Electronic LSD -
Tire type Dunlap Sport Compounds -
Tyre Size (F/R) 240/290 mm -
Wheelbase (m) 2.72 -
Engine Z47DI-A2 EarthBoost (DOHC 4.7 litre 32 Valve Direct-Injected Turbocharged V8) Z47DI-B2 EarthBoost (DOHC 4.7 litre 32 Valve Direct-Injected turbocharged V8)
Horsepower (HP) 658 716
Torque (lb-ft) 615 720
Fuel recommendation 95RON Unleaded Premium -
Top Speed (mph) 212 214
Acceleration (0-60mph) 2.5 Seconds -
Lateral G (around a 20m radius circle) 1.25 g’s 1.27 g’s
Curb Weight (kg) 1487 1476
Fuel Economy (US MPG) 27.0 26.0
Brakes Carbon Ceramic, 2 piston front & 2 piston rear -
Seating 2 seats -
Interior Premium leather with Aluminium trimming (carbon-fibre optional) -
Infotainment System Tanaka Premium HUD -
Traction Aids ABS+TC+ESC+LC -
Suspension (springs/dampers/sway bars) Active Sport/Semi-active/Passive -
Active Aero 3-stage Active Aero -
All-Wheel Drive Standard -
Base Price (without mark-ups, taxes and shipping costs) $202000 $221000

Note: (-) means the same as the left


Gallery





Stay tuned for the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show for a surprise!

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This is a co.pany thread…not a challenge.

2020 8th Generation Tanaka Aventus Ready for Production

Perfect for Japanese VIPs...

Because there was once a post from Killrob that the car using this body that was built in older versions of the game are cocked up, I might as well redesign this to fit more in line with my design language in this version of the game…



From left to right: Tanaka Aventus 5.0 G, 5.0 L and 5.0 L Executive. From now on, our newly revealed cars will be displayed at the main entrance/lobby of Tanaka’s design studio.

The Tanaka Aventus has always been our full-size luxury sedan since its debut in 1975. This has always been one of the go to luxury sedans for Japanese and probably whole of Asia. The Aventus entered the US market in the mid-80s (During its 4th generation, 1985-1995) and the European market (During its 5th generation, 1995-2005). Since then, this is now its 8th generation of the Aventus. Its 1st design was revealed at the 2019 North American Auto Show. But then the designers kept tweaking the design until its final design, which is down below.



Appearance

Following Tanaka’s rebirth of the brand to be more upscale and more exciting, Tanaka made the Aventus more sporty, but also more elegant than its original design. The grille now follows the new design language, which has 6 sides. This make the grille more pronounced. The LED lights are tweaked to fit the design language as well as being more effective. The side are also tweaked so that it has more details and also fit the design language. Like the recently revealed Aventis, the roof and part of its trunk is black to make it more cotemporary from its glaring contrast with bright colours. Like the X-Series, it also have black trimming cutting through the C-Pillar. The taillights are unique to the Aventus. The rear bottom fascia is also similar to the Aventis. The wheels we have selected to be put on the Aventus blends in well with the whole design of the car. The higher trim level you go, the more chrome trimming you get.


Interior

Step inside the new Aventus and you can see almost everything covered in very high-quality leather sourced from Italy. The rest are covered in your desired choice of trimming (be it wood, artworks behind glass, engraved signatures, etc) You can really see the quality of the leather as there are virtually no blemishes in there. In fact, the entire seats were made in the Tanaka luxury upholstery division in Italy. The seats are 30-way adjustable, both for the front and back. As expected, the seats are heated and ventilated, and also have massaging functions. Our iPad Pro-sized infotainment system is the most luxurious and most technologically advanced ever from Tanaka. They are very sensitive to the touch (sensitivity of touch adjusted by phone companies) to the level of smartphones. Our gauge cluster is also fully digital and fully configured. In the centre like always, a clock is in there. Not just any clock, but But the real party is in the back seats. With its 3.1m wheelbase, legroom is virtually endless. There is also a leg holder in case of you want to sleep in your Aventus in long journeys. For the 5.0 G and 5.0 L, there are 3 rear seats (the centre can be pulled down to reveal a tablet to control things you need). For the 5.0 L Executive, there are 2 rear seats only (the 2 seats are divided by a panel continuing from the front to back. Not only does it has the tablets, but also some storage space. But most importantly, a fridge at the back, or what we call the “Cool Room”. The bottles of champagne or wine can be put there together with 2 wine glasses or whiskey glasses (comes with an adapter to secure the glasses in place). If not, there is also an adaptor to secure either whiskey bottles, beer can or bottle and even a water bottle). And no, they are not optional, they are standard on the 5.0 L Executive unlike other manufacturers. Luxury obvioulsy means bussiness here.


The bare chassis of the Tanaka Aventus 5.0 L Executive with all the suspension and drivetrain components…

Engineering

The chassis is made of glued aluminium (will share the same chassis as the upcoming Crezta) and the whole body is made of aluminium to save weight. Its aerodynamic and elegant hatchback design makes the Aventus achieve a total drag coefficient of only 0.232 cd. Its wheelbase was extended to 3.1m. The engine is the F50DI-C1 EarthBoost unit (a 5.0 litre twin-turbocharged Direct-Injected DOHC V8) producing 414HP and 641lb-ft of torque to pull all that weight effortlessly. This 9-speed Torque-Converter Automatic is Tanaka’s most advanced yet. Of course, AWD is standard like usual. And of course, all safety feautures including autopilot that exists right now is standard on the Aventus.

Specs:

Trim 5.0 G 5.0 L 5.0 L Executive
Suspension Type (F/R) Double-wishbone/Multi-link - -
Transmission 9-Speed Automatic Torque-converter - -
Tire type Tyrelli Medium Compounds - -
Tyre Size (F/R) 220/220 mm - -
Wheelbase (m) 3.10 - -
Engine F50DI-C1 EarthBoost (DOHC 5.0 litre 32 Valve Direct-Injected Turbocharged V8) - -
Horsepower (HP) 414 - -
Torque (lb-ft) 641 - -
Fuel recommendation 95RON Unleaded Premium -
Top Speed (mph) 192 - -
Acceleration (0-60mph) 5.34 Seconds 5.34 Seconds 5.22
Curb Weight (kg) 2246 2250 2210
Fuel Economy (US MPG) 23.6 23.6 23.9
Brakes Vented Disks, 2 piston front & 2 piston rear -
Seating 5 seats - 4 seats
Interior Luxurious high-quality leather with piano black trimming (Wood optional) Luxurious high-quality leather with wood trimming Hand-made ultra-luxurious high-quality leather with wood trimming
Infotainment System Tanaka Luxury Infotainment Tanaka Luxury HUD -
Traction Aids ABS+TC+ESC - -
Suspension (springs/dampers/sway bars) Active Comfort/Semi-active/Passive - -
All-Wheel Drive Standard - -
Sunroof 2-Piece - Full Panoramic
Base Price (without mark-ups, taxes and shipping costs) $96400 $99900 $128000

Note: (-) means the same as the left
(20% Discount applies if you previously purchase a Tanaka vehicle brand new from the dealership)


Gallery





All test drives are welcome! PM me any time.

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Would like a “test drive” just to see this design closer, it looks really nice! I love that grille!

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I can’t describe how aweseom these cars look, and not to even mention how reasonable the prices are considering the internals. Amazing aesthetics, powerful and luxorious! The perfect combo

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1987-1995 4th Generation Tanaka Aventis



From left to right: Tanaka Aventis 2.0 B, 2.0 G, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SR Turbo

With the Aventis nameplate being less popular do to the ugly, underperforming, outdated, hilariously unreliable and dissapointing 3rd Generation, it is then very clear that a replacement was needed. So, the engineers design a bigger, more comfortable and a more fuel efficient Aventis. With Japan’s economy rising at this point, the engineers have less worry about budget restrains and in 1987, the world was introduced to the 4th generation Aventis. The main difference at this point is that it is no longer RWD, the Aventis is now a FWD-only car. The engineers also developed 2 new engines for the Aventis, the EH-Series (SOHC all cast-iron I4) and the ES-Series (DOHC all cast-iron I4). The first focusing on fuel economy and the latter focusing on performance. The car was also less boxy then its predecessor. This also increases fuel economy drastically. Engineers also paid extra attention to reliability. Together with the conservative, but attractive looks, these improvements then, made this car back to the top.


Pre-Facelift (1987-1990)


Tanaka Aventis 1.8 B shown

The 1.8 B is the base model. It uses the EH18MPEFI-A1 unit producing 104HP and 106lb-ft of torque. It is equipped with a 5-speed manual with open diffs, 14-inch steelies with hudcap wrapped by a hard long-life tyres, solid disk brakes on the front and drum brakes in the rear, standard cloth seats with a basic AM/FM radio and an 8-track tape player and normal hydraulic power steering system. It can do 27.9mpg. Back then, its MSRP was $16600.


Tanaka Aventis 1.8 G shown

The 1.8 G is the mid-range model. Still uses the same engine. The only differences are the variable hydraulic power steering ststem, increased safety features, additional fog lights in the bumper, a standard 8-track tape player (a standard cassette player is optional) and an optional 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It can do 26.8mpg. Its original MSRP was $18400.


Tanaka Aventis 2.0 S shown

The 1.8 S is a sportier version of the 1.8 G. It uses the EH20MPEFI-B1 unit producing 126HP and 123lb-ft of torque. The 1.8 G’s 14-inch alloy rims were replaced by this wider 15-inch 5-spoke alloy rims wrapped by medium-compound tyres. Still same interior equipment from the 1.8 G. There is now a plastic front lip to make the car look sportier and reduce lift. The suspension is also stiffer and lower. Its rear drum brakes were replaced by solid disk ones. A viscous differential were installed. 0-60mph happens in 9.19 seconds and it has a top speed of 126mph. Its original MSRP was $19800. This is an affordable way to have fun.


Tanaka Aventis 2.0 SR (on the left) and Tanaka Aventis 2.0 SR Turbo (on the right) shown

In 1988, the SR and the SR Turbo was released. The engine used in both versions of the SR was a DOHC version of the EH-Series engines, dubbed the ES-Series. Both of them were added plastic side skirts and a rear bumper lip. In the 2.0 SR, the ES20MPEFI-A1 unit produces 154HP and 127lb-ft of torque. This drastic increase in power mainly comes from the VVT-I system in the engine. In the 2.0 SR Turbo, the ES20MPEFI-A1 T unit produces 197HP and 163lb-ft of torque. For both versions, the alloy rims are now replaced with wider 15-inch magnesium mesh rims wrapped by sport-compound tyres. The brakes are vented. The standard 8 track tape player is now replaced by a standard cassette player which was optional on other trims. The suspension setup are stiffer and they are also slightly lowered further. The bench rear seats were replaced by 2 individual seats. The 2.0 SR can do 25.6mpg, 0-60mph in 7.86 seconds and has a top speed of 131mph. The 2.0 SR Turbo can do 27.3mpg, 0-60mph in 6.66 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph. A way to distinguish the SR from the SR Turbo is that the latter has a hood scoop and black trimming.



Tanaka Aventis 1.8 W shown

The 1.8 W was introduced in 1989. It was basically a wagon version of the Aventis 1.8 G. It has a higher ride height and a slighly stiffer rear spring to prevent the wheels from scraping the underfender of the Aventis in full load capacity. This is considered by many the predecessor of the Ascent. Optional extras includes a standard cassette player, a tow hitch and a roof rack. Its original MSRP was $18400.


Facelift (1991-1995)

Summary

Of all proposed facelifted version of the Aventis from the Community Redesign Centre, I chose this version. Of course, I changed things like the rear fascia and the plastic bottom section. Thank you @Mad_Cat for the original proposal!


Top: 1991 Tanaka Aventis 1.8 B (left), 1991 Tanaka Aventis 1.8 G (right)
Bottom: 1991 Tanaka Aventis 2.0 S (left), 1991 Tanaka Aventis 2.0 SR (right)



1991 Tanaka Aventis 2.0 SR Turbo shown

The facelift was introduced for the 1991 model year. Visual changes includes a completely new front fascia, a completely new rear fascia, new rim designs, new body trimming and a spoiler (for 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SR Turbo versions.)
For mechanical changes, the EH-Series engines received a VVT system. This adds more power and fuel economy. For the EH18MPEFI-A2 engines (from the 2.0 B and the 2.0 G), the pistons are now low friction casts. This engine now makes 105HP and 108lb-ft of torque. For the EH20MPEFI-A2 engines (from the 2.0 S), the engine now makes 132HP and 125lb-ft of torque. For the ES20MPEFI-A2 engines (found in the 2.0 SR), it makes 158HP and 129lb-ft of torque. For the ES20MPEFI-A2 T engines (found in the 2.0 SR Turbo), it makes 200HP and 167lb-ft of torque.
For interiors, cassette players are now standard (no longer optional). For the 2.0 SR and 2.0 SR Turbo, the are now 5 seaters instead of 4 seaters in previous model years. All of these combined makes the Aventis faster and better fuel economy than ever, until the next generation.

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Hokuto vs. Tanaka time.

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Please do not forget to state the exact engine output for the trim in question.

Anyway, if Hokuto could enter the fourth-gen Levara in the early Super Touring era of the BTCC, why shouldn’t Tanaka do the same with its fourth-gen Aventis? It would make for a thrilling rivalry!