Kimura Motor Co., Ltd. (木村技研工業)

HISTORY

Read the rich heritage of Hokkaido’s premier automobile manufacturer.

Kimura Motors was founded by Kesago Kimura as Hokkaido Motor Company. A developing brand in a collapsed post-war Sapporo, Japan, Kimura began its life building affordable cars that everyone could enjoy. The Type-1 was conceptualized in 1949 and was an immediate hit. Clever packaging in a small space for a low price ignited the company’s reputation for small, fun, reliable cars. In 1954, Kimura introduced the K1200-C, which would be their second car. With a peppy 1.2L Inline-4, the K1200-C established Kimura as a serious contender in the small sports car field.

The longest continuously running Kimura nameplate came with the company’s name change in 1964 - the internationally lauded Kimura Auburn became an iconic vehicle throughout the company’s history and remains the best selling Kimura to date. Its release upheld Kimura’s profits and lineup all the way up until the release of the Silesta of 1977 and the Auriga in 1979. A purebred sports car which spiritually replaced the K-C lineup, the Silesta was a major player in the sports car field. Taking after the advancements of the Auburn and its success in North America, the Auriga utilized a stretched wheelbase and a unique body style along with more premium interior trimmings. It too was an instant favorite when it hit US shores - combined, the two new cars doubled Kimura’s annual production and catalyzed Kimura’s subsequent growth period of the 1980s.

Filling in the truck field in export countries, the Kimura KT-U truck series released in 1981 and was produced up until its replacement in 2003. Along with the 1986 Avina subcompact, Kimura began their “Phase 2” expansion plan; with a focus on the North American and European market from the years 1989 to 1992, 6 all-new Kimura models were released (Hana, Devorak, Helruna, Cavatina, Arctos, and Akitos). To maintain production schedules, 2 European plants, a US-based Tennessee factory, and another Japanese factory were constructed over the 10-year period.

Utility vehicles headlined Kimura’s expansion period. The Devorak was the all-terrain SUV based on the KT-U platform with seating for the entire family. Stylish and packed with tech, the Arctos had a versatile and highly flexible interior which popularized the segment around the world. The official branch of Kimura’s racing division KR/R (Kimura Racing/Ralliart) was established in 1989 after having been a separate entity for 30 years.

Kimura unveiled the 1989 Helruna at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was shown to have taken spiritual influence from the now legendary K-C series and created as an attainable successor to the TKR-C of 1986. With Kimura’s first mass-production turbocharged inline-4, long wheelbase design, and stiff chassis engineering, it gained traction as a staple in Japan’s tuner car culture. The pop of the 1993 Bubble Economy led to some hardship within the company, which did not introduce a new model nameplate until 2001 Cavatina.

The 2000s was an era of great prosperity for Kimura. With sales in over 150 countries, a lineup of over 10 cars (and over 15 in Japan), it showed no signs of stopping. A Y2K brand relaunch in 2000 ushered in a new era for the company, shedding their value-option reputation to become a truly unique player in the automotive field. Notable models include the 2004 Cavatina, opting to become Kimura’s first crossover SUV with experimental design that defined Kimura models for the rest of the decade.

What holds for us in 2020 and beyond? Kimura continues innovate daily. Kimura introduced the Asura in 2012; an F1 inspired machine with a bespoke V10 and tenacious handling. In 2019, the very first all-electric mass production Kimura - the Akegata - arrived in dealerships, signaling a new era for Kimura’s future. Contemporary Kimura vehicles represent the pinnacle of dynamics, comfort, and innovation. Satisfaction is guaranteed with the purchase of any Kimura.


CHOOSE YOUR KIMURA

 

SUV's

[RESERVED for APERIS]

 

Performance Vehicles


Hybrid & Electric Vehicles





Cars & Minivans



[RESERVED for EMINENCE]

 
Kei Cars

[RESERVED for K-UBIK]

[RESERVED for K-ALEIDO]

[RESERVED for K-ANYON]

18 Likes

After over 12 months of development, Kimura unveils their comprehensive brand relaunch across the entire company for 2020 and beyond. As a global automaker, our objective was to shift the brand’s focus from product to lifestyle in a effort to deliver a consistent, global brand experience to consumers.

An upscale, premium design outlook was selected, drawing inspiration from our Japanese roots. Balance, harmony, and creativity were focal points for the redesign. Together, they formed a harmonious whole for our redefined brand assets.

Our color palette was inspired by the natural beauty of our home island of Hokkaido - from the deep blue of the distant mountains in Sapporo to the cherry blossoms that bloom across the island, each color is crafted to complement each other whilst maintaining a harmonious, warm feeling.

M+ is a custom typeface which comes in a variety of weights from thin to black. A clean, geometric design with humanist touches available in multiple letterforms makes this font extremely versatile for any application. The warm and refined nature of the font as well as its simple readability provides additional style for web use.

Finally, our logo has been tweaked in the slightest ways for balanced harmony. With uniform line widths and the new M+ font used for the wordmark, the Kimura of the future is clear, elegant, and adaptable.

31 Likes

Can you please stop being so amazing at this so we the lesser beings won’t feel so awkward?

Very pleasant design of that company visual image. That’s a kind of thing that I appreciate very much, yet quite often it isn’t done that well, and I mean real companies here. That grid in the OP nicely shows some family resemblance between various models. Why though are Vennela and Akegata only in the hybrid/electric section? I get the idea of some special models of this kind, like Prius, Ioniq or Bolt, but why two? Vennela on the first glance looks just like some variation of the Auburn. And why the new thread?

5 Likes

I get why you made yet another new thread specifically for Kimura - the new layout looks and feels far better organized, which makes it much more believable in my view. However, there is one thing that I cannot yet believe: You have raised the bar for formatting in any company thread. Besides, it’s given us a chance to know more about the rest of the Kimura range, not just its better-known models (Hana, Auburn, Auriga, Helruna), given time.

3 Likes

Vennela is a dedicated Hybrid, PHEV, and EV, with more upscale interior trimmings than the Auburn. Akegata is (currently) the only Kimura developed from the ground up as a pure electric vehicle. We will be unveiling a few more new cars so stay tuned!

2 Likes

I love cars like the Venella, cause you never see many people on here make dedicated Hybrid (base at least) Cars and I just love it so much!

17 Likes
ALL-NEW 2022 KIMURA AURIGA
————
THE BOLD RESPONSE TO THE ORDINARY.
COMING EARLY 2021
 
BRAWN TO MATCH THE BEAUTY.

The new 2022 Auriga comes standard with a 1.8 liter turbocharged engine for the first time, with a standard class-leading¹ 204 horsepower and 42 mpg highway. An optional 2.3 liter turbo pushes out 280 horsepower and, with an 8-speed automatic, allows for a 0-60 mph run of under 6 seconds² while maintaining up to 36 mpg highway. A plug-in electric hybrid is expected to debut in 2021.
 

 
SPIRITED AND SOPHISTICATED DYNAMICS.

With a standard rear 5-link suspension design and available adaptive dampers, the Auriga cuts corners with enthusiasm. The customizable drive mode selector has 3 presets - Comfort, Eco, and Sport - as well as an Individual setting which allows for the driver to control inputs such as throttle response, steering effort, and suspension stiffness, among others. Aluminum panels for the hood, roof, and trunklid lower the weight and center of gravity of the Auriga for a more agile driving experience.

Prototype model shown. Production model may vary.

THE NEW STANDARD FOR DESIGN.

The Auriga’s bold new look for 2022 is the driver for the new Kimura design language - “HON’NE” {本音} represents a person’s true feelings and desires, the deepest human emotions and motivations. The new Auriga builds off of this by activating the every niche of human emotion - the intrepid design pushes the envelope of design even further, a trailblazing exploration of what a car can look like.

The LED daytime running lights integrate into the pattern of the front grille seamlessly, creating a striking appearance that can’t be missed. Angular vents create a single, unbreaking line that travels from the lower front fascia around to the wraparound taillights, which have an angled lip that echoes that of the front end. Chrome window trim begins at the base of the A-pillar and follows through past the greenhouse to accentuate the Auriga’s fastback-buttress shape. LED lighting comes standard on all Auriga models for this generation.
 

REVEL IN NEXT-GEN LUXURY.

Enjoy sumptuous design inside the Auriga, which challenges convention in the midsize sedan market with its luxurious appointments unmatched at this price point. The optional digital driver’s display with available 3D eye-tracking is a next-generation touch that previews the future of Kimura. The sharp overall interior design is defined with unbreaking lines and high-quality material options.

STAY CONNECTED.

Standard Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone® and Android Auto™ for compatible Android™ devices means that you can utilize the power of your phone wirelessly. In addition, wireless phone charging is available, along with Amazon Alexa compatibility and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Everything is connected through the dual-screen infotainment system. As standard, this would be an 8.9" upper infotainment screen and 6.7" lower climate control screen, whilst the 11.2" upper infotainment and 8.5" lower climate control screens are available.

 
DRIVER ASSIST TECHNOLOGY.

Every Auriga comes standard with KimuraGuard™, a suite of active safety features designed to keep you at peace of mind. Pre-Collision Detection System (P-CDS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Adaptive Road Departure Detection (ARDD), and others protect you and your passengers.

Prototype model shown. Production model may vary.
 

¹Compared to 2020 Toyota Camry 2.5 L

Trims and Features

Auriga Trims and Features

SC
Starting at $24,895

Standard model trim with

  • Push Button Start
  • Full LED headlight and tailights
  • Rearview Camera
  • 6-speed manual transmission
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • KimuraGuard™ Safety Suite
  • 8.9" & 6.7" dual touch screen displays with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

Sport
Starting at $26,995

Everything on SC and

  • 12-Way Power Driver’s Seat
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Available 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Aluminum Pedals
  • 180-Watt Audio System with 8 Speakers

Touring
Starting at $31,595

Everything on Touring and

  • 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters
  • Blind Spot Monitoring System
  • Leather Upholstery
  • 12-Way Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
  • 12.3" fully Digital Gauge Cluster
  • Wireless Device Charging
  • One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature

Zenith
Starting at $38,795

Everything on Touring and

  • 2.3 L Turbocharged inline-4 engine
  • Bose® Premium Audio with 12 Speakers
  • 19-inch Alloy Wheels
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Surround View Monitor
  • Ambient lighting (64 colors)
Specifications

Specifications

Chassis

  • Chassis type: Unibody Fully Corrosion-Resistant Steel
  • Suspension: MacPherson Strut F/5-Link R
  • Body panels: Fully Galvanized Steel and Aluminum
  • Kerb weight (dry): 1806 kg (3981 lbs)
  • Weight distribution: 57%F/43%R
  • Tires: 235/40R19 F, 235/40R19 R

Drivetrain

  • Engine type: 2298cc Turbocharged Inline 4
  • Required fuel: 91 RON/Regular Unleaded 87 AKI
  • Max Horsepower: 280 hp @ 7100 rpm
  • Max Torque: 237 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
  • Injection: Direct Injection
  • Compression: 8.8:1
  • Redline: 7600 rpm
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive

Performance

  • Acceleration 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 5.9 s²
  • Top speed (Electronically limited): 137 mph (220 km/h)
  • Braking distance 62-0 mph (100-0 km/h): 119.4 ft (36.4 m)
  • EPA estimated fuel economy (city/highway/combined): 28/36/31

 


Personalization

Open to see more


Exterior colors, clockwise from top right of outer ring: Cosmic Black, Cirrus Grey, Sardegna Red Pearl, Glass Titanium Pearl, Mariana Blue Metallic, Zircon Silver Metallic, Solar Silver Metallic, Silk White Pearl.

Interior colors:
Black, Asahi Tan, Quartz White, and Shakudo Brown respectively.

²Tested in BeamNG.Drive

24 Likes

This is on a different level, outright unbelievable

1 Like

The newest version of the Auriga is the best one you’ve made to date - the excellent presentation is icing on the cake. I’d spec mine in Mariana Blue Metallic with an Asahi Tan interior if I had the chance.

1 Like

Mmm, that rear, just perfect. Out of curiosity, what’s the reason for using Beam acceleration times? I’ve seen it used in some posts by now.

2 Likes

It does change a lot, in some case - which happened to me - also by nearly half a second… surely has to do with manual or automatic gear changes

1 Like
 

The first 2022 Kimura Auriga’s delivered to Japanese and North American customers
 

The 2022 Kimura Auriga is officially in hands of customers. Kimura’s radically redesigned Auriga kicked off production in Japan and Tennessee a short time ago. Despite delays due to COVID-19, the first examples are making their way onto dealership lots.

The Tennessee factory now assembles 4 of Kimura’s most popular American models, including the Cavatina, Devorak, and Aperis. The factory will be restructured in 2023 to accommodate production of the next-generation EV vehicles, starting with the Ukiyo sports hatchback and 3 more Kimura EV’s that will be unveiled in the next two years.

18 Likes