Handsome styling and seems to be a Good car.
2003-2008 Tanaka Celesta (CF03)
The Celesta was Tanaka’s full-size luxury sedan, and this 3rd generation was introduced for the 2003 model year. The Celesta uses the same basic platform as the Crezta executive sedan and the Aquila compact executive sedan (basically a RWD alternative of the Azalea mid-size sedan). While both of them have a V6 as their top-of-the-line engine choice, the Celesta featured a 5.0 litre V8 (FL50DI-A1) producing 371HP and 336lb-ft of torque as its only engine option.
This is the 5.0 C, the base model of the Celesta. The FL50DI-A1 V8 engine is standard like mentioned above. Standard features include a 6-speed advanced automatic transmission, 19-inch monoblock 5-spoke alloy rims with 220mm wide medium compound tires, vented disk brakes, a fully-clad undertray, luxurious interior filled with leather on dashboard and armrest, wood trimming, leather heated seats with massaging function (in the rear only), BOSE speakers and subwoofer setup, luxury AM/FM radio with SatNav function, 4-zone climate control (2 for front seats and 2 for the rear), electric power steering, ABS+TC+ESC traction aids, adaptive dampers (with 2 modes: comfort and sport) and sunroof. The Celesta 5.0 C is able to get to 0-60mph in 6.07 seconds, a top speed of 193mph (limited to only 155mph), and achieve an average of 24.5mpg. Back in 2003, the Celesta 5.0 C costs $71200.
This is the 5.0 L, the top-of-the-line model of the Celesta. Changes from the 5.0 C includes 20-inch 10-spoke alloy rims with 230mm wide medium compound tires, hand-made interior with a permanent center console on the rear. a remote for the rear entertainment screens, rear and rear-side curtains for the window, an air suspension system for even greater comfort, an additional sunroof for the back and chrome side mirrors. The Celesta 5.0 L is able to get to 0-60mpg in 6.43 seconds, and achieve an average of 22.7mpg. Back in 2003, this costs $88200, quite the cost jump from the 5.0 C.
The Celesta was only sold in Japan bearing the Tanaka brand name. Outside Japan, they were sold as Auxio, Tanaka’s luxury brand. Production ended in 2008. Although sales were decent, critics thought that the Celesta looked too conservative.
11 Likes
A nice-looking car even as an Auxio, but why the strange tire sizes? Road cars should have tire widths that aren’t exactly divisible by 10, although race cars do - and I’ve seen the same problem on the Courser.
At any rate, a high-performance version of the CF03 Celesta would be a worthwhile addition to the range - but even without one, it’s still a worthwhile alternative to American and European equivalents.
1 Like
Huh, I didn’t know about that. Thanks for the feedback anyways.
As much as I like Tanaka in general, I must say that this one sadly looks even more basic than the contemporary Lexus LS. Though it’s not a poor design, just doesn’t look as high end as it’s supposed to be.
Also, Aquila 
CSR123 - Slightly Super Saloons (THE FINALS) Honestly it’s not really an issue for me, but I thought it’s worth letting you know, as I’m gonna develop that 
(and in many months I had this idea I didn’t come up with any less obvious name)
1980-1984 Tanaka Crezta (CE01)
1981 Tanaka Crezta 2500GT shown
With Haruto Tanaka getting older, he discovered a new market for a car which is comfortable for old people, and prestigious for a businessmen. He started plans to make a large sedan. After several years of planning and development, the 1st generation Crezta was released in 1980. The Tanaka Crezta is a large executive saloon which are sold in Asian countries, but are also exported into Europe. Being Tanaka’s largest sedan, the only engine configuration is a 2.5 litre Inline 6 (ET-Series), the same engine as the one used in the original 1st generation Tanaka Courser, but with lower displacement to respect Japan’s under 2.5 litre tax bracket.
This is the 2500GE trim, the base model of the Crezta. It uses the ET25MFI-A1 engine producing 154HP and 147lb-ft of torque. There are 2 transmission options which applies to most trims of the Crezta, the 4-speed manual transmission and the 4-speed automatic transmission. Front and rear disk brakes are standard. The rims are steel rims with hubcaps on them with hard long-life tires. The interior is made of standard cloth with a standard AM/FM radio and an 8-track player. Hydraulic power steering is standard. 0-60mph takes 9.78 seconds, achieves a top speed of 134mph, and achieves an average of 19.0mpg (specs taken from the 2500GE with the 4-speed manual transmission).
This is the 2500GL trim, a more equipped version of the 2500GE. Changes from the 2500GE includes a front fog lights, new hubcaps, premium leather interior and wood trimming and a variable hydraulic power steering. 0-60mph takes 9.9 seconds, achieves a top speed of 134mph, and achieves an average of 18.4mpg.
This is the 2500GX trim, one of the highest spec version of the Crezta. Changes from the 2500GL includes a two-tone paintjob (secondary colour applied on the bumper), slightly different hubcap design, a sunroof, chrome rear license plate holders, a premium AM/FM radio and an 8-track player with a higher-quality sound system and more airbags. 0-60mph takes 10.1 second, achieves a top speed of 134mph, and achieves an average of 18.1mpg.
This is the Tanaka Crezta 2500GT, the sportiest, fastest and craziest version of the Crezta. Who would want to make a fast grandpa car? Well the crazy engineers over at Tanaka did. Tanaka thought that they could make a car which executives would drive that is fast and exciting, but in a more mature way. It features the ET25MFI-A1 T engine producing 230HP and 220lb-ft of torque. Changes from the 2500GX includes a front lip, a rear ducktail spoiler, Hakka foldable fog light covers, a 5-speed manual transmission (4-speed automatic transmission also available), 16-inch alloy rims with medium compound tires, bigger disk brakes, a semi-clad undertray, and a sportier suspension setup. 0-60mph takes only 6.91 seconds, achieves a top speed of 148mph, and achieves an average of 18.3mpg (specs taken from the manual version). The 2500GT produced a reputation as this car can outrun Ferrari 208s and beat a Porsche 911SC on the quarter mile. It is the sleeper sedan of the early 80s.
When equipped with the right parts catalog from TAMO (Tanaka Motorsports) like this one, the 2500GT is able to get from 0-60mph in only 6.55 seconds and achieve a top speed of 159mph which is almost as fast as a Ferrari 400 and a Lamborghini Silhouette. But this one is kinda modified so its not really that fair… How did TAMO decide to make a parts catalog for this car? Well it started off with the normal 2500GT. They felt that it has a potential to be even faster than it already is. So, they made performance parts for the Crezta which includes a bigger exhaust, wider 16-inch CWS mesh rims, a new ball bearing turbo, a bigger exhaust and a slight ECU retune. This makes the 2500GT more responsive and slightly more powerful. While it is not able to beat the latest exotics of the era, it still gave them a run for their money.
The 1st generation Crezta suffered from one flaw, its fuel efficiency. The Crezta is very thirsty, proabably due to using an engine that was meant for the Courser. But other than that, the Crezta met its sales target which allowed it to make another generation of it.
Drive it!
2500GE
Tanaka_Crezta_(CE01)-2500GE(M).car (63.4 KB)
Tanaka_Crezta(CE01)_-2500GE(A).car (63.0 KB)
2500GL
Tanaka_Crezta_(CE01)-2500GL(M).car (65.1 KB)
Tanaka_Crezta(CE01)_-2500GL(A).car (65.1 KB)
2500GX
Tanaka_Crezta_(CE01)-2500GX(A).car (67.9 KB)
Tanaka_Crezta(CE01)_-2500GX(A).car (67.9 KB)
2500GT
Tanaka_Crezta_(CE01)-2500GT(M).car (69.2 KB)
Tanaka_Crezta(CE01)_-2500GT(A).car (69.2 KB)
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I’m pretty sure this car should use medium tires, as they increase confort and are common on this size of car. Also, the name could use some rethinking, this toyota cresta with a Z sounds painfull. I’ve left some tips about naming on the tutorials topic. Other than that, beautifull design!
1996-2002 Tanaka Silver (SCS03)
From left-right: Tanaka Silver GT, Tanaka Silver GT Spec R, Tanaka Silver ALTECH
90s kids will remember these cars. The Tanaka Silver is Tanaka’s compact RWD sports car which competes against the Toyota Celica and the Nissan Silvia. This 3rd generation was introduced for the 1996 model year. It was powerful, lightweight, agile, fun-to-drive and affordable.
This is the GE trim, the base model of the Silver. For those who have a really tight budget, this is the car for them. The GE uses the FS20MPEFI-A1 Inline-4 engine producing 183HP and 140lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or an alternative 5-speed automatic transmission. It has an open differential. It is equipped with a 15-inch 7-spoke alloy rims with medium compound tires. The brakes are vented disk brakes. The interior is made of standard cloth with some plastic on the dashboard, and an AM/FM radio with a basic cassette player. Windows are manual so you have to crank them to open them up. Power steering is variable hydraulic. ABS system is standard. While being the base model, Tanaka did not sacrifice driving experience and sportiness for cheapness (see the vented disk brakes and variable hydraulic power steering). The GE with the manual transmission only weighs 1172kg, does 0-60mph in 7.51 seconds, achieves a top speed of 160mph and achieves an average of 33.4mpg.
This is the GS trim, a sportier version of the GE. It uses the FS20MPEFI-B1 engine producing 191HP and 144lb-ft of torque. Other changes aside from the engine includes a sunroof, front fog lights, 15-inch 10 twin-spoke rims, standard cassette player, shorter gear spacing, power windows and mirrors, an additional ESC system on top of the ABS system for additional safety, and a sportier suspension setup. The GS with the manual transmission weighs 1221kg, accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.26 seconds, achieves a top speed of 161mph and achieves an average of 30.4mpg.
This is the GT trim, the entry-level turbocharged Silver. It is equipped with the FS20MPEFI-A1 T turbocharged I4 engine producing 244HP and 211lb-ft of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. Other changes from the GS trim includes a new rear spoiler, a viscous LSD, 16-inch 5-spoke alloy rims with wider sport compound tires, sportier suspension setup and a new third-brake light position. The GT with the manual transmission weighs 1284kg, accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.84 seconds, achieves a top speed of 171mph and achieves an average of 34.7mpg.
This is the GT Spec R trim, a sportier version of the GT trim. The GT Spec R was introduced in 1998. Changes from the normal GT trim includes a new front bumper, new side skirts, new rear wing, a hood scoop for additional cooling, a mechanical LSD and a slight tweak to its suspension setup. Performance-wise, its slightly faster. It weighs 1300kg, accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds, achieves a top speed of 172mph and achieves an average of 34.6mpg. Basically, people only get this to have a GT with some body kit. The GT Spec R is only available with the 6-speed manual transmission.
This is the ALTECH trim, the most hardcore version of the Silver. It was introduced in 2000, a celebration of the new millennium. ALTECH took the Silver GT Spec R and transformed it to this. It uses the FS20MPEFI-B1 T engine producing 272HP and 220lb-ft of torque. It was only available with the 6-speed manual transmission. Other changes from the GT Spec R includes a front lip on the front bumper, a rear diffuser and a rear wing, 17-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy rims with wider sport compound tires, switched the rear bench seats to 2 separate semi-bucket seats with front seats made from aluminium with suede covering the seats, and stiffer and sportier suspension setup. All these meant that the Silver ALTECH weighs 1318kg, accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.59 seconds, achieves a top speed of 172mph and achieves an average of 31.0mpg. All this made the Silver ALTECH one of the best handling and most fun-to-drive Tanaka ever made, and it is the peak of Tanaka’s 90s era.
Sadly, Tanaka announced that the 3rd generation Silver and its nameplate will be discontinued in the end of 2002. This is the end of the RWD Tanaka sports cars as the Akuma in 2003 and the Courser in 2005 became AWD, or so we thought with the introduction of the Raikan in 2011. But that’s for another time…
Drive it!
Tanaka_Silver_(SCS03)-GE(M).car (73.3 KB)
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Tanaka_Silver_(SCS03)-GS(M).car (73.7 KB)
Tanaka_Silver(SCS03)_-GS(A).car (66.9 KB)
Tanaka_Silver_(SCS03)-GT(M).car (77.1 KB)
Tanaka_Silver(SCS03)_-GT(A).car (70.0 KB)
Tanaka_Silver_(SCS03)_-_GT_Spec_R.car (81.5 KB)
Tanaka_Silver_(SCS03)_-_ALTECH.car (88.0 KB)
(^VERY RECOMMENDED TO DRIVE IN BEAM.NG DRIVE, QUITE KEYBOARD FRIENDLY!!!)
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Probably the Silver is a future classic that should be bought now before prices are skyrocketing. It ticks most of the boxes for being sought after when people with fond memories of the model are getting nostalgic and has gotten the time and money needed for an entusiast vehicle.
I have no choice but to agree with you - as one of the most sought-after analog modern classic performance cars, and one that has rightfully earned its fame through countless TV, movie and video game appearances, the last (and best) of the three generations of Silver deserves its stellar reputation among enthusiasts. I reckon the reason for an imminent increase in its used prices is that many examples were sacrificed for drift, drag and circuit racing long ago, leaving very few clean, stock examples left around the world. Oh, and it’s the best looking version of the Silver by far - did I mention that it looks best in silver, as its name suggests? With its sound underpinnings, it’s bound to be a top performer among cars in its price range, and that sleek body on the outside is just icing on the cake.
1 Like
1997-2002 Tanaka Caprea (CCX01)
New year, new format...
Yes, for 2021, I will be posting here with new format to organize the thread better. Only posts from 2021 onwards will use this format. Oh and in the pictures, sorry about those chrome looking wheels. I set the colour to steel but apparently it shows as as chrome in photo mode. Its probably a bug so just don’t mind it. Thanks.
Overview
With the rise of demand for SUVs and crossovers in the 90s, Tanaka found the potential of the crossover market, something not as bulky or brutish as a large full-size SUV, but drives like a normal car, and has the capability and the practicality of an SUV. This is where crossovers, and in 1997, Tanaka introduced the Caprea. Using the next gen platform that will soon be used in other 2000s Tanaka models. Even though the Caprea has a 2.6m wheelbase (rounded off), the Caprea is still considered a compact crossover, just the larger one of its segment. To give an edge over its competition, an AWD system with viscous LSDs are standard, meaning even the base model can get them.
Engines
FB20MPEFI-A1
The FB-Series engine is 2.0 litre SOHC I4 engine introduced first introduced in 1995. This version is the basic naturally aspirated version producing 123HP and 125lb-ft of torque. With this new generation of engine was first used in the facelifted Aventis at 1995, and for the first time, the whole range of engine includes a VVT system as standard.
FC20MPEFI-A1
The FC-Series engine is 2.0 litre DOHC I4 engine introduced first introduced in 1997. This version is the basic naturally aspirated version producing 130HP and 124lb-ft of torque. This engine represents the next generation of engines as its innovation for this one was the low-friction cast pistons to increase fuel economy. This engine is even more efficient than the FB-Series engine mentioned above.
FC20MPEFI-A1 T
This is the turbocharged version of the normal FC-Series engine. It basically adds a turbo to increase power and torque, all while keeping the stock efficient internals, and still use 91RON fuel. It produces 170HP and 176lb-ft of torque.
FS20MPEFI-A1 T
The FS-Series engine is 2.0 litre DOHC I4 engine introduced first introduced in 1996, exclusively for the Tanaka Silver, the Tanaka Aventis ALTECH and apparently the XT version of the Caprea. Basically these FS-Series engines are the sporty 2 litre I4 engines with forged internals as standard and are higher revving and more capable than the usual FB and FC-Series economy I4 engines. This version is the turbocharged version producing 244HP and 211lb-ft of torque. The same engine was used in the SCS03 Silver GT and GT Spec R.
Trims and Equipment
XG
The XG uses the FB-Series engine. It can be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The rims are 15-inch steel wheels with a 5-spoke hubcaps on it with hard long life tires. All 4 wheels have solid disk brakes behind them. The interior is made of standard cloth with some parts like the steering wheel and the armrest covered in some synthetic leather. There are 4 basic speakers with a basic AM/FM radio and a basic cassette player. A variable hydraulic power steering is standard. As for traction aids, ABS-only is standard. The manual version can achieve 31.9mpg, 0-60mph in 11.2s and a top speed of 129mph.
XC
The XC uses the FC-Series engine. It can be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The wheels are 16-inch 6-spoke alloy wheels with the same hard long life tires equipped. A sunroof was implemented on the roof with a fog light on the front bumper. In addition to the ABS system, a traction control system was also implemented. As for the interior, changes include standard quality 4 speakers, AM/FM radio and cassette player. The manual version can achieve 33.4mpg, 0-60mph in 11.3s and a top speed of 131mph.
A turbocharged version was introduced in 1999 to replace the outrageous XT trim. This version was less sporty, but more for utility and daily purposes, as it has more torque and power for towing. This turbocharged manual version is able to achieve 33.9mpg, 0-60mph in 8.47s and a top speed of 131mph (limited by gearing).
XT
The XT uses the FS-Series engine. It can be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The wheels are wider 16-inch 8 twin-spoke alloys with hard long life tires on it. The brakes are now vented to cope with the massive increase in power. Other changes includes a hood scoop for better cooling and black plastic bumper pieces. This was only available until 1999 as 244HP might be a little too much for this car’s demographic. Nevertheless, this was the most sought after version of the Caprea (even though these are still dirt cheap economy cars). The manual version can achieve 30.1mpg, 0-60mph in 6.3s and a top speed of 146mph.
The Caprea became a very successful nameplate, and is one of the cars that keep Tanaka alive, which was proven in the 2007-2008 economic crisis where people want cheaper cars.
"Drive it
Tanaka_Caprea_(CCX01)-XG(M).car (78.5 KB)
Tanaka_Caprea(CCX01)_-XG(A).car (78.5 KB)
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Tanaka_Caprea(CCX01)-XC_Turbo(M).car (79.6 KB)
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Tanaka_Caprea_(CCX01)-XT(M).car (83.4 KB)
Tanaka_Caprea(CCX01)_-XT(A).car (83.4 KB)
11 Likes
Wouldn’t there be a lesser 2 door sedan model along with the lupino?
Nope, there are no 2 door sedan of the Aventis. If you want a 2-door, the Lupino, a coupe, is your only choice.
2008-2013 Tanaka Azalea (AD06)
Overview
The Azalea has always been a larger alternative model to the Azalea, and it is the 2nd best selling model of Tanaka. While the Aventis was more focused on younger buyers and focused on being fun, sporty and affordable, the Azalea was targeted more towards more matured no-frills buyers who wants reliability and comfort. For this generation, it has grown a lot compared the the 5th generation of the Azalea by a lot. It gained 0.2m for wheelbase. While it shared the transverse FWD/AWD platform with the Aventis (the 2009 model) and the Caprea and other models, this is the largest one to use this platform. This design is also more mature, as well as more architectural and structured than the previous generation, with its sharp shoulder line, front bulge seperating the front lights and intakes, and the 2 front grilles.
Engine
GB20DI-A1
This GB-Series engine was first introduced in 2008 in the Azalea and the Aventis the following year. This version specifically for the Aventis and the Crezta used a direct injection fuel system rather than the more simple MPEFI system in the Aventis. This one is a 2 litre naturally-aspirated DOHC I4 engine producing 144HP and 130lb-ft of torque. This version was also made to run on 91RON fuel. Depending on the trim, fuel consumption ranges from 42.0mpg (2.0GE with manual) all the way to 39.0 mpg (2.0GX, automatic only).
GB24DI-A1
This is the largest version of the GB-Series engine. It is a 2.4 litre engine producing 171HP and 162lb-ft of torque. This 2.4 litre version is made to run on 95RON fuel. Fuel consumption ranges from 38.3mpg (2.4GL) all the way to 37.9mpg (2.4GX).
FY32DI-A1
This is the FY-Series engine. It is a DOHC V6 engine. This is the largest and most powerful engine option offered in the Azalea, The one in the Azalea was the 3.2 litre naturally aspirated version producing 263HP and 224lb-ft of torque. Depending on the trim, fuel consumption ranges from 36.2mpg (3.2GL) all the way to 35.8 (3.2GX).
Trim and Equipment
GE
The GE was the base model Azalea and it was offered with 2 different engines, the GB20DI-A1 engine or the larger GB24DI-A1 engine, both with 2 transmission options, the 6-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The rims are 17-inch steel rims with hubcaps on it, with 185 width tires wrapped around it. The interior was made of standard cloth with a basic AM/FM radio and CD-player. Two-zone climate controls are standard. Sunroof was optional.
GL
The GL is the mid-level trim. The engines offered on this trim level are the same as the GE, but the FY32D1-A1 V6 engine is added. It features 18-inch multi-spoke alloy rims (exclusive to the 2.0GL only) or a twin 5-spoke alloy rims (exclusive for the 2.4GL and the 3.2GL) with 205 width tires wrapped around it. The interior is now made of standard synthetic leather. There are standard AM/FM radio with CD-player and better speakers. It also gained front fog lights on the side intake of the Azalea. Additional safety features were added as well.
Tanaka 2.4GL shown with the twin 5-spoke alloy wheels…
GX
The GX is the highest trim level of the GX. The GB20DI-A1 engine is no longer an option on this trim level. It features 18-inch 10-spoke alloy rims. Interior was now made of premium genuine leather. 4-zone climate controls are standard on this trim level. For the exteriors, aluminium trim touches were added to make the car look more upscale.
Body Styles
The Azalea was available in 2 different body styles, the regular sedan body style and the alternative wagon body style. Both body styles are available worldwide, even in the US. Though as expected, the wagon version was not successful in the US market, though it was quite popular in Europe.
This generation of the Azalea was very successful as usual. Although the lack of a sporty version (the previous generation has a sporty AWD twin-turbo V6 version) did isolate younger and sportier buyers.
8 Likes
It should read “larger alternative to the Aventis”. At any rate, this is a clean and relatively simple design - one that would have sold very well in period regardless of spec.
1995-2001 Tanaka Courser (CG04)
This is the 4th generation Courser, and this is the swansong of the Inline 6 Coursers. This generation was the last to use an inline 6 engine. So, Tanaka decided to go out with a bang. All Coursers come with a turbo. The Courser was made to compete with more exotic GTs of the time and of course to fight off the Japanese competitors. Unfortunately, low sales during and after the Asian economic (just one year after it was released) turmoil at that time, the expensive price tag and no more affordable NA model meant that the CG04 Courser was discontinued in 2001, only 6 years after production started. An AWD system was also planned for this car, but at the time, Tanaka were trying to save money. However, this generation resonated the most with fans with its beautiful styling and its athletic performance. This generation also grew by a lot, especially the width, to improve its cornering ability and compensate its long wheelbase.
Trims, equipment and engines
Engine: JX30MPEFI-A1 T
The JX-Series engine was introduced in 1995 with the 1995 3rd generation Tanaka Crezta. This is the turbocharged version introduced in 1996 for both the turbocharged variant of the Crezta and this Courser GT. This is a cast iron block with an aluminium head. This turbocharged DOHC 3 litre Inline 6 produces 336HP and 321lb-ft of torque. In Japan, the actual power output stayed the same, it was only advertised to make 276HP and 321lb-ft of torque, following the Gentleman’s Agreement between Japanese car manufacturers in Japan.
Trim: GT
The GT is available with a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission, both with a geared LSD. Tires are Dunlap sport compounds. Wheels are 17-inch 5 spoke alloys. Brakes are vented for both front and back. The interior is made of premium genuine leather and wood or optional aluminium trimming, with 4 seats made from premium genuine leather. However, a luxury leather extension package for the interior was also available. There is a premium AM/FM radio with a CD player, with 4 high-quality BOSE speakers for the best listening experience. Variable hydraulic power steering is standard. For the manual version, 0-60mph was achieved in only 5.59 seconds and a top speed of 178mph. It weighs 1508kg.
Engine: JX30MPEFI-B1 T
This is the more powerful version of the previous engine. Changes includes bigger turbos, bigger exhaust, more aggressive VVL profile, and richer fuel mixture to produce 401HP and 337lb-ft of torque. In Japan, the ALTECH version is not a version of the Courser, instead it is an aftermarket package from ALTECH, meaning the JDM Courser ALTECH is technically aftermarket. This means that Tanaka can still be involved in the gentleman’s agreement, while having a way more powerful offering from ALTECH themselves. This also means that there are some ALTECH Coursers without the body kit.
Trim: ALTECH
The ALTECH version was available from 1997 to 2001, meant to be a special limited production version of the Courser. The changes from the normal GT includes wider sport compound tires with 18-inch magnesium wheels, lighter seats with additional suede in the interior and seats, a more aggressive body kit, stiffer and sportier suspension setup, a rear diffuser and a large rear wing. All of this means that the ALTECH version weighs 1500kg, achieves 0-60mph in only 5.22 seconds, and have a top speed of 182mph. Of course, this is more expensive, and most importantly, more exclusive with only 6400 ALTECH Coursers ever produced.
Body Styles
For this 4th generation, there are 2 body styles available. There is the usual coupe and a targa roof. The Coupe body comes standard without a sunroof and is optional. The targa comes with a 2 piece roof, with an option of blank metal roof pieces or glass roof pieces. Unlike the AG03 Courser, the AG04 Courser does not have a T-top.
As you can see, the top picture is the Targa version with the optional glass roof on. The bottom picture is the Targa with the roof off. Changes from the normal coupe includes a 2 piece roof, taller rear windows, and some additional structural components to compensate for the loss of the hardtop roof. This made the car 100kg heavier. The Targa model was especially popular with customers who lived in coastal and tropical areas. Unfortunately, the ALTECH trim was never offered on the targa body.
From 1995-2001, 48879 CG04 Coursers were ever produced, making it the 2nd lowest production number behind the first generation CG01. The Courser was pulled out of the US market in 1998 and Europe in 1999, and remained to be sold in Asia until 2001. But the addition of new fans brought by the CG04, together with the introduction of video games such as Gran Turismo meant that it brought hope for Tanaka Motors to produce a new Courser.
7 Likes
I can see why the fourth-gen Courser, despite its lack of commercial success, deserves to be highly revered today: it combined a sleek body with formidable performance to create one of the best grand tourers of its era. The resemblance between it and the third-gen Silver is not coincidental either - the Courser came out first, and so the Silver was designed to bring some of the Courser’s style and performance to customers with tighter budgets.
1 Like
Auxio Automobiles
est. 1988
In 1988, Auxio Automobiles made its debut with the 1988 Tanaka AQ. Auxio Automobiles is a luxury division of Tanaka Heavy Industries. To learn more about the brand and its cars, click here!
Auxio is very important to Tanaka Heavy Industres as it serves as Tanaka’s entry to the luxury car market.
5 Likes
2019-Present Tanaka Azalea (AD08)
Overview
This is the latest Azalea, the 8th generation, introduced in 2019 during the 2018 Antiyita Motor Show. This is a much more modern car the previous generation, incorporating Tanaka’s new body language which includes its wing-like LED DRLs, big front grille which consists of the from grille (similar shape to the previous Tanaka design language) and the big bottom grille connecting them together to create what looks like one seamless grille. At the rear, it is much more modern as well with its taillights and a light bar, creating a very modern-looking rear end. Underneath the Azalea features Tanaka’s new TGEA2 platform, which is basically a transverse AWD-compatible platform suitable for models ranging from the B-segment/sub-compact Osaka hatchback all the way to the largest application, the D-segment/mid-size Azalea.
Engine
Each engine has its own specialty for each purpose, take a look at the engine options available for the Azalea.
GB24DI-A3
The 8th generation Azalea still retains the same engine series as the 6th gen Azalea, the GB-Series, and for good reason. The GB-Series is Tanaka’s most successful engine ever. It has ample power, ample torque, quite quiet, very fuel-efficient and most importantly, extremely reliable. This GB24DI-A3 engine is the entry-level engine for the Azalea. This is a naturally aspirated 2.4 litre Inline-4 producing 173HP and 164lb-ft of torque. Depending on the trim, fuel economy ranges from 42.8mpg (2.4GE) to 36.8mpg (2.4SL)
GB20DI-A3 EarthBoost
This is the mid-level engine for the Azalea. This is the one of the most fuel-efficient petrol-powered Tanaka engine, and is the most fuel-efficient engine option in the Azalea. This EarthBoost unit is a 2.0 litre turbocharged Inline-4 producing 226HP and 206lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy ranges from 51.0mpg (2.0T GE) to 48.1mpg (2.0T GX)
FY35DI-A1
This is the top-level engine for the Azalea. This is the most powerful engine option for the Azalea so far. This engine is just an updated version of the FY-Series V6 in the 6th gen Azalea. It is a 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 producing 300HP and 254lb-ft of torque. Basically, it is a reliable and proven option to have power in your Azalea. Fuel economy ranges from 35.1mpg (3.5GL) to 32.9mpg (3.5GX with AWD).
Trims and Equipment
GE
The GE is the base trim group for the Azalea. It is available with 2 engine options, appropriately named: 2.4GE, 2.0T GE. The 2.4GE can be equipped with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed advanced automatic transmission, while the 2.0T GE can only be equipped with the automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels with 2 tone hubcaps on them or an optional multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels (standard on the 2.0T GE) with hard long life tires on them, solid disk brakes all around, standard recycled soft cloth interior with a small basic infotainment system, electric variable power steering, ABS+TC+ESC, and all the modern safety features you can expect. The 2.4GE equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, being the cheapest model, starts at just $30400.
GL
The GL is the mid-level trim group for the Azalea. It is available with 3 engine options, appropriately named: 2.4GL, 2.0T GL, 3.5GL. There are no manual transmission available for this trim group and upper trims. It features everything from the GE, but adds/replaces with 18-inch 2-tone twin 5-spoke alloy wheels with wider hard long life tires, rear lip spoiler, a sunroof, blacked-out roof panels, optional synthetic leather seats, larger standard infotainment system and additional fog lights. The optional AWD system is available on all engine options starting from this The 2.4GL, being the cheapest one, starts at just $32800.
SL
The SL is just a sportier-looking model of the GL, only available with the 2.4 litre engine option. To be honest, this trim is just a GL with an appearance package and some features of the GX. Obviously the main change from the normal GL is the blacked out 18-inch twin 5-spoke alloy wheels, a rear lip spoiler and blacked out door handles. But the SL also added more features from the GX, such as the adaptive dampers and the 3 piston front brake calipers. It also adds the optional standard synthetic leather as standard, and adds an AWD system as standard. The 2.4SL starts at just $37100.
GX
Introduced in 2020, the top-of-the-line model trim group of the Azalea, the GX, was introduced due to delays in the semi-autonomous driving system. Only 2 engine options are available, appropriately named: 2.0T GX, 3.5GX. Changes from the GL includes 19-inch double 5-spoke alloy wheels with wider tires, 3 piston brakes on the front instead of the 2, premium synthetic leather for the seats and the interior, a semi-autonomous driving system, and adaptive dampers. The 2.0T GX, being the cheapest one, costs $35600.
Though for some people, its sporty styling might be a bit too much, the latest Azalea still had a great reception due to its modern styling and its modern underpinnings (since the previous generation Azalea was considered by reviewers to simply be a “facelifted” 6th gen Azalea). Owners of this Azalea praised it for being reliable and much more comfortable than the previous generation.
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Great looking and super efficient, I like that. Is it available in Europe?
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