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Ever wonder how to really pronounce Japanese automaker names?

People tend to get very set in their ways when it comes to the pronunciation of words. Just look at the endless debates over whether or not to say the final 'e' in Porsche (which you should in terms of correct German enunciation). Or the argument about whether to follow the British convention and give the 'u' in Jaguar a special delivery or to say the 'ua' diphthong as more of a 'w' sound, as usually happens in the US.
This short video doesn't answer either of those automotive questions, but it does allow a native Japanese speaker to demonstrate the accepted pronunciations for several, major automakers from the country. One benefit is that it clears up the occasional debate over whether Nissan should be said with a long or short 'i' sound. Also, listen closely to how the female host says Mazda as Matsuda, the way it's actually said in the language. Even if this doesn't change the way you enunciate these brands, at least now you know the accurate way in Japanese.

Plans for 7-seat Subaru Tribeca replacement becoming clearer

Subaru is going to have its hands full at the Tokyo Motor Show next week, but while the Cross Sport Design Concept is expected to preview a Tribeca-replacing crossover, this new model could still be at least two years from production. It has already been confirmed that production of the Tribeca will end early next year, but in speaking with Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, the president of Subaru's parent Fuji Heavy Industries, Automotive News is reporting that there will be a lengthy gap between the Tribeca and its eventual replacement.
The next-gen three-row crossover wasn't included in an annual production capacity goal of 500,000 units expected in the US by the end of 2016, so it's likely that we won't see this much-needed CUV until 2017. While the details of this new model aren't known, Yoshinaga told AN that it will be "completely different" from the Tribeca. As we heard back in February, we do expect this seven-passenger crossover to grow in size in order to offer a larger cabin with more third-row space.
Automotive News even mentions that the Tribeca replacement could be based on the existing Subaru Exiga from the Japanese market. That three-row vehicle splits the difference between a minivan and wagon, with swinging doors instead of sliders, and a tall greenhouse.

Subaru readies BRZ RA Racing for Japanese trackdays

As if we needed any more reasons to take a Subaru BRZ to the track, Subaru has just announced that it will be producing a racing-spec version of the car straight from the assembly line. The only problem is that the BRZ RA Racing is being offered for the Japanese domestic market only, and won't be visiting any road courses in the US any time soon.
To get the BRZ ready for some serious track time, Subaru added brake ducts beneath the front fascia, removable tow hooks and an oil cooler behind the grille. Inside, the car gets a factory six-point roll cage (including custom-fit floor mats) and a four-point race harness for the driver. Now we get to pricing where US enthusiasts will get even more miffed. The entire suite of racing add-ons increases the BRZ's price by 31,500 yen, which converts to less than $350 US; the total price of the car converts to right around $31,500 US.
There is a brief press release posted below, which has been translated (somewhat poorly) by Google.