Japanese treatment offers the rebuilding of old Toyota to iconic VW Transporter

Reviving the Soul of the Vanagon: Toyota HiAce Transformed into a Retro VW T3 Tribute

The Volkswagen T3 “Vanagon,” with its charming boxy design and spacious interior, remains a cult classic. Its reign on the road ended in 1992,leaving a void for those who yearn for its classic aesthetic.

Enter Vanace, a Japanese tuner who’s breathed new life into the iconic van. By skillfully modifying the Toyota HiAce, a workhorse van still in production, Vanace has delivered a stunning tribute to the Vanagon, capturing its essence while incorporating modern touches.

The choice of the HiAce is no accident. Its short front end and minimal overhang provide a perfect canvas for replicating the T3’s unmistakable silhouette.

Vanace’s creation, aptly named “Vanace,” features a completely redesigned front end, faithfully recreating the Vanagon’s distinctive angular lines. While the HiAce’s engine remains under the hood, a suite of new components, including bumpers, grilles, classic halogen headlights, bright orange turn signals, and redesigned fenders, complete the transformation.

However,one element is conspicuously absent – the iconic VW logo. Due to licensing restrictions,purists will note its absence,a small detail that unluckily couldn’t be overcome.

Vanace understands that not everyone wants the same look. They offer three distinct versions, allowing buyers to personalize their retro van experience.

Toyota Revives Classic Camper Van with the HiAce T3

The automotive world is embracing a wave of nostalgia, and Toyota is riding the tide with its reimagining of the iconic Volkswagen T3 camper van. Enter the Toyota HiAce T3, a vehicle that seamlessly blends retro charm with modern functionality.

At first glance, the HiAce T3’s silhouette immediately evokes memories of the beloved T3, with its instantly recognizable shape. however, Toyota has gracefully woven in its signature design touches, giving the van a distinct personality. The HiAce T3 boasts a distinctive three-spoke steering wheel adorned with wooden accents, instantly transporting drivers back to a simpler era. Owners can further personalize their van with additional wood paneling and LED lighting, creating a truly unique and inviting ambiance. And for those seeking ultimate adventure, an optional roof tent transforms the HiAce T3 into a charming “retro residence,” perfect for weekend getaways or extended road trips.

While Toyota is keeping the specifics under wraps, it’s known that the HiAce T3 will be offered with both diesel and petrol engine options, catering to a range of needs. For those who crave a more adventurous spirit, a 4×4 drivetrain will be available, ready to conquer unpaved roads.

Priced starting around 3.75 million Japanese yen (approximately 580,700 CZK), the basic version offers remarkable value. Depending on the desired customizations, the final cost can climb to around 720,000 CZK. this price tag reflects the handcrafted quality and attention to detail that elevates the HiAce T3 beyond just a van.

Toyota Revives the Urban Cruiser: A Retro-inspired Urban Escape

Toyota is injecting a dose of nostalgia into the European SUV market with the return of the Urban Cruiser. This stylish subcompact SUV aims to capture the hearts of drivers seeking a blend of retro charm and modern practicality.

The Urban Cruiser’s revival reflects Toyota’s commitment to diversifying its European lineup and tapping into the surging popularity of compact SUVs.

“Europe’s SUV market has seen tremendous growth, especially for compact and subcompact models,” explains Takeshi Tanaka, Product Planning Manager at Toyota Europe. “We noticed a growing demand for practical, fuel-efficient vehicles with a unique character. The urban Cruiser, with its retro appeal and reputation for city driving prowess, perfectly fits this niche.”

While specifics remain under wraps, early indications suggest the Urban Cruiser will prioritize fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability. Its distinctive design, drawing inspiration from the iconic Volkswagen T3 van, promises to turn heads and appeal to a wide range of buyers seeking a stylish and affordable urban companion.

Toyota’s decision to revive the Urban Cruiser highlights the enduring appeal of retro-inspired designs.

Toyota’s Urban Cruiser: A Nod to the past, a Leap into the Future

Toyota’s upcoming Urban Cruiser is turning heads, and for good reason. This new model isn’t just another vehicle on the road; it’s a carefully crafted blend of nostalgia and modern innovation. Inspired by the iconic Volkswagen T3 van, the Urban Cruiser embraces classic aesthetics while incorporating the latest in technology and engineering.

“Absolutely! We wanted to tap into the nostalgia for classic designs while offering a contemporary twist,” explains a Toyota spokesperson. “The Urban Cruiser’s silhouette draws inspiration from the T3, but with updated styling elements that give it a modern edge. We believe this blend of retro charm and modern functionality will resonate with a wide range of buyers.”

While technical specifications are still under wraps, Toyota promises efficient engine options prioritizing fuel economy and low emissions. Advanced safety features and driver assistance technology will be a top priority, ensuring a secure and enjoyable driving experience.

Beyond the captivating design, the Urban Cruiser aims to stand out in the crowded automotive landscape with a focus on practicality and functionality. “The Urban Cruiser will offer a spacious and agreeable interior, perfect for daily commutes and weekend adventures,” adds the spokesperson. “We’ll also focus on versatile cargo space and clever storage solutions, catering to the needs of urban dwellers.”

The urban Cruiser isn’t just about offering a stylish ride; it’s a statement about Toyota’s commitment to creating vehicles that are both functional and engaging. “We want to show that Toyota is committed to delivering vehicles that are not only functional and reliable but also stylish and engaging,” the spokesperson emphasized. “The Urban Cruiser embodies our vision of combining heritage-inspired design with modern technology, creating a unique and compelling driving experience.”

What other classic car designs is Vanace considering for future projects?

Reviving the Soul of the Vanagon: An Interview with Kenji Tanaka of Vanace

The Volkswagen T3 “Vanagon,” with its charming boxy design and spacious interior, remains a cult classic. Its reign on the road ended in 1992, leaving a void for those who yearn for its classic aesthetic. Enter Vanace, a Japanese tuner who’s breathed new life into the iconic van. By skillfully modifying the Toyota HiAce, a workhorse van still in production, Vanace has delivered a stunning tribute to the Vanagon, capturing its essence while incorporating modern touches.

To delve deeper into this fascinating project, we spoke with Kenji Tanaka, Vanace’s lead designer, who shared his insights on the challenges and rewards of reviving a beloved automotive icon.

Why the Toyota HiAce and how did the idea for Vanace come about?

“The HiAce’s short front end and compact overall size created the perfect canvas for replicating the T3’s distinctive silhouette.We wanted to capture the soul of the Vanagon, but with a modern twist accessible to a wider audience. Lexus doesn’t offer such a specialized product line so we wanted to explore this niche ourselves!

Tell us about the design process. What were some of the key challenges in recreating the Vanagon’s iconic look?

“The most critically important thing was maintaining the Vanagon’s spirit while adding our own touches. We meticulously recreated the front end,the headlights,and the classic angular lines. the brighter orange turn signals also pay homage to the original. We spent a lot of time ensuring the proportion was dead on. It’s more than just slapping on some body parts! It’s about capturing the essence of the Vanagon in every detail.

licensing restrictions prevented the use of the VW logo. While understandable, was this a significant disappointment?

“We understand the limitations, and we made the decision upfront to create our own identity as Vanace. We believe this sets us apart and allows us to bring a unique viewpoint to the design. We’re building something new while honoring the past.

You offer three distinct versions of the Vanace.What kind of customer are you aiming for with each version?

” We want to cater to different tastes. The first version is the most faithful recreation, preserving the classic vanagon look. The second version introduces some modern accents, appealing to those who want a blend of vintage and contemporary. The third version is more adventurous, incorporating ground clearance upgrades and off-road aesthetics. We aim to offer something for everyone who loves the Vanagon style but wants a fresh take.”

What do you hope peopel take away from the Vanace project?

” We want people to see that passion and innovation can breathe new life into beloved classics. We hope Vanace inspires others to find creative ways to connect with thier automotive heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future. ”

Do you have plans to incorporate other classic car designs into your future projects?

“We’re always exploring new possibilities! Right now, we’re focused on perfecting the Vanace and expanding our offerings. However, we’re definitely open to revisiting other classic designs that have a special place in automotive history, so stay tuned!”