Mitsubishi Sigma

Mitsubishi Sigma is an automotive nameplate that was used by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors between 1976 and 1996. Mitsubishi has utilized the "Sigma" name on several different vehicles based on Mitsubishi Galant and Mitsubishi Diamante sold in various markets during this time.

Mitsubishi Galant based

Japan (Galant Σ)

Between 1976 and 1987 over three generations, the Mitsubishi Galant sedan sold in Japan was suffixed with the "Σ" (sigma) badge.

1976–1980

Main article: Mitsubishi Galant

1980–1984

Main article: Mitsubishi Galant

1983–1987

Main article: Mitsubishi Galant

Australia

Between 1980 and 1987 over two generations, the version of the Mitsubishi Galant sedan and station wagon sold in Australia retailed under the Mitsubishi Sigma name. Between 1977 and 1980, prior to Mitsubishi taking over Chrysler Australia's operations, this model had been referred to as Chrysler Sigma.

1980–1982 (GH)

Main article: Chrysler Sigma

Diamante

Diamante may refer to the following:

Places

Argentina

Brazil

Chile

Italy

People

Other uses

Akihiko Nakaya

Akihiko Nakaya (中谷明彦, Nakaya Akihiko, born November 3, 1957) is a successful racing driver in the Japanese Touring Car Championship and F3000, as well as regular presenter on the Japanese motoring show Best Motoring. Nakaya offered a distinctively analytical approach to reviewing cars on the show, providing detailed analyses of various vehicle components and explaining certain driving styles that were best suited to their characteristics. He was a regular driver of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions during Best Motoring races involving the I, II, III, IV, V, VI, Makinen editions, VII, and VIII of the car, often recording lap times significantly quicker than other drivers of the same vehicle.

Nakaya's name was applied to a special preface-build of the Mitsubishi FTO - the Nakaya-Tune FTO, which appeared in 1997.

Nakaya was considered for a Formula One ride with Brabham in 1992, but the FIA would not grant him a superlicense on the grounds that Japanese F3000 was not considered a stepping stone to F1. The ride eventually went to Giovanna Amati, who was more known for her wealth than talent.

Best Motoring

Best Motoring (ベストモータリング, Besuto Mōtaringu) was Japan's preeminent automobile magazine, video, and DVD series. Alongside Best Motoring were Hot Version and Video Special.

History

With the first edition debuting in 1987 and the last in 2011, the videos were marked by non traditional races and challenges such as Tōge battles, in which one car tries to outrun another on a twisty mountain pass. The drivers were the premier racers of the various Japanese racing series, including JGTC (now Super GT), the D1 Grand Prix, and Formula Nippon. Some of the regular hosts/drivers included the "Drift King" Keiichi Tsuchiya, Manabu Orido, Juichi Wakisaka, Akihiko Nakaya, and Naoki Hattori.

Best Motoring, Hot Version and Video Special were all produced by Kodansha/2&4 Motoring.

The Japanese version of Best Motoring was a monthly video series covering mainly non-tuned factory cars, whereas Hot Version (ホットバージョン) was the bi-monthly video series testing mainly tuned cars. Video Special was yet another video series that was released irregularly and usually focused on a particular car model.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidō, literally "Northern Sea Circuit") (Japanese: [hokkaido]), formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is the 2nd largest island of Japan, and the largest and northernmost prefecture. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel. The largest city on Hokkaido is its capital, Sapporo, which is also its only ordinance-designated city.

History

Hokkaido was settled by the Ainu,Nivkh, and Orok peoples many years ago. The Nihon Shoki, finished in 720 AD, is often said to be the first mention of Hokkaido in recorded history. According to the text, Abe no Hirafu led a large navy and army to northern areas from 658 to 660 and came into contact with the Mishihase and Emishi. One of the places Hirafu went to was called Watarishima (渡島), which is often believed to be present-day Hokkaido. However, many theories exist in relation to the details of this event, including the location of Watarishima and the common belief that the Emishi in Watarishima were the ancestors of the present-day Ainu people.