Search Results

Back in the 1960s, Toyota was looking to break the domination of Western luxury brands in the Japanese domestic chauffeur-driven car market. The Century was the result in 1967, and has been favoured by captains of industry in the Land of the Rising Sun ever since, powered initially by a V8, then a V12 for the second generation, and a hybrid V8 for the third generation. They were all sedans too.

Enter the fourth generation Toyota Century in 2023. Code-named G70, this looks like Japan's answer to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. However, it still embodies

Happenings

Toyota's Latest-Generation Century Is Now An SUV

IN Captains of industry, Century, Chauffeured, Hybrid, JDM, Latest generation, Toyota, Toyota Century

Higher-riding Century brings Japanese-style chauffeured luxury to captains of industry.

But hold onto your seats, for only a thousand lucky souls will get their hands on this rarity. And if you're the type who craves exclusivity in an already exclusive world, there's the Skyline Nismo Limited, a celebration of the Skyline GT's 60th anniversary.

Only a hundred of these beauties will grace the roads, with their curtain call planned for the upcoming summer.

New

Nissan to launch Skyline Nismo models for the Japan market

IN Nissan, Skyline, Nismo, Burnpavement

The Skyline, a paragon of Nissan's racing-bred technology, is set to take the stage in early September.

This current seventh-generation RZ34 Fairlady Z has been around since 2022, and Nissan has freshened things up with the 2024 model year. Let’s kick things off with some spice.

The Fairlady Z NISMO’s front grille, front and rear bumpers, fender mouldings, side sill protectors, rear spoiler, and rear LED fog lamps are NISMO exclusive and serve to increase downforce while improving aerodynamic performance.

The front grille mesh, which is also used in the 2024 Nissan GT-R, has a honeycomb design with low airflow resistance and works with the wind-skimming air guide slope to maximize cooling efficiency. The new 19-inch forged aluminium glossy black rims offer better rigidity and weight reduction despite increased rim width.

Happenings

Nissan Launches 2024 Fairlady Z in Japan

IN 2024, Fairlady Z, Launched, Models, NISMO, Nissan

A number of models feature in the 2024 Fairlady Z line-up.

Believe it or not, the Toyota Land Cruiser is 72 years old now. Originally launched as the Toyota BJ in 1951, the Land Cruiser has been a staple of the rough and tumble worldwide. Aussies have a saying that goes something like, “if you want to head bush, take a Land Rover. But if you want to come back out again, take a Land Cruiser.”

Toyota’s legendary reliability and simplicity meant that the Land Cruiser rarely broke down, and when it did, it was relatively easy to fix with a rock and some string while deep off the beaten track.

Happenings

Toyota Land Cruiser Lives On!

IN Toyota, Land Cruiser, Lives on, 250 Series, 70 Series, JDM, Worldwide

250 Series Worldwide, 70 Series Japan-only.

This is the 4th iteration of Nissan’s flagship SUV, if you can believe it. It started off back in 2001 as a cheap and chunky pseudo 4x4, a contender in the vanguard of ‘soft-roaders’ that included big players like the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Like those two examples, the X-Trail has subtly poshed-up and polished out its rough edges over the years. With seven seats and more fuel-sipping technology thanks to Nissan’s quirky e-POWER powertrain, is that enough to give it the edge over its fierce SUV competition?

Sleek and refined

New

Nissan X-Trail e-Power - exquisite-Power

IN Nissan, X-Trail, E-Power, Exquisite-Power, Burnpavement

The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER takes the Japanese marque to a new high, exemplifying how internal combustion still has a place in today's electric climate.

Happenings

Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition Unveiled

IN Toyota, Prius, Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, Gazoo Racing, Le Mans, 24 Hours Race, Centenary

Unveiling done at the "Japan. Endless Discovery." exhibit marking 100 years since Le Mans was first run.

Amongst most inner automotive circles, whether they be of professional or pop-culture variety, the R33 Nissan Skyline, produced between 1993-1996, is somewhat referred to as the ‘black sheep’ of the Skyline family.

Critics often compare it to a toned-down passive version of the R32 which preceded it, and then it was made worse by the model which superseded it - the legendary R34, probably the most renowned Skyline model of all time.

Happenings

A JDM Gem And The Shoes It Wears - Nissan R33 GT-R 400R

IN Nissan, GT-R, R33, Nismo, 400R, Bridgestone, RE71

The Nissan R33 GT-R 400R was produced in extremely limited quantities, and it showed the world that apart from sensible and frugal cars, Japan could produce some incredible monsters as well.

The models in question are the GR Corolla RZ and GR Corolla RZ

Happenings

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Launches GR Corolla Sales Efforts with Lotteries in Japan

IN Toyota, Gazoo, Racing, Corolla, GR, Asia, 2022, Sales, Lottery, Japan

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) commenced its sales efforts today for the Japanese-market trim levels of the new GR Corolla.

The question was not without merit. Sales of the outgoing Toyota Crown had dwindled to just 21,000 units. A far cry from the heady days where the Japanese automaker sold 200,000-plus units at the peak of the Crown era in 1990. It would take nothing short of a complete reboot to stop the decline of interest in sedans around the world.

Happenings

SHOCK: Toyota Crown sedan splits up into four-strong model lineup for 2023

IN Toyota, Crown, SUV, Luxury sedan

16th generation Toyota Crown becomes an SUV, wagon, and lifted sedan; to be sold globally starting from Autumn 2022 in Japan

Now, it's looking to make a revival of sorts of that golden era, with the Prodrive P25. That’s a reference to the number of years since the Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (the 2-door one, not the 4-door Impreza 555 Group A car) hit the stages in 1997.

Happenings

22B, or not to be? That is the question, as Prodrive previews 400hp Subaru Impreza 22B STi restomod

IN Subaru, Impreza, STI, 22B, Prodrive, WRC

The Prodrive P25 will be a modernized tribute to Subaru's '90s widebody icon

To: Mr. Tomomi Nakamura, Chairman and CEO, Subaru Corporation, Japan

From: Concerned Automotive Journalists, Content Creators & Enthusiasts

22 March 2022

Honourable Sir,

We recently learned of Subaru’s decision to not launch an STI version of the VB-generation WRX because, “as the automotive marketplace continues to move towards electrification, Subaru is focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve to meet the needs of the changing marketplace and the regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses (GHG), zero emissions vehicles (ZEV), and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ). As part of that effort, Subaru Corporation is exploring opportunities for the next generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification. In the meantime, a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform.”

With the automotive world moving toward electrification, we comprehend Subaru’s decision with heavy hearts. However, and with respect, we also feel that this time period is the perfect opportunity for one last hurrah for the hallowed Subaru WRX STI fully-powered by a turbocharged internal-combustion engine (ICE).

The VA-generation STI has cemented its place in history as the last STI with the venerable turbocharged EJ-series engine, one that’s well-known for its famous and characterful boxer burble that has also solidified its place in the ears, minds, hearts and souls of Subaru-enthusiasts specifically and automotive-enthusiasts at-large worldwide.

The current WRX sports the new FA24DIT boxer-4 engine. We believe with Subaru Technica International’s expertise being bestowed upon the FA24DIT for that one final hurrah, a truly memorable VB-generation can be produced to give the petrol-powered STI a brilliant send-off, hopefully with at least 350hp from the showroom floor.

You may be aware that manufacturers such as Porsche have collaborated with Siemens to develop e-fuel, a synthetic petrol that promises a lower environmental impact than even EVs. With developments such as this in mind, maintaining the continuous development and production of ICE drivetrains may eventually turn out to be beneficial for Subaru.

Perhaps the ICE STI line may be considered as a very small output outfit? The strong secondary market for cars from the 1990s and early 2000s is a big indicator that there is still a big demand for these cars.

Therefore, we respectfully request that Subaru Corporation’s decision be reconsidered in favour of an FA24DIT-based VB-generation STI. One last hurrah not just for the STI, but for all petrolheads worldwide.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Truly,
Joel Tam
Sheldon Trollope
Jonathan Lim
Vivek Max R
Ignition Labs / Burnpavement / AutoApp

Happenings

Open Letter to the President and CEO of Subaru Corporation, Japan

IN Open letter, President, Ceo, Tomomi nakamura, Subaru, Wrx sti, VB, Internal combustion, Petrol

While all these are a bit more community-driven – enthusiasts pulling into a car park to talk cars – Toyota, one of the largest car companies in the world, has maintained a theme park of sorts in the heart of Tokyo.

Happenings

A Tribute to Toyota Megaweb

IN Tokyo, Japan, Toyota, Toyota Megaweb, Megaweb, Mega Web

After a 22-year run, this petrolhead oasis in the heart of Tokyo will be shuttering its doors.

2002 NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R34) V-SPEC II NÜR (10KM)

Given the skyrocketing values of JDM icons, the crown jewel of the collection is unsurprisingly that white Skyline GT-R. The current auction record for an R34 Skyline is 33.2 million yen (US$314k/S$426k) for a 6817km Millennium Jade M-Spec Nür, but this BH Auction car will probably smash that. For comparison, that’s slightly more than the base price of a McLaren 720S in the US - just let that sink in for a moment...

The reason for the astronomical price? Well for starters, it's a V-Spec II Nür, the penultimate iteration of the R34 that commemorated the end of Skyline GT-R production (the 19 mighty Z-Tunes were converted by Nismo in 2005 from existing cars). Named after that famous racetrack in Germany, 718 V-Spec II Nür were produced (159 - the most common colour - in white), and received all of Nissan’s go-faster bits that were available to the Skyline at the time.

Happenings

This is what a brand new, 10km Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 looks like

IN BH Auction, Tokyo, Japan, Tuning, Modified, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Nissan Silvia, Porsche 993

It’s part of an incredible auction of unregistered cars that includes a C4 Corvette Grand Sport, a Nissan Silvia S15, a Porsche 993 Carrera 4, and a pair of single digit-mileage Porsche 997 Speedsters

Happenings

New Honda HR-V (Vezel) Revealed

IN Honda, HR-V, Vezel, Honda HR-V, Honda Vezel, Kah Motor

The latest Honda HR-V has been completely redesigned, and gains Honda’s new e:HEV hybrid powertrain.

Happenings

Tokyo Auto Salon 2020: Part 2

IN Tokyo Auto Salon, Tokyo Auto Salon 2020, TAS, TAS 2020, Tokyo, Japan, Tuning, Modified

The Japanese tuning scene is ever-evolving. Just as you think there's nothing else they can do, the Japanese don't disappoint - as our trip to TAS 2020 revealed.

Happenings

Tokyo Auto Salon 2020: Part 1

IN Tokyo Auto Salon, Tokyo Auto Salon 2020, TAS, TAS 2020, Tokyo, Japan, Tuning, Modified

The Japanese tuning scene is ever-evolving. Just as you think there's nothing else they can do, the Japanese don't disappoint - as our trip to TAS 2020 revealed.