Author Archives: Ben Hsu
RIP Jiro Yamada, legendary automotive cutaway illustrator who turned engineering into art
Jiro Yamada, the singularly talented automotive artist, passed away in August 2025 at the age of 65 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Out of respect for his lifelong preference for privacy, news of his passing was only shared with … Continue reading
The 2027 Nissan Z comes with even more nostalgic nods
We covered many of the upgrades and throwbacks of the facelifted 2027 Nissan Z, but Nissan just pointed us to a few more that we missed. One of the coolest is the fact that the Performance trim wheels are inspired … Continue reading
The revived Nissan Primera nameplate has a lot to live up to
After nearly two decades, the Nissan Primera nameplate has been revived. Those expecting an SR20-powered sports sedan may be disappointed, though, as the Primera has been resurrected as an EV. While it shares a name with its predecessors, it likely … Continue reading
The Tommykaira ZZ returns with a modern facelift to show carmakers what’s possible
The last of the Tommykaira ZZ sports cars was built in June 2021. However, the hand-built Japanese sports car may seems to have risen anew at the Automotive Engineering Exposition in Yokohama. Strictly speaking, this isn’t a Tommykaira, but is … Continue reading
QotW: How are your automotive new year’s resolutions coming along?
It’s June 1, which is New Year’s Resolution Recommitment Day. They call it a midyear milestone even though it’s not actually the midpoint of the year, but with summer starting it’s probably a good time to dig in to whatever … Continue reading
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The Mitsubishi Pajero will officially return in fall 2026
It’s official. Mitsubishi has announced that the Pajero will return by year’s end. The revived SUV will serve as the company’s flagship as it tries to rebuild its brand. Its comeback has been speculated upon since 2024, but we started … Continue reading
The original Honda Accord was almost a shooting brake
Though we think of the Honda Accord as the quintessential family sedan today, the original Honda Accord debuted in 1976 as a three-door hatchback. As Honda’s first mainstream car it didn’t break any molds in terms of design — that … Continue reading
Nissan to open first NISMO Performance Center outside of Japan
Nissan has announced its first NISMO Performance Center outside of Japan. The facility will be located in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, about 45 minutes outside of Melbourne. Nissan states that the center will provide a direct link to the NISMO Omori … Continue reading
Toyota renews Cressida trademark but don’t hold your breath
It’s been 34 years since the last Cressida was sold in the US and there have been no whispers that the long-dormant nameplate might return. The final rear-wheel-drive gasoline Toyota sedan was last available new here in 1992. However, on … Continue reading
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QotW: What’s your favorite car museum?
Today, May 18, is International Museum Day, established at the 12 annual assembly of the International Council of Museums in 1977 in Moscow. It was a global effort to transform world museums, from musty collections of relics to entertaining and … Continue reading
Pioneer brings back Carrozzeria parcel shelf speakers for the sub-brand’s 40th anniversary
In 1986 Pioneer launched its Carrozzeria brand of premium car audio equipment. The name was used in Japan only, representing the cutting edge of in-car technology. This year Carrozzeria is celebrating its 40th anniversary by releasing a special line of … Continue reading
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was gifted a scale model of her 1991 Toyota Supra
When Japan elected Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister in October 2025 car enthusiasts were excited to learn that she owned a 1991 Toyota Supra 2.5GT Twin-Turbo Limited. She described it as the first car she’d ever bought with her own … Continue reading
The Japanese craft of making RS-Watanabe wheels the traditional way
Despite being one of the most recognizable wheels on the planet, the RS-Watanabe 8-spoke is born into the world in a surprisingly low-volume, old school process. They’re made in the traditional way, mostly manually with barely any electronics and not … Continue reading
QotW: What fuel saving car should I buy since my Land Cruiser gets 8 mpg?
Well, gas prices are stupid right now and I’m stuck daily driving a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser in Los Angeles, where fuel prices are averaging in the mid $6 per gallon range for regular. The J80 gets about 8.25 mpg, … Continue reading
TUNE UP: Skylines and Supras star in Jenevieve and Jihyo’s ‘Hvnly’
[Old man voice] Back in my day when music videos wanted to create a cool vibe producers brought in muscle cars. Candy colors and chrome are what set pop stars apart from the common traffic cars and offered an air … Continue reading
Daihatsu once created a concept car that turned into a bed
If you’re the type of person who’s ever wanted to get away from it all, alone, look no further than the Daihatsu Trek. Described as a vehicle for the “lone driver” to “go as you please” and “travel at your … Continue reading
Nissan declares that May 6 shall henceforth be known as V6 Day
Despite all the silly holidays we’ve covered it’s still a rare occasion that an actual carmaker declares its own. Well, Nissan has decided to plant a flag on May 6, which shall henceforth be known as V6 Day (the “V” … Continue reading
QotW: Which JNC looks most proper in green?
Today is Greenery Day in Japan, a national holiday that honors nature. Established in 1989, many parks, zoos and aquariums open free of charge today, encouraging visitors to appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Because of the Greenery Day’s … Continue reading
QotW: Which Japanese car had the best font?
Today, April 27, is World Design Day, formerly known as World Graphics Day. It celebrates graphic design, the art of making text and images look cool. The world would be pretty boring if every piece of text was in Times … Continue reading
