Author Archives: Ben Hsu
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
A museum-quality exhibit of bosozoku culture is underway in Tokyo
In the 80s bosozoku were considered delinquents and looked down upon by Japanese society. With enough distance in the rear view mirror, there’s now an aura of nostalgia that surrounded their unique and impeccable style. A museum-quality and family friendly … Continue reading
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Tagged bosozoku, suzuki, Suzuki GS400, Suzuki GSX400, Suzuki GT380
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Watch Mazda rebuild a 4-rotor race motor from the 787
It’s no small undertaking to rebuild a 4-rotor R26B from a Mazda 787 race car. Most of the parts are unique to the engine and have been out of production for decades. A recent Mazda Motorsports video shows what it … Continue reading
Honda builds City Turbo II homage withS ‘Bulldog Style’
The Honda Super-One recently launched in Japan was clearly inspired by the 1983-86 Honda City Turbo II. But in case that wasn’t obvious enough, Honda has created an even more overt homage to the City Turbo II. Developed by Honda … Continue reading
Nissan execs reveal sports car plans and another Xterra teaser
In the wake of Nissan’s mega press conference earlier this week more news about its sports cars and the revived Xterra SUV has emerged. The briefing outlined how the company plans to reverse its money-shredding trajectory and undo the legacy … Continue reading
Nissan teases new Skyline, Xterra as ‘Heartbeat’ of the company
Nissan unveiled its latest business plan last night, titled “Vision of Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life”. Behind the buzzwords, however, were the first two teasers of nameplates of great importance to enthusiasts: the Skyline and the Xterra. While the long-term … Continue reading
