Author Archives: Ben Hsu
Mazda CX-70 ad featuring an RX-7 GSL-SE is a real downer
We are always stoked when a JNC appears in an ad for a new car. It shows that the company cares about — or is at least aware of — its heritage. But there’s a rule of thumb in advertising … Continue reading
This Kyosho Datsun 240Z Safari Rally RC car wants to empty my wallet
It’s been over 20 years since I messed around with radio control cars, but Kyosho’s new Datsun 240Z rally car could suck me back in. The body is based on the S30 Z that won the 19th running of the … Continue reading
‘Nissan Love Story’ ad spans the decades with iconic cars
A new Japanese-market Nissan commercial tells a decades-long love story through classic cars. The spot is part of Nissan’s year-long 90th anniversary celebration, which began in December 2023. The ad features Nissan’s greatest hits in fast succession, promising a little … Continue reading
Toyota and Huf continue partnership with Land Cruiser-inspired streetwear
Last year Toyota partnered with streetwear brand Huf for a line of clothing with a Toyota and TRD truck theme. This year the collab continues with a lineup of Land Cruiser-inspired apparel, timed to arrive with the return of the … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite Japanese motorcycle?
Today, August 19, is Motorcycle Day in Japan. The date of the holiday comes from a pun. In Japanese, an alternate pronunciation of eight is ba, one is i, and nine is ku. Put them together and you have baiku, … Continue reading
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Toyota Celica could debut at Tokyo Auto Salon with 400 horsepower
After many months of rumors about a Celica revival, reports now say that the return of the Toyota sports coupe could come as early as five months from now. Not only that, but the Celica will reportedly be powered purely … Continue reading
‘Seibu Keisatsu’ put a bomb on a runaway bus 12 years before ‘Speed’
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the unforgettable 1994 action film Speed. The Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock flick told the story of a cop trying to stop a moving city bus full of passengers from succumbing to a … Continue reading
Restored Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo to be unveiled at Monterey Historics
The game-changing Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo chassis 8801 is currently undergoing restoration and will be shown at the upcoming Monterey Historics later this month. Thirty-five years ago the prototype racer ended the Porsche 962’s dominance of the IMSA GTP class, in … Continue reading
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You can now get racing legend Kazuyoshi Hoshino as a plush doll
In case you were wondering whether it was possible to buy a plush doll of famed racing driver Kazuyoshi Hoshino, the answer is yes. That’s right, the Nissan pilot who placed third at the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans … Continue reading
Honda’s restored 1984 HP-X concept is coming to Pebble Beach
Forty years after its debut, the Honda HP-X concept has undergone an extensive restoration. It was originally shown at the 1984 Turin Auto Show and is billed as Honda’s first concept car (though that is debatable). Regardless, it’s a fascinating … Continue reading
Nissan Silvia revival is the “dream” of new global product chief
The Nissan Silvia, the once abundant sports coupe and darling of the drift community, was recently name-checked by Ivan Espinosa, the company’s new chief of global product planning. Espinosa has been in product planning since 2017, and starting in 2019 … Continue reading
Is this the new Mazda logo?
Mazda may be updating their logo, according to new trademark filings in Japan. The logo began circulating on Japanese social media on Monday after users unearthed it from the Japan Patent Office. It appears to follow the trend of “flattening” … Continue reading
QotW: What car do you not regret selling or letting get away?
Every car enthusiast has a few stories of the cars that got away. Perhaps it was a car you regret selling when times were hard. Maybe it was a car you should’ve bought but didn’t. On the other end of … Continue reading
Mitsubishi car chase compilation from ‘Gorilla: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Investigation Unit 8’
In the late 80s much of Seibu Keisatsu‘s original production team, actors, and directors reunited to create a new TV show. Gorilla: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Investigation Unit 8 sought to recapture the feel, action and popularity of Japan’s most … Continue reading
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Tagged debonair, eclipse, Galant VR-4, Mirage Cyborg, mitsubishi, pajero, starion
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The 1983 Nissan NX-21 concept was dead wrong about 21st century cars
At the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show the star of Nissan’s booth was a prediction of what an 21st century sedan might look like. Its hopes were right there in the experimental saloon’s name, the Nissan NX-21. As we know now … Continue reading
