Author Archives: Ben Hsu
Nissan Z and GT-R will live to see another generation, says execs
Nissan is working on the next-generations of its two most cherished nameplates, according to a new report. Despite a hostile climate to traditional sports cars, the Z and GT-R will soldier on in a new generation, though it might be … Continue reading
Mitsubishi’s Ralliart history comes alive in this short film
Mitsubishi Motors has produced a short film covering its rallying history. In this 10-minute short film, engineers from Mitsubishi’s WRC program reminisce about what got them into rallying and their passion for the sport. They discuss important Mitsubishi rally cars, … Continue reading
Posted in motorsport
Tagged lancer, lancer evolution, mitsubishi, pajero, Ralliart, Triton
2 Comments
QotW: What’s the biggest joke in the automotive world?
Happy April Fools’ Day. Instead of playing a joke on you this year, we’re going to explore the jokes that this cruel world has played on all of us. It would be too easy to mock the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
23 Comments
Watch the Nissan R92CP claim its third “double title” in a row
Nissan has released a video of its efforts in the 1992 Japan Sports Prototype Championships. The 1992 season was a significant one as it marked the tenth and final year of the JSPC. With the bubble economy having burst the … Continue reading
Posted in motorsport
1 Comment
Why the NA Mazda Miata OEM wheel has 7 spokes instead of 8
As has often been said, the original NA Mazda MX-5 Miata wheel was designed to evoke popular aftermarket wheels of the 1960s. However, as keen-eyed observers might note, all those wheels and the many copies they inspired have eight spokes. … Continue reading
QotW: What car still feels new to you even though it’s actually old?
As lovers of classic cars our perception of time can get seriously warped. That often manifests itself when we see a car like the Nissan 350Z, which because we grew up admiring the S30-Z32 generations, we think of as new … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
7 Comments
NA Mazda MX-5 Miata OEM wheel reborn as 15-incher
The original Mazda Miata was an icon in every way, and the fact that its original OEM wheel is now being remade is proof. The RML Daisy takes its name from the nickname Miata enthusiasts have given the NA Miata’s … Continue reading
Posted in wheels
4 Comments
Kenjiro Shinozuka, Mitsubishi works driver and Paris-Dakar champion, 1948 — 2024
Famed Japanese rally driver Kenjiro Shinozuka has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 75. Best known for his achievements as a works driver with Mitsubishi, Shinozuka brought glory to the Triple Diamond in both the … Continue reading
Posted in motorsport
Tagged Galant VR-4, Kenjiro Shinozuka, lancer evolution, mitsubishi, pajero, Paris-Dakar Rally
2 Comments
Marcello Gandini, legendary supercar designer, loved kei cars
The automotive world is still mourning the recent passing of legendary designer Marcello Gandini. One might assume that the much-revered designer of some of history’s most desirable supercars would drive something incredibly exotic. Something from his long résumé of iconic … Continue reading
Posted in Design
Tagged Countach, kei, lamborghini, Lancia, manga, Marcello Gandini, Maserati, suzuki, Wagon R
8 Comments
Honda and Nissan have inked a strategic partnership agreement
Back in 2019 the Japanese government reportedly tried to get Honda and Nissan to merge. At the time, both companies were said to have rejected the proposal right away. But now, a mere five years later, both carmakers have signed … Continue reading
1993 Nissan AP-X concept by Marcello Gandini was rumored to be a Z32 successor
At the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show Nissan debuted the AP-X, a sports car concept meant to blend driving pleasure and environmental responsibility. The futuristic coupe was penned by Marcello Gandini, he of Lamborghini Miura, Countach, and Lancia Stratos fame. There … Continue reading
Posted in concepts
Tagged concepts, fairlady z, Marcello Gandini, nissan, Nissan AP-X concept, nissan gallery yokohama, tokyo motor show, z32
8 Comments
QotW: What tool has saved you the most agony?
Today, March 11, is National Worship of Tools Day. This oddly named day is meant to be spent taking care of the instruments that make our lives possible and convenient. Maybe take some time to organize your toolbox, cleaning grease … Continue reading
Nissan puts classic Skyline, Silvia, Fairlady into the Metaverse
Nissan has opened a series of heritage car studios in the Metaverse to teach users about traffic safety.We have only the most rudimentary understanding of what any of that means, but if it means another way to experience classics like … Continue reading
The Nissan Fairlady Z stunt driver almost didn’t survive one of Japanese TV’s most insane automotive leaps
Over its five-year run Seibu Keisatsu was known for its share of crazy car chases, but there was one stunt that stood out from all the rest. Episode 104, “Rush to Glory”, is remembered for an insane jump in which … Continue reading
Posted in News
7 Comments
NISMO twin-cam head for Nissan L-series straight-six unveiled
NISMO has been busy reissuing heritage parts for RB26-era Skyline GT-Rs, but recently they dropped a bombshell by building something completely new and unexpected for the previous generation of Nissan straight-sixes. In honor of the 40th anniversary of their founding … Continue reading
Weds Racing Forg, Japan’s first forged 3-piece wheel reissued
In 1977 the Weds Racing Forg made history as Japan’s first 3-piece forged wheel. It immediately became popular among touring car race teams. To commemorate Weds’ 60th anniversary in 2024, the wheel company is remaking the Racing Forg in three … Continue reading
Posted in wheels
Tagged b110, b310, Fuji Freshman Race, fuji speedway, nissan, sunny, ts cup, weds, Weds Racing Forg
2 Comments
QotW: Which Mitsubishi model is the most Mitsubishi?
We’ve previously asked which models best represent the essence of Honda, Toyota, and Subaru. Now it’s Mitsubishi’s turn. The company was once known for having an entire portfolio of turbocharged cars, and for their broad AWD lineup. They’ve also been … Continue reading
Help a JNC reader find his dream Toyota Hiace van
We have a special request today. Taylor C., one of JNC‘s long-time readers and repeat QotW champion, is on the hunt for a Toyota Hiace van. Unfortunately, what he wants is, in his words, “a unicorn”. He’s about to settle … Continue reading
Posted in JNC Projects
7 Comments
Come join JNC at the American Honda Collection Hall this Saturday, Feb 17, for Cars, Bikes & Coffee
So the Honda Collection Hall is reopening in Japan, but if you can’t make it all the way to Tochigi, here’s a much closer option. The American Honda Collection Hall in Torrance, Calif. is opening its doors this Saturday, February … Continue reading
