Author Archives: Ben Hsu

Toyota-Subaru RWD Confirmed

It’s true, it’s all true! Soylent Green is people, the apes were on Earth all along, and the Toyota-Subaru joint rear wheel drive coupe is real. Last week, Toyota upped its stake in Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries from … Continue reading

Posted in subaru, toyota | 17 Comments

Starlet Baja Racing, Presence of Popeye Inexplicable

The title really says it all.

Posted in cm, toyota | 4 Comments

More Subaru Goodies

Hot on the tails of yesterday’s Subie surprise, Subaru Japan dealerships have just announced a “customer appreciation day” campaign taking place this weekend, April 12-13. Just stroll on in and enter a drawing for either a 360 mouse or a … Continue reading

Posted in japan, subaru | Leave a comment

Subaru 360 Mouse

Our JDM friend and Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear Super Exceed 24-Valve V6 3000 with Crystal Lite Roof helmsman was in town for a few days and he brought us this rad present. It’s a surprisingly comfortable USB optical mouse in … Continue reading

Posted in nostalgic gear, subaru | 4 Comments

Vintage Racing Hart and Bilbo Ads

Just came across these vintage JDM wheel ads from Racing Hart and your favorite JDM wheel named after a Tolkien character, Bilbo. Follow the jump to see more ads.

Posted in wheels | 3 Comments

JNC Magazine Sneak Peek

We’ve added a brief rundown of the first issue’s table of contents, which you can see here.

Posted in jnc | 2 Comments

JNC Magazine Update

The last few months have been a monsoon of activity here. But finally, the magazine is at the printers! They will be mailed out directly from the printers at the end of next week to take full advantage of savings … Continue reading

Posted in jnc | 8 Comments

Taisho My Ride!

Check out this image modifier. It makes any photo you upload look like it was taken in the Taisho Era, which lasted from 1912 to 1926. Make your own and share them here. [Source: Wanokoto]

Posted in japan | 3 Comments

Gas ‘N’ Mach GoGoGo with Speed Racer

In Japan, the 60s manga and anime series known here as Speed Racer is so popular that it’s even spawned a chain of service stations and used car lots. Everything is Speed Racer themed, including the in-store service computer menus. … Continue reading

Posted in japan | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

More Skyline Ads with Ken & Mary

Ok, by now you guys have all figured out yesterday’s post about a majority share of Nissan being bought out by Tata Motors was an April Fool’s joke. Sorry, we couldn’t resist! Well here’s some old Nissan Skyline that are … Continue reading

Posted in cm, nissan | 3 Comments

Tata Motors to Buy Nissan, Revive Datsun Name

Not content with its recent purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, India’s Tata Motors is turning their sights eastward with a lock on Nissan. The Ford deal netted India’s largest conglomerate three other hallowed marques too – Rover, … Continue reading

Posted in datsun, nissan | 8 Comments

Skyline Drives Through Alien Desert with Spacefish

When George Lucas wanted to zazz up Star Wars with an automotive cross-promotion in 1977, he opted for a Toyota Celica Liftback. Say what you will about the prequels, but the man had vehicular taste. A dozen years later in … Continue reading

Posted in cm, nissan, Video Games | 2 Comments

(Hayashi) Sakuras in Full Bloom

This weekend begins the National Cherry Blossom Festival in our nation’s capital. The sakura were a gift from Japan to the USA in 1912 and the first festival was held in 1935. We’ve seen some sweet old rides with the … Continue reading

Posted in bosozoku, nissan, wheels | 6 Comments

We'll Always Have Yatabe

Check out these sad photos from Yatabe Test Track, which the Japanese Automobile Research Institute opened in 1964. It may look like just another banked slab of concrete, but many a high-performance car was put through its paces here. And … Continue reading

Posted in japan, toyota | 4 Comments

JDM Old School Video

Oldie but a goodie.

Posted in japan | 4 Comments

Datsun 280ZX, Someday

Back when we were kids there was no Wii, MyFace, or whatever the hell kids are into these days. The bicycle was the king of birthday presents, and the freedom of movement it provided is probably what turned us into … Continue reading

Posted in cm, datsun, nissan | Leave a comment

Cool Cosmo Sports

With only 1,519 of the Mazda Cosmo Sports built, it’s rare to see one with heavy modification done, especially to the body. Although some might cringe to see one of these in anything less than original condition, we think this … Continue reading

Posted in mazda | 6 Comments

Toyota Ghost Found on Toast

Today is Resurrection Day, and as everyone knows, long-dead spiritual figures just love to reveal themselves to the world via pre-sliced bread conveniently warmed by modern kitchen appliance. Toast is the medium of choice, in fact, for the likes of … Continue reading

Posted in nostalgic eats, pre-war, toyota | 3 Comments

Proposed CA Bill Threatens Pre-1976 Cars

California State Senator Dean Florez has proposed a new bill that, if passed, will repeal the emissions exemption on pre-1976 cars in eight California counties. This means your classic car would have to pass California’s emissions test for the life … Continue reading

Posted in laws | 7 Comments

The End of a Kareha?

It’s being reported now that the Japanese government is encouraging drivers over the age of 65 to hand over their driver’s licenses. It’s a move meant to reduce congestion in crowded cities and road accidents as well, about 100,000 of … Continue reading

Posted in japan | 1 Comment