Author Archives: Ben Hsu

VIDEO: The Datsun 240Z was Nissan’s ambassador to the world

While the original Skyline GT-R dominated at home and was largely unknown outside of Japan until the R33 had existed for several years, the S30 Z was Nissan’s halo car, torchbearer, and image-maker around the world. It was the 240Z … Continue reading

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MOTORSPORTS: Archival footage of Hakosuka Skylines racing evokes the passion and history of the GT-R

To coincide with the 50th birthday celebration of the GT-R and the release of the 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R, Nissan has released archival footage of the original GT-Rs that launched the legend. No matter how grainy and shaky, these videos … Continue reading

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NY Auto Show: Nissan brings its GT-R crown jewels to New York

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the GT-R this year, Nissan came to New York with three GT-R crown jewels. Perhaps three of the most priceless cars in Nissan’s own collection, the trio represents three generations of GT-R motorsports provenance … Continue reading

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NEWS: Nissan releases 50th Anniversary GT-R and upgrades Track, NISMO editions

2019 is a momentous year for Nissan. Not only does it mark 50 years of the iconic Z, but also 50 years of the legendary GT-R. Nissan already marked the Z’s birthday with a 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition, but now … Continue reading

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NEWS: Nissan releases 50th Anniversary Edition 370Z

Nissan is releasing a special edition version of the 370Z to commemorate 50 years of its revolutionary sports car. The Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition is based on the 370Z Sport, but features a distinct two-tone graphic that fans of … Continue reading

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VIDEO: Watch Monster Tajima crush this New Zealand Hillclimb

Monster Tajima’s Suzuki Escudo is a legendary hillclimb machine. In this Option video circa 1998, the crew follows Tajima on his quest to win the New Zealand Gold Rush in Queenstown. Of course, that in itself is worth watching the … Continue reading

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QotW: What’s your favorite GT-R?

This week Nissan plans to celebrate 50 years of the iconic GT-R at the New York International Auto Show. Godzilla has had many incarnations over the years, from classic street machine to world-beating race car. Designs have spanned the chrome … Continue reading

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The $1.1 million GT-R50 is a triumph of Nissan’s supercar legacy

Supercars aren’t what they used to be. In a literal sense, they are, of course, quite a bit more than what they used to be. Nowadays, you have cars that spew a thousand horsepower, cars that easily stride to 200 … Continue reading

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VIDEO: This fire truck ties together the legend-making years of Land Cruiser history

In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the car collector and former talk show host gets behind the wheel of a Toyota Land Cruiser fire truck. It’s no secret that the prices of 60-series Land Cruisers are rapidly rising, … Continue reading

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Honda’s past and future machines transform and race in this cool animated ad

The Honda Formula One channel has made a dynamic ad showcasing the company’s wide range of machines. The video is animated in a nifty, high-contrast style, and depicts F1 cars racing and transforming into vehicles as wide-ranging as the Super … Continue reading

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QotW: Which JNC would you name your kid after?

As we’ve mentioned before, there are some new babies joining the JNC family. While there are many great girls’ names in the JNC world, there aren’t many choices for boys. Brandon Kelly and his wife got there first last week, … Continue reading

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KIDNEY, ANYONE? Some nut “walled in” an Acura Integra Type R inside a barn

The honest but sad truth is that Hondas are thief magnets. Shout the name of any 90s model from Civic to Prelude in a room of car enthusiasts and you will hear back a dozen stories of how someone’s friend, … Continue reading

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VIDEO: Honda Civic-only Million Card Cup race

The Million Card Cup was a Honda Civic-only race that took place in Japan from 1991-95. It was a fantastic snapshot of a (relatively) inexpensive series when the Civic was at the height of its tuning popularity. A round, held … Continue reading

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QotW: What are the rules of the road for your JNC?

As enthusiasts, we can be pretty particular when it comes to our cars. It can be annoying to passengers, sure, but they just don’t understand the love we have for our JNCs. My personal rule is never, ever, put your … Continue reading

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NEWS: Nissan expands Skyline GT-R reproduction parts program to RB26 engine, R32 body parts

NISMO has announced a significant expansion to its Skyline GT-R reproduction parts program. While the parts offered since the program’s launch in 2017 largely consisted of rubber and plastic bits that deteriorate with age, the latest batch of items are … Continue reading

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VIDEO: Who did it better, Toyota USA or Toyota UK?

Recently, Toyota subsidiaries on both sides of the pond put out a call to enthusiasts and owners, assembled them at a race track, and filmed the experience. In the US, it was to promote the new Supra at Auto Club … Continue reading

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VIDEO: Cringe at these old Subaru crash tests

Do you want to see a bunch of classic Subarus crash into walls? Just a warning, they are doubly horrifying, because it’s always sad to see some now-rare cars get destroyed, but also because of the primitive safety standards of … Continue reading

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NEWS: What could Nissan have planned for the NY Auto Show?

Nissan has released a teaser for the New York Auto Show next month. Titled “Ultimate Dream Garage,” the image shows several iconic Nissans, including an S30 Z, the Calsonic R32 Group A race car, the Tokyo Motor Show Kenmeri GT-R, … Continue reading

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PRODUCT GUIDE: Dixcel has an enormous catalog of brake parts for vintage Japanese cars

Parts for older Japanese cars are pretty hard to come by, but there’s at least one brake company that has made a point to produce as many parts for vintage cars as they can. At the recent 17th International Auto … Continue reading

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BIKES: Suzuki releases retro-styled Katana

Many Japanese motorcycle makers are coming out with retro-styled bikes these days. Kawasaki and Honda have made modern versions of the Z1 and CBX respectively, and now Suzuki has joined the fray. However, whereas Kawasaki and Honda referenced bikes of … Continue reading

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