Author Archives: Ben Hsu
NEWS: Nissan exec suggests next Z and GT-R might be electric
With both the Z and GT-R in generations that have lasted a decade or so with no hints about their futures. So, whenever a top Nissan executive whispers a phrase about either model, enthusiasts take notice. The most recent utterance … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite car from Japan’s tuning era?
If there’s anything we learned from the tragic passing of Junichi Tanaka a week ago, it was that many of you came to the world of Nihon steel after encountering an insane demo or race car from the glory days … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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NIHON LIFE: Japan raises speed limit to 75 mph
Japan has raised its speed limit to 120 kph (75 mph) on two major expressways, the highest maximum that has ever been allowed in the country. The high-speed zones span a 50-kilometer section of the Shin-Tomei Expressway between in Shizuoka … Continue reading
Posted in Nihon Life
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VIDEO: JUN Auto Mechanic’s brain-melting creations
As we mourn the loss of Jun Auto Mechanic founder Junichi Tanaka, let’s take a a look back at some of his incredible creations. These were, for many enthusiasts, the dream cars that hooked them on Japan’s tuning culture. Though … Continue reading
Posted in Video
Tagged A80, BB4, best motoring, civic, Civic EK, fairlady z, gt-r, honda, jun auto mechanic, lancer evolution, mitsubishi, nissan, Option Video, prelude, r34, S15, s2000, silvia, supra, top gear, toyota, toyota 86, Tsukuba Circuit, z33
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MOTORSPORT: Kaori Okamoto — actor, businesswoman, race car driver
To say that Kaori Okamoto was multi-talented would be an understatement. Known today primarily as an actor, Okamoto in her long career has also been an author, entrepreneur, and yes, a race car driver. Okamoto wasn’t just your typical celebrity … Continue reading
Posted in motorsport
Tagged 24 Hours of Spa, ae82, ae86, ae92, carina, corolla, corolla fx, corolla levin, Dakar Rally, jtcc, Kaori Okamoto, motorsport, mr2, Spa-F, sprinter trueno, sw20, T190, tom's, toyota
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Happy TE37 Day from JNC
Since we are mourning the loss of the New Year Meeting this year, here’s a sexy Corolla Coupe from happier days, capping off a long row of TE27s. A standout from its predecessors here in both chassis and color, the … Continue reading
NEWS: Here are all the parts you can get from the Mazda Roadster Restore program
Ever since Mazda announced it would begin making reproduction parts for the first-generation Eunos Roadster, owners, enthusiasts and restorers of the beloved Miata have been excited about the list of parts that they might have access to. Well, Mazda Japan … Continue reading
NEWS: Toyota to revive Supra Turbo A designation, add horsepower?
Toyota will reportedly revive one of its most beloved Supra trims levels, according to Japan’s automotive tabloids. Car Top magazine in its April issue reports that in 2021, fans of the Toyota sports car can expect a higher-output version called … Continue reading
NEWS: Honda celebrates 50 years of CB750 with tribute bike
In 1969, the Honda CB750 revolutionized the motorcycle game. With an overhead cam, inline-four engine and front disc brake, it offered to the masses what was then only available on specialty racing two-wheelers. It was widely considered the world’s first … Continue reading
QotW: What’s JNC life like with a baby?
The JNC family is expanding, with a couple of us on the team expecting babies soon. In the next few months, both Brandon Kelley and I will soon each have little future car fans to take care of. To be … Continue reading
Happy Z32 Day from JNC
Since we had so many other 30th anniversary celebrations at the Chicago Auto Show this year, courtesy of Mazda and Honda, why not pretend Nissan did the same? The world saw the Miata and NSX there for the first time … Continue reading
Happy Z31 Day from JNC
This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Z (and GT-R). When the 50th anniversary 300ZX came out in 1984, it was marking the 50th anniversary of Nissan as a company. However, it seems fitting that we celebrate Z31 … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? Toyota hoarder selling off entire collection
It appears we have found the answer to what lies at the end of the rainbow: a collection of old Toyotas in various states of disrepair. Just outside of Las Vegas, a seller is purging a literal lot of Aichi … Continue reading
NEWS: Honda reveals production-ready RWD electric hatch
Honda will reveal a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Named the E Prototype, the car appears to be a very-close-to-production version of the first-generation Civic-inspired Urban EV Concept that was shown at the Frankfurt Motor … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged civic, Civic 1G, concepts, E Prototype, geneva motor show, honda, honda N, life
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QotW: Daily, Garage, or Sell? Iconic Nameplate Edition
Welcome to another edition of Daily, Garage, or Sell, the JNC version of Bang, Marry, or Kill. We’ve modified the game a bit and turned “Drive” into “Daily” to further distinguish it from “Garage,” You can, of course, drive both … Continue reading
This amazing 1976 Toyota Publica was restored by a 12-year-old
Stories of rare car restorations are always heartwarming, but it is especially so when the labor of love is a father-daughter project. Throw in the fact that the daughter was just 12 years old when they began the restoration, and … Continue reading
