Author Archives: Justin Principe
Rays Fan Meeting is an entire car show where the only common theme is the wheels
Imagine an entire car show where the only connection between all the cars is the wheels. That’s the idea behind the Rays Fan Meeting, a gathering of over 800 cars from Honda Beats to Land Cruisers. The only rule is … Continue reading
Pioneer’s new single-DIN head unit looks retro but has modern features like Bluetooth
Pioneer has released a head unit designed for 80s and 90s vehicles. The Pioneer SXT-C10PS uses an old school single-DIN standard so it can slot into the dashboard or console of most cars from that era. Inside, it features all … Continue reading
Could this Nissan Terrano concept preview the new Pathfinder?
Nissan has pulled the wraps off of a new SUV concept called the Terrano PHEV at the Beijing International Auto Show. Since the Terrano was the Japanese-market name for the original Nissan Pathfinder, it’s only logical to look to this … Continue reading
QotW: If you could be a car designer, which company would you work for and what would you do?
Car design is an incredibly difficult job. You have to fit everything inside a package that seats enough people, carries enough stuff, meets the engineering requirements, and passes safety regulations, all while evoking emotion. Yet, we wouldn’t be car enthusiasts … Continue reading
SSR is re-releasing deep-dish versions of the MkI, MkII, and MkIII
Speedstar Racing is re-releasing deep-lip sizes of three beloved wheels from its back catalog: the SSR MkI, MkII, and MkIII. Each will be available in very negative offsets and A-, B-, and C-type inner barrels. The only size that will … Continue reading
QotW: Have you ever bought a car (or not) because of the color?
Color is clearly an important factor when it comes to choosing a car, but can it make or break a purchase? We have friends who will accept a car in any color, as long as it’s a model they like, … Continue reading
QotW: What do you do with your stickers?
Today, April 6, is Sticker Day in Japan. It’s a play on words, combining four (shi) and six (ru), for shiru, which means “sticker” or “seal”. It’s probably safe to assume that, as car people, we’ve all accumulated significant collections … Continue reading
The revived Toyota Celica Sport will be an electrified SUV
The highly anticipated return of the Toyota Celica, which has been teased for almost three years now, may end up disappointing enthusiasts. New reports now believe that the car will be an AWD “sporty” crossover and not a modern reincarnation … Continue reading
Mazda and Ferrari clash over usage of the name ‘Luce’
Ferrari is about to debut its first EV, the Luce (pronounced loo-chay, meaning “light” in Italian). However, as JNCers know, Luce has been the name of a beloved Mazda model introduced 60 years ago. Now, the two carmakers are locking … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite automotive miniature of all time?
Today, March 2, is Mini Day in Japan. It’s a play on the words mi (3) and ni (2), and celebrates all things small-scale. From diecast minicars to mini 4WDs to miniature pigs, today is the day that honors them … Continue reading
QotW: What non-car goods should you buy from Japan?
A couple of weeks ago we asked about tools, but what other items should you buy from Japan? Take the Converse sneaker, for example. In Japan, the Chucks Taylors are completely different than the ones you can buy in the … Continue reading
QotW: What Japanese tool is a must-have in your arsenal?
` Wrenching on your car or project can be made much easier, and even more pleasurable, if you have the right tool. It’s no secret that Japanese tools have world-class quality and thoughtful designs that can make a difficult task … Continue reading
Spoon Sports persists in the face of Honda’s modernization
For many, Honda today isn’t quite what it used to be. The company built its reputation on high-revving precision engines and razor-sharp handling on cars that could serve as equally well as everyday commuters or track weapons. Those days are … Continue reading
Posted in tuning shop
Tagged Civic Type R, FL5, honda, n-one, Prelude 6g, s660, Spoon
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QotW: What car unfairly lives in the shadow of another?
Today, February 2, is Number Two Day in Japan. It’s an occasion to celebrate the penultimates, such as Mt Kitadake, the second tallest mountain in the country after Mt Fuji, or the Shinkoro Clock Tower, the second oldest clock tower … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
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Nissan Skyline GT-Rs abound at the Tokyo Auto Salon’s Craft Sports booth
Okay, fine. We’ve shown you the obscure Isuzus and Daihatsus from the Tokyo Auto Salon, but people need their Skyline GT-R fix. It used to be that just seeing any Skyline GT-R was an unforgettable moment in a Gran Turismo-lover’s … Continue reading
Posted in Tokyo Auto Salon
Tagged nissan, r32, r33, r34, Skyline GT-R, tokyo auto salon, Tommykaira
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A selection of Tokyo Auto Salon’s (mostly) stock cars
The Tokyo Auto Salon is known for insane builds, but that kind of stuff can be overwhelming. However, there are stock or mostly stock cars being restored and preserved, even among the pandemonium. Here are some of the cars that … Continue reading
Posted in Tokyo Auto Salon
Tagged 180sx, datsun, fairlady z, fd3s, GR GT3, honda, life, mazda, nissan, Nissan S13, nsx, rx-7, s13, tokyo auto salon, toyota, z32
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TOM’s Heritage gives you a peak tuner-era Toyota AE86 for $87,000
Two years ago at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, TOM’s announced a heritage car program to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Rather than factory-perfect restorations, the cars coming out of TOM’s Heritage are what the company calls “reconstructions” based on the … Continue reading
Isuzu 117 Coupé quietly steals the spotlight at Tokyo Auto Salon
The Tokyo Auto Salon is full of wild sights, but one car that stood out from the noise was a wonderfully understated Isuzu 117 Coupé. The yellow classic was displayed at the Dunlop Japan booth showing off new Synchro Weather … Continue reading
QotW: Which Japanese tuning house would you most like to visit?
We’re currently in Japan for the Tokyo Auto Salon, but to maximize our visit we’re also on a tour of some Japanese tuning houses. They specialize in all sorts of cars, some a specific model, others a general make, and … Continue reading
