Author Archives: Ricky Silverio
2016 Hot Wheels X JNC Datsun 620 for the Car Culture line
Here’s a sneak peek at the latest Hot Wheels model to wear the JNC inkan, a Datsun 620 pickup. This one, however, will be unlike previous Datsun 620s in that it will feature in the 2016 Car Culture premium lineup, which … Continue reading
VIDEO: Rocky Auto’s 2JZ-powered Toyota 2000GT
One of the most talked about cars from the Tokyo Auto Salon was the Rocky 3000GT, a scratch-built replica of the iconic Toyota 2000GT, but powered by a 3.0-liter 2JZ inline-six. It was the creation of Okazaki-based tuner Rocky Auto, whose mad builds … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your greatest “in the wild” JNC sighting?
Incredibly, that Friday flatbed find wasn’t even our first our 2000GT sighting. A few years ago our intrepid Touge California rallymaster Patrick, who eagle-eyed the flatbed one, saw another one in the wild, this time in Solar Red and moving gloriously under its own power. He … Continue reading
EVENTS: 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon Spotlight – RE Amemiya’s Inspired 7 and Super Chantez, a return to legendary tuner roots
There are few rotary tuners more prolific than RE Amemiya. Founder Isami Amemiya has been at it since 1974, building all manner of bonkers pistonless demons. Typically, his Auto Salon booth is lined with a column of powerful FD3S RX-7s, poised like they’re … Continue reading
EVENTS: 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon, Part 03 – Tunertopia
When it comes right down to it, the Auto salon is all about tuning. Sometimes, that can be downright cringeworthy when it comes to the classics we know and love. Other times, the result is inspired. And sometimes it’s just about … Continue reading
MINICARS: Mazda ND Miata coming to Mattel
The official Matchbox Instagram account has revealed that the ND Miata is coming to its lineup in 2016.
VIDEO: A giant-killing Mazda RX-2 that stays humble
It’s hard to find the balance between power and purity when restoring a classic. We all love to go fast, and the light weight of old school J-tin is a great starting point for the vintage racer of your dreams. … Continue reading
MINICARS: Kusaka Engineering’s super-detailed scale Skyline GT-R motors
Nissan’s legendary S20 engine costs $50,000 or more, but here’s one you can get for just a fraction of that price. Not only that, but you can get all the renowned Skyline powerplants — as long as you don’t mind having them … Continue reading
Divers explore the “Toyota Wreck” off the coast of Sudan
In 1977 the Blue Belt collided with Sha’ab Suedi Reef in the Red Sea and sank off the coast of northern Sudan. It took its cargo of cars and trucks to the bottom, where it is today known as the Toyota Wreck.
MINICARS: There’s a Minnesota Viking with a JNC inkan in his collection
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn likes Datsun 240Zs and is now the proud owner of a Hot Wheels version with the JNC inkan. Apparently, Vikings coach Jerry Gray has been hand-picking the diecast cars and giving them out as rewards to … Continue reading
MINICARS: Sung Kang’s Fugu Z coming to Hot Wheels
As if you needed any more evidence that the Datsun 240Z is the “it car” of the moment. Hot wheels is likely going to drop yet another S30 casting soon, this time based on Sung Kang’s Fugu Z.
MINICARS: 2016 Hot Wheels X JNC Japan Historics line
A couple months ago we showed you the first three cars in the 2016 Hot Wheels Japan Historics line. These premium models will feature the JNC inkan in classic red, along with features such as metal chassis, highly detailed paint, … Continue reading
MINICARS: NY, LA and Dallas — Go get your Back to the Future diecast Toyotas now!
For Back to the Future Day, Toyota has set up three pop-ups across the country featuring a Tacoma tribute of Marty’s 1985 Toyota SR5. The cars are displayed in a life-size toy box because, well, Toyota is also quietly giving away diecast cars of … Continue reading
MINICARS: 2016 Hot Wheels list announced
Mattel has announced the list of 2016 Hot Wheels. Among them are a few new castings that may be of interest to JNC readers. We already know about the Nissan Fairlady Z modeled after designer Jun Imai’s real car and … Continue reading
NEWS: Toyota S-FR specs leaked?
When Toyota dropped photos of its upcoming Toyota’s S-FR concept, many thought it looked suspiciously production ready. As it turns out, it may be even closer than we thought. As it turns out, it has very specific specifications, and they have been leaked.
MINICARS: 2016 Hot Wheels X JNC Japan Historics line
We are very proud to announce that in 2016, Hot Wheels has created a new premium collection devoted to Japanese nostalgic cars. Called the Japan Historics line, it will feature celebrated cars from Japan’s automotive past. And of course, we are very excited … Continue reading
MINICARS: 2016 Hot Wheels Custom Acura Integra
At the recent annual Hot Wheels convention in Los Angeles, a new model was quietly revealed for 2016. It’s not quite nostalgic yet, but the Acura Integra was a long time coming.
MINICARS: Get your Hot Wheels RedLine Club Shelby Toyota 2000GT this Tuesday
A very limited Hot Wheels Toyota 2000GT will go on sale this Tuesday (ie, tomorrow). Wearing the livery of the Carroll Shelby SCCA race car driven by Scooter Patrick, it’s the latest offering from the official Hot Wheels Red Line Club for collectors, and it’s … Continue reading
MINICARS: 2016 Hot Wheels X JNC Mazda RX-3
You’ve asked for it. You’ve demanded it. You’ve even threatened to pick up pitchforks for it. Well, here it is! We are very, very excited to give you the first sneak peek at the next Hot Wheels to wear the JNC … Continue reading