Author Archives: Steve Chang
The Infiniti Q45’s active suspension was too complex for its own good
When Nissan launched the Infiniti marque in 1991, it gave the company a chance to showcase all the technology it had been developing for the Japanese home market. The advancements would have made the Nissans too expensive for cost-sensitive buyers … Continue reading
QotW: What other forms of Japanese craftsmanship do you hold in high regard?
We suspect that one of the reasons you are here on a site about Japanese cars is because you appreciate how finely crafted they are. Attention to detail, thoughtful designs and innovations, and long-lasting quality are all hallmarks of Japan’s … Continue reading
Daihatsu’s ‘greatest hits’ animation proves good things come in small packages
Daihatsu will soon show its Midget X concept at the Japan Mobility Show, a throwback to the 1957 Midget that was the company’s first blockbuster success. With it comes a new campaign that highlights the company’s greatest hits, done in … Continue reading
Posted in Japan Mobility Show
Tagged charade, copen, daihatsu, hijet, midget, mira, Tanto
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QotW: What’s the best tow vehicle?
We hope your cars are always running under their own power, but once in a while you’ll need to haul it. Whether it’s trailering a race car to a track, taking a classic car to a show, or bringing home … Continue reading
PlayStation 5 is the console to get if you want total Japanese car immersion
It might not be possible to upend your life and collect a stable of dream cars and race them in Japan and beyond, but a PlayStation 5 is going to be your next best bet. The long awaited reboot of … Continue reading
Posted in Video Games
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‘Forza Horizon 6’ will take place in Japan
Welp, in case the Mt Fuji framed by cherry blossoms hasn’t clued you in, Forza Horizon 6 will take place in Japan. It’s a location fans of the franchise have been demanding for years and now it’s finally happening. The … Continue reading
Gran Turismo 7 adds FJ40 Land Cruiser, Mazda Roadster race car, and even a RAV4
One of the best things about the Gran Turismo series is its inclusion of cars that aren’t necessarily the most powerful exotics. Its embrace of obscure classics, everyday cars, and vehicles that have no business being on a race track … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged fj40, gran turismo, land cruiser, mazda, Miata ND, RAV4, Roadster/Miata, toyota
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QotW: What’s the best Japanese car for a midlife crisis?
Years ago you gave up the sport compact with the cold air intake and blue HIDs. There was a kid on the way and you needed the cash for a minivan. In a blink decades passed. You no longer need … Continue reading
QotW: What automotive scenario would you conjure up on the holodeck?
Today, September 8, is Star Trek Day, the date that the original series hit US airwaves in 1966. As much as we dig the scifi series, one thing it lacked was any automotive content whatsoever. Even when the characters entered … Continue reading
QotW: What have you sacrificed for your car?
Today, August 25, is Instant Ramen Day, honoring the day in 1958 when the flash-fried noodles first hit the shelves. The original instant ramen was developed by Nissin Foods, but soon after NissAn also released a ramen. In this 1963 … Continue reading
QotW: Which beloved nameplate will be revived next?
The reborn Acura RSX gave Honda heads a collective “ick” when it was announced last week. Automakers must perform a difficult balancing act when they resuscitate a cherished model name. One wrong move and legions of loyal fans who loved … Continue reading
This is the new Acura RSX prototype, unfortunately
Acura has revealed its new RSX prototype, and it’s a big electric crossover. If this was five years ago we may have some reserve of anger left, but it’s 2025. We’ve suffered too many rug-pulls from automakers promising the return … Continue reading
Toyota announces reproduction parts for AE86 twin-cam engine
A couple of months ago Toyota announced that it had barn-found an old AE86 in Japan that they planned to restore. The purpose was to show what could be accomplished with the roster of remade parts under the Gazoo Racing … Continue reading
The second-gen Lexus LS400 was even LS-ier than the first
After the original Lexus LS400 turned the traditional luxury car market upside down, engineers for the second-generation asked, “Why mess with success?” The XF20 gave customers more of the LS’s trademark opulence, sumptuousness, competence, and overall value, just more of … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite piece of infrastructure?
Today, August 4, is Bridge Day, a pun on the words eight (ha) and four (shi), which form hashi, or “bridge” in Japanese. It was first held in Nobeoka City, Kyushu Prefecture, known for its many bridges and is now … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
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QotW: Daily, Garage, or Sell — Transformers, Go-Bots, or MASK
Welcome to another edition of Daily, Garage, or Sell, JNC‘s version of FMK. We’ve asked the question of 90s roadsters, flagship sedans, 80s drifters and more, but this time we’re turning our attention to 80s toys with their own cartoon … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
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Weds Wheels debuts steelies for kei cars and vans
Forged alloys take the cake when it comes to pure function, but there’s always going to be something sinister about a set of steelies. Recognizing that steel wheels are from the factory these days, Weds Wheels has developed a steelie … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the most scenic place you’ve driven to?
Today, July 21, marks two important days of commemoration in Japan. The first is Natural Parks Day, remembering the day in 1957 when the Natural Parks Act was passed in order to protect and promote Japan’s national parks. The second … Continue reading
