Author Archives: Steve Chang
Supra Turbo, Prelude Si, Mitsubishi Galant: Japanese cars at the 1987 LA Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show opens tomorrow. It was once one of the four “tier one” shows (others were Detroit, Chicago, and New York, Chicago), where automakers would unveil their new models with press conferences and big production numbers. The … Continue reading
Posted in Video
Tagged a70, galant, Galant E10, honda, mitsubishi, prelude, supra, toyota
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‘Gran Turismo’ fan-made ‘Beige Edition’ lets you play regular traffic cars
Speaking of ways to kill time, a new fan-made update to Gran Turismo 2 is coming. One of the many groundbreaking aspects of Gran Turismo was its sheer volume of playable cars. That allowed developers to include not just the … Continue reading
Jay Leno pits Toyota Supra TT against Mercedes Evo II and Aston Martin Vantage
The latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage centers around a comparison test of sorts. Three non-American “muscle cars” — hailing from Japan, Germany, and Britain — face off. It’s a battle between a 1994 Toyota Supra twin-turbo, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E … Continue reading
In Toyota ‘Grip’ movie GR allies with the dark side, teases fourth GR model
Toyota’s latest installment of Grip, its “anime” about human drivers in a world of automated cars, has been released. Unlike previous minute-long episode, this chapter is nearly nine minutes long and features plenty of tire-smoking action from animated cars from … Continue reading
Modified Nissan Patrol continues the vintage SUV lineup at SEMA
Looks like the vintage action at SEMA is in SUVs. Like Toyota’s turbocharged FJ60 Land Cruiser, Nissan has reached into its off-road past and modified a Y60 Patrol. with some serious shove underhood. Unlike the Toyota, the this generation of … Continue reading
Japan Mobility Show proves there’s still cars to look forward to
With crossovers, EVs, and crossover EVs flooding the market you’d think the future of cars looks pretty bleak. Well, a stroll through the Japan Mobility Show does have plenty of those. But, there are also highlights that might spark car … Continue reading
Posted in Japan Mobility Show
Tagged copen, daihatsu, honda, hyundai, Japan Mobility Show, midget, prelude, toyota, vamos
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QotW: What types of cars should be preserved?
Today, November 3, is Classic Car Day in Japan. It commemorates the founding of the Classic Car Club of Japan in 1956 by Professor Tokutaro Hama. Hama was the first prominent scholar in Japan to argue the merits of cars … Continue reading
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
