Author Archives: Steve Chang
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
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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
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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
Jack White continues to exude cool with his latest ride
As we know all too well in the automotive realm, money does not buy taste. That’s not the case for musician Jack White. Despite a net worth deep into the 8-digit range, his vehicle choice is absolutely brilliant. In a … Continue reading
Mugen CF-48 wheel returns in very limited quantities
Mugen has announced a remake of its famed CF-48 wheel. Renowned for its functionality. the original was frequently found on tuned Hondas in the 80s, such as CRX, City, and EA/EF Civic. As with anything Mugen, they are pretty rare … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite JNC for open air driving?
It’s summer and time for open top cruising. Japanese mrques haven’t traditionally been known for convertibles, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good options for being at one with the elements. Let’s include T-tops, targas, canvas tops, and other assorted … Continue reading
Channel your inner Bunta with an official ‘Initial D’ Zippo lighter
An official Initial D-themed Zippo has been released in Japan. The classic cigarette lighter depicts scenes from one of the manga’s most famous battles — between Takumi Fujiwara’s Toyota AE86 against the Todo School’s EK9 Honda Civic Type R — … Continue reading
Toyota’s revived GR Celica will be mid-engined, confusing fans
It’s pretty much assumed by now that Toyota will bring back the Celica, it’s just a matter of when. But a new report out of Japan comes with an extra dose of “what?” as well. Apparently, this new Celica will … Continue reading
Toyota Land Cruisers at Tokyo Outdoor Show to promote 60, 70, and 80 series GR Heritage Parts
Toyota entered the Tokyo Outdoor Show over the weekend with a pair of classic Land Cruisers. The trucks, an FJ40 and FJ60, hailed from the Toyota Automobile Museum’s collection and have undergone impeccable restorations. They were on site to promote … Continue reading
Toyota built a one-off open-top Century SUV for sumo champions
Is the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet too common for you? Toyota might just have the ultimate droptop crossover in the form of the Century SUV. The bad news is, there’s only one in the entire world, and you have to be … Continue reading
Aussies know how to make a Toyota Land Cruiser commercial
A new commercial from Toyota Australia proves that it’s possible to hawk the Land Cruiser. It has just the right amount of heritage and humor, and it shows a bunch of Cruisers tearing through the Outback. It’s much better than … Continue reading
J-tin abounds in Sabrina Carpenter’s latest music video
We suspect most of our readers are not in the Sabrina Carpenter demographic, but there’s no denying she’s one of the biggest pop stars in music right now. Her music video for ‘Manchild’ debuted on June 6 and it plays … Continue reading
