Author Archives: Steve Chang
QotW: What car-related things are you thankful for?
This week is Thanksgiving (if you’re reading from the US), that time of year when we talk about the things in life that, big or small, we are grateful for. In the very futuristic sounding year of 2023, we are … Continue reading
Plymouth Arrow promotional video from 1976 shows its many quirks
The Plymouth Arrow is nearly forgotten today, but the badge engineered Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste had a lot to offer. Its handling was rated quite positively in magazine tests of the era, and Mitsubishi’s signature “silent shaft” technology used a counterbalanced … Continue reading
Posted in Video
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QotW: What technology made modern cars less interesting?
To the average consumer the formula is pretty straightforward: new = good. But JNC owners know better than that. The last couple of decades have seen an in-car technology boom, but if you’re reading this you likely long for the … Continue reading
Toyota teams up with streetwear brand Huf for 70s-inspired swag
Toyota is teaming up with streetwear brand Huf on a new line of apparel. Said to be inspired by 70s graphics, the clothes and accessories feature heaps of Toyota trucks and plenty of the red-orange-yellow tricolor. Some of the designs … Continue reading
Watch the R31 Nissan Skyline GTS-R take the 1989 JTC Drivers’ Championship
The dominance of the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R in Japan’s touring car racing is well known. But before Godzilla stepped into the ring, it may surprise you to learn that the All-Japan Touringcar Championship was dominated by Ford — specifically, … Continue reading
QotW: What would you put in a JNC theme park?
A few weeks ago we asked what you would put in a Mitsubishi theme park. It’s something worth considering since the Mitsubishi Group is actually building one. But that may have been too restrictive. Today, October 16, happens to be … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
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QotW: What’s your favorite Japanese truck?
Today, October 9, is Truck Day in Japan. Like many such days, the occasion is a pun on the word toraku, which means “truck” in Japanese. The syllables to and raku are alternate pronunciations of 10 and 9, respectively. While … Continue reading
Toyota GR86 meets its Initial D and MF Ghost predecessors in new ad
Toyota has teamed up with the creator of Initial D and MF Ghost again in a new ad. The spot features the new GR86, the old 86, and the really old AE86 on a late night touge run while a … Continue reading
Toyota Tacoma with FJ60 Land Cruiser face is Flex Auto’s first USDM offering
Last year we reported that Flex Auto was opening its first US office. The Japanese company is known for grafting old school noses onto modern Toyota vehicles, mostly classic Land Cruisers and HiAce vans. Upon opening their first American branch, … Continue reading
QotW: Do you give your cars names and, if so, what are they?
Today, October 2, is National Name Your Car Day. According to National Day Calendar it was created by a TV personality named John Pertzborn from St. Louis in 1990. No one gives a name to their fridge or clothes dryer, … Continue reading
Initial D sequel anime MF Ghost debuts next week
If you’ve been jonesing for some automotive anime action, your time has come. MF Ghost, the long awaited follow-up to Initial D, will make its debut this coming Sunday. Like its predecessor, it follows the tale of an unlikely racing … Continue reading
Yokohama Advan erasers remove marks instead of leaving them
A lot of the merch that automotive companies make is pretty generic. I mean, is there really anything special about a Toyota-branded water bottle or a Nissan ball-point pen? Every once in a while, though, an absolutely genius idea results … Continue reading
Mitsubishi won’t build a Lancer Evolution but it will build a Disneyland-sized theme park in Japan
As car enthusiasts we desperately want Mitsubishi to show some sign of life, preferably by building a Lancer Evolution XI or even a new Pajero/Montero. Then we read about how instead of lending a helping hand to its car division, … Continue reading
Jay-Z’s Lexus GS300 on display at Brooklyn Public Library
Patrons of the Brooklyn Public Library in New York will notice an unexpected new addition to the lawn: a mid-90s Japanese luxury sedan. The two-tone Lexus GS300 is part of a new exhibit honoring hip-hop legend Jay-Z, who often rapped … Continue reading
QotW: What’s in your ideal classic and daily two-car garage?
Due to life circumstances, you have only two parking spaces at your residence and will for the foreseeable future. Fortunately the car gods have granted you one space for the JNC of your dreams, no questions asked except it must … Continue reading
Datsun Fairlady, Skyline, Miata star in High Card anime
There’s a new anime series out that looks to feature some cool classic cars. We haven’t actually seen High Card, but the trailer and opening credits include a healthy dose of automotive mayhem. The plot sounds completely cuckoo-bananas ridiculous, but … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite Japanese car commercial?
Today, August 28, is the 70th anniversary of Japan’s first television broadcast and, thus, it is also the 70th anniversary of Japan’s first television commercial. TV signals began beaming at 11:20 am; the first commercial aired 40 minutes later. It … Continue reading
Toyota Celica, the first convertible with 4-wheel-steering
Today, August 24, is the birthday of a car that is pretty unique in the annals of automotive history. It’s the day the fifth-generation Toyota Celica Convertible was introduced, a car that most observers don’t think of as being particularly … Continue reading
Robot Detective‘s Joker — Guess the Car!
If you grew up watching Ultraman or Power Rangers you’ve seen a tokusatsu television series. Meaning “special photography” in Japanese, these action shows for kids usually had a sci-fi theme and used elaborate costumes and primitive live-action special effects to populate … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the worst trend in car culture these days?
Apologies for the late QotW, thanks to a big storm that knocked out power a JNC HQ. It was an annoyance, but not as big an annoyance as the many atrocities committed by car people. We, for one, cannot wait … Continue reading
