Category Archives: Next Version
Toyota celebrates 40 years of AE86 with GR86 anniversary edition
The iconic Toyota AE86 was introduced to the world in 1983 in Japan, making this year the 40th anniversary of the beloved classic. So it was only fitting that Toyota mark the occasion by releasing a tribute edition of the … Continue reading →
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Tagged ae86, corolla, corolla levin, GR86, sprinter, sprinter trueno, toyota
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Nissan Frontier Hardbody debuts loaded with retro 1980s nods
Remember the Nissan Hardbody teaser from last week? It debuted today and as was foretold from the teaser it’s an option package on the Frontier rather than a distinct model. However, the package contains several nostalgic nods to the original … Continue reading →
Nissan Skyline NISMO debuts to celebrate 60th anniversary of Prince Skyline S54
Not content to launch just a Z NISMO, Nissan has also released a Skyline NISMO in Japan. Nissan Motorsports hasn’t touched a new Skyline since the GT-R was split off into its own model, and this marks the first time … Continue reading →
Posted in Next Version
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Tagged Kazuyoshi Hoshino, NISMO, nissan, prince, s54, skyline, V37
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Hardest core Toyota Land Cruiser returns to Japan
It’s almost eerie how similar this week’s Toyota’s Land Cruiser launch has mirrored Nissan’s Z NISMO launch. Both made a big splash with the global announcement for an iconic nameplate, both had stylistic nods to heritage, and both then quietly … Continue reading →
Watch the new Toyota Land Cruiser debut live
It’s a week of Japanese icons. First Nissan introduced the Z NISMO, now Toyota is following a day later with the new Land Cruiser. Both are very much key to each company’s identity. We will have more coverage of the … Continue reading →
Nissan Z NISMO arrives with more power and new G-nose, but automatic only
The new Nissan Z has been a welcome addition to today’s bleak automotive landscape. It hasn’t quite taken off, due in part to naysayers’ complaints about the carryover chassis and interior. We found those complaints to be a bit pedantic, … Continue reading →
Which Toyota Crown is the real Toyota Crown?
After much consternation and speculation the 16th-generation Crown was launched earlier this month, and to be honest we are still vexed. The Crown Crossover is, to us, such an affront to nearly 70 years of tradition that we can’t stop … Continue reading →
Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki to build 1.0-liter sports car?
Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki are reportedly teaming up to build a 1.0-liter sports car. There hasn’t been a real compact sports car from Japan since the Honda S660, and that was discontinued last year. A one-liter car would exceed kei … Continue reading →
30 years of Type R, 50 years of Civic converge into Honda’s next masterpiece
It’s been 30 years since a tiny red letter “R” appeared on a Championship White Honda. That car was the 1992 NSX Type R, an even more hard core, light weight, and track focused version of Honda’s already brilliant supercar. … Continue reading →
Patent images of Toyota Crown confirm doubts of ultra-loyal sight-unseen buyers
For decades, there has been a particular breed of customer for the Toyota Crown. These buyers were so loyal, dealers could count on them to trade in for each new generation before they had ever laid eyes on the car. … Continue reading →
The Suzuki Lapin LC brings adorable retro style back to kei cars
If you missed your chance to get a Nissan Figaro, the throwback design of the Suzuki Lapin LC is here to save the day. It’s been a while since a Japanese carmaker has produced something in the retro-cute category. With … Continue reading →
The Subaru Impreza joins the ranks of the 6-figure restomods
Precious few cars that get the 6-figure restomod treatment. It’s no coincidence that these homages celebrate the absolute icons of automotive history — the Porsche 911, Jaguar E-Type, or Ferrari Testarossa. Now the Subaru Impreza has been welcomed to the … Continue reading →
FJ40 Land Cruiser-inspired Toyota concept wins a 2022 Car Design Award
Last December, one of the final events at Toyota’s MegaWeb showroom in Tokyo, before the venue closed for good at the end of the year, was the unveiling of 16 concept cars. One of them, an electric SUV called the … Continue reading →
The Toyota GR GT3 has moved into the development stage
The hits just keep on coming from Toyota. After a period of sporty car drought, Toyota is no longer pulling any punches. A revived Supra, second-generation 86, GR Yaris and GR Corolla have all arrived (or will arrive) in quick … Continue reading →
Akio Toyoda’s years-long wish to make Corollas exciting again has come true
The Toyota GR Corolla debuted in Japan today, but the event was perhaps imbued with a different meaning than the US launch. Turns out, it’s the culmination of a years-long effort by company President Akio Toyoda to make the Corolla … Continue reading →
The 2023 Nissan Z recaptures the spirit and purpose of the original Datsun 240Z
In 1969 Nissan forever changed the automotive world when it unleashed the Datsun 240Z. It upset the established performance machine order with a new breed of automobile — the everyday sports car. It offered better handling than muscle cars, more … Continue reading →
Next-gen roundup: Supra gets a stick, Z goes racing, Miata has staying power
Conventional wisdom states that performance and sports cars are a dying breed. But, if we take a closer look at what’s stirring in Japan right now, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there hasn’t been this much … Continue reading →
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Tagged A90, acura, brz, Civic Type R, fairlady z, GR Corolla, GR86, honda, integra, lexus, mazda, mazda 3, miata, NISMO, nissan, nsx, RZ34, subaru, supra, toyota
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Toyota GR Corolla: Finally, Aichi’s own performance car is here
Toyota has been catching a lot of flak for its partnerships in recent years. first with Subaru to build the 86, and then BMW to build the Supra. But, Toyota in fact did have its own performance car, the GR … Continue reading →
Mazda CX-50: Can American consumers and Jinba Ittai go together?
As far as the US market goes, Mazda has never truly delved into the SUV and truck market. Sure, they rebadged Ford Explorers and Rangers during the tie-up with Ford, but the die-hard Mazdafarian who wanted to park an M-badged … Continue reading →
The Acura Integra returns after a 22-year hiatus
After more than two decades off the books, Acura has revived the Integra name. After a roller coaster of emotions revolving around the name, from the announcement hype to a disappointing concept reveal, we at least now have some concrete … Continue reading →
