The “Is it cake?” trend is a couple of years old now, but people still can’t get enough of ultra-realistic desserts. For the launch of the J250 Land Cruiser, Toyota had a 1/10-scale FJ40 cake made to commemorate the occasion. It also happened to be the 72nd anniversary of the Land Cruiser, but luckily the cake wasn’t stabbed with 72 candles. Continue reading
Nissan Z haunted by ghosts of Z-cars past on a sleepless night
We’ve seen the formula before. A commercial for the Nissan Z brings out generations of older Z-cars to support the new one. Not a single word is uttered in the whole ad and the narrative couldn’t be simpler. A man goes out for a late-night drive to clear his head. But the visuals in this new spot give off a Blade Runner feel that’s kind of cool. Continue reading
QotW: What was the most important machine ever invented?
Today is Machinery Day in Japan. The holiday was established by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers to consider how machines can be created responsibly to benefit society, as well as to spur interest in the field of mechanical engineering. If you think about it, the whole of human achievement is one unbroken chain of using crude tools to make ever more advanced ones. Even the most state-of-the-art microchip owes its existence to someone banging a couple of rocks together. In honor of this holiday we’re going with an ultra-meta question this week. We’re presuming that if you’re interested in cars, you’re likely interested in other mechanical objects as well. Answers don’t have to be automotive in nature, though they certainly can be.
What was the most important machine ever invented?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What car would Barbie drive if she went ‘JDM’?“. Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
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Why the Nissan Z NISMO comes in automatic only
Zed-heads were all excited about the Z NISMO until it came out and it was confirmed that the only transmission option would be an automatic. That understandably caused dismay among enthusiasts, and made it the first Z in NISMO history that wasn’t definitively more desirable than its non-NISMO version. We spoke to some Nissan representatives to try to understand why this was the case. Continue reading
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 released what is arguably the best variant for Japan. In the case of the Land Cruiser, that option is the revival of the 70-series Land Cruiser in Japan. Continue reading
Nissan Fairlady Z officially gets a third nose option in Japan, inspired by Z432-R
The big news on the Z front this week has been the unveiling of the Nissan Z NISMO. However, at the same time Americans were getting a view of the tuned Z and its more aggressive face, in Japan a third nose option was officially announced. It’s called the Nissan Fairlady Z Customized Edition, and in addition to the front end the package comes with enough accoutrements to build an homage to the 1969 Fairlady Z432-R. Continue reading
New Toyota Land Cruiser debuts with retro styling and back-to-basics hardware
After a long wait, the next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser is finally here. The iconic truck returns for 2024 with a smaller body than the outgoing model, as well as a number of retro styling cues reminiscent of past models. Interestingly, there are two headlight designs, each referencing different models from Land Cruiser history. 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 Land Cruiser later tonight, but if you can’t wait, you can watch the live reveal here at 6:00pm Pacific Time. 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, as the Z is a faithful successor to the original S30, a sports car that packs a ton of fun into an affordable package you can use every day. Unfortunately, we expect the grumbling to continue with the launch of the new Z NISMO. Continue reading
QotW: What car would Barbie drive if she went “JDM”?
Ads for Barbie‘s live-action film are everywhere, and her 1956 Corvette seemingly plays a significant part. It makes sense, as the movie has massive GM product placement (the Blazer, Hummer EV, and Suburban also feature heavily). But for her next ride, what if she were to venture down the hall at Mattel to the Hot Wheels design area, where JDM cars are all the rage?
What car would Barbie drive if she went “JDM”?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What should the next-gen Nissan Skyline really be?“. Continue reading
Yamaha launches retro-colored motocross bikes in honor of YZ250’s 50th anniversary
The Yamaha YZ250 is has been in production in one form or another for 50 years. That makes it among the longest production runs of any motorcycle ever built, and definitely the longest-running dirtbike. To celebrate this incredible streak, Yamaha is launching a series of YZ motocross bikes with retro livery. Continue reading
Cutaway Nissan RB30 made out of Lego actually spins
The creativity that people can manage with a pile of plastic bricks never ceases to amaze. The most recent Lego marvel we’ve come across is a completely operational Nissan RB30 engine. Powered by an electric motor, the approximately 1:3 scale straight-six has a moving crankshaft, pistons, turbo and a valvetrain that all moves in sync. Continue reading
Next-gen Toyota Land Cruiser to take styling cues from classic FJ62
Toyota has issued another teaser for the 2024 Land Cruiser. It’s our first look at its supposedly retro nose, and to drive the point home Toyota has paired it with a classic FJ62 lurking in the background. While the similarities aren’t strong, the trucks seem positioned to emphasize the grille and blocky headlight design inspired by the late-80s predecessor. Continue reading
Honda developed a plush S600 to soothe babies with real engine sounds
Every parent knows that there’s one surefire way to get a kid to sleep. Put them in a car and go for a drive. There’s something about the motion and sound that’s extremely calming for a baby. Honda’s research has revealed another theory, and they’ve used it to create an adorable plush S600 that plays actual engine sounds to help soothe our little ones. Continue reading
Posted in minicars
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A Volk Racing TE37 wheel comes to life at the Rays Engineering factory (VIDEO)
The Volk Racing TE37 wheel is one of the finest aftermarket wheels ever conceived. Behind its clean design is a legendary combination of strength and lightness that justifies its seemingly high cost. And its maker, Rays Engineering, isn’t some fly by night shop; it’s a true engineering firm that creates wheels for OEMs, Formula One racers, and Le Mans endurance cars. A new video shows just what goes into turning a disc of raw aluminum into one of these rolling works of art. Continue reading
QotW: What should the next-gen Nissan Skyline really be?
Nissan harshed our mellow last week when it was reported there’s a good chance the next Skyline will become an electric crossover, and not a sedan like it’s been since 1957. It seemed like a sad fate for one of the longest lived and most beloved nameplates in Japanese automotive history, but a realistic one considering the state of the industry. Let’s say you’re suddenly the president of Nissan.
What should the next-gen Nissan Skyline really be?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What are your favorite cars as emoji?“. Continue reading
Watch this cracked taillight be repaired to like-new condition by a master craftsman
A cracked or broken taillight lens is usually considered something that’s unfixable. When the unfortunate happens, you’re usually off to a junkyard or scouring eBay for a replacement. But what if you’re taillight is so old and rare that replacement is not an option? A video that’s been making the social media rounds recently shows that with patience and skill, a taillight assembly destined for the trash can in fact be resurrected. Continue reading
Nissan Skyline reportedly morphing into electric SUV
A new report out of Japan says that the Nissan Skyline is about to change forms and become — you guessed it — an electric SUV. The popular tuning platform has been a sedan since 1957 (years before Nissan) when it was still a Prince model. After the merger with Nissan coupe versions existed in every generation as well. Continue reading
Posted in News
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Mugen celebrates 50th anniversary with Casio watch
In 1973 Mugen was founded to build race and aftermarket parts for Honda motorcycles and cars. Its racing engines, composites, and tuning parts have powered everything from Formula 1 cars to hooptie Civics over the decades. This year marks its 50th anniversary, and to toast the occasion the company is teaming up with Casio for a commemorative watch. Continue reading
Acura NSX Suzuka Circuit safety car is a tribute to beloved Hot Wheels designer Ryu Asada
It’s been a couple of years since Hot Wheels designer Ryu Asada passed away from cancer. His former colleagues at Mattel are honoring him with what is the most detailed 1/64 scale cars the company has ever offered. Fittingly, it’s a replica of his beloved 1994 Acura NSX wearing the livery of a rare Suzuka Circuit pace car. Continue reading
