The Nissan Max-Out concept doesn’t take any cues from previous Nissan models, but it’s aesthetic is decidedly retro. There’s a lot of 80s contour grid patterns and neon colors, and the entire presentation evokes an Out Run-type video game that never was. Best of all, it’s a two-seat roadster. Continue reading
Happy TA22 Day from JNC
Please excuse this terrible angle of this shot, taken hastily in the parking lot of the 2011 New Year Meeting, back when that was still a thing. The key part of this Celica is the wild rear spoiler, anyway, which adds a dash of outlaw flare onto this otherwise textbook build. Happy TA22 Day from JNC!
At least the Mazda Miata will be forever
Mazda’s all-SUV lineup might be demoralizing to some, but there is hope. They still make the Miata and, according to Mazda execs, the Miata will exist as long as the company does. It may not always have four cylinders or a purely gasoline engine, but it will continue to bring driving joy to the masses in one form or another. Continue reading
Mazda CX-90: How Mazda laid out the roadmap for a glorious enthusiasts’ future, then threw it away
Many years ago a little bird at Mazda told us that the firm was working on a rear-wheel-drive sedan to be powered by a straight-six. We were stoked. On paper it was the ideal configuration — an inherently balanced engine on an inherently balanced chassis. And from the same people that built the RX-7, gave us the ND Miata, and made the CX-5 a better dance partner than a front-biased crossover has any right to be. I immediately began making plans to someday put this FR6 in my driveway. Unfortunately, time has a funny way of messing with your best-laid plans. Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite JNC shout-out in a song lyric?
The Mazda MPV made its Japanese debut on January 30, 1990. Eagle-eyed observers might note that this date is two years after it debuted in the U.S. With available seating for 8 and 4WD, it was a unique conscription into the minivan wars, but no one could have predicted that it would become a hip-hop icon. As it happens, our friend Brett Berk just wrote the definitive story on MPVs in rap for an upcoming issue of Road & Track, referencing plenty of lyrics from plenty of artists.
What’s your favorite JNC shout-out in a song lyric?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “How do you scratch your car itch in the dead of winter?“. Continue reading
Toyota launches Refresh Program for “classic” 86/BRZ
We’re used to Japanese carmakers launching restoration and heritage programs these days, but here’s something we didn’t expect. Toyota is launching a factory refresh program for the first-generation Toyota 86. The announcement came from the Tokyo Auto Salon and the program rolls out nationwide in Japan this year. Continue reading
Akio Toyoda steps down as president and CEO: His legacy at Toyota and his successor
It is often said that Akio Toyoda likes surprises. The Toyota president and CEO is fond of racing, and is one of the few corporate leaders who will eagerly don a helmet and climb behind the wheel of his company’s competition machines. However, he often wouldn’t announce his participation in a race until the day of. Well, Toyoda-san has done it again. Today, the grandson of founder Sakichi Toyoda, announced he is stepping down as CEO of Toyota Motor Corp. Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged A80, ae86, akio toyoda, Gazoo Racing, hiromu naruse, Koji Sato, lexus, lfa, supra, toyota, toyota 86
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Toyota Land Cruiser 70 might get re-released in Japan
One of the rumors coming from the Tokyo Auto Salon is that the Land Cruiser 70-series might, once again, get a re-release in Japan. Though the workhorse is still being sold in Australia and some areas of South America, it hasn’t been available in Japan since 2015 when it briefly returned to the market for 12 months. Thanks to its no-nonsense, go-anywhere ruggedness in a decidedly un-luxurious package, the 70-series is widely considered to be the truest spiritual successor to the original Land Cruiser. Continue reading
Mitsubishi vintage WRC and Dakar footage posted in massive video dump
Well this was unexpected. Just when you thought Mitsubishi was content selling Mirages and Eclipse Crosses, they unleash a bunch of footage from when the company still had guts. Though short, each video features raw clips of Lancers, Starions, Galant VR-4s, Evos and Pajeros tearing through dirt, sand, and snow. All are unencumbered by music, just pure engine sounds. Take a look, they might just be enough to make you un-forget an utterly forgettable brand. Continue reading
QotW: How do you scratch your car itch in the dead of winter?
It’s been a tough winter for much of the country and with weather reports predicting another snowstorm in the northeast, it doesn’t seem like it’s letting up any time soon. That means icy highways, weather too frigid to spend any amount of time in the garage with, and dreaded road salt for much of the nation. It can be hard to satisfy your automotive jones for these gloomy months.
How do you scratch your car itch in the dead of winter?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “How do you get bad smells out of your car?“. Continue reading
Happy Year of the Rabbit from JNC
Long before there were turbocharged boxers and AWD rally monsters coming out of Subaru, there was the Fuji Rabbit. Built from 1946-68, Japan’s first mass-produced scooter helped motorize the post-war citizenry. The sculpted body was made with the know-how of Nakajima Aircraft’s (Fuji Heavy Industries’ predecessor) airplane designers, and the wheels were taken straight from the tail of a Nakajima bomber. The Rabbit continued to develop during its lifespan on the market, adding features like electric starters and polyethylene body panels. After giving the populace mobility and the economic boom that followed, sales began to slow in the late 60s as scooters were replaced by cars. Happy Lunar New Year from JNC.
Happy Sanitora Day from JNC
Fun fact: Did you know that there are some Sunny Trucks that did not have Hakosuka front ends? It’s true, and they actually look quite good that way. It’s okay not to follow trends on Instagram, people. So today, on 1/20, let’s celebrate the real B120. Happy Sanitora Day from JNC!
Nissan Z’s customized nose from Tokyo Auto Salon is greenlit for production
From the Tokyo Auto Salon comes some good news for fans of the new Z. Nissan showed again an orange concept based on the Fairlady Z Customized Proto from last year with minor tweaks. That’s because the split nose, which many fans preferred over the production Z’s large rectangular grille, has been given the go-ahead for production. Continue reading
Mazda announces specs of inline-6 that will be completely wasted on SUVs
Mazda has spilled the specs on what should have been its last hurrah for internal combustion engines, the 3.3-liter turbo inline-6. Imagine, a straight-six brought to you by the same wacky dreamers that willed the rotary engine into a production and stuck a Miller-cycle V6 into a family sedan. In theory it should have been perfect. except Mazda is going to completely waste it on an SUV. Continue reading
Toyota AE86 Hydrogen and EV conversions will let enthusiasts enjoy older cars for decades to come, says CEO
The rumors we reported on were true. At the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon Toyota did indeed unveil two AE86s converted to run on alternative energy. A flip-up headlight Sprinter Trueno was converted to hydrogen power, and a fixed-headlight Corolla Levin was converted to a fully electric power. “There are lots of people at the Auto Salon who want to enjoy car life with their favorite cars,” said CEO Akio Toyoda, “I hope to dismiss the fear that we won’t be able to drive our beloved cars when we go carbon neutral.” Continue reading
Posted in News, tokyo auto salon
Tagged ae86, akio toyoda, celica, corolla, corolla levin, GR Corolla, Koji Sato, Masahiro Sasaki, sprinter trueno, st165, Super Taikyu, toyota
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QotW: How do you get bad smells out of your car?
The question this week is a personal one. Of the many traumatic things that happened after my AE86 got stolen (and recovered) is the fact that the entire car now smells like smoke. I’ve owned the car for 20 years and one of my favorite things about it was that it smelled like an AE86. I could sit in any AE86, even one in Japan, and provided the driver wasn’t a serial lung abuser, instantly get a hit of that heady Aichi off-gasing in my nostrils. It was heaven. Now it smells like a crack house. Vintage cars are about the senses — all of them — and I want to get my car smelling like it’s supposed to, if that’s even possible.
How do you get bad smells out of your car?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What Japan-market car from 1998 would you import?“. Continue reading
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 and 80 added to Heritage Parts program, taking requests for FJ60
From the Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota has announced that the Land Cruiser J70 and J80 have been added to their Heritage Parts Program. Additionally, Toyota is taking requests for the FJ60 and has added a slew of new items to the existing pool of FJ40 parts. Meanwhile, the AE86, Supra, and 2000GT receive some new bits as well. Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged 2000gt, a70, A80, ae86, corolla, corolla levin, fj40, fj60, Heritage Parts Program, J70, J80, land cruiser, sprinter trueno, supra, toyota
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2024 Nissan GT-R gets retro R34-inspired face and color palette
Unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the 2024 Nissan GT-R adds a surprise late-in-the-lifespan facelift to Nissan’s supercar slayer. Those familiar with the R35’s Skyline predecessors will immediately recognize its lineage. Along with the visual throwback it also brings back two iconic colors from the R34, Midnight Purple and Millennium Jade. Continue reading
Toyota may reveal electric or hydrogen-powered AE86
As the industry shifts to alternative fuels and some cities consider the ban of gasoline cars altogether, how will enthusiasts enjoy their classic cars? Some automakers, like Mini and Aston Martin, are working on electric motor conversion kits for their historic models. Toyota might be taking the first steps in that direction too, as reports out of Japan say they will soon reveal two “carbon-neutral” AE86s. Continue reading
Toyota Century SUV rumored by end of 2023
Shocking rumors out of Japan claim that Toyota is working on what is internally being called a Century SUV. Since 1967 the nameplate has been attached to Toyota’s flagship luxury sedan, often chauffeur-driven and sold only to elite customers. But once again, it seems the market shift toward SUVs is poised to create a new monster. Continue reading
