Tokyo Auto Salon 2013

It’s early Monday morning in Japan and this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon has officially come to an end. Here’s a sampling of all the rest of the cars present at Makuhari Messe.

As always Nissan had a very big presence at this year’s show. While the GT-R remains the king, Silvas and Skylines have not been forgotten.

TAS needs more builds like this fantastic 180SX from SPIRIT Rei.

It’s hard to go wrong with a white R32 on Advans. Funny enough it’s the simple builds that stand out most at TAS.

Phoenix’s Power had the GT-R well represented at the show including this lime green example on BBS LMs.

Next door to Phoenix’s Power was Top Secret. They also showed up with a few different GT-Rs as well as their Rocket Bunny kitted 86.

This year could be the biggest ever turnout for imports, both European and American at TAS. Ferrari had a large presence as did Porsche and BMW amongst others.

The Ferrari F40 was given a very nice display this year. The Japanese have always been obsessed with European cars and as exotics get older and become cheaper, we’re going to see a lot more tuners working with them.

Despite strong showings from Nissan and Toyota, Mitsubishi didn’t fare as well in 2013. The Evo X is now 5 years old and it’s beginning to show. It’s disappointing to see a car which once littered the show floor at TAS, suffer the same fate as its Subaru rival. With Mitsuibshi moving towards EV production, the CZ4A may be the last of the great tuner cars from the brand.

Varis continues to dominate the market. I’m disappointed that Voltex never created their own Evo X wide body kit to compete.

Unsurprisingly, Toyotas dominated the show in 2013. The 86 is the new darling of the Japanese tuning industry, massively overshadowing its sibling the BRZ.

A JZX100 with strange lights inside of the wheels. This was a trend seen on a number of cars at TAS.

Original Runduce was present with their 86 demo car kitted in Varis aero. This car just looks so good and is probably my favorite 86.

After all these years, the Mazda RX-7 continues to be one of the very best looking Japanese cars.

Last but not least there’s Subaru. As with every year, I was disappointed in the turnout for Imprezas. While the STi fights to remain relevant, the tuning industry seems to be moving on. I blame Subaru for not giving the car the AYC and extra 30-50 horsepower it so deserves.

D Language came out with a very large booth featuring their STi, Evo and 86 demo cars.

Blitz was also on hand with a GVB STi showing off some of their latest electronics and performance parts, including this 6-pot brake kit.

Despite filing for bankruptcy in 2012, Zero/Sports was on hand with a GVB STi. They’re hardly the dominant force they once were at TAS.

I’ll end with this truly awesome looking wide body GVB STi from Varis. This kit has kind of gone under the radar with all the attention on the 86.

That about does it for TAS coverage on A Class. If anything else exciting comes my way, I’ll be sure to post it. Overall I’m disappointed by this year’s show. There’s a real lack of variety right now in the Japanese tuning industry. I suppose it’s been a long time coming. With major players like Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda failing to produce exciting cars like they once did, the industry has been forced to rely on Nissan and Toyota. Subaru can be happy with their role in the 86 and their own BRZ but as the Impreza continues to get heavier and slower, we may see another great fall by the wayside. On the bright side, the amazing reception the 86 has gotten has shown other manufacturers what’s possible. Hopefully in the next few years we’ll see more of the affordable, fun cars the Japanese automotive industry so desperately needs.

Photos courtesy of GTNET.

Blitz BRZ At TAS

I’m thinking of turning A Class into an 86 & GT-R blog because they’re about all that’s worth posting from Tokyo Auto Salon this year.

Apparently Blitz has mistakenly thought they’ve become part of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

I’m sorry but this car just isn’t working. The wheels don’t look right, the vinyl wrap is hideous and what’s up with that aero?

I’m having difficulty with TAS this year. Granted, my entire window into the show is from a computer at home, but I can’t help but be disappointed. I’ve spent the better part of the weekend checking out dozens of blogs and Japanese automotive websites and there’s just not a whole lot to talk about. If anything TAS is (worryingly) reminding me of another car show which will not be named. Have you ever seen so many badly modified exotics, European imports and American cars at TAS? I sure haven’t.

I’ll keep digging around the Internet to see what else is out there, but things are looking pretty sparse.

Photos courtesy of CarWatch.

JUN GT-R At TAS

JUN’s been a big name at Tokyo Auto Salon for over a decade now. They’ve always got something up their sleeves and this year is no exception.

Yes folks, another BenSopra kitted GT-R has come among us. It’s been no secret on A Class that I absolute despise this kit in every way. Don’t take that out of context however. I have loads of respect for Miura-san and everything he’s been doing in the tuning industry lately.

Like Top Secret, JUN was always known to produce their own aero parts. They made what is probably my all time favorite bumper for the GDA Impreza. Yet in 2013 we’re seeing less of a variety of products from these shops. Maybe it’s a return to doing what they’re truly good at and in the case of JUN, it’s all about power.

They offer any number of options and different levels of tuning for the GT-R’s VR38. This is an example of the same 4L motor that’s in their demo car.

Regardless of BenSopra kits and Top Secret making less original parts, it’s really good to see how many shops are still working with the GT-R. This car’s been around for 5 years now and the following is just as strong, if not more so. It’s popularity in the tuning industry gives Nissan another reason to keep making it, which is something many have questioned in 2012.

Photos courtesy of CarWatch.

Top Fuel At TAS

I’m having one hell of a time finding any sort of Impreza presence at Tokyo Auto Salon. People must have forgotten about the STi in the midst of all this 86 & BRZ chaos. I’m also doing my best not to repost the same cars you’ve been looking at all day long.

Top Fuel showed up with a few demo cars this year including this 86.

Black cars have really been appealing to me lately, with the 86 being no exception.

While it’s hard to see on a black car, I could do without the INGS aero for which I’ve never been a fan. I’m sure this car will be fully kitted in Voltex once they get their aero finished sometime this year. The Advan RS-IIs however are working very nicely.

The car’s been dubbed the 0-1000 Type RR something or other and I’m not quite sure why. With the supercharger kit, it’s putting out 250 horsepower which is good for an 86 but hardly a monster.

Top Fuel also brought out their S2000 Time Attack car which will be in Australia at the WTCC later this year.

Leave it to Voltex for producing pure insanity! It’s a shame they’re no longer part of Team Cyber…

The engine’s been boosted to over 700 horsepower. That’ll do just fine!

What’s so interesting this year is just how much the tuning industry is changing. So many of the big players have faded into the background. Maybe it’s the move to more eco-mentalist motoring or maybe it’s the fact that the Japanese automotive industry just isn’t as exciting as it was 5-10 years ago. The golden era of turbocharged street monsters seems to be giving way to a more eclectic range of small displacement cars built for handling and a resurgence of vintage motoring. Granted I’m hardly in a position to summarize a show I haven’t even attended, but the landscape (even from abroad) is certainly changing. Whether for better or for worse, I’m not too sure…

Photos courtesy of CarWatch.

Top Secret 86 At TAS

Lets be honest, we haven’t heard or seen much from Top Secret lately. The once premier tuning shop in Japan has fallen off in recent years. There are a number of factors for this, including bad financial decisions and an even worse Japanese economy, but that’s a story for another day. I’m encouraged to see Top Secret rolling out their own 86 demo car at Tokyo Auto Salon.

Last year the tuning world had their love affair with Nakai-san and RWB. However this year’s “it man” is undoubtably Miura-san from Rocket Bunny. His FR-S demo car made news for the second half of 2012 and to look around TAS in 2013, he doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Even Top Secret, longtime purveyors of their aero kits have elected to suit their 86 in Rocket Bunny.

The infamous black and Olympic gold is always a welcome site at TAS.

For many it was the bonkers, low mounted rear wing that gave the Rocket Bunny kit its unique look. It still looks pretty decent without the wing. Maybe Top Secret eventually plans to go a different route with this build?

Under the hood it’s Top Secret business as usual. The car’s been boosted with a turbo kit from Greddy. I’m not sure of the power output but it’s surely no slouch. This could also be the shop’s first demo car with a boxer engine!

Up front, more business as usual with an AP Racing brake kit and Enkei wheels.

Things are looking very good for the 86 and BRZ in 2013. Hopefully we’ll be seeing that long rumored STi version of the BRZ at this time next year! More to come!

Photos courtesy of CarWatch.

Kansai Service 86 & BRZ At TAS

One of the things that’s so fantastic about the 86/BRZ is the car’s versatility when it comes to tuning. For those looking for moderate power with an emphasis on handling, there are limitless options out there. On the other side of the coin, those in search of high power output are getting treated to more and more options with superchargers and turbos. The car was always intended to be an everyman’s sports car and it hasn’t disappointed. I always look forward to seeing what Kansai Service are up to at Tokyo Auto Salon. This year they’ve unveiled both an 86 and a BRZ with varying levels of tuning.

Kansai Service cars are never over the top in terms of exterior styling and always serve as nice examples of street tuning.

Their 86 is fitted with the usual allotment of HKS, Advan and in house parts.

Under the hood is an HKS supercharger kit which should be perfect for some extra power on the street. It makes sense as the car has been dubbed the “86 Super Tourer”.

Parked next to the Toyota is the Subaru BRZ.

While relatively simple, this is easily one of the best looking BRZs I’ve seen yet. Kansai Service have a way with injecting just enough aggressiveness into the looks of their cars. Those Advan RS-IIs where made for this chassis.

The rear quarter angle gets even better. I believe the carbon wing is their own design and it looks fantastic!

Under the hood things have been left mostly stock with an HKS intake pipe being the only addition. It provides a nice contrast to the 86, as some may be looking to retain the car’s naturally aspirated power plant.

A couple very clean builds from Kansai Service and certainly no shortage of 86s and BRZs at Tokyo Auto Salon. More to come!

Photos courtesy of CarWatch.

BenSopra 180SX At TAS

Tokyo Auto Salon coverage is hitting hard now that the show is underway. The 86/BRZ siblings are the undisputed stars of 2013, but there’s still a host of other interesting builds new and old. We’ve all come to know Miura-san for his work with the GT-R and 86, but this year he’s unveiled one of the more interesting “S” Chassis’ of the show.

These are the kinds of builds Tokyo Auto Salon was invented for.

I’ve been more than vocal on my distaste for BenSopra’s work on the GT-R, however this rendition of the kit works quite well on the 180SX.

It’s not just looks either. Under the hood is the VR38 from the GT-R producing an insane 1100 horsepower!

I won’t attempt to summarize Tokyo Auto Salon, as there are bloggers/photographers at the show doing that. However, I will be posting some of my favorite cars throughout the weekend so stay tuned!

Photos courtesy of CarWatch.

Vertex 86 At Tokyo Auto Salon

Like many of you I’ll be tucking into some serious car porn this weekend as the automotive blogosphere is flooded with Tokyo Auto Salon coverage. Expect to see the usual helping of GT-Rs and a massive onslaught of Toyota 86s. There will of course be some Evos here and there and if we’re lucky an STi or two. I’m also looking forward to the inevitable hybrid, badly disguising itself as a viable platform for modifying. It’s the greatest car show of them all, contrary to what you might have read on Speedhunters…

There are a couple shops I always look forward to seeing, one of which being Vertex. Their 86 demo car will be the centerpiece of their exhibition this year.

I presume Vertex will eventually produce multiple aero options for the 86 as this one is simply a lip kit. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for front and rear bumpers and potentially a wide body Ridge kit.

Expect the usual roster of tuning shops and parts manufacturers to bring out the big guns. Varis looks to be offering their own wide body option for the 86 this year and what they have in store is pretty interesting.

I’ll be doing my best to provide some element of coverage throughout the weekend. I can’t wait to see what’s in store!

Photos courtesy of Vertex.

Fresh Out Of Ideas

What the hell is going on with the tuning scene in Japan lately? I used to look forward to Exciting Car Showdown. It was kind of the more obnoxious, rural cousin of Tokyo Auto Salon. This year it looks like something from a HIN wet dream.

Japan has always set the benchmark for where the tuning world is headed; lately, I’m not so sure anymore. Tokyo Auto Salon was good this year and luckily I’m a fan of the GT-R, because that’s all that was there. But aside from the GT-R, where is Japan at? I get that the younger generation aren’t into cars anymore; they’d rather overcrowd the cities and hang out with their virtual friends. So the scene has been left in the hands of the older generation. Don’t get me wrong either, I think it’s brilliant the founding fathers, are still heavily involved in the industry, but it’s also keeping it (in many ways) from evolving.

Rather than continuing to innovate and steering things in a different direction, people have run out of ideas. Instead, they’ve resorted to building cars that are so unspeakably awful, it’s as if we’re backtracking to the late 90′s.

Lets talk about this car, which is ugly as shit on a carpet. Who likes this? Who’s trying to drive this? Yeah I heard they drove it all the way down from Tokyo, but look at those rear fenders! Christ, look at the rear tires! Besides the Hypebeast reporter standing behind the car, who’s actually digging this style?

The cars we see at shows, built by shops and privateers, serve as the scene’s inspiration. They give us a glimpse as to where things are headed. It’s like going to a tradeshow, to see what all your favorite t-shirt companies “brands” are previewing for the upcoming seasons. That way you’ll be first in line at Surpreme, for that Kate Moss drop.

The point is, I’ve been seeing a lot of these “builds” coming out of Japan lately and it’s kind of alarming.

HIN Pomona right here. Tribal vinyl, the classic Santa Ana swag.

There seemed to be a tend in cars, that had either been ruined or unfinished at Exciting Car.

No. I don’t want my 180SX to look like a Desert Storm tank. What was wrong with the car before someone attacked it with a spray can?

If the Tommy Kaira kit wasn’t enough to completely ruin you new GT-R, consider hitting up Axel Auto Corporation, for this steez.

Maybe I’m being too hard on Exciting Car Showdown? It’s not really their fault, they just plan the show. I think this is part of that bigger problem of being fresh out of ideas. Where’s that old JDM attention to detail; that endless pursuit for quality? Christ, even Ray’s can’t design a wheel that looks better than the CE28N, and those have been around since the Jurassic period. Varis’s wide body kit for the GRB STi? I can’t help but think they could’ve tried harder and made it look even better. They are Varis after all.

Outsourced manufacturing, Chinese knockoffs, a shitty Japanese economy and an ever-emerging scene in the US, are all factors as to why Japan doesn’t appear to be the benchmark lately. Over the last year, I’ve been more excited about the cars I’m seeing in the US, Australia and especially Canada.

Ultimately, this a small selection of cars I didn’t care for. Maybe you do care for these cars and that’s fine. Overall, there are still lots of good things coming out of Japan (90% of anything GT-R related, Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86, RWB, anything from Advan and Enkei, etc.) I just can’t help but be frustrated because I know they can do better. Then again, maybe I just like complaining…

Photos courtesy of Minkara.

Hyper Meeting 2003

If there’s one event in Japan where you’re likely to find the best from Subaru and Mitsubishi, it has to be Hyper Meeting.

Hyper Meeting has been going on since 2002 and is a mainstay for tuning shops, wanting to showcase their latest offerings, for the Impreza and Evolution models. Tsukuba Circuit plays host and features vendor booths, drifting demos and time attack events, for both privateers and tuning shops a like. As with most things Subaru-related on A Class, we’re going to take a trip down memory lane. Lets be honest, things where just better back in the day; in this case 2003.

While rally builds tend to be more popular in Europe, Japan has also been known to keep the tradition alive. WRC replicas are a common sight at Hyper Meeting and L’AUNSPORT is well known, for their WRC-style body kits. I say style very loosely because the word tends to refer to cheap replicas, but that isn’t the case here. L’AUNSPORT are some of the best in the business and offer full carbon aero kits for the entire Impreza lineup. Naturally the bugeye looks the best in WRC trim.

A GDB WRC replica and the C-West GDA demo car. I’ve never been a fan of the C-West headlight covers or that front grill, but the bumper has grown on me over the years.

Engine bay from the BOZZ Speed GDB, easily one of my favorite Imprezas ever. To the right is the Toyama K-One Spec-C Impreza. The car was primarily used for Gymkhana.

The long forgotten Aqua GDB. Unfortunately Aqua is no longer around; another casualty in the war against knock offs. Prova however, is still alive and well. Above is their Super Taikyu front bumper, on the shop’s GDB demo car.

Engine bays of the Stillway GDB and the Shinonome Super Autobacs BE5 Legacy.

It’s impossible to have a conversation about Imprezas and Time Attack, without mentioning Zero/Sports. Next to JUN they’re probably the most well known of all the Japanese Subaru tuners. They’ve been a fixture at Hyper Meeting since the beginning. Their BTZ201 GDA hit the track, while a demo car displaying their latest front bumper (circa 2003), stays at the booth. The bumper would eventually be fitted to Zero/Sports’ BTZ301-R; a car which would end up having a slew of mechanical problems, including a blown transmission at Tsukuba Super Battle.

For me, the greatest GDA of them all. JUN’s Super Lemon Impreza, the brainchild of Mr. Koyama himself. My long standing obsession with this car runs deep. It’s considered one of the greats and not just by Subaru standards. I believe the car’s best time around Tsukuba was 56:59.5, which put it in the same territory as the Cyber Evo and some of the more recent RX-7s. I believe the car was sold to a private owner and last I heard, it was being stored in a shipping container in the Caribbean. Maybe one day it will resurface because that’s a terrible fate, for such an important car.

This year’s Hyper Meeting is being held in a little over 2 weeks, on April 8. I’m excited to see the turnout, but can almost guarantee none of the cars above will be in attendance. While most of the focus will be on Imprezas and Evos, I’ve got a feeling a few BRZs may turn up as well.