EVENT: TAS 2017 round-up!

We never like to skip on Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) even though it can get a little hectic at times! And in many ways that’s a good thing, seeing as so many people are interested in the world of modified cars. Now that we’ve had a chance to look back on the event, here are some of our favorite cars; everything from the movers to shakers, trend setters to rule benders.

The Creme de la Creme

Ever since Kato-san of Liberty Walk started working his magic on Supercars, they seem to have gotten more and more popular at TAS. This year was no exception with Supercar royalty out in full force, albeit with an edgier stance.

 

Rise of the Kei

On the other end of the scale, Kei cars (sub 650cc untra-minis) were definitely out in force this year with companies like Daihatsu displaying an array of mean little micro-machines.

The New(ish) Suzuki Alto Works is another driving force behind to growing Kei car tuning market with some nice modified examples out on display this year.

Then there was little Copen sporting a cleanly executed iteration of a ‘fast-back’ style conversion.

And of course, lets not forget the overwhelming number of S660’s this year!

The Renaissance

It’s no secret that over the last decade, new sports car offerings from the major manufacturers has been slim pickings. But in return, the semi-classics and unsung heroes of the sports car world have been enjoying a renaissance so to speak.

Neo-classic icons like the RX-7 were definitely making they’re presence known.

RE-AMEMIYA again wowing us this year with refreshingly interesting styling choices and setups.

Nissan’s R32 GTR is another example, contiuning to gain popularity despite the soaring prices.

And for those of you who want a GTR but just can’t find one, there’s always the Stagea, the RB powered wagon-cousin of the Skyline.

This widebody, carbon clad DC2 Integra tucked away in the corner was one of our favorites.

Ready-for-Race

As with any event, TAS is great way for manufacturers to showcase they’re engineering and racing endeavors.

The all new NSX looking right at home in its ‘GT’ attire.

Under Suzuki’s S15 never ceases to amaze!

Meanwhile, the ‘WRC’ side of the field was well represented too with this Gazoo Racing Yaris (Vitz)…

…flanked by it’s forefathers.

 

EVENT: Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 SUMMARY

If you haven’t yet heard of Tokyo Auto Salon – a.k.a TAS – or let alone attended, it’s probably the event to go to if you want to see what JDM cars and tuning is all about. From show cars to race cars, drifters to dragsters, concepts to consumer, it’s all right here in one spot at one of the biggest automotive events to be held in Japan.

Seasoned veterans of TAS will have no doubt noticed the growing STANCE community and the presence/influence was definitely felt this year.

In contrast, FRS/86/BRZs seemed to be out in fewer numbers although hats-off to Subaru for keeping the the attendees’ interest piqued with their signature blue mean machines.

Perhaps it’s the emergence of a certain other new FR sports car on the market that’s stealing the spotlight; more on that later.

Most interestingly (or perhaps its just me) there seemed to be a recurring theme with the vast majority of exhibitors this year; make the most of what you have. Yes, we’d all love to have the latest and greatest but in all honesty manufacturers haven’t exactly provided us with much choice, as of late, when it comes to sports cars. Don’t believe me? Just imagine for a second that the FRS/86/BRZ didn’t exist…see my point? So with the slim pickings, more exhibitors instead seemed to be focusing on creating parts and demo cars based on older chassis/models…

…or platforms we never would have even considered before!

Of course, its just as refreshing to see mash-ups of old and new like this FD sporting a front end more inline with MAZDA’s newest models.

And for those who like to go back several generations more, we spotted this old skool cool Datsun Z and wide body R32 on display at the Option booth.

Of course this is just a glimpse into what TAS had to offer this year. Over the next couple of days we’ll be showcasing some of the cars that really made the show (with higher resolution images) so stay tuned!

 

EVENT FEATURE: Hachiroku Matsuri 2015 @ Tsukuba Circuit!

Many AE86 (Hachiroku) aficianados will have no doubt seen the plethora of Option videos featuring ‘Drift King’ himself and his AE86, many of which were filmed on location at Tsukuba Circuit. It’s here that every year, the Hachiroku Matsuri takes place where AE86 and GT86 (BRZ and a handful of FRS included) gather from across Japan to battle it out all day long on the track. This year the event was held on 13th, (weekend just gone) and we went along to see what it’s all about!

(link to all photos at bottom of the article)

Whilst Hachiroku Matsuri may not be as well known as ’86 day’ – August 6th – it’s definitely an event that every 86 fanatic should check out.

CLICK BELOW FOR ALL PHOTOS:

https://goo.gl/photos/MgMsP8TASk474WmL9

LATEST TOMEI AE86 PARTS:

http://www.tomeiusa.com/_2003web-catalogue/030_kisyubetsu_4ag_e.html

LATEST TOMEI GT86/BRZ/FRS PARTS:

http://tomeiusa.com/_2003web-catalogue/026_kisyubetsu_fa20-e.html

VIDEO: Mike Sabounchi on Robb’s 240SX at SEMA!

Mike talks tuning with Robb feat. his 240SX

(Click to open video in a new tab/window)

SEMA 2015 might be over, but the show’s most notable cars continue to makes waves across the web. In the 3rd installment of Motor Trend Channel’s ‘2015 SEMA Week’, our good friend and Super Street editor Mike Sabounchi takes a closer look at some of the stand-out cars at SEMA, including our good friend Robert Ferguson’s 240SX rocking our very own KA24DET manifold!

This is just ‘Phase 1’ of Project 240sx with many more parts to be released soon!

Click below for more details:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/tomei240sx

Project 240sx info

http://www.tomeipowered.com/BTE/index.php/exhaust/11758/

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The IDRC was found in 1998 by a group of racers, enthusiasts and tuners that desired to take import drag racing to new heights. Now in its 16th year, IDRC continues to position itself as the leader in the import and high-tech performance event arena. IDRC features classes for all levels of racers to include heads-up competition, bracket racing as well as a Fun Run category.

 

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This weekend !!