Tokyo Auto Salon 2008 - Part 1

This is it, not the biggest, but certainly the best modified car show in the world, even moreso if you like Japanese cars. This was my 1st Autosalon and it was a significant 1 in that it was the 1st for the new versions of the main tuning cars on the scene, mainly the new Nissan GTR, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X and Subaru Impreza. So here are some photos, observations and views on TAS, really the tip of a very big iceberg as there is so much to see and take in at this show

There were several R35 GTR's on display, but Sunline Racing's one looked the best to me, lowered and running on Work 20" wheels. Subtle external modifications, no other changes yet but less than a week after the show it had a full titanium exhaust system fitted

Out of the car manufacturers present at the show, Mitsubishi easily had the best stand with the star attraction for many being Nobushige Kumakubos new Team Orange D1GP Evo X on display. Personally I feel this car is just a mockup for now as Kumas Evo 9 D1 car has had the engine relocated to longitudinal position aswell as a lot of other mods to change it from 4x4 to FR. Also shows the finances in D1 if a nearly brand new car (Kumas Evo 9) is being replaced after only a few rounds with this Evo X. All about the marketing and promotion as always

Easily the most interesting Toyota JZX100 Chaser there - converted to a 2 door version

Kazama Auto's D1SL Toyota JZX110 Mark II is now white after being red. Jury is out on this 1, or maybe its because red is my favourite color

Also you get to see (but rarely meet as they are so busy) Japanese racing drivers/drifters. Left to Right: Nob Taniguchi, Max Orido and Miki Ryuji who were promoting the MSC drift series


Who else remembers watching Speed Racer as a kid? The Mach 5 has been built for a new movie

One of the more publicised cars to appear was this Porsche 996, a collaboration between Gemballa and Top Secret but myself and many others didnt think much of it in fareness, or Top Secrets new logo/graphics and imagery. If it aint broke, dont fix it

On the other hand I thought a lot of the cute model beside the Porsche. Japanese models/racequeens are a delight to work with. They are true professionals. They love the camera, always have a nice smile and pose and you dont need to tell them to 'look this way' or 'smile', unlike most of the uninterested bimbo excuses for models at carshows back home!

The Nissan Skyline R32 GTR. A part of the modifying scene for almost 20 years. This was the Garage Saurus car, immaculate in every way, with lots of carbon

In Europe and America, Japanese cars are 'imports', in Japan, European and American cars are 'imports'. Imports are big in Japan and especially BMW's. 3,5 and 6 series were very popular with big alloys and subtle bodykits being the standard, these 2 being on the NKB stand

But its not all about wheels and bodystyling, HKS have also began (heavily) developing performance parts for European cars, this being a supercharger for.....

a BMW E46 330, note the clear part of the bonnet to display the supercharger (not a camera trick!!)

Another sign of how popular drifting is in Japan. This is the Goodyear stand with Tsuyoshi Tezukas Bee*R B324R Skyline GTR drift car on display. Each of the D1GP tyre sponsors had their own huge stands with drift cars on display, showing just how big and corporate sponsorship is in D1GP

As popular as D1GP is, it does not even come close to Super GT which is the most popular motorsport series in Japan, so to close this update here are the 3 models of car which will race in the GT500 class of Super GT in 2008
Toms Lexus SC430

Dome / Takata Honda NSX

And finally the all new Nismo Nissan R35 GTR, the most menacing looking car of the entire show