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
So been in Japan for 11 days and have not seen any decent track again - until now, and its off to Mobara circuit on the outskirts of Tokyo. The last time I was here, I was 'spoiled' a bit as there was a very good lineup of drivers and nice weather, but today was a bit colder, but far more civilised, mostly local drivers and less extreme cars, mostly driven to the track too. Myself and Chris were the only non Japanese there, so were easily spotted by Tada san, the owner and manager of the circuit, who tried out his English on us. He said it was rare for people to visit on these quiet practice days
JZX100 Chaser just about to lose it
Most cars were dented with chipped bumpers,dented wings etc but this 180Sx Sil80 really took 'well used drift car' to another level, every panel dented, Sil80 front end conversion and mismatched panels
Very fast JZX110 Mark II
The skill level was fairly low today, so no D1 spec driving, but its still fun to watch.
