In only one week, all eyes will flip to the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, for the extremely anticipated 2025 version of the Tokyo Auto Salon.
Now in its forty third 12 months, TAS has turn into greater than only a cornerstone of the JDM tuning scene – it’s a worldwide celebration of automobile tradition. We’ve attended yearly since Speedhunters’ inception in 2008, and this time is not any completely different, with an enormous group on the bottom able to carry you the very best, the sudden, and the downright outlandish. How will Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 stack up towards earlier exhibits? We’ll quickly discover out, however within the meantime, let’s wind the clock again 10 years to revisit Dino’s highlights from the 2015 occasion.
2015 Characteristic
The final thought behind Tokyo Auto Salon is to bombard you with as a lot car-related goodness as doable – one thing the occasion does very effectively. It’s exactly what the Tokyo Auto Salon is all about; you wander like a child in a sweet retailer by corridor upon corridor, guided solely by the sight of one thing within the distance. Chances are you’ll spot a cool slammed VIP journey a couple of cubicles up, however then you’re distracted by a brand new set of brakes that you could take a nearer take a look at.
On Saturday and Sunday, simply shifting across the halls of the Makuhari Messe can turn into a correct chore, such is the variety of those who go to TAS over the weekend. 2015 was an enormous success for the annual tuning present – the halls stuffed with report numbers of shows and nearly 310,000 guests by the doorways over the three-day occasion. Yep, modifying is far from useless in Japan.
So, let’s start our tour on the RAYS stand – one of many first locations I at all times cease off at to see what’s new for the 12 months. It’s the place I noticed this Mazda Atenza sitting on new Variance V.V.10M wheels from RAYS’ Versus line. The stance and show-orientated motion have pressured Japanese wheel producers to push themselves to remain on prime of present traits with new and modern wheels, and these are a good instance of that.
Sitting in entrance of RAYS’ most important show space was this new TE37 design. This 22-inch model of one of the crucial iconic Japanese aftermarket wheels is simply a prototype, however as you possibly can see, it boasts a brand new spoke design. If the wheel goes into manufacturing, it’s going to be aimed on the SUV market, which implies it’s going to certainly discover its manner onto some huge luxurious sedans, too.
The VIP motion, effectively, retains shifting! There have been fairly a couple of candy sedans to feast one’s eyes on, however this previous Cima from Skilled stood out to me.
Some take issues to the intense, and wild widebody kits and complex designs have gotten fairly the norm, as this insane Crown Athlete exhibits.
The brand new Infiniti Q50 – or Nissan Skyline because it’s known as in Japan – will little question turn into a well-liked base for VIP guys to go loopy on, however its underlying sports activities credentials put a pleasant twist on issues. That’s why I believed Biltz’s interpretation was spot on.
Blitz have even launched their brake kits, which can quickly be launched in Japan.
This can be a firm that’s been making an attempt out some new advertising initiatives of late, like giving out suspension upgrades to prospects and asking them to pay and hold them provided that they like them. It’s a strategy to get that tuning bug to return, and it needs to be recommended, as individuals’s tastes have skewed a tad these days. Blitz additionally went to city on the brand new Daihatsu Copen, dressing their demo machine up with a set of Enkei mesh wheels and a few R35-inspired aero remedy. In fact, being from Blitz, there are some efficiency mods within the combine, too.
And whereas we’re as regards to Copens, try this little choice! Daihatsu known as in a bunch of tuners and requested them to give you their very own modified interpretations of this new-gen kei machine. As soon as Honda hits again with the S660, will probably be fascinating to see if there’s a wave of recent kei sportscars like we had again within the early ’90s. My favourite? It has to be the HKS time assault Copen within the backside proper nook.
Like a couple of different aero specialists on the market, Varis was fast to leap on the Lexus RC F now that it’s been launched in Japan. Given the time constraints, they solely managed to give you a carbon lip spoiler, aspect skirts, and a rear remedy for the brand new efficiency coupe, however I’m positive we’ll see some wilder designs from Varis emerge over the approaching 12 months.
And speaking of Varis, that they had a collaborative venture on show on the Bridgestone sales space. Amongst a number of modifications, the Toyota 86 featured Varis’s widebody aero equipment and was sitting on a set of Prodrive wheels, which, after all, are manufactured by the Bridgestone group. Crimson on purple? Do like!
I spent some time this Subaru Levorg on HKS’s stand. It’s such a pretty-looking compact wagon, and it might have had a lot potential had it not been ruined by solely being out there with a CVT transmission. HKS has tried to profit from the automobile by growing some adjustable dampers, a full exhaust system, and a few digital upgrades to extract a little bit extra energy from the 300hp FA20 turbo motor below the hood.
Nevertheless, it was this that I couldn’t hold my eyes off. Yep, HKS has up to date the V Cam system for the RB26 and is now even launching a Step 0 2.8L stroker equipment for a similar engine. Seeing a tuning powerhouse like this going again and growing new upgrades for these previous engines is so inspiring. Massive thumbs as much as HKS, and let’s hope extra efficiency components makers comply with swimsuit.
We’ve seen this factor earlier than on the SEMA Present, however I believed I’d take a couple of extra snaps of the one-make race automobile that Mazda plans to launch as soon as the manufacturing mannequin goes on sale. Hurry up, Mazda, we need to drive these cool little automobiles.
As at all times, Kansai Service had its huge sales space proper in entrance of Yokohama and Nissan, and within the center of all of it was a new-gen Impreza STI. This automobile is certain to be on the epicenter of the tuning scene for the foreseeable future now that Mitsubishi is killing off the Evo.
Phoenix’s Energy, too, had their interpretation. Blue on blue? Hell sure! It is going to be fascinating to see what sort of numbers all these outlets will have the ability to extract from the mannequin’s 2.0L turbo boxer engine.
Name it an evolution in tuning, however Studie – the largest BMW specialist in Japan – goes to be growing some updates for the i8. Their demo automobile was already sitting on a contemporary new set of BBS wheels centerstage on the Advan sales space.
Wheels, wheels, wheels! There are such a lot of new wheel producers popping up yearly, however it’s the massive names within the business that proceed to garner a lot of the consideration – very similar to Yokohama and their cool number of demo automobiles, which included the Destino 500 and Studie M235i.
And now for what could effectively have been essentially the most thrilling automobile of TAS this 12 months. Appears apart, there’s little left from the Suzuki Jimny it’s primarily based on.
Pop on over to the opposite aspect of the wall and all is revealed. Beneath the detachable physique resides a tubular body tied into components of the unique Jimny chassis. It’s all been constructed to indicate off the varied components that Kinokuni manufactures – like fittings and braided traces – however the coolest factor sits up entrance: an SR20DET. As soon as this enjoyable little venture is completed will probably be the freshest drift machine in Japan.
After years of bringing you protection from the Tokyo Auto Salon we are able to lastly say that we had been there too – formally. 2015 noticed Speedhunters arrange its very first sales space on the present, which was a very proud second for us.
We’d like to increase an enormous due to everybody that stopped by to choose up a few of our merchandise or simply to say hi there to Larry and myself. It was very humbling and we’re actually grateful for all of the assist.
How about this for a college venture? I’m positive than many individuals walked proper by this Prius, not realising that beneath the physique was a rear-wheel drive drag machine. But when the massive drag radials on the again didn’t give the sport away, what powers this factor was definitely positive to.
Yep, there isn’t a lot hybrid/eco stuff happening right here… I actually hope that the college students who constructed this acquired prime honours for his or her efforts.
We’re all conversant in the wild ER34 Nissan Skyline sedan interpretations that Nomuken over at URAS comes up with, however this 12 months he thought he’d change issues up a little bit and apply some contemporary considering to the JZX100 Toyota Mark II. I’ve to say, I’m actually liking this type.
326 Energy is continually arising with a few of Japan’s most groundbreaking stance automobiles. Perhaps it’s the Hiroshima type that does it – I don’t fairly know – however just like the Lexus RC within the opening photograph of this publish, their automobiles simply seize your consideration immediately. Haters are going to hate I’m positive – particularly with the quantity of onikyan they run on most of their builds – however that is one aspect of JDM automobile tradition that isn’t going away any time quickly.
It’s actually cool seeing increasingly more international manufacturers coming into the Japanese market. KW is one in every of them, and together with their ST line, they’re providing a full vary of excessive efficiency suspension options – from road to race.
And after getting the dealing with and appears of your automobile sorted, the following factor is at all times making it sound higher.
Try this Akrapovič titanium exhaust for the F82. It’s a pity you possibly can’t see it in all its magnificence as soon as it’s fitted to the automobile.
After three years of world domination, Miura-san at Rocket Bunny determined to take a little bit break for TAS this 12 months. In fact, slowing down for Miura signifies that he solely needed to construct a couple of automobiles for the present – one in every of them being a brand new day by day driver. It’s so good to see his NSX equipment offered in such a easy manner with no graphics and no sponsor stickers – simply his design and a few sweet purple paint to finish all of it. What do you guys suppose?
Let’s discuss components for a second. For me, TAS has at all times been in regards to the performance-making {hardware}, however the newest development of aero and aesthetic mods has diluted this down a bit. That mentioned, I at all times make some extent of trying out what is going to hit the market within the coming 12 months, and one thing that actually made me salivate was on show on the Countless sales space.
Countless was the primary brake producer to develop and promote an aftermarket monoblock 6-pot calliper, and now they’ve adopted that up with a carbon disc choice to go together with it. Particulars are nonetheless skinny on the bottom, however this was simply one of the crucial thrilling new merchandise to be proven at TAS this 12 months. Good on you, Countless!
Roberuta specialises in air cups to raise up the noses of pricy supercars, however as ordinary it was their line up of demo equipment that grabbed everybody’s consideration. I doubt anybody even seen their merchandise on show, as a result of I actually misplaced it on the F40 and don’t bear in mind a lot after that.
I’ve touched on brakes and suspension, and now I need to discuss lights. The sunshine tuning development seems to be removed from over, with corporations like Valenti persevering with to develop their catalogue with LED and complicated head and taillight replacements.
Try the brand new Do-Luck R35 taillights with a twin ring look. The enduring afterburners redefined?
Automotive Store Glow had been additionally exhibiting off some cool taillights on their time assault FD3S RX-7.
And these are one other set they made for Prime Gas, by far the best LED lights I noticed on the present. Now, will somebody please step up and make one thing cool and trendy for the R32, R33 and R34? Please, fairly please? Valenti? Anybody?
With a easy white theme, Lexus’s sales space was as soon as once more each elegant and minimalistic. This time, nevertheless, there have been headphones hanging down from the ceiling, which you might placed on and hear what the Tremendous GT Lexus RC F racec ar appears like. Very cool.
Increase Craft and 029 Motoring had the craziest and most Japanese-like sales space of all of them I believed, regardless that each automobile on show was Italian. These kits had been all designed by Morohoshi, the man that has singlehandedly redefined what Lamborghini tuning tradition in Japan is all about. You both prefer it, otherwise you don’t – easy as that.
Impulse is a store that I’ve at all times wished to go to. The manner they tune and construct AE86s utilizing ample quantities of carbon fiber is sort of distinctive, and their latest launch of recent overfenders actually provides the previous Hachiroku some modern type.
They clearly know what they’re doing in the case of creating in carbon finer, however that is simply exhibiting off! In a great way after all…
It was certain to occur eventually, and M&M Racing has lastly given the Honda S2000 the works look with a set of fairly wild overfenders. The automobile is constructed for quick highway driving and touge motion, so whereas it sits low, it doesn’t have exaggerated damaging camber. A superb execution.
Extra overfenders? Yep, this time from Obayashi Manufacturing unit who took a Nissan Leaf and did unthinkable issues to it. I just like the consequence although, and in a wierd manner it truly jogs my memory of Toshi’s RWB Tough Rhythm 993.
To have a good time their tenth 12 months anniversary, Lexon Unique put collectively this wild Lexus IS F working elegant overfenders and slammed down on a set of Work wheels. The execution, selection of coloration and that wild wing actually did it for me. As soon as this automobile is absolutely full I’ll positively be heading to their store to take a nearer take a look at it.
Now, we usually don’t actually present too many SUVs or off roaders on Speedhunters, however this factor was too cool to move up. J&L went loopy on this Defender with overfenders and a ton of different customized physique additions, after which completed it off with a absolutely leather-trimmed inside. It may not be efficiency associated, however this may be such a cool truck to trailer your race automobile to the observe with.
The variety of imported luxurious and efficiency automobiles proceed to develop at TAS yearly, and within the Euro-styling realm Wald is at all times one of the crucial talked about exhibitors. This time round they selected to showcase the brand new Maserati Ghibli and their elegant sequence of aesthetic additions for it. I do just like the matte black end, even when it’s a little 2009.
Vans and SUVs are by no means forgotten at TAS and M’z Velocity had issues effectively lined with this huge show of modified household haulers.
In my thoughts, Honda Odyssey headlights on a S13 Nissan Silvia make for probably the greatest facelift conversions. The models fitted to this Massive Run S13 had been even working IPF projectors.
The Kyushu Danji BNR34 has modified quite a bit since I noticed it final at Battle Evome. Its debut on the Yokohama World Time Assault Problem in 2014 was a profitable one, and their collaborative effort with Voltex has geared up the Nissan with a number of the wildest aero additions we’ve ever seen on a san-yon!
Now, these are canards! I actually hope we’ll see it again at Tsukuba for the remaining two Evome rounds. Perhaps Underneath Suzuki will handle to repair his engine earlier than then too.
Do you bear in mind the TRD Griffon we featured two years in the past? Nicely, that is the results of that growth program – Toyota Racing Improvement’s road-going model, which can be out there to buy in Japan from March. These fenders actually are to die for.
Toyota and its tuning and aftermarket manufacturers are on fireplace proper now. They’ve give you some actually cool automobiles, one in every of them being the lately launched G’s Mark X, which options quite a lot of efficiency and styling upgrades over the usual sedan.
In fact, Tokyo Auto Salon is as a lot in regards to the automobiles as it’s about marketing campaign fashions. However for some, it’s solely in regards to the fashions.
Hidden behind all the ‘present’ automobiles at TAS, you’ll discover the smaller outlets which can be nonetheless on the market catering to those who have that unstoppable dependancy with energy. TM Works is a kind of locations.
They hold pushing the envelope of engine tuning and making full use of what’s on the market. And like I discussed and confirmed you earlier, it’s cool to see that there are such a lot of components makers supporting all of it – particularly for these automobiles that at the moment are classed as older, and in some circumstances basic machines.
I’m fairly positive I don’t have to spell it out, however KRC Japan continues to have essentially the most ‘on the market’ kits for the FD3S. The Osaka firm designs all the things from furnishings to garments and equipment, and now they’ve even began to customize the Toyota Prius. TAS actually has one thing for everybody.
Together with the Dodge Challenger and Porsche 997 we noticed in the TAS preview publish, Liberty Stroll had their ordinary enormous sales space stuffed up with slammed and widened supercars. In fact, it additionally included their ever-expanding line of children automobiles which can be given the identical aesthetic remedy.
Do any of you guys bear in mind the new model of the Suzuki Alto from again within the ’90s? Nicely, it’s again with a vengeance with this Turbo RS model primarily based on the all-new automobile. It’s solely an idea proper now, however Suzuki could be loopy to not make this a actuality.
The blokes at STI have definitely been busy. On prime of the Blitzen Legacy we noticed being forklifted into the present in my preview publish, that they had Toshi Arai’s model new rally automobile primarily based off the 2015 Impreza platform on show.
However the hottest machine on their stand was definitely the 2015 Nürburgring 24 Hour Race Impreza. When in comparison with the automobiles that STI has run on the grueling endurance race previously (and efficiently could I add), they’ve actually stepped their recreation up with this one – particularly so on the aero aspect of issues.
In addition to the massive entrance splitter, canards and underbody aero additions, the rear will get these squared-off fenders and possibly the largest wing ever employed on an Impreza.
All in all, I’d say that 2015 is shaping as much as be an thrilling and fascinating 12 months within the JDM world.
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Dino Dalle Carbonare
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