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 grow to be greater than only a cornerstone of the JDM tuning scene – it’s a worldwide celebration of automotive tradition. We’ve attended yearly since Speedhunters’ inception in 2008, and this time isn’t any completely different, with a giant group on the bottom able to deliver you the most effective, the surprising, 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 concept behind Tokyo Auto Salon is to bombard you with as a lot car-related goodness as attainable – 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 means of corridor upon corridor, guided solely by the sight of one thing within the distance. You might spot a cool slammed VIP journey just a few cubicles up, however then you’re distracted by a brand new set of brakes that you might want to take a nearer have a look at.
On Saturday and Sunday, simply transferring across the halls of the Makuhari Messe can grow to be a correct chore, such is the variety of those that go to TAS over the weekend. 2015 was an enormous success for the annual tuning present – the halls crammed with file numbers of shows and nearly 310,000 guests by means of the doorways over the three-day occasion. Yep, modifying is far from lifeless in Japan.
So, let’s start our tour on the RAYS stand – one of many first locations I all the time 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 high of present developments with new and revolutionary wheels, and these are a good instance of that.
Sitting in entrance of RAYS’ principal show space was this new TE37 design. This 22-inch model of probably the most iconic Japanese aftermarket wheels is barely a prototype, however as you may 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 suggests it can absolutely discover its means onto some massive luxurious sedans, too.
The VIP motion, effectively, retains transferring! There have been fairly just a few candy sedans to feast one’s eyes on, however this previous Cima from Knowledgeable stood out to me.
Some take issues to the acute, 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 referred to as in Japan – will little doubt grow to be a preferred base for VIP guys to go loopy on, however its underlying sports activities credentials put a pleasant twist on issues. That’s why I assumed Biltz’s interpretation was spot on.
Blitz have even launched their brake kits, which is able to quickly be launched in Japan.
It is a firm that’s been attempting out some new advertising and marketing 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 method to get that tuning bug to return, and it must be recommended, as folks’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. After all, being from Blitz, there are some efficiency mods within the combine, too.
And whereas we’re with regards to Copens, take a look at this little choice! Daihatsu referred to as in a bunch of tuners and requested them to provide you with their very own modified interpretations of this new-gen kei machine. As soon as Honda hits again with the S660, will probably be attention-grabbing to see if there’s a wave of latest 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 just a few 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 provide you with a carbon lip spoiler, aspect skirts, and a rear remedy for the brand new efficiency coupe, however I’m certain we’ll see some wilder designs from Varis emerge over the approaching 12 months.
And speaking of Varis, that they had a collaborative undertaking 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 pink? 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 accessible with a CVT transmission. HKS has tried to take advantage of the automotive by creating 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 underneath 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 creating new upgrades for these previous engines is so inspiring. Large thumbs as much as HKS, and let’s hope extra efficiency elements makers observe swimsuit.
We’ve seen this factor earlier than on the SEMA Present, however I assumed I’d take just a few extra snaps of the one-make race automotive that Mazda plans to launch as soon as the manufacturing mannequin goes on sale. Hurry up, Mazda, we wish to drive these cool little automobiles.
As all the time, Kansai Service had its massive sales space proper in entrance of Yokohama and Nissan, and within the center of all of it was a new-gen Impreza STI. This automotive 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! Will probably be attention-grabbing 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 creating some updates for the i8. Their demo automotive 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, nevertheless it’s the large names within the trade that proceed to garner many of the consideration – very similar to Yokohama and their cool collection of demo automobiles, which included the Destino 500 and Studie M235i.
And now for what might effectively have been essentially the most thrilling automotive of TAS this 12 months. Appears apart, there’s little left from the Suzuki Jimny it’s based mostly 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 elements of the unique Jimny chassis. It’s all been constructed to indicate off the assorted elements that Kinokuni manufactures – like fittings and braided traces – however the coolest factor sits up entrance: an SR20DET. As soon as this enjoyable little undertaking is completed will probably be the freshest drift machine in Japan.
After years of bringing you protection from the Tokyo Auto Salon we will 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 a large due to everybody that stopped by to select up a few of our merchandise or simply to say howdy to Larry and myself. It was very humbling and we’re really grateful for all of the help.
How about this for a college undertaking? I’m certain than many individuals walked proper by this Prius, not realising that beneath the physique was a rear-wheel drive drag machine. But when the large drag radials on the again didn’t give the sport away, what powers this factor was actually certain to.
Yep, there isn’t a lot hybrid/eco stuff occurring right here… I actually hope that the college students who constructed this obtained high honours for his or her efforts.
We’re all acquainted with 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 consistently arising with a few of Japan’s most groundbreaking stance automobiles. Possibly it’s the Hiroshima type that does it – I don’t fairly know – however just like the Lexus RC within the opening picture of this submit, their automobiles simply seize your consideration immediately. Haters are going to hate I’m certain – particularly with the quantity of onikyan they run on most of their builds – however that is one aspect of JDM automotive tradition that isn’t going away any time quickly.
It’s actually cool seeing increasingly more international manufacturers getting 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 avenue to race.
And after getting the dealing with and appears of your automotive sorted, the subsequent factor is all the time making it sound higher.
Try this Akrapovič titanium exhaust for the F82. It’s a pity you may’t see it in all its magnificence as soon as it’s fitted to the automotive.
After three years of world domination, Miura-san at Rocket Bunny determined to take a little bit break for TAS this 12 months. After all, slowing down for Miura signifies that he solely needed to construct just a few automobiles for the present – one in every of them being a brand new every day driver. It’s so good to see his NSX equipment introduced in such a easy means with no graphics and no sponsor stickers – simply his design and a few sweet pink paint to finish all of it. What do you guys assume?
Let’s discuss elements for a second. For me, TAS has all the time been in regards to the performance-making {hardware}, however the newest pattern of aero and aesthetic mods has diluted this down a bit. That stated, I all the time make some extent of trying out what is going to hit the market within the coming 12 months, and one thing that basically 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 probably the most thrilling new merchandise to be proven at TAS this 12 months. Good on you, Countless!
Roberuta specialises in air cups to elevate up the noses of costly supercars, however as regular it was their line up of demo equipment that grabbed everybody’s consideration. I doubt anybody even observed their merchandise on show, as a result of I actually misplaced it on the F40 and don’t keep in mind a lot after that.
I’ve touched on brakes and suspension, and now I wish to discuss lights. The sunshine tuning pattern seems to be removed from over, with corporations like Valenti persevering with to develop their catalogue with LED and sophisticated 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 High Gas, by far the good LED lights I noticed on the present. Now, will somebody please step up and make one thing cool and fashionable 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, nonetheless, there have been headphones hanging down from the ceiling, which you possibly can placed on and hear what the Tremendous GT Lexus RC F racec ar appears like. Very cool.
Growth Craft and 029 Motoring had the craziest and most Japanese-like sales space of all of them I assumed, though each automotive 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 all the time needed to go to. The means they tune and construct AE86s utilizing ample quantities of carbon fiber is kind of distinctive, and their current launch of latest overfenders actually offers the previous Hachiroku some up to date type.
They clearly know what they’re doing in relation to 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 automotive is constructed for quick highway driving and touge motion, so whereas it sits low, it doesn’t have exaggerated detrimental 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 end result although, and in an odd means it really jogs my memory of Toshi’s RWB Tough Rhythm 993.
To have fun their tenth 12 months anniversary, Lexon Unique put collectively this wild Lexus IS F operating elegant overfenders and slammed down on a set of Work wheels. The execution, alternative of shade and that wild wing actually did it for me. As soon as this automotive is totally full I’ll undoubtedly be heading to their store to take a nearer have a look at it.
Now, we typically don’t actually present too many SUVs or off roaders on Speedhunters, however this factor was too cool to go 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 totally leather-trimmed inside. It won’t be efficiency associated, however this could be such a cool truck to trailer your race automotive to the monitor with.
The variety of imported luxurious and efficiency automobiles proceed to develop at TAS yearly, and within the Euro-styling realm Wald is all the time probably the most talked about exhibitors. This time round they selected to showcase the brand new Maserati Ghibli and their elegant collection 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 Pace 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 the most effective facelift conversions. The items fitted to this Large Run S13 had been even operating IPF projectors.
The Kyushu Danji BNR34 has modified lots 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 among 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. Possibly Below Suzuki will handle to repair his engine earlier than then too.
Do you keep in mind the TRD Griffon we featured two years in the past? Properly, that is the results of that growth program – Toyota Racing Improvement’s road-going model, which will likely be accessible 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 provide you with some actually cool automobiles, one in every of them being the lately launched G’s Mark X, which options plenty of efficiency and styling upgrades over the usual sedan.
After all, 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 the entire ‘present’ automobiles at TAS, you’ll discover the smaller outlets which might 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 elements 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 certain 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 every part 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 submit, Liberty Stroll had their regular enormous sales space crammed up with slammed and widened supercars. After all, it additionally included their ever-expanding line of youngsters automobiles which might be given the identical aesthetic remedy.
Do any of you guys keep in mind the new model of the Suzuki Alto from again within the ’90s? Properly, it’s again with a vengeance with this Turbo RS model based mostly on the all-new automotive. It’s solely an idea proper now, however Suzuki could be loopy to not make this a actuality.
The fellows at STI have actually been busy. On high of the Blitzen Legacy we noticed being forklifted into the present in my preview submit, that they had Toshi Arai’s model new rally automotive based mostly off the 2015 Impreza platform on show.
However the hottest machine on their stand was indisputably the 2015 Nürburgring 24 Hour Race Impreza. When in comparison with the automobiles that STI has run on the grueling endurance race up to now (and efficiently might I add), they’ve actually stepped their recreation up with this one – particularly so on the aero aspect of issues.
In addition to the large 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 attention-grabbing 12 months within the JDM world.
The Speedhunters
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Dino Dalle Carbonare
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dino@speedhunters.com
