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I know you’re thinking right now, “Two back to back featured car posts?! I don’t believe it.” Well, believe it. That’s just how awesome we are. All jokes aside, I’m not sure why it took me so long to post this car up, as it has massive popularity among drift fans. D1-GP reverse-entry guru Masato Kawabata is the man responsible for piloting this ridiculously hot, 600 horsepower 180sx sideways through all the corners. I spotted the S all alone, basking in the light at the Toyo Tires booth as we were getting ready to take off from the Auto Salon in search of another UP Garage. So I decided to get up close and personal with it. Sit back and enjoy the shots!
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Clearly I wasn’t the only one that was excited about taking pictures of this thing. This little guy was pretty pumped up about it. Japan is a great place to raise kids, and force them to share the same hobbies as you. At least you could play with the toys you buy for them as well.
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To be honest, I don’t know too much about this car. I know GP Sports has been providing Kawabata with aero for some time now, and this particular kit is excellent. I was left a little dumbfounded after a quick walk to the front because I couldn’t see the front mount glaring at me in the bumper, and I know this thing is turbocharged…
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I love the way the bumper swoops up the side and turns into a sort of canard. GP Sports makes some awesome products.
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A closer look at the front aero and perfectly matched Gram Lights.
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Rear quarter panel shot. It’s hard to see because of the decals, but the widened quarter panels have a nice line to them. I’m digging the rear canards too.
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The more I get used to seeing these insanely large GT wings, the more I like them. I’d probably never put one on my car…but never say never. You can see how the widened panels have a vent look to them back here.
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I like cars that retain the original dashboard. Panels that once housed stereos, air vents, and various switches make great places to put gauges and engine monitoring displays. The blue Recaros continue the blue theme on the inside.
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River Side!
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Achievement stickers plastered the rear windows. Kawabata took his first D1 win at Fuji Speedway in 2006, but later went on to win the championship in 2007, despite his fairly horrific crash with Saito.
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I’m glad I found this at the last minute. With hardly any people checking it out, it gave me a chance to get some decent photos – something that didn’t really happen for me throughout the day at TAS. Hope you enjoyed them.
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