Category: JDM

Automotive by Sean

Action: Mugen Circuit Challenge S2000

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Ever wonder what it would feel like to fly around Tsukuba, strapped into a Mugen built machine, driven by a former F1 driver and current Super GT driver?  If so, the Mugen Circuit Challenge at Tsukuba Circuit is the place you need to go.  Taka from JDM Clips sent these images over to help us get as close as we can to the action.  He has attended this event multiple times, and really has a feel for what a company like Mugen can achieve.  Perfectly matching power output with chassis limitations, Mugen can take performance to an entirely new level.  Having a reliable car equipped with parts that work in harmony with the chassis is ideal for maintaining control on track; and Mugen does just that.  Most people don’t realize just how much experience Mugen has in building cars and engines.  Click past the break for more on-track shots.

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Automotive by Sean

Close Up: Honda-Tuning/Evasive CR-Z

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With the CR-Z being fairly new, there isn’t really an extensive catalog of aftermarket parts to choose from; especially in the aero department.  However, the CR-Z that Honda-Tuning put together shows that you don’t need that much to make something that looks great.  The C-West lip kit that adorns the outside of the Honda turns the ordinary CR-Z body, into an overall more aggressive looking car.  Click past the break to see what else is up with this car.

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Automotive by Sean

Feature: Anthony’s Downforce NSX

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Of all the cars at the Cerritos Honda car show last weekend, I think I liked this NSX the most.  I spotted it early on and got to snap some shots before the crowds came.  It’s ridiculously clean, and although only has a handful of mods, they all flow together perfectly.  As I was wrapping my visit up, I was lucky enough to run into the owner; Anthony.  He’s a nice, laid back guy, and I’m glad I could talk to him for a short while.  I got some more info on the NSX, and he was kind enough to let me post up a little feature here.  Enjoy the shots!

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Automotive by Sean

FEATURE: Power House Amuse S2000 GT1

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The JDM Clips/NDF collaboration delivers the goods once again with this feature on the legendary Amuse S2000 GT1.  This car is one of the greatest tuning achievements of Mr. Hideki Tanabe’s lifetime, and for good reason.  It’s looks are not only unforgettable, but it’s mechanical prowess has been proven on both street and track.  The insanely wide body kit brings order to chaos and gives the car the aerodynamic performance close to that of a full race car.  Click past the break to check out the car in more detail.

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JDM by Sean

Event: Cerritos Honda Toy Drive & Car Show V.1

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Tis’ the season for giving, and what better way to kick off the holidays than with a toy drive & car show?  December 12th marked Norm Reeves Honda’s 5th annual toy drive and car show and, much like last year, it was a great turnout.  I grabbed my toy donations and dropped by pretty early;  luckily, most of the entrants were already setup so I was able to get some good coverage.  There was a bit of everything on display and more S2000s than I think I’ve ever seen in one place before (definitely not a bad thing).  In this first post I’m going to focus on just S2000’s, and I’ll follow up with the rest of the lot.  If I missed your car, my apologies, I was in a rush to get back to work.  Click past the break for more.

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Automotive by Sean

Feature: Power House Amuse 370Z Vestito

Japanese mega tuner Power House Amuse was on site at Super Autobacs Yokohama recently to demo their new aero kit for the Z34; the Vestito.  Lucky for us, Taka was there as well to capture it all.  Amuse has long been producing unique and aggressive aero kits for a variety of chassis.  This is their latest offering for the Z platform; preceded by the Superleggera kit for the Z33 chassis.  I believe Amuse took a less domineering approach to this kit, and put more emphasis on flowing lines and function; and flat out on the track the Vestito proves that it does more than just look good.  Click past the break for more display shots.

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JDM by Sean

Desktop: Castrol NSX GT Spec

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I apologize for the lack of posts this month.  I’ve been super busy with life (& GT5), and have really been putting off finding content.  I was supposed to head to Irwindale today after work to check out Industry Day, but got tipped off that it wasn’t all that (thanks Addy).  To hold you over I’ll post this desktop that Taka sent over of the Japan GT Castrol NSX.  Click past the break for some desktop links.

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Automotive by Sean

Locale: Twin Ring Motegi – Beams Endurance Integra


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In this post I’d like to both thank, and welcome Taka to the NDF Blog team.    Taka runs the JDM Clips channel, and is now a contributor to Narita Dog Fight.  He sent these pictures of the Beams Tokachi 24-hour endurance race car from the Twin Ring Motegi Honda collection hall.  In 2003, when Honda became the sole engine provider for the INDY series, Motegi was added to the IRL schedule, and is famous in Japan for being the only oval ring circuit.  When there are no events going on though, the Honda Collection Hall is the place to go.  Many old and current race cars are displayed for the public to view; this Integra being one of them.

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Automotive by Sean

Close Up: Type One Type-R

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Next up in my Close-Up series is the bright orange Integra Type-R built by Type-One.  Near flawless paint aside, you can recognize this as a possible race car because of the sticky Advans that are wrapped around the track-worn SSR Type-C’s.  A closer look reveals most of the interior still in-tact; pretty common in Japan because of the abundance of open track events at places like Suzuka, Fuji, Twin-Ring, and Ebisu.  Click past the break for more pics.

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JDM by Sean

Video: FR-NSX GT

. Honda R&D’s secret gem has been revealed!  A FR, GT-spec NSX with KERS!  Check out this video of testing at Twin Ring.  Read the video info for specs and backstory.  Found @ JDM Clips.

JDM by Sean

Encounter: Tokyo Estima

. Here is something you won’t see too often in the states; a modified van.  They’re pretty common in Japan though, and the エスティマ (Estima) is one of the more popular platforms.  I think I […]

Automotive by Sean

Encounter: S30 Kannai


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We were walking back to our hotel after a decent dinner at a place in 伊勢佐木町 when I saw this old Datsun parked on the street.  Of course the lighting and weather conditions were horrible for pictures, but since I didn’t get much material on this trip I decided to snap a few anyway.  It had some pretty classic styling; such as the exposed rivets on the fender flares and rear wing.  The gold Watanabes were a nice touch against the white and black color scheme.  Click past the break to see a few more shots.

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Automotive by Sean

Close Up: Spoon AP1

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Way before the build of the iconic Grand Prix White AP2 demo car, Spoon had built their AP1 race car.  The S2000, hailed as one of the greatest roadsters ever built.  It would seem almost sacrilegious for the masters of Honda tuning to not bless one with their precision.  A few years ago I got the chance to visit Spoon and see for myself the craftsmanship that went into this build.

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Automotive by Sean

Encounter: Shibuya Vitz

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So I’ve returned!  It seemed like such a short trip, and honestly, I didn’t get as much material as I would have liked.  On a side note though, my friend is on his way over the Pacific as we speak, and has promised to send some Encounter shots.  The first day after we arrived, we took a short trip to Tokyo and as we were walking around Shibuya looking for some good grub, I caught this little RS shooting by.  I’m not too educated in Kei cars, but they are still a very big scene in Japan.  The super-compact Toyota Vitz is popular among Kei Tuners.

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Automotive by Sean

Feature: JCCS Celica GT

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Before I set sails across the Pacific, I thought I’d revisit a car from JCCS.  This 2-door, hardtop Celica GT coupe stole the show for me at JCCS.  This model of Celica was first made in the 1970’s and heavily influenced by the late 60’s, early 70’s Ford Mustang.  A cheaper alternative to Toyota’s sports car, the 2000GT, the Celica became massively popular.  This particular one was in great condition.

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Automotive by Sean

Locale: フライラット, 町田 – Fly Rat, Machida

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Thought I’d break up some coverage of JCCS with a little look at the Fly Rat used car & part shop in Machida, Tokyo.  This is literally right next door to the Up Garage in Machida, so it was  a no-brainer to go check it out.  Fly Rat is part of the やまや山口株式会社, or the Yamayayamaguchi Group in Japan.  The parent company of both Fly Rat, and Jon Flat; both used and new car dealerships and parts dealers.  This location had a few cool looking rides, especially this pristine R32 rocking over-fenders on both the front and rear.

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Automotive by Sean

Event: 6th Annual JCCS, Long Beach V.2

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On to round 2 of the JCCS coverage.  Like I mentioned in the previous post, engine swaps are all to common at this show;  and this coupe is no exception.  This is Steve’s car.  Steve drove 2,000 miles from Alberta, Canada to show at Long Beach.  This is the way I like to see cars; put to use!  As if that wasn’t special enough, Steve had something out of the ordinary at the disposal of his right foot.  How does 260 ft/lb.’s of torque sound?  Yup, a 4.0 liter, V8 taken from a LS400 sits in place of the stock engine.  I got to talk to Steve for a little bit, and to my surprise, he said that the first generation UZ engine fit rather easily in the bay.

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Automotive by Sean

Event: 6th Annual JCCS, Long Beach V.1


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The warm sun, the cool ocean breeze blowing through the trees;  Downtown Long Beach makes the perfect venue for just about any get together – and the 6th annual holding of the Japanese Classic Car Show is no exception.  Without a doubt JCCS is the show to go to to see the best in classic Japanese cars.  Datsuns, Toyotas, and Mazdas from the 70’s and 80’s are littered throughout the grounds and parking lot.  Some are daily driven, and some have been restored to show quality; there is definitely something for everyone.  Take this Corolla for example; old school parts, executed with modern drift styling.  It took me about 2 hours to walk through the show, and I tried to get a little of everything.  Some photos will have a more retro look (i.e. warm temperatures, desaturated);  I did this as a throw back to the era of the cars.  Hope you enjoy!

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Automotive by Sean

Encounter: Tokyo Street Evo

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We were walking around some prefecture near Roppongi Hills in Tokyo one afternoon while my friends wife was getting her haircut.  While crossing a pedestrian bridge I spotted these kids J-walking across this huge street.  I thought it was pretty cool because you could see Mori Tower perfectly in the background, so I snapped a few pics.  Later on I saw this Evo in the shot!  I didn’t even notice it at first…

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Automotive by Sean

Encounter: Lonely MM:21 R32

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I stumbled upon this lonely Skyline during a walk one morning.  The hotel we had been staying out was very close to Sakuragicho Station, which is in the みなとみらい21 (Minato Mirai) area;  a large urban development by the water.  This place is famous for many things, including Japan’s former largest building the Landmark Tower.  This morning we were walking along the Red Brick Warehouse and saw this guy sitting all by itself in a parking lot.

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Automotive by Sean

Locale: UP Garage – Machida

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If you’re a Japanese car enthusiast, there is one thing you know you’ve always dreamed of doing once in Japan; and that is to visit as many tuner shops and stores as possible.  I’m no different.  I’ve wanted to visit an Up Garage for some time now, and a few months ago I finally got my chance.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an affliction towards used parts.  Maybe it’s the history that comes along with them; or maybe it’s because I’m fiscally responsible (read: cheap).  There’s no better place to go bargain hunting for JDM car part goodness than at an Up Garage.

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