Old School: Honda 1300 Coupe 9
So I was perusing Jalopnik's Fantasy Garage and came across this little gem from Honda. Not widely known to the international community, this JDM model (with a tiny amount exported to Australia) was a technological wonder that only Mr. Honda himself could pull off. Let's find some choice quotes:
Let's start with that engine. One hundred sixteen horsepower doesn't sound like much until you realize the grunt is coming from a 1.3-liter mill at 7200 rpm. That's 88 hp per liter...
...When the much lauded and undeniably sporty Acura Integra debuted in 1986, its 1.6-liter DOHC 16V VTEC produced 113 hp. That was only about 70 hp per liter. At this point we need to mention the Coupe 9 sported four carburetors, had hemispherical combustion chambers, and was both air cooled and dry sumped. Much like Dr. Piech and his Veyron, cars like the 1300 Coupe 9 are what happen when your CEO happens to hold a degree in engineering. An ego the size of an island doesn't hurt, either.
This on top of a car that was FF but handled more like a RWD and it looks beautiful? Hmmm, wonder why more of these weren't available - I guess that's what makes it a limited run, eh? This indeed would fall into my cult classic status...
Catch the article here: Jalopnik's Fantasy Garage
You Know It’s Tokyo Motor Show Time…
...when new cars start popping up all over the internet. For instance, the STi teaser pic that Subaru has released upon the internet:
Or what about the next gen Fit, which looks like a winner:
Can't wait to see what else will be premiering at the Tokyo Motor Show. Should be a good one! I mean come on, it'll mark the return of the GT-R!!!
Why Mini-Vans/MPVs have gotten even cooler in my book
I must admit, I really am into mini-vans and MPVs. Yes, I know. I was ridiculed in high school for wanting a Previa. It was an awesome little van though...I mean come on, you can't go wrong with two sunroofs! Anyhow, saw this clip over at TheDriftScene and it has again re-ignited my love for all things Previa/Estima. Who needs a 4-door Skyline to take the family out drifting? It's all about using the family van and taking along the grandparents! Love it...shhh don't tell that to my car.
[SOURCE: Youtube via TheDriftScene]
Why Honda Hates the USA
So here is the Honda Civic Mugen Si Sedan:
The standard Si Sedan pumps out an impressive 197hp, while this Mugen Si Sedan is pumping out a whopping 197hp thanks to that sports tuned exhaust. You read that right, no power increase. Other than that, you get a bunch of tacked on body kit pieces and a nice little number plate to let you know that you're Si Sedan is special. I guess you can't forget the upgraded suspension parts, the wheels are pretty nice, which offer a better handling car than the Si. Not the greatest package, but even this diehard Honda-head will not line up for the car when it is released later on this year. The car I would line up for is this:
This is the Mugen Civic RR, which will go on sale in Japan on Sept. 13th. Mugen tacked on about 15hp on top of the base Civic Type R's 225hp to push out 240hp. The car is also 22 pounds lighter thanks to the carbon fiber hood, spoiler, bumper. Add an upgraded exhaust system, upgraded suspension, and recaro racing seats and what we have here is a nice little pocket rocket that is $10,000 more than the Mugen Si Sedan. Even with a bump in price, this is a car I would rather spend money on than what Honda of America came up with for a Mugen package.
Why oh why is Honda of America cashing in on the Mugen name? Just when you think they finally get the American enthusiasts, they go after the American riceboy. Honda, next time you slap the Mugen name on the car it better deliver cause this Si sedan is a let down to many of your supporters.
TAKE THE RED PILL!!!
This is the Toyota Blade, introduced in Japan as a bit more upscale Auris with more creature comfort features and a powerful engine. Well Toyota just upped the antee by throwing in a 3.5L V6 in the thing and calling it the "Blade Master." Yup, you heard me right...a freakin' V6 putting out about 280hp to the ground through the front-wheels. Kind of awesome I guess - not quite the looker but hey enough power to get you around and then some.
That's all nice and dandy, but why would that peak the interest of us Yanks? Well, consider the fact that Toyota has made it known a version of the Auris will debut in America in 2009, which will replace our beloved Matrix, which at one point was making waves in the aftermarket world...for like 5 minutes. This Matrix replacement's name? Blade. So there could be the possibility of getting a high-end model with a V6...or if anything, at least we know we could swap a 3.5L V6 in there.
[Source: NihonCar]
America’s JDM Goodness
Blue Flame is an importer of Ford cars into Japan. Now available, only in Japan, are their Bullitt and BOSS packages for their Mustangs. They have their cosmetic differences and come either stock or you can upgrade with parts from the Saleen and Ford Racing catalogs. Nice. Things always look greener on the other side of the world, even our own cars. LOL. [Source: Autoblog]
Only in Japan
From the video gaming side of the internet I came across this:
That's right. The Initial D arcade game setup with the shells of real cars in front of a 90in widescreen. This arcade game can be found in a Joypolis in Odaiba, Japan. Last time I was in Japan I got my ass handed to me playing some racing game, I'm guessing Wangan Maximum Tune. Anyhow, I wouldn't mind plopping down the yen to play this puppy and get my ass handed to me again. [From: Q-Taro]
