JDM Heads – Get it while you can!
Hello Kitty Oil. Like how can you not have a canister sitting around so you can tell the guys that Hello Kitty adds 5hp. Pure win. 
[via CrunchGear]
Why Honda Hates America…Sorta.
You know how you could tell a JDM or Euro CR-Z from their American counterpart?
The DRLs consist of a row of LEDs beneath the headlights (think Audi headlights). Also, the non-US CR-Zs come with 2+2 seating. American enthusiasts groan at the loss of some extra bling on their headlights, but I suppose would have never used the extra seats in the back. Two extra midgets in the back is not what this hefty hybrid needs.
The Honda N360 to Electric Car Build Blog
Here's a nice write up, that is still being updated as we speak, about taking a sixties era JDM Honda N360 and converting it into a electric vehicle. Never mind the fact they ripped out everything to the point the Honda is a shell of its former self, its an interesting read on pretty much building a whole new car underneath. The gist is that it'll be powered by a 60hp electric motor and converted to mid-rear engine rear-wheel drive car with custom built transmission, suspension, and pretty much anything else that goes into making an electric car run. Quite a hefty project, but apparently good enough to have a Datsun 510 Wagon waiting in the wings to be converted into an electric vehicle.
The Honda is being projected to debut for the summer show season. Until then, we'll be keeping an eye on the build.
Acura to add TSX Sport Wagon
Interesting tidbit:
TORRANCE, Calif., October 28, 2009 – Acura announced today the addition of a TSX sport wagon to its 2011 vehicle lineup. Arriving at Acura dealerships in the Fall of 2010, the TSX sport wagon will be based on the popular TSX sports sedan, which features balanced performance, advanced technology and bold styling. Additional information on the 2011 TSX sport wagon will be announced at a later date.
Hmmm, so the closest thing to an Acura TSX, is the JDM Accord. A nice, capable family sedan that isn't the mid-size behemoth that the US Accord is. The Accord for the most part has done without a wagon since the early 90s right about the time minivans and SUVs started to make the wagon class obsolete. Now that minivans are considered "family haulers" and SUVs demonized as "gas chuggers," we see a burgeoning market of wagons waiting to make their comeback. Especially among the luxury marquees - face it luxury wagons are the 'it' thing This should be a nice change of scenery on the freeways, definitely. -Tanker
Just imagine less traditional Honda grill and more Acura Carrot Peeler.
Domo-kun on 7-11 Crap
For all you JDM heads here's a piece of Japan that you might consider picking up at your local 7-11:
That's right...for most of October, you can get your hands on Domo slurpee cups, Domo slurpee straws, Domo coffee cups, and Domo food containers at any 7-11. There is even a new slurpee flavor, for the Domo promo: Fuji Frost. In some stores, its not just food items that they are selling, they also got Domo beanies, hats, and other accessories. So, if you love Domo, go ahead and stop by your local 7-11 and check out all the cool stuff you could get.
-Tanker!
For those still confused who Domo is: Domo-kun started off in Japan as the mascot for a Japanese TV channel, NHK. There he appeared in many shorts for NHK in between shows. Some where along the way, the furry brown block ended up becoming popular in America, from being an internet meme to having his own show on Nickelodeon and promoting Halloween at Target last year.
Why I Wish I went to the Tokyo Auto Show…
HKS Kansai
ENDLESS
Top Secret
Blitz
Mines
Work
Fujitsubo
Hmmm...this post was sitting on the deck, waiting to be posted for like months! I wonder why I never did. LOL. Anyhow, sorry for the delay in posts...got some stuff I want to roll out with the site as I am already tired of the layout theme. Well, as I start to re-design the site, it'll be hard to keep up with news bits and what not...so if anyone wants to help out give me a holler.
Nissan Says No To “RICE”
Supposedly this picture comes straight from the GT-R Owner's Manual:
What does it say? "Incorrect Modification. Illegal Modification" Looks good enough for a shirt if you ask me...lol.
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
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]
