2019 Tokyo Auto Salon

• TAS 2019: Kawaii showgirls wrap up our mega inaugural Tokyo Auto Salon live coverage

  In Cars, International News / By Danny Tan / 28 January 2019 7:46 pm / 26 comments

  

  

  

  I don’t remember a busier start to the year than the one I just had, thanks to a coincidental coming together of work and personal events. That’s the reason for this delayed wrap-up post for our 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon coverage, but I’m confident that it’ll be worth the wait.

  It’s the first time we’re covering Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), which – along with SEMA in the US – ranks as the world’s most famous auto tuning show. When you consider Malaysia’s Japanese-dominated car culture and preference, TAS is definitely the show for us car guys and Mat Keretas.

  While I’ve been to every Tokyo Motor Show since the 2007 edition, I knew that TAS would be an entirely different sort of show – less corporate and stuffy, more passion. Still, the scale of the event at Makuhari Messe (the previous home of TMS), how packed the halls were, and how enthusiastic the visitors, completely blew me and Paultan.org BM colleague Farid Awaludin away.

  

  

  

  Japan was cold, but TAS was a baptism of fire for Farid, a lifelong JDM and retro car maniac who was stepping on Japanese soil for the first time in his life. My tag team partner is a walking car encyclopaedia, and visiting the mecca of car tuning was akin to a pilgrimage for him. Even I, the more jaded between us, woke up every morning bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

  We were there for the entire three full days, and yet we can’t say that we saw every booth and exhibit in detail – there were just too many interesting sights; be it cars, parts, merchandise or ahem, ladies. Like the most popular pasar malam you know, the dense crowd made photography a physical battle as well as the ultimate exercise in patience (to get a clear shot). A mainstream motor show’s press day is child’s play in comparison.

  But we had a mission, and we managed to be among the first outlets to show you the GR Supra Super GT Concept, which will bring the famous Supra name back to Japan’s Super GT series.

  

  

  

  

  Race Supra aside, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing had some yummy cars on display such as the Daihatsu Copen GR Sport Concept (I need one!), the Toyota Mark X GRMN (big sedan, big NA V6, manual!) and the Toyota Century GRMN. The latter is Akio Toyoda’s company car, but in menacing black.

  Staying on the Toyota side of the park, we also showed you the Toyota Hilux TRD Black Rally Edition (imported from Thailand) and the good looking Toyota Corolla Sport hatchback, presented by TOM’s, Blitz and Yokohama in iconic Advan livery and a TCR-style body. Speaking of bodies, it would be a colossal waste if the Corolla Hatch shell does not eventually house more than a 1.2L turbo engine and a hybrid drivetrain, ‘cos it’s so evocative.

  Why not a Corolla GRMN to fight the hot hatch king from next door? We’re of course talking about the Honda Civic Type R, which was one of the most popular models at TAS. Legendary Honda tuner Mugen had two FK8s on display – the pig-nosed pre-production Mugen Civic RC20GT and a stock car wearing a full catalogue of prototype Mugen parts.

  

  

  

  

  Power tuner HKS didn’t bother with aesthetics and instead developed parts to boost the Civic’s 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine to 380 PS and 510 Nm. All coming to Sunway soon, for sure.

  I didn’t bother sitting in the FK8, but couldn’t resist trying out the Honda S660 Neo Classic Racer Concept for size. It’s a tight fit made even tighter by the roll cage, but the retro style and parts are way too cool. Speaking of kei sports cars, the Copen receives an official but limited edition Coupe version, besides the above-mentioned GR concept.

  What’s more interesting is the trend of making these cute little cars look like giants. The S660 and Copen can be made to look like the Honda NSX and Nissan GT-R, respectively, thanks to the Supreme of car tuners – Liberty Walk. LBWK can also turn your Suzuki Jimny into a baby G-Wagen, but DAMD goes one better by giving you an option of a Little G or a Little D – the latter is a miniature Land Rover Defender that’s off the scale in cuteness. If I ever need another Little D…

  

  

  

  

  To our surprise, the new Jimny was by far the most popular vehicle at TAS 2019, present at every other tuner’s booth. It wasn’t so much about performance upgrades (HKS has catalogue for it, though), but the customisation possibilities afforded by the little 4×4, which now carries a modern-retro look that’s impossible to not like.

  All very nice, but the best of the lot was from Suzuki itself, which brought out a pick-up version of the Jimny that reminds us of the OG BJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser. A sure-fire hit if they make it, don’t you think?

  That’s some list, but we’re far from done. Don’t miss the interesting stories and galleries of Top Secret’s Skyline GT-R collection (every generation is here, including Smokey’s crazy “R32-bodied R35”), gorgeous restomods from Star Road (Hakosuka, Kenmeri and S30 Fairlady included) and Jun’s “Super Lemon” Honda Fit RS for the Jazz fans. Also, feast your eyes on iconic rally cars in our WRC gallery (hint: Castrol, 555, Marlboro) and learn about “the new Initial-D” manga called MF Ghost and its modern day hachiroku hero car.

  

  

  

  

  While walking around on the final day and emptying our wallets of yen, we spotted a crazy-looking time attack-style Lancia Delta that deserved a post by itself, and a pink Kelisa that reminded us of Malaysian custom jobs.

  There were more offbeat creations in the form of a “homemade Mazda RX-9” and a strange beast that fuses Lamborghini Urus, Toyota 86 and a pick-up bed. Before you mock them, the latter two are projects by students of the Nihon Automotive Technology School (NATS), the future generation of Japanese auto engineers and customisers.

  Last and definitely least are the predictable dressed-up versions of everyday SUVs such as the Nissan X-Trail (Impul), Subaru Forester (STI) and Honda HR-V (Modulo). These were the only cars we shot and wrote about out of duty – the aesthetic add-ons are likely to reach local showrooms in the near future.

  

  

  

  

  By the way, the above links will take you to Farid’s posts on our BM page. If you can understand Bahasa Malaysia, I recommend that you recap our TAS 2019 coverage in BM, as the author’s deep insights and fact gathering is best read in its original form. Trust me, you’ll learn a lot, as I did! Alternatively, they’re all in plain old English here.

  It was one hell of a working weekend for us, and I hope that you enjoyed our 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon live coverage as much as we did preparing it. No? Then here’s 100 variety pics of the stuff not already covered above, plus 120 pics of kawaii girls to win you over. You’re welcome.

  GALLERY: 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon, variety
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon, the ladies
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Mugen Honda Civic Type R RC20GT debuts

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Mick Chan / 23 January 2019 3:40 pm / 11 comments

  

  The Mugen RC20GT Civic Type R concept arrived at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon following its initial showing at last year’s show, with its very imposing looks appearing to be carried over mostly intact. Here dubbed the Mugen RC20GT Package Pre Production Model, it may enter production to go on sale in its home market; great news for those whom the Mugen Honda Civic Type R FK8 Prototype is a touch mild.

  Much of the Mugen’s bodykit has been carried over for this iteration, not least the massive, Audi-aping front grille, while the generously vented bonnet is fashioned from carbon-fibre, as is the front bumper with large dive planes. Along its sides, the Mugen trades the tri-coloured stripes from last year for a stylised cartoon character.

  Fancy more wing? The rear aerofoil on the Mugen RC20GT concept continues to feature the carbon-fibre unit from last year’s car, which is adjustable for angle of attack and therefore, downforce. Meanwhile, rolling stock continues to be the 20-inch multi-spoked forged items, where a set of larger front brakes by Brembo with six-piston calipers take residence.

  

  

  

  

  Sadly the show car was sealed off and therefore its interior could not be clearly seen, though video footage on the sidelines depicted a conventional steering wheel from the ‘standard’ Civic Type R in place of squared-off, racing-inspired tiller on last year’s concept.

  Engine output and performance figures remain an enigma with the Mugen Civie RC20GT, though the car’s powerplant has been given an improved cooling system which in turn yields more power, according to the famed tuning firm. In standard guise, the FK8 Civic Type R produces 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque from its 2.0 litre K20C1 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed manual driving the front wheels.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY Mugen Honda Civic Type R FK8 Prototype

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: NATS Urus 86 – a 3-in-1 car like nothing else

  In Cars, International News / By Matthew H Tong / 23 January 2019 10:23 am / 2 comments

  

  As car guys, we’ve pretty much seen it all, from the breathtakingly gorgeous to copycatters and the downright wacky. But sometimes, even we get surprised by avid builders, or in this case a group of students from the Nihon Automotive Technology School (NATS).

  Presented before your eyes in all its yellow glory is a jacked up Toyota 86 that’s been hacked into the body of a pick-up truck. Before you wail your way into hysteria, note that the donor car (Toyota 86) had previously been used as a project car for former senior students known as NATS Extreme.

  For this project, the team created a custom front bumper that looks like the Lamborghini Urus, and fitted the rear end with a cargo bed that comes with a sports bar. The 86’s original tail lights are retained, and the rump gets an integrated ducktail spoiler to go with the chiselled apron and diffuser.

  Of course, who can see past those huge riveted fenders? Those house a set of gigantic 20-inch wheels wrapped with Nitto all-terrain tyres. Suspension-wise, expect the 86’s factory setup to be largely overhauled. Otherwise, not much else is known of this Urus 86 concept.

  

  

  

  You must be wondering, are the concept models made by NATS students only focus on looks, and can they actually be driven on the road? Well, for your info, NATS has about 750 students and four courses – basically, all students must sit through a management course for two years in order to be certified as a Class 2 mechanic in Japan.

  Once that’s done, the students can choose to further their studies into three other fields, which are motorsports (one year), customise (one year) or research (two years). No prizes for guessing which group is responsible for the Urus 86, then.

  After the show, the NATS Urus 86 will be put through on-road tests according to Japan’s ministry of transport’s standards. Once it’s given the green light to be used legally on the road, the students will have to run a more realistic road test called Test Run Caravan. If all is well, the students will pass and thus be able to graduate from NATS.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Mugen Honda Civic Type R FK8 Prototype

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Gerard Lye / 22 January 2019 5:14 pm / 2 comments

  

  If the Mugen RC20GT was a little too overwhelming for you, here’s a more reasonable alternative. This is the Mugen Honda Civic Type R FK8 Prototype, a test platform meant to showcase a range of parts that the company will offer for the hot hatch.

  The usual array of modifications is present here, starting with a full body kit that includes bumpers and side skirts. Up front, the faux intakes have been made smaller thanks to body-coloured trim placed over them, joining a front lip, new bonnet scoop and a carbon-fibre bar bearing the Mugen and Honda badges.

  Along the sides, carbon-fibre mirror caps have been added, and the car rides on 20-inch multi-spoke wheels in a similar colour scheme to those on the RC20GT, with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres to match.

  

  Around back, a large, adjustable aluminium spoiler has been added, while the taillights gain new graphics of Mugen’s design. A more prominent diffuser element is part of the new bumper setup, which now includes a dual-pipe exhaust rather than the triple-pipe of the stock car.

  Inside, the interior features black Mugen bucket seats, carbon-fibre trim has been added to the steering wheel, and the shift knob is wrapped in bright red leather, with Mugen script on it.

  No word if Mugen gave the hot hatch a boost in power as this is merely a demonstration car,” but fresh from the factory, the Civic Type R offers 320 PS and 400 Nm from its 2.0 litre VTEC Turbo engine.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Honda HR-V Modulo X Concept revealed

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Gerard Lye / 22 January 2019 4:02 pm / 3 comments

  

  At this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, Honda unveiled the HR-V Modulo X Concept 2019, which previews a set of accessories and parts that will be available for the compact crossover at the end of January.

  The show car is based on the latest HR-V, specifically the Vezel Touring that is available in Japan. Changes include a new bumper at the front with more prominent fog lamp enclosures as well as plenty of black-painted areas, including the chrome bar over the grille.

  There’s also a dash of silver at the base of bumper, and this look is replicated at the rear as well. The bumper at the back is new too, and made to look sportier to better complement the dual exhaust outlets and large faux vent. A set of 18-inch Modulo wheels complete the look, wrapped with Michelin Primacy rubbers.

  

  Inside, there are semi-bucket seats that boast Modulo X embroidery, along with dedicated floor mats. Honda says there are revisions to the car’s suspension as well – likely new dampers. Beyond that, the car retains its mechanical bits, including its 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo engine.

  With the facelifted HR-V already on sale in Malaysia, will this show car be a good source of inspiration for any modifications?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Toyota Century GRMN – Akio’s company car

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Jonathan Lee / 22 January 2019 3:50 pm / 16 comments

  

  The exceedingly regal Toyota Century isn’t the sort of car you’d give to your in-house tuning company, but when your name is Akio Toyoda and you’re looking for a new company car, that’s exactly what you’d do – take an iconic luxury sedan celebrating your family’s rich history and imbue it with a sporting edge courtesy of a Le Mans-winning motorsports division.

  Last year, the company president was seen being driven around in a one-off, hotted-up Century GRMN (short for Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring, as it were), even making an appearance at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival at the Fuji Speedway with Kamui Kobayashi at the wheel. The car was so popular among fans that Toyota decided to build another one for this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.

  While Toyoda’s unit was white, the show car is finished in a deep black, making it look even more menacing – and even more popular with the yakuza crowd, were it ever offered for sale. All the trimmings are present and correct, including a more aggressive front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a subtle carbon fibre bootlid spoiler – all tied together with red pinstripe detailing.

  

  

  A set of 19-inch BBS alloy wheels (wrapped in Yokohama iceGuard iG60 snow tyres, funnily enough) hint at the hardware found under the skin, and hide large GR-branded disc brakes. The interior remains unchanged, however, trimmed in light wood panelling and glorious beige 100% wool upholstery.

  No details of the modifications within have been announced, but it’s safe to assume the GRMN retains the same hybrid powertrain as the Century – a 381 PS 5.0 litre 2UR-FSE direct-injected V8 paired to twin electric motors to produce a total of 431 PS. Like Toyoda’s car, this one carries an “1867” number plate, referring to the birth year of Toyota Industries founder Sakichi Toyoda – which the original 1967 Century commemorated.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Toyota 86 MF Ghost – real-world manga car

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 18 January 2019 12:39 am / 6 comments

  

  This is the Toyota 86 MF Ghost Concept, and if you’re a fan of the MF Ghost manga, you can commence drooling. For those that are not in the know, here’s some backstory before we get to the car itself.

  MF Ghost is the creation of Shuichi Shigeno, the same person responsible for Initial D series that we all know and love. Shigeno-san’s latest work references Initial D and its characters, but is set in the 2020s, where traditional combustion engine-based cars have been almost completely replaced by electric self-driving cars.

  In this time of transition, the mysterious Ryo Takahashi created a racing series known as MFG, which aimed to preserve the use of internal combustion engine cars by way of competitive racing. The series’ participants primarily use foreign makes and models that are either all-wheel drive or are technologically advanced, with only a small number of Japanese cars present.

  The main story is focused around Kanata Rivington, a 19-year-old of Japanese and British parentage that graduated from the Royal Donington Park Racing School, who returns to Japan to find his missing father, Ken Katagiri.

  

  In his quest to find his father, Kanata decides to go race in the MFG under his father’s surname. He also uses an “old” Toyota 86 belonging to an acquaintance and quickly rises up the ranks in the series. You’ll have to read the manga for a better insight into the story, which mentions a certain tofu delivery person.

  Synopsis aside, the show car you see here is result of the manga’s publisher working together with Toyota to recreate the 86 from the manga. There are a good number of performance-related modifications here too, including an oil cooler and an Ogura N1 clutch, although the engine remains stock.

  Most of the work is aimed at improving the car’s handling, so there’s EXM Exmotion Athlete Orange suspension and the rear axle gains a two-way LSD from TRD. A set of 17-inch TWS Motorsport T66-F forged alloy wheels is also present, wrapped with Brigestone Potenza RE-71R tyres.

  

  

  Behind the front wheels, you’ll find Project Mu four-pot calipers, while they are two-pot units at the rear – slotted rotors are used on all four corners.

  Aesthetic enhancements include a red paint finish with plenty of decals and graphics applied to it, with the rather sizeable GT Sard LSR rear spoiler being one of the more prominent additions.

  Inside, the driver’s stock seat has been replaced with a Bride Low Max Xero CS racing seat, while a set of Defi ZD gauges help indicate important information such as engine speed, water temperature, oil temperature and others.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Star Road flaunts vintage Nissan restomods

  In Cars, International News, Nissan / By Matthew H Tong / 17 January 2019 5:39 pm / 7 comments

  

  The 2019 edition of the Tokyo Auto Salon saw an incredibly diverse display of modified cars, but for those with an unbridled liking for timeless classics, like our very own Danny Tan, visiting TAS becomes an obligatory pilgrimage. Apparently, over 330,000 visitors thronged the show, but even we think that figure is a tad conservative.

  If you’re a classic Nissan buff, one of the highlights of the show was Star Road’s booth. The Japanese vintage car restomodder fielded four iconic cars – the original S30 Nissan 240Z, the Nissan Fairlady ZG, C10 Nissan Skyline and C110 Nissan Skyline.

  The Z cars needs no introduction – the S30 Fairlady Z, known in some markets as the Datsun 240Z, is one of the most successful GT two-seat coupes of its time. In stock form, it had independent suspension on all corners, and underneath the long nose is a 2.4 litre inline-six that made 153 PS and 198 Nm of torque.

  

  

  

  

  
  S30 Fairlady Z (left), Fairlady ZG (right)

  To make things look a bit more special, Star Road widened the wheel arches and dressed them in satin grey fenders with rivets, though interestingly the left side fenders feature a carbon finish. The deep dish six-spoke wheels are shod with slick tyres, whereas the front apron gets a carbon lower lip, and the tailgate gets a raised carbon-fibre spoiler.

  Next up is the evocative Japan-only HS30-H Nissan Fairlady ZG. This model was released in 1971 to homologate the 240Z for Group 4 racing, and it gets extended fibreglass ‘aero-dyna’ nose, wider over-fenders riveted to the body, a rear spoiler, acrylic glass headlight covers and fender-mounted rear-view mirrors.

  It’s an iconic look that defies the passage of time, and the car continues to be a desired collector’s item to this day. In Japan, the Fairlady ZG trades for anywhere between US$50,000 (RM205k) to US$150,000 (RM617k) – if you can’t stomach the asking price, well, you can purchase the “G-nose” kit separately and have it look just as sleek. Hey, as long as it looks good, right?

  

  

  

  

  
  C10 Nissan Skyline (left), C110 Nissan Skyline (right)

  Another notable exhibit was the C110 Skyline, or more famously known as the Kenmeri Skyline. The unit seen here bears the GT-R badge, though we’re fairly certain it’s only modified to look like the GT-R KPGC110. That’s because the C110 GT-R is one of the rarest around, with just 197 units made and sold in Japan in early 1973.

  It’s powered by a 2.0 litre engine six-cylinder engine making 160 PS at 7,000 rpm and 177 Nm of torque at 5,600 rpm, and the S20 engine features DOHC and three racing carburettors. Production was cut short due to an oil crisis at the time, and the Kenmeri GT-R would serve as the last GT-R – for 16 years! – before the BNR32 arrived in 1989.

  Last but not least, the C10 Skyline. It’s historically significant because the C10 marks the first-generation Skyline under the Nissan brand after the company took over Prince Motor Company. A number of variants were made, including the top KPGC10 GT-R. Again, it’s unclear if the vehicle here is in fact the real deal (we didn’t get to see the engine), but at least it’s neatly modified to look the part. Good stuff, no?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Subaru Forester Advance Sport Concept

  In Cars, International News, Subaru / By Gerard Lye / 17 January 2019 1:26 pm / 3 comments

  

  This is the Subaru Forester Advance Sport Concept, which recently made its debut at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. Based on the Forester e-Boxer sold in Japan, the show car serves as a good reference point for those looking to modify their new SK-generation Forester when it eventually makes its way to Malaysia.

  In terms of aesthetic enhancements, the concept comes with new bumpers, front dive planes, side skirts, 19-inch wheels, a revised grille with honeycomb meshing, and a ‘Fighter Grey’ exterior paint finish. Yellow accents are applied to various parts of the exterior as well for some contrast, and this trend is carried into the cabin.

  

  

  

  Aside from tinges of yellow, the cabin also gets completely new upholstery to create a vibrant space. The uniform colour scheme is applied to almost every part of the interior, including the steering wheel, door cards, dashboard, centre console storage lid and other trim pieces.

  Unsurprisingly, the concept comes with a generous amount of STI badging to complete the look. For better stopping power, the Forester gets a set of Brembo monoblock six-piston calipers at the front, with cross-drilled rotors.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Honda S660 Neo Classic Racer on display

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Mick Chan / 17 January 2019 12:54 pm / 1 comment

  

  First announced at the end of last year, the Honda S660 Neo Classic Racer is on display at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. Based on the mid-engined Honda S660, the Neo Classic Racer concept is a development of the Neo Classic styling pack introduced for the kei-class two-door car earlier in 2018.

  In place of the thoroughly modern style of the S660 goes a retro-inspired look courtesy of the more curvaceous body panels as well as round headlamps and tail lamps. The former is designed to ape the taped headlamps of classic race cars, while the latter now comprises circular LED units. Up top, the S660’s fabric roof has been replaced with a rigid item.

  The front end is adorned with a bumper which includes a wire-mesh grille that has more air intakes, whilst integrating a more protruding front splitter at its lower edge. Both front and rear wheels are housed within wider, flared wheel arches which feature exposed rivets, while the rear deck lid terminates with a ducktail spoiler.

  Like at the front, the rear bumper also adopts a very large wire-mesh insert, and here the exhaust outlets have been relocated to the centre and level with the car’s tail lamps in a further nod to racing. Further exterior features include fender-mounted side mirrors and leather clasp fasteners for the front bonnet.

  

  

  

  

  Rolling stock is comprised of 17-inch Work Meister forged alloy wheels, mounted with Toyo Proxes 888R tyres. Stopping power features slotted brake discs with Endless brake calipers for the front axle.

  Onwards to the interior, the retro theme continues with a leather-wrapped Momo California three-spoke steering wheel and an aluminium gear lever knob. Seating is one classic-styled Bride unit without headrest, with a two-point seatbelt layout, and the cabin also has a roll-cage in place. The S660 Neo Classic Racer concept is a strict single-seater.

  Mechanical details for the S660 Neo Classic Racer concept was omitted, however the standard S660 is powered by a three-cylinder, turbocharged 660 cc petrol engine with 64 hp and 104 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Toyota Hilux Black Rally Edition previewed

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Matthew H Tong / 14 January 2019 5:34 pm / 10 comments

  

  As promised, Toyota has put the Hilux Black Rally Edition on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2019. The model was conceived to celebrate the pick-up truck’s participation in the Asia Cross Country Rally, and it’s fitted with a range of TRD parts for a more sporty appearance.

  To refresh your memory, the Hilux Black Rally Edition sports a unique front bumper, grille, red fog lamp surrounds, as well as a TRD-branded skid plate at the front. In other areas, there are black plastic wheel arch fenders, sportier wheels, a sports bar, side decals, mud flaps, and twin mufflers.

  It sits on a new set of 17-inch blacked-out wheels, shod with regular tyres instead of off-road specific units. Mechanically, no upgrades have been made – the 2GD-FTV 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine soldiers on, producing 148 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed Super ECT automatic, and the standard Eco and Power drive modes remain.

  

  

  We weren’t allowed access to the car’s cabin, but the brochure reveals an upgraded JBL sound system, along with minor TRD accessories such as a leather-wrapped gear knob, new door cards, new fuel cap and sun blinds.

  As for the regular Hilux, the TRD division has created a new honeycomb mesh grille, which can be supplemented by a front bumper cover, red skid plate, side steps, sports bar and TRD decals for a more rugged look. Would you consider getting this? Let us know your thoughts, below.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Impul X-Trail T32 flaunts brand new aero kit

  In Cars, International News, Nissan / By Matthew H Tong / 14 January 2019 12:41 pm / 23 comments

  

  Since the T32 Nissan X-Trail broke cover in late 2014, we’ve seen many design iterations of the popular seven-seater SUV, one of which was by Impul, in fact. However, it’s been three years since Impul last laid hands on the SUV, and the aftermarket tuner has taken to the Tokyo Auto Salon to reveal its latest creation.

  Based on the X-Trail facelift, the Impul X-Trail T32 is essentially a dressed-up version of the SUV. This Brilliant White Pearl unit gets the full works – new front grille, super aggressive front and rear aprons, lower front lip, rear diffuser, as well as a raised rear spoiler. You can also have the front Impul badge with blue accents, if you see fit.

  

  

  For wheels, there’s the six-spoke Impul Racing Line GT-06 unit that’s available in three colourway (matt black, sparkle silver and gunmetal), with sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches. If multispoke is more your thing, then the Impul Aura SX-50 may tickle your fancy.

  Other accessories include custom Impul steering wheel, Impul-badged floor mat, Impul exterior side decals, Impul number plate bolts, and Impul carbon-printed silicon key fob sleeve. There’s also a 650/550 Hz Sports Horn which Impul claims to “offer a European tone similar to that of a Ferrari.” Like what you see?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Honda Civic Versatilist – Civic SUV, anyone?

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Jonathan Lee / 14 January 2019 12:06 pm / 13 comments

  

  As you all know by now, SUVs are all the rage these days, and every carmaker worth its salt is getting in on the fun. Honda itself has two strong-selling models in the segment – the B-segment HR-V and the larger, more practical CR-V. But what if you wanted something more, you know, car-like? The company’s accessories division, Access, may have something to say about that with the Honda Civic Versatilist concept.

  Presented at the Tokyo Auto Salon over the weekend, the Versatilist takes a standard Civic Hatchback and dresses it up with grey body cladding that makes it mildly reminiscent of the Subaru XV – a jacked-up Impreza in the same vein, let’s not forget. The cutouts in the wheel arch extensions, for example, are carbon copies of the ones you’ll find on the Pleiades-badged car.

  Also reminiscent of the XV is the way the front moulding reaches up into the redesigned bumper, which features large round fog lights and a wider centre air intake. The rear bumper has also been restyled and incorporates a slim central tailpipe instead of the usual pair of round exhaust exits.

  

  

  Capping it all off are 18-inch alloy wheels from the HR-V RS, a fin-shaped door appliqué and a matte grey finish on the grille garnish and door mirrors to match the rest of the car. Inside, you’ll find white part-leather, part-fabric upholstery that is not found in the standard palette and is pleasing to the eye.

  The Versatilist is a concept for now, but seeing as it’s been built by an in-house accessories maker, perhaps you might see a similar kit on dealer shelves in the future. Would you want to dress your Civic up like this? Sound off in the comments section after the jump.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Honda Civic Type R HKS FK380R – 380 PS!

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Matthew H Tong / 14 January 2019 10:20 am / 11 comments

  

  Among the dozens of modified FK8 Honda Civic Type R displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2019, this black unit by famous Japanese tuner HKS is easily one of the finest. There’s little in the way of aesthetic mods with this HKS FK380R. Instead, the tuning firm put emphasis on performance, and the FK380R features a multitude of mechanical upgrades.

  Much like its name, the HKS FK380R packs 380 PS and 510 Nm of torque from its K20C 2.0 litre VTEC turbo engine that originally made 320 PS and 400 Nm. According to the info board on display, the figure was achieved using the same factory-fitted turbine.

  For the 380 PS tune, HKS has fitted its Legamax Premium exhaust system, featuring one large exhaust exit which replace the standard asymmetrical trio. In the engine bay, there’s a new HKS carbon-fibre cold air intake system, a brand new Racing Suction system with a red open pod performance air filter, as well as a Super SQV4 blow-off valve.

  

  

  The ECU has been flashed, and cooling aids come in the form of a large intercooler kit with new oil coolant. Nothing on its transmission has been mentioned, so it’s likely that the standard six-speed manual (with LSD) has been left untouched.

  With more power delivered to the front wheels, it only makes sense to upgrade the brakes as well. For this, HKS fitted new front rotors and calipers by Endless, whereas the rear simply gets Endless brake pads.

  For suspension, the stock units have been replaced by HKS Hipermax IV SP, and the fitment of Suspension Error Canceller SEC Type H help negate electronic issues relating to the Civic Type R’s original adaptive suspension. A set of 18-inch forged Advan Racing RS DF wrapped with Yokohama Advan AD52 (265/35R18) rubbers complete the Stage 1 package.

  

  

  If having 380 PS and 510 Nm is not enough to keep you sated, well, HKS is also working on a 430 PS Stage 2 version, as well as a mind-numbing 600 PS Stage 3 kit. The former sports a new Sport Turbine kit – currently in development – to go with a new racing muffler and ECU reflash.

  The Stage 3 mod comprise of a completely reworked turbine kit, ECU reflash, additional injector controller kit, and upgraded pistons and connecting rods. Apparently, the transmission will also be beefed up, possibly by way of a high-performance clutch. So, FK8R owners, how do you like this?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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• TAS 2019: Toyota Mark X GRMN returns – 318 PS 3.5L NA V6, six-speed manual, limited to 350 units

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Jonathan Lee / 14 January 2019 10:18 am / 10 comments

  

  Four years ago, Toyota introduced a performance version of its Mark X sedan, called the GRMN. Short for Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring, it paired a 3.5 litre naturally-aspirated V6 with a six-speed manual gearbox – the only variant to do so – and rear-wheel drive, and as it was limited to just 100 units in its home market of Japan, it sold out pretty quickly.

  Those of you who missed out on the initial run, fret not, as the Mark X GRMN is back. There’s a larger allocation this time around, but with just 350 units available, you’ll still have to act fast to snag one. The recipe remains largely the same, so the 2GR-FSE direct-injected mill continues to churn out the same 318 PS at 6,400 rpm and 380 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm – figures that are identical to the standard Mark X.

  

  The row-your-own ‘box is still unique to the GRMN, and what’s more, the company has retuned the engine and transmission and revised the gearing of the Torsen limited-slip rear differential for a more pleasurable shifting experience. The body has also been strengthened with 252 extra spot welds, which were performed at the Motomachi plant that has also built the Lexus LFA and LC sports cars.

  To take full advantage of this, the GRMN gets a revamped electric power steering system, new dampers and revised suspension tuning. All this is wrapped in a more aggressive exterior, dominated by a massive front grille that will get those in front to move out of the way when they see this thing in their rear-view mirror.

  

  

  You’ll also get a small bootlid spoiler, quad exhaust pipes, gloss black door mirrors and handles and dark chrome highlights at the front and rear, while the gorgeous 19-inch forged BBS alloy wheels hide larger brake discs that measure 18 inches at the front, clamped by silver GR-branded four-piston callipers. An optional carbon fibre roof shaves 10 kg off the cars weight.

  Inside, there are bucket seats wrapped in Ultrasuede upholstery, a smaller three-spoke steering wheel, a redesigned instrument cluster and fake carbon fibre trim, not to mention the three aluminium pedals. Want to snag one of the 350 units? You’ll have to prepare to fork out 5.13 million yen (RM194,200) for one, plus another 270,000 yen (RM10,200) for the carbon roof.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

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