Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023

• Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023 – Active New Full Carbon R, Top Secret GT-R, GReddy Stance RZ34 and more

  In Cars, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 10 June 2023 7:32 pm / 3 comments

  

  The first-ever Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 (TASKL 2023) is currently ongoing at MITEC (Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre) until this Sunday, and on display are selection of specially modified cars that were brought in from Japan specifically for the show.

  The line-up includes the Active New Full Carbon R, which is a widebody R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R featuring body panels made from carbon-fibre as well as an engine that makes 1,000 hp. It is joined by other Japanese cars like the HKS Driving Performer GR86 Type R, HKS GR Supra Aero, MARS1 (based on a Toyota RAV4), Kuhl Racing-modified Subaru Levorg and Sphere Racing Orochi (remember Mitsuoka?).

  

  

  

  

  There’s also the GReddy Stance RZ34, which started out as the all-new Nissan Z, but was worked on by Trust to feature a distinctive Pandem Rocket Bunny widebody kit designed by Kei Miura from Tra Kyoto. It also packs numerous mechanical upgrades for more power and an aggressive stance. Lest we forget, the iconic pairing of Honda and Spoon that resulted in a very race-ready NSX.

  Cars from Western brands are also present at TASKL 2023, with Forte exhibiting its widebody C7 Chevrolet Corvette, while other American models are Rohan Izawa Art Design’s Ford Mustang and Rinei’s Jeep Wrangler.

  

  

  

  

  Another unique creation is the Ravage A110 by Cars Hatano that sports bespoke wheels created in collaboration with OZ, while carbon-fibre panels are installed at the front and rear of the car. A new air intake system also makes its way into the car, along with a red and blue interior that has carbon-fibre bucket seats.

  Aside from the show cars brought in from Japan, the show also has plenty of local displays, including tricked-out vans and MPVs – no vehicle is unmodifiable. There’s still time to check out TASKL 2023 if you haven’t already, as the show’s last day is tomorrow until 10pm.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Active New Full Carbon R

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: Modified vans and MPVs at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

   

  3 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Nissan Skyline GT-R J-Tune – special Nismo-restored R34 for Tunku Panglima Johor; only one of its kind

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan / By Gerard Lye / 9 June 2023 6:01 pm / 6 comments

  

  V-Spec, M-Spec, Z-Tune. These are famous variants of the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R that exist, some of which are quite rare. However, the J-Tune you see here is exceptionally special because only one exists and it was made for one person: His Highness Tunku Abdul Rahman Hassanal Jefri ibni Sultan Ibrahim (also known as Prince Jefri Ibrahim), a member of the Johor royal family.

  The J-Tune is the first car to come out of the Nismo Restored Car programme and was created at Nismo’s Omori factory in Yokohama. Through the programme, customers can send their car in to be restored to factory condition or enhanced according to their requirements.

  This car followed the latter path and was stripped down before being rebuilt from the ground up. The car’s chassis was reinforced, while certain body panels like the bonnet, rear diffuser and fenders were made from carbon-fibre and specially painted.

  

  The front bumper is unique as it has a J-Tune engraving on the base of the registration plate, and the car is painted white with a red accent strip around the lower body. You’ll also notice the J-Tune graphics that help make the car even more identifiable.

  Approximately 3,900 parts were also carefully selected and restored before they are installed in the car, including all exterior and interior trims, the infotainment system, gauges and upholstery. Certain parts are more unique than others like the gear knob, safety harness and bucket seats with J-Tune branding.

  Meanwhile, the RB26DETT 2.6 litre turbocharged straight-six engine is bored up to 2.8 litres, but it isn’t mentioned how much power it makes – it’s claimed to have the highest power tuning offered by Nismo. A special plaque on the engine cover identifies the engine as specially built and tuned for the use of Prince Jefri Ibrahim.

  

  

  

  With the rest of the powertrain assembled, the car is placed on a static dyno to validate its performance, with a test drive also carried out by professional drivers to ensure it drives well on the road. Those BBS RI-D wheels are painted in a bespoke colour and behind them are carbon ceramic brake rotors.

  The J-Tune is currently on display at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023, which is ongoing from now until Sunday at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Head on over to see this one-of-a-kind Skyline in person.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  6 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Initial D replica cars on display at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 – Panda Trueno, RedSuns RX-7s

  In Cars, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 9 June 2023 5:03 pm / 7 comments

  

  If you’re a big fan of Initial D, you’ll want to check out this line-up of replica cars inspired by the manga and anime series that is currently on display at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023.

  For many enthusiasts, the popular franchise served as a gateway to the world of iconic JDM cars. With each race, we’re introduced to a new opponent and car that Takumi Fujiwara must beat in a race while driving his trusty Panda Trueno.

  That hero car in its signature black and white colour scheme is joined on the show floor by many other memorable cars like the Mazda RX-7’s of the Akagi RedSuns, various Honda Civics, Nissan GT-Rs and more.

  

  There’s also a handy list of characters and the cars they drive in Initial D that you can refer to in case your memory of the franchise has gotten a little rusty over the years.

  You’ve seen the cars in the manga and watched them move in the anime. Now see them in real life at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023, which is currently ongoing at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from June 9-11.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  7 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia at Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023 – wild Triton ‘Predator’ and modded Xpander

  In Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi / By Danny Tan / 9 June 2023 4:39 pm / 0 comment

  

  Apart from ETCM and its Nissan one-off showcars, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is the other OEM to participate in the inaugural Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023, which opens to the public today at MITEC.

  You’ll have find your Evos elsewhere (there are a few nice ones here, including an Evo VI Tommi Makinen at the Initial D replica section), but MMM’s booth has some cool machinery too – there are four showcars, two by the company and two more from passionate customers.

  We’ll start with MMM’s cars, because you’ve probably seen them before. The rally-style Triton is a replica of the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) winning machine, which we’ve covered in great detail here. The liveried Xpander is a replica of the Xpander AP4 rally car commissioned by Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia and built by Team Ralliart New Zealand to AP4 specs. See more of it here.

  

  

  

  

  What’s cooler are the customer cars, which prove that there’s no dream that’s too wild to turn into reality. Seriously. Check out the pics and video of the Triton ‘Predator’ by Hisham Nong, a fried chicken vendor and Predator cosplayer from Penang. It’s an unusual backstory to a very unique machine – this beast has horns! Xpander owners, check out one of your own, this black example that’s very rich in carbon.

  Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023 visitors can test drive the Triton and Xpander (not the showcars, of course!) and take home Mitsubishi merchandise. Do so and you’ll be entered in a lucky draw where five winners will get a Touch n Go reload pin worth RM300.

  GALLERY: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia at Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Nissan Almera, Leaf, Serena and X-Trail Tokyo Auto Salon KL Edition – one-off dressed-up cars for sale

  In Cars, Local News, Nissan / By Danny Tan / 9 June 2023 1:45 pm / 8 comments

  

  ETCM is one of two official car brand distributors present at the Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023 event that opens to the public today, and the Nissan representative is not just selling Nismo and Impul official merchandise – there are dressed-up cars here, and you can even buy them.

  There are four cars at MITEC – the Almera, Leaf, Serena and X-Trail – are all are badged “Tokyo Auto Salon KL Edition”. ETCM having a booth here and displaying cars is already a surprise, and we were shocked to hear that these are all one-offs, and they’re for sale.

  The “Shinjuku-style” Almera TAS KL Edition is the eye-catching one here, as the B-segment sedan is already a sharp and sporty design to begin with. The TAS KL Edition wears a smart “Nardo Grey” style paintjob (ETCM calls it Storm Grey) with a black roof. The two-tone job is matched with a set of 17-inch Nismo wheels that are also two-tone, wrapped with 215/45 Goodyear rubber.

  

  

  The alloys really improve the looks of the N18 Almera, which rolls on 16-inch rims for the entire range, so this is a fresh look. It looks good, perfectly matching the Tomei Aero Package that consists of a front bumper spoiler, side skirts and rear bumper spoilers. Also included is the Tomei GT Wing, which is an option for the stock cars. The stance is good even without lowered suspension, which is very uncommon.

  The boot spoiler and front grille are in gloss black to match the roof, and there are small “TAS KL Edition” stickers on the front wings and boot. Inside, the Almera TAS KL Edition gets black Nappa leather seats with red stitching, plus black leatherette on the dashboard with red stitching. Finally, there are “Tango” door handle protectors. Yours for RM105,888, which is exactly RM10k more than the stock VLT top variant. What do you think?

  There’s a Nissan Leaf TAS KL Edition next to the Almera, and the “Akihabara-style” EV also comes in a grey-black two-tone scheme, with the addition of red highlights on the front lip and side skirts. The facelifted Leaf doesn’t come with a bodykit though (despite looking very Nismo), but the TAS KL stickers and door handle protectors are present. The one-off is selling for RM168,888, which is the same price as a regular unit.

  

  

  

  

  The “Ginza-Style” Nissan Serena TAS KL Edition is based on the highest spec Premium Highway Star version of the facelifted C27, launched in July 2022. The showcar sports a silver-black two-tone paintjob, an Impul bodykit, 18-inch Impul wheels (with 225/40 tyres), an Impul logo and TAS Edition stickers.

  The MPV’s interior comes in two-tone burgundy-black combination Nappa leather and there are also door handle protectors. This one-off showcar is going for RM172,888, which is a RM10k premium.

  Finally, the “Roppongi-Style” Nissan X-Trail TAS KL Edition comes in the same black-silver theme, a Tomei aerokit, gloss black front grille, roof spoiler, 18-inch Nismo LMX6 alloys with 235/55 tyres, maroon Nappa leather seats, maroon leatherette dashboard and knee pads, plus the TAS KL stickers and door handle protectors. Yours for RM161,888.

  What do you think of ETCM’s Tokyo Auto Salon KL 2023 Edition cars? Sure, there are no performance upgrades but the cars look very well executed to me, especially the Almera, and the parts used are from top Nissan tuners such as Impul, Tomei and Nismo. One-of-one bragging rights too.

  GALLERY: Nissan Tokyo Auto Salon KL Edition cars

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  8 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 launched – June 9-11 at MITEC; Top Secret, HKS among tuners coming

  In Local News / By Anthony Lim / 22 March 2023 12:24 pm / 1 comment

  

  Back in January, it was announced that the Tokyo Auto Salon was coming to town in the form of Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TASKL) 2023, with the Malaysian edition of the annual Japanese tuning and modification show set to take place this June 9-11 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.

  Now, the event has been officially launched, with event organisers Muse Group Asia and Element X Strategies, along with TAS intellectual property owner San Ei Corporation, also announcing updates on the show during the launching ceremony.

  The show, a satellite event modeled identically after TAS, will cover a total floor space of 130,000 sq ft and is expected to draw 150,000 visitors from within Malaysian and the ASEAN region. More than 50% of the floor space has already been filled, and exhibitors already confirmed for the show include Red Springs, which will curate the 4×4 exhibits, Hot Wheels, EMMA Malaysia and Soon Soon Garage. Regional auto players joining the event include Option 4 Wheel from Thailand and Adtory-Minshing Automotives from China.

  

  

  

  That’s not all. A number of tier-1 exhibitors and Japanese tuners, including the likes of Top Secret, Spoon, HKS and GReddy, will also be present at the show, showcasing a fleet of specially-imported show-stopping cars from Japan. To add to the allure, TASKL will also feature a beautiful line-up of race queens from Japan, and there will also be a number of performances and workshops specially curated for the show.

  “We are confident that the robust interest from motor enthusiasts and automotive brands alike will welcome the Tokyo Auto Salon coming to the shores of Malaysia. We believe this event can become the spark in re-invigorating the aftermarket industry, which has faced numerous challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now on the road towards recovery, and look forward to hosting a show every bit worthy of the Tokyo Auto Salon prestige,” said Muse Group Asia CEO Riduwan Matni.

  Also present at the launch Junichi Fukui, the director-general of the Tokyo Auto Salon Federation, who said that the intention of bringing TAS outside of Japan was to garner greater exposure for its members and to tap into new and emerging markets.

  

  

  

  “The Kuala Lumpur show will bring a more international flair with the display of locally-modified vehicles and exhibits featuring Malaysian and ASEAN-engineered accessories and performance parts as well as services. The show’s greater objective is to create a vibrant and viable platform for our members and potential regional manufacturers to engage in business,” he said.

  Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 will be held on June 9-11 at MITEC. Tickets are priced at RM60 and RM28 per day for adults and children respectively, but during the early bird ticket sales period (March 18-30) will enjoy a 30% discount, making them RM40 and RM18 per day for adults and children.

  Early bird ticket buyers will also be in the running for a lucky draw to win two pairs of an all-expense paid trip to the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan in 2024. Tickets are available online until the day of show from the official website.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 announced – first time in Malaysia; happening from June 9-11

  In Cars, Local News / By Anthony Lim / 16 January 2023 10:30 am / 9 comments

  

  If you’re a fan of the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS), you can look forward to sampling some of the buzz later this year without leaving the country. Malaysia will be getting its edition of the annual tuning and modification show later this year, with Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 set to take place this June 9-11 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.

  The announcement of the show was made following the signing ceremony between San Ei Corporation and event organiser MUSE Group in Tokyo ahead of the 2023 edition of the show.

  “We are delighted to secure the exclusive license to the Tokyo Auto Salon and it is an honour to be shortlisted by San Ei Corporation, the owner of the Tokyo Auto Salon intellectual property, to be their partner outside Japan. Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur will be the only licensed franchise directly under the brand in the world. The event will lend a helping hand in re-invigorating the aftermarket industry, hard hit by the pandemic,” said Riduwan Matni, the CEO of MUSE Group.

  

  MUSE previously organised the Tokyo Auto Salon Singapore in 2013 ,which attracted over 70,000 visitors to the event. The company said that visitors to the KL show can expect to see unique cars on display as well as the presence of Japanese race queens, a common sight at TAS over the years. The company is expecting over 150,000 visitors to attend the inaugural event.

  Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 will be held on June 9-11 at MITEC. Entrance fee is priced at RM40/day and tickets can be secured online, with ticket purchases made before the event day enjoying a 10% discount. The company said that ticketing details will be announced in due course.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  9 comments | Leave a comment?

   

Latest Fuel Prices