In only one week, all eyes will flip to the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, for the extremely anticipated 2025 version of the Tokyo Auto Salon.
Now in its forty third yr, TAS has develop into greater than only a cornerstone of the JDM tuning scene – it’s a world celebration of automotive tradition. We’ve attended yearly since Speedhunters’ inception in 2008, and this time isn’t any completely different, with an enormous staff on the bottom able to carry you the most effective, the surprising, and the downright outlandish. How will Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 stack up towards earlier exhibits? We’ll quickly discover out, however within the meantime, let’s wind the clock again 10 years to revisit Dino’s highlights from the 2015 occasion.
2015 Characteristic
The overall thought behind Tokyo Auto Salon is to bombard you with as a lot car-related goodness as potential – one thing the occasion does very nicely. It’s exactly what the Tokyo Auto Salon is all about; you wander like a child in a sweet retailer by way of corridor upon corridor, guided solely by the sight of one thing within the distance. You could spot a cool slammed VIP trip a number of cubicles up, however then you might be distracted by a brand new set of brakes that you’ll want to take a nearer take a look at.
On Saturday and Sunday, simply shifting across the halls of the Makuhari Messe can develop into a correct chore, such is the variety of people who go to TAS over the weekend. 2015 was an enormous success for the annual tuning present – the halls stuffed with report numbers of shows and nearly 310,000 guests by way of the doorways over the three-day occasion. Yep, modifying is far from lifeless in Japan.
So, let’s start our tour on the RAYS stand – one of many first locations I all the time cease off at to see what’s new for the yr. It’s the place I noticed this Mazda Atenza sitting on new Variance V.V.10M wheels from RAYS’ Versus line. The stance and show-orientated motion have pressured Japanese wheel producers to push themselves to remain on prime of present traits with new and progressive wheels, and these are a good instance of that.
Sitting in entrance of RAYS’ foremost show space was this new TE37 design. This 22-inch model of probably the most iconic Japanese aftermarket wheels is barely a prototype, however as you’ll be able to see, it boasts a brand new spoke design. If the wheel goes into manufacturing, it’s going to be aimed on the SUV market, which suggests it’s going to certainly discover its method onto some large luxurious sedans, too.
The VIP motion, nicely, retains shifting! There have been fairly a number of candy sedans to feast one’s eyes on, however this outdated Cima from Skilled stood out to me.
Some take issues to the intense, and wild widebody kits and complex designs have gotten fairly the norm, as this insane Crown Athlete exhibits.
The brand new Infiniti Q50 – or Nissan Skyline because it’s known as in Japan – will little doubt develop into a preferred base for VIP guys to go loopy on, however its underlying sports activities credentials put a pleasant twist on issues. That’s why I assumed Biltz’s interpretation was spot on.
Blitz have even launched their brake kits, which can quickly be launched in Japan.
It is a firm that’s been making an attempt out some new advertising initiatives of late, like giving out suspension upgrades to clients and asking them to pay and maintain them provided that they like them. It’s a technique to get that tuning bug to return, and it must be recommended, as individuals’s tastes have skewed a tad currently. Blitz additionally went to city on the brand new Daihatsu Copen, dressing their demo machine up with a set of Enkei mesh wheels and a few R35-inspired aero remedy. After all, being from Blitz, there are some efficiency mods within the combine, too.
And whereas we’re with reference to Copens, take a look at this little choice! Daihatsu known as in a bunch of tuners and requested them to provide you with their very own modified interpretations of this new-gen kei machine. As soon as Honda hits again with the S660, will probably be attention-grabbing to see if there’s a wave of latest kei sportscars like we had again within the early ’90s. My favourite? It has to be the HKS time assault Copen within the backside proper nook.
Like a number of different aero specialists on the market, Varis was fast to leap on the Lexus RC F now that it’s been launched in Japan. Given the time constraints, they solely managed to provide you with a carbon lip spoiler, aspect skirts, and a rear remedy for the brand new efficiency coupe, however I’m certain we’ll see some wilder designs from Varis emerge over the approaching yr.
And speaking of Varis, that they had a collaborative undertaking on show on the Bridgestone sales space. Amongst a number of modifications, the Toyota 86 featured Varis’s widebody aero equipment and was sitting on a set of Prodrive wheels, which, after all, are manufactured by the Bridgestone group. Pink on pink? Do like!
I spent some time taking a look at this Subaru Levorg on HKS’s stand. It’s such a pretty-looking compact wagon, and it will have had a lot potential had it not been ruined by solely being accessible with a CVT transmission. HKS has tried to benefit from the automotive by creating some adjustable dampers, a full exhaust system, and a few digital upgrades to extract just a little extra energy from the 300hp FA20 turbo motor below the hood.
Nevertheless, it was this that I couldn’t maintain my eyes off. Yep, HKS has up to date the V Cam system for the RB26 and is now even launching a Step 0 2.8L stroker equipment for a similar engine. Seeing a tuning powerhouse like this going again and creating new upgrades for these outdated engines is so inspiring. Massive thumbs as much as HKS, and let’s hope extra efficiency components makers observe go well with.
We’ve seen this factor earlier than on the SEMA Present, however I assumed I’d take a number of extra snaps of the one-make race automotive that Mazda plans to launch as soon as the manufacturing mannequin goes on sale. Hurry up, Mazda, we wish to drive these cool little automobiles.
As all the time, Kansai Service had its large sales space proper in entrance of Yokohama and Nissan, and within the center of all of it was a new-gen Impreza STI. This automotive is certain to be on the epicenter of the tuning scene for the foreseeable future now that Mitsubishi is killing off the Evo.
Phoenix’s Energy, too, had their interpretation. Blue on blue? Hell sure! Will probably be attention-grabbing to see what sort of numbers all these retailers will be capable to extract from the mannequin’s 2.0L turbo boxer engine.
Name it an evolution in tuning, however Studie – the most important BMW specialist in Japan – goes to be creating some updates for the i8. Their demo automotive was already sitting on a contemporary new set of BBS wheels centerstage on the Advan sales space.
Wheels, wheels, wheels! There are such a lot of new wheel producers popping up yearly, however it’s the large names within the trade that proceed to garner a lot of the consideration – very like Yokohama and their cool number of demo automobiles, which included the Destino 500 and Studie M235i.
And now for what might nicely have been probably the most thrilling automotive of TAS this yr. Seems to be apart, there’s little left from the Suzuki Jimny it’s primarily based on.
Pop on over to the opposite aspect of the wall and all is revealed. Beneath the detachable physique resides a tubular body tied into components of the unique Jimny chassis. It’s all been constructed to point out off the assorted components that Kinokuni manufactures – like fittings and braided traces – however the coolest factor sits up entrance: an SR20DET. As soon as this enjoyable little undertaking is completed will probably be the freshest drift machine in Japan.
After years of bringing you protection from the Tokyo Auto Salon we are able to lastly say that we have been there too – formally. 2015 noticed Speedhunters arrange its very first sales space on the present, which was a very proud second for us.
We’d like to increase an enormous because of everybody that stopped by to select up a few of our merchandise or simply to say whats up to Larry and myself. It was very humbling and we’re actually grateful for all of the help.
How about this for a college undertaking? I’m certain than many individuals walked proper by this Prius, not realising that beneath the physique was a rear-wheel drive drag machine. But when the large drag radials on the again didn’t give the sport away, what powers this factor was definitely certain to.
Yep, there isn’t a lot hybrid/eco stuff occurring right here… I actually hope that the college students who constructed this acquired prime honours for his or her efforts.
We’re all accustomed to the wild ER34 Nissan Skyline sedan interpretations that Nomuken over at URAS comes up with, however this yr he thought he’d change issues up just a little and apply some contemporary considering to the JZX100 Toyota Mark II. I’ve to say, I’m actually liking this fashion.
326 Energy is continually developing with a few of Japan’s most groundbreaking stance automobiles. Perhaps it’s the Hiroshima fashion that does it – I don’t fairly know – however just like the Lexus RC within the opening picture of this submit, their automobiles simply seize your consideration immediately. Haters are going to hate I’m certain – particularly with the quantity of onikyan they run on most of their builds – however that is one aspect of JDM automotive tradition that isn’t going away any time quickly.
It’s actually cool seeing an increasing number of international manufacturers getting into the Japanese market. KW is considered one of them, and together with their ST line, they’re providing a full vary of excessive efficiency suspension options – from avenue to race.
And after getting the dealing with and appears of your automotive sorted, the subsequent factor is all the time making it sound higher.
Try this Akrapovič titanium exhaust for the F82. It’s a pity you’ll be able to’t see it in all its magnificence as soon as it’s fitted to the automotive.
After three years of world domination, Miura-san at Rocket Bunny determined to take just a little break for TAS this yr. After all, slowing down for Miura implies that he solely needed to construct a number of automobiles for the present – considered one of them being a brand new each day driver. It’s so good to see his NSX equipment offered in such a easy method with no graphics and no sponsor stickers – simply his design and a few sweet pink paint to finish all of it. What do you guys assume?
Let’s speak about components for a second. For me, TAS has all the time been concerning the performance-making {hardware}, however the newest pattern of aero and aesthetic mods has diluted this down a bit. That stated, I all the time make a degree of testing what’s going to hit the market within the coming yr, and one thing that basically made me salivate was on show on the Countless sales space.
Countless was the primary brake producer to develop and promote an aftermarket monoblock 6-pot calliper, and now they’ve adopted that up with a carbon disc choice to associate with it. Particulars are nonetheless skinny on the bottom, however this was simply probably the most thrilling new merchandise to be proven at TAS this yr. Good on you, Countless!
Roberuta specialises in air cups to elevate up the noses of pricy supercars, however as normal it was their line up of demo equipment that grabbed everybody’s consideration. I doubt anybody even observed their merchandise on show, as a result of I personally misplaced it on the F40 and don’t keep in mind a lot after that.
I’ve touched on brakes and suspension, and now I wish to speak about lights. The sunshine tuning pattern seems to be removed from over, with firms like Valenti persevering with to develop their catalogue with LED and complicated head and taillight replacements.
Try the brand new Do-Luck R35 taillights with a twin ring look. The long-lasting afterburners redefined?
Automotive Store Glow have been additionally exhibiting off some cool taillights on their time assault FD3S RX-7.
And these are one other set they made for Prime Gas, by far the best LED lights I noticed on the present. Now, will somebody please step up and make one thing cool and trendy for the R32, R33 and R34? Please, fairly please? Valenti? Anybody?
With a easy white theme, Lexus’s sales space was as soon as once more each elegant and minimalistic. This time, nonetheless, there have been headphones hanging down from the ceiling, which you would placed on and hear what the Tremendous GT Lexus RC F racec ar seems like. Very cool.
Increase Craft and 029 Motoring had the craziest and most Japanese-like sales space of all of them I assumed, despite the fact that each automotive on show was Italian. These kits have been all designed by Morohoshi, the man that has singlehandedly redefined what Lamborghini tuning tradition in Japan is all about. You both prefer it, otherwise you don’t – easy as that.
Impulse is a store that I’ve all the time wished to go to. The method they tune and construct AE86s utilizing ample quantities of carbon fiber is kind of distinctive, and their latest launch of latest overfenders actually offers the outdated Hachiroku some modern fashion.
They clearly know what they’re doing with regards to creating in carbon finer, however that is simply exhibiting off! In a great way after all…
It was certain to occur ultimately, and M&M Racing has lastly given the Honda S2000 the works look with a set of fairly wild overfenders. The automotive is constructed for quick street driving and touge motion, so whereas it sits low, it doesn’t have exaggerated damaging camber. A superb execution.
Extra overfenders? Yep, this time from Obayashi Manufacturing unit who took a Nissan Leaf and did unthinkable issues to it. I just like the outcome although, and in an odd method it truly jogs my memory of Toshi’s RWB Tough Rhythm 993.
To have a good time their tenth yr anniversary, Lexon Unique put collectively this wild Lexus IS F working elegant overfenders and slammed down on a set of Work wheels. The execution, alternative of shade and that wild wing actually did it for me. As soon as this automotive is totally full I’ll undoubtedly be heading to their store to take a nearer take a look at it.
Now, we typically don’t actually present too many SUVs or off roaders on Speedhunters, however this factor was too cool to move up. J&L went loopy on this Defender with overfenders and a ton of different customized physique additions, after which completed it off with a totally leather-trimmed inside. It may not be efficiency associated, however this may be such a cool truck to trailer your race automotive to the monitor with.
The variety of imported luxurious and efficiency automobiles proceed to develop at TAS yearly, and within the Euro-styling realm Wald is all the time probably the most talked about exhibitors. This time round they selected to showcase the brand new Maserati Ghibli and their elegant sequence of aesthetic additions for it. I do just like the matte black end, even when it’s a little 2009.
Vans and SUVs are by no means forgotten at TAS and M’z Pace had issues nicely coated with this massive show of modified household haulers.
In my thoughts, Honda Odyssey headlights on a S13 Nissan Silvia make for among the best facelift conversions. The models fitted to this Massive Run S13 have been even working IPF projectors.
The Kyushu Danji BNR34 has modified loads since I noticed it final at Battle Evome. Its debut on the Yokohama World Time Assault Problem in 2014 was a profitable one, and their collaborative effort with Voltex has geared up the Nissan with a few of the wildest aero additions we’ve ever seen on a san-yon!
Now, these are canards! I actually hope we’ll see it again at Tsukuba for the remaining two Evome rounds. Perhaps Underneath Suzuki will handle to repair his engine earlier than then too.
Do you keep in mind the TRD Griffon we featured two years in the past? Nicely, that is the results of that growth program – Toyota Racing Growth’s road-going model, which can be accessible to buy in Japan from March. These fenders actually are to die for.
Toyota and its tuning and aftermarket manufacturers are on hearth proper now. They’ve provide you with some actually cool automobiles, considered one of them being the just lately launched G’s Mark X, which options numerous efficiency and styling upgrades over the usual sedan.
After all, Tokyo Auto Salon is as a lot concerning the automobiles as it’s about marketing campaign fashions. However for some, it’s solely concerning the fashions.
Hidden behind all the ‘present’ automobiles at TAS, you’ll discover the smaller retailers which might be nonetheless on the market catering to people who have that unstoppable habit with energy. TM Works is a kind of locations.
They maintain pushing the envelope of engine tuning and making full use of what’s on the market. And like I discussed and confirmed you earlier, it’s cool to see that there are such a lot of components makers supporting all of it – particularly for these automobiles that at the moment are classed as older, and in some circumstances basic machines.
I’m fairly certain I don’t must spell it out, however KRC Japan continues to have probably the most ‘on the market’ kits for the FD3S. The Osaka firm designs the whole lot from furnishings to garments and equipment, and now they’ve even began to customize the Toyota Prius. TAS actually has one thing for everybody.
Together with the Dodge Challenger and Porsche 997 we noticed in the TAS preview submit, Liberty Stroll had their normal big sales space crammed up with slammed and widened supercars. After all, it additionally included their ever-expanding line of children automobiles which might be given the identical aesthetic remedy.
Do any of you guys keep in mind the new model of the Suzuki Alto from again within the ’90s? Nicely, it’s again with a vengeance with this Turbo RS model primarily based on the all-new automotive. It’s solely an idea proper now, however Suzuki can be loopy to not make this a actuality.
The blokes at STI have definitely been busy. On prime of the Blitzen Legacy we noticed being forklifted into the present in my preview submit, that they had Toshi Arai’s model new rally automotive primarily based off the 2015 Impreza platform on show.
However the hottest machine on their stand was definitely the 2015 Nürburgring 24 Hour Race Impreza. When in comparison with the automobiles that STI has run on the grueling endurance race prior to now (and efficiently might I add), they’ve actually stepped their recreation up with this one – particularly so on the aero aspect of issues.
In addition to the large entrance splitter, canards and underbody aero additions, the rear will get these squared-off fenders and possibly the most important wing ever employed on an Impreza.
All in all, I’d say that 2015 is shaping as much as be an thrilling and attention-grabbing yr within the JDM world.
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Dino Dalle Carbonare
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dino@speedhunters.com