Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 – Hachiroku revival

Great looking, affordable (unless you live in Singapore), and from what we’ve heard and read, a riot of a drive, the latest GR86 has become the go-to choice for young (and young at heart) drivers worldwide. Naturally, with such widespread acclaim, a plethora of aftermarket options have surfaced for this platform, giving owners the opportunity…

Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 – The Toyotas of TAS

As one of the largest car companies globally, Toyota’s influence is undeniable, and this prominence undoubtedly translates into a substantial presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon. From the manufacturer’s own booth to numerous aftermarket companies, you would be hard-pressed not to encounter a car from Aichi, showcasing the brand’s diverse and impactful contributions to the…

Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 – NATS it that’s it!

Although the DAMD Jimnys were among the most intriguing and visually appealing customs at TAS, if you’re seeking something genuinely wild, direct your attention to the booth featuring cars from NATS, also known as the Nihon Automotive Technology School. Each year, graduating students showcase their final year projects at the Auto Salon, and truth be…

Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 – The TOM’s Effect

Chances are, if you’re a fan of the earlier Gran Turismo games, you’d recognise this car rather well. The TRD 3000GT Supra, immortalized in the digital realm, is now making a real-world comeback courtesy of TOM’s, the Japanese tuning outfit with 50 years of expertise. In a nod to the past and an eye on…

Tokyo Auto Otaku 2023 – The other JDMs of TAS2023

I know, I know, it’s been months since TAS2023 ended! But with work and other comitments piling up, I’ve been hving much less time to sit down and update my blogs. Nevertheless, here’s a continuation of my short truncated sojurn through the halls of Makuhari Messe. Having given you a quick look at the fancy…

Tokyo Auto Otaku 2023 – Highlights of TAS2023: Supra so good

While the new 86 and Z hogged most of the limelight at this year’s event, there was still quite a lot of attention paid to Toyota’s Supra. And why not? With Toyota still actively developing and tweaking the car throughout its production cycle, we’ve yet to see the true potential of this new platform, and…

Tokyo Auto Otaku 2023 – Highlights of TAS2023: GR Hachiroku Love

Every year at TAS, you’d usually be able to suss out the general ‘theme” of the year because there would usually be a specific car model that’ll feature quite prominently on the show floor. A car that would receive not just plenty of appreciation from the general public, but also be welcomed with open arms…

Tokyo Auto Otaku 2023 – Highlights of TAS2023: Rocky Auto’s “Shihomi Hosoya” Toyota 2000GT 311 S Reproduction

The year was 1966, while it has been a year after Toyota had unveiled their 2000GT at the Tokyo Auto Show, production of what many consider to be Japan’s first-ever supercar had yet to begin, but Toyota had grander plans for their beautiful coupe. They wanted to go racing. While it might seem simple enough,…

Tokyo Auto Otaku 2023 – Highlights of TAS2023: Toyota’s new Prius and Crown

Another big (yet pleasant) highlight for me this year at TAS was just seeing Toyota’s brand-new Prius in person. I’m pretty sure many have already seen pictures of it online but nothing beats taking in the entire car’s aesthetics in person. It is a really beautifully styled car and were it to wear a badge…

Tokyo Auto Otaku 2023 – Highlights of TAS2023: The “ECO” AE86s

One of the biggest surprises at TAS (for me at least) was Toyota’s unveiling of two AE86s  by Akio Toyoda, a Levin and a Trueno. Both not only lovingly restored by Gazoo Racing but also retrofitted with a much more modern powertrain. The Levin, going full electric with an electric drive unit from their Tundra…