PASMAG - Tuning Essential - JDM Special Edition 1

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AD INDEX E D I T I O N

2Crave MACH ---------------------------------- 49

K&N Engineering - JRP -------------------------- 9

ACT - Options Auto Salon ---------------------- 10

Lumens High Performance Lighting ----------- 37

AEM Electronics - Option Auto Salon ----------- 11

McGard ----------------------------------------- 6

Arc Audio Inc ----------------------------------- 33

Motul Canada - SpecLube --------------------- 29

ARP - Turn 14 Distribution -- -------------------- 99

Neo Motorsport America Inc. ------------------- 5

Audiopipe -------------------------------------- 50

Niche Road Wheels -------------------------- 4, 45

Auto Meter - PRO-MOTION Distributing -------- 18

ORACLE Lighting INC --------------------------- 25

Dynamat ---------------------------------------- 13

Orion High Performance Car Audio ------------- 15

Energy Suspension ----------------------------- 43

OSRAM SYLVANIA LTD. ------------------------- 19

EXEDY Globalparts Corporation ----------------- 2

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. ---------------- 100

Focal - ORCA Design

Spec Inc ----------------------------------------- 41

& Manufacturing Corp. ----------------------- 35

Stoptech - Option Auto Salon ------------------ 81

Formula Drift ------------------------------------ 91

TEIN - Turn 14 Distribution ---------------------- 27

Garrett by Honeywell ---------------------------- 3

TEIN U.S.A. --------------------------------------39

HKS - Motovicity ------------------------------- 23

TSW Wheels ----------------------------------- 98

HSD Suspension - JRP --------------------------- 7

Vortech Engineering, Inc. ------------------------ 21

Illusion Audio -- --------------------------------- 47

Whiteline US ------------------------------------ 51

Injen Technology - Option Auto Salon ---------- 17

Wilwood Engineering --------------------------- 31 P A S M A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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YOU’RE READING THE WRONG WAY!

止まれ STOP We’re aiming to make PASMAG’s Japan Special Edition as legitimate as possible, and in our efforts we thought, “Hey, why not run it backwards?” Sorry to our printer, who probably wants to strangle us.

THIS ISSUE OF PASMAG WILL READ JUST LIKE YOUR JAPANESE SHOP MANUALS, PRODUCT GUIDES AND MANGA

Stop Page.indd 1

ONE

TWO

THREE

Start with the

The text will still

The pages,

cover and open the

be read left to right,

however, will be

book to the right.

don’t worry.

read right to left.

2015-05-13 11:59 AM

JULY2 0 1 5

W TH F S SU M T W TH F S SU M T W TH F S SU M T W TH F S SU M T W TH F

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

HELIX FINISHES: RED (SHOWN), MATTE BLACK, SILVER SIZES: 15X7, 15X8, 15X9

KONIGWHEELS.COM

JENNY CHU PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW HO & REY TRAJANO

LOCATION: LAS VEGAS, NV MEASUREMENTS: 32C-25-36 HEIGHT: 5'3" ETHNICITY: CHINESE/VIETNAMESE ZODIAC: LIBRA CAR: 2014 BMW 228i DREAM CAR: MCLAREN P1 GTR

WHAT DO YOU ORDER WHEN YOU GO OUT TO EAT? I love Asian food, especially Japanese. From sushi to ramen to izakaya, I just can’t get enough. The server always thinks I order too much, but somehow I always manage to eat it all.

HOW DO YOU KEEP IN SUCH EXCELLENT SHAPE? I have the worst eating habits ever! That’s why I try to work out every day. Some days I will binge eat and some days I rarely eat. I’d be lying if I said, “I balance my meals and exercise.” Definitely not the case.

WHAT DO YOU FIRST NOTICE ABOUT A GUY? I’m in love with guys that have beards. I don’t know what it is, but I literally just drool. If I yell at you to take your shirt off, take it as a compliment.

For Jenny Chu’s full interview, go to: pasmag.com/calendarmodels/jennychu officialiheartjennychu @iheartjennychu @iheartjennychu

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The Skyline import fees were pretty simple (2.5 percent to 3

All of these will vary depending on the auc-

percent of the determined value), and those fees are for people

tion broker’s fee schedule, import broker’s fee

who plan to buy the car, and bring it over themselves. If they buy

schedule, price paid for the vehicle, what port it

the car and are having it shipped, an import broker is required

ships from and to, if it clears customs in the free

at the border. The fees can vary, so here is a brief rundown of

port storage time and what ocean and inland

the costs associated with getting my Cosmo into the states:

shipping companies’ current rates cost. There are also small transaction fees when sending money

AUCTION BROKER FEE

INLAND JAPAN TRANSPORT

OCEAN SHIPPING FEE

to and from. My broker was paid in Japanese yen,

¥100,000 JPY (APPROX. $840 USD)

¥30,000 JPY (APPROX. $252 USD)

$1,200 USD

Budget about $5,000 above the car cost to get

so the total cost varies with the exchange rate.

it home with plates (this will vary based on the value of the car, as that’s what tax and import duty is calculated on).

IMPORT BROKER ENTRY FEES PLUS GOVERNMENT PAPERWORK FILING

$486.14 USD

DUTY (IMPORT TARIFF)

PORT UNLOADING

$196.86 USD

$100 USD

(ROUGHLY 3 PERCENT OF THE VALUE OF THE CAR)

Some states, such as California, do not use federal rules and, therefore, the car is not exempt regardless and it cannot be titled without modification to meet state guidelines.

Many enthusiasts want to put the best products they can into their engines. Most engines and parts

$1,300 USD (EXPEDITED TO AVOID PORT STORAGE FEES)

STATE TAX AND TITLE

can only be purchased overseas, but time is also

APPROX. $600 USD

premium synthetic lubricants will prevent internal

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wear and keep your import running for many more

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money. Making sure your vehicle is protected by

years to come.

That said, I’ve been very happy with my Eunos Cosmo, and it is running like a top after a few tweaks here and there! I was a bit nervous about the whole process at first, but obtaining my dream car was so important to me that I saw it through to the end. I encourage anyone to do the same because some dreams do come true.

P A S A

2015

FREE

INLAND U.S. TRANSPORT

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

PORT STORAGE 15 DAYS

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HOW TO IMPORT A JDM VEHICLE DREAMS DO COME TRUE Story by Ashley Barone Photography by Jeff Peabody & Derek Weldon

P A S M A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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T

Importing a car can

and EPA forms. It is best

be fairly easy if you can

to call ahead to the bor-

find a vehicle for sale in

der crossing you intend

Canada. This is some-

to bring the car across

There are two cars I have dreamed of owning: the

times a more cost effec-

to make sure they are

Nissan 300ZX and the Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R. This

tive way to import a ve-

aware of the process

dream came true in 2014 – the first year a U.S. citizen

hicle because Canadian

necessary to bring in

could legally import and register the R32 Skyline (as

import laws allow these

the vehicle legally.

my friend Jeff Peabody did), as well as other very

cars to be brought in 10

Many of the import-

sought after tuner platforms, like the Nissan Pulsar

years before the U.S.

ed vehicles will come

GTIR, Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 GT-Apex, Nissan

opened its border to di-

directly from Japan,

S13 Silvia and (my other dream car) Eunos Cosmo

rect imports of this kind.

however. Japanese auc-

20B. What do all of these vehicles have in common?

The correct paperwork

tion houses are popu-

They are all at least 25-years-old.

will be necessary in or-

lar and can be a way to

To federally legalize a car, the vehicle must be

der to cross the border,

get a good deal on your

25-years-old to the month or older. Imported ve-

which includes NHSTA

dream car.

hicles in the U.S. that are newer than 25 years are considered grey market vehicles, which means they are illegally titled and run the risk of being seized and crushed. Unfortunately, there is no way to legalize these cars because customs will not perform an entry declaration inspection with a U.S. title. There is a small list of vehicles that can be imported early for show or display purposes, but these vehicles are bound to certain regulations for the rest of its time in the U.S.

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The interior will be rated from A to F — "A" meaning pristine and "F"

Japanese broker. You can find them

meaning very bad. It is very rare that

through a standard Google search.

a 25-year-old car will be rated a 5

Most reviews online will direct you to

exterior or an A interior, but they are

a reputable broker. When choosing a

out there. Odometers are pretty trust-

broker to purchase a Eunos Cosmo,

worthy because a full car inspection

we chose one who had been initially

is required every two years and the

importing vehicles into Canada, but

mileage is recorded.

resided in Japan. He had seven years

The costs associated with buy-

of experience and good reviews from

ing that dream ride and bringing it

other customers. It is important you

home include broker’s fees involved

know who it is that you are working

in bidding, overland transport to the

with. If the fees sound too good to be

port, potential storage fees, ocean

true, they just might be, and there is

shipping fees and RoRo (roll on/roll

no shortage of horror stories from

off) or freight. There are also poten-

people receiving one in worse condi-

tial port fees if the vehicle does not

tion than described or, worse, not get-

clear customs, or is not picked up in

ting their vehicles at all. International

a timely manner.

litigation is neither cheap nor easy, so

Once your car has reached U.S.

don’t be afraid to ask for references

soil, there are also unloading fees

if you are not sure.

and customs broker fees, including

Once you have selected your bro-

inspection and federally legalizing.

ker, he or she will provide you access

The fees do not include titling the

to a list of the auction house cars,

vehicle in your home state. Depending

which circulate weekly. An auction

on your local DMV, the experience can

car’s exterior and working condition

range from simple to frustrating. The

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will be scored on a scale from 1 to

vehicle from Japan will not come with

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5 — "1" meaning very poor condition,

a “title,” but it will have an export cer-

"5" meaning excellent. You may also

tificate. This certificate is Japan’s way

come across "R," meaning accident

of closing out its file on the vehicle.

repaired, and "RA" meaning accident

Make sure your broker also sends you

repaired well.

a signed bill of sale in order to make things easier.

P A S

2015

A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

To federally legalize a car, the vehicle must be 25-years-old to the month or older. Imported vehicles in the U.S. that are newer than 25 years are considered grey market vehicles, which means they are illegally titled and run the risk of being seized and crushed.

To purchase from an auction house, you will want to acquire a

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THE REAL JDM, WITH BEN SCHAFFER OF BULLETPROOF AUTOMOTIVE

JAPANAMERICA

インタビュー

That being said, which manufacturer’s

tional, which means they’re getting super

parts would you say are ones that you’re

impractical for street cars. It used to be that

always pleasantly surprised with and reso-

if you had a GT wing, that was as much as

nate the most with your JDM philosophy?

you could get, then it was canards, then

BS: I’m really lucky to be able to answer

twin canards, and then it was a bigger front

that question with actions and not words,

diffuser. Now if you look at some of the cars

and I’ll explain why. I started this business

that are running time attack in Japan, it’s on

15 years ago. The only Japanese tuning

a whole different level than I ever imagined

brands that were officially represented in

it was going be.

the US were the biggest ones out there the HKSs, GReddys and companies of that

Do you have anything that you’d like to

size. Those brands were already set up. Ev-

leave the readers with?

erything else that ever occurred back then,

is cool because it’s made in Japan, I want

pretty much had first shot at. I could essen-

JDM,” they’ve missed the whole point. If

tially pick and choose which brands that I

people can walk away from this with any

wanted to talk to and represent because

value, I would hope the value would be to

there wasn’t anybody taking them seri-

learn for themselves about what quality is.

ously in North America. So, if you say which

Try to figure out what being a connoisseur

brands excite me, I’ve pretty much been

or an “otaku” means - that dedication to

able to choose those brands and distribute

learn about every nook and cranny on the

for them.

parts you’re putting on your car, how you’re building your car, and what your car repre-

What would you say are some of the

sents as a cohesive statement of your own

biggest trends you’ve noticed coming

philosophy. I’d like to see an outcome of

out of the JDM scene in the past couple

JDM being a lifetime pursuit and dedication

of years?

to whatever someone’s interests, hobby,

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craft or career is. That’s what JDM is.

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BS: Quality is always increasing. That’s

ever-present fact about Japanese culture.

The Japanese invented the term “kaizen,” which means to always make incremental improvements every day. Trend-wise, I think the aerodynamics are getting super func-

S A

2015

something that’s not a trend, that’s just an

P A

Ben is individ one passiona say. To reual and had lotste transcrip ad the full inte to com/Bet visit www.pasrview m nSchaff erInterv ag. iew

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

IF SOMEONE TAKES AWAY, “OH, JDM IS COOL BECAUSE IT’S MADE IN JAPAN, I WANT JDM,” THEY’VE MISSED THE WHOLE POINT. IF PEOPLE CAN WALK AWAY FROM THIS WITH ANY VALUE, I WOULD HOPE THE VALUE WOULD BE TO LEARN FOR THEMSELVES ABOUT WHAT QUALITY IS.

BS: If someone takes away, “Oh, JDM

and going forward for the next 15 years, I

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インタビュー

JAPANAMERICA THE REAL JDM, WITH BEN SCHAFFER OF BULLETPROOF AUTOMOTIVE er!

'Conn Hey, O did you How e to blow r g manaelds on you the wintake?

By Micky Slinger | Photography by Bulletproof Automotive

Why do you think JDM became so big

Would you say that’s true across the board

in North America, and why do you think

with Japanese parts – that they are higher

it’s stayed so big?

in quality than product here – or has it

BS: I think there has always been a demand for innovation and well-thought-

P A S M A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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“DRAG RACING IS THE HAMBURGER CULTURE AND THE CIRCUIT AND AERODYNAMICS ARE THE SUSHI CULTURE. AMERICANS MAKE A BETTER HAMBURGER AND JAPANESE MAKE A BETTER SUSHI.”

been a catch-up game on our part?

BS: I think there are certain categories of

out products. If there was an increase in

tuning that the Japanese excel at compared

demand, it would be only based on a few

to the US. Most people would say that the

factors: one being education. For someone

quality of aero parts, exterior components

to know why one exhaust is higher quality

and carbon fiber components far surpass

than the other, they would have to be taught

whatever’s going on in the US aftermarket.

that information by someone. You can say

However, the opposite could be said of

that it grew because people’s own knowl-

engine tuning. If you talk about drag racing,

edge about car tuning has increased with

the quality of drag racing parts in the US far

the Internet and information comes from

exceeds what’s going on in Japan. It’s not

Japan to North America more freely. In other

necessarily that everything made in Japan is

words, I don’t think people’s tastes have

the best quality, it’s that certain categories

changed, I just think that people would think

of Japanese quality is leading. American

that high quality, innovative, cool stuff was

horsepower tuning on Japanese cars has

awesome 15 years ago, just like they do now.

come a long way in the past 15 years. If you

The difference is now they can learn about it

look at drag race results, cars in the US

and they can understand it and they can get

made by US tuners are outperforming Japa-

access to it. Quality is timeless.

nese cars. Drag racing is the hamburger culture and the circuit and aerodynamics are the sushi culture. Americans make a better hamburger and Japanese make better sushi.

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Great analogy! Why is it that the Japanese make much better “sushi” in this case?

BS: I spent a lot of time in Japan, I studied out there, went to school for a bit, and I’ve been back and forth for about 15 years.

The one thing that I personally found about Japanese culture is that they dive very deep into their hobbies and into their passions.

When you see someone who does something as a career, it’s not, “Let me try this for a little bit and then do something else.”

It’s a lifelong profession and they work their entire lives to perfect the last 0.001 percent.

What is the process of bringing in these parts

Seeing as you deal with a ton of parts

You see it in all areas of the culture over

and distributing them like at Bulletproof?

from Japan, is everything stamped with

there, especially food. The quality of food

BS: It’s pretty easy now because we’ve

“JDM” golden, or are there some miscon-

in Japan is incredible because someone

been doing it for so long. It basically involves

ceptions that maybe some enthusiasts

who makes soba noodles makes soba

a ton of relationships on the supply side.

wouldn’t be aware of?

noodles their whole life, maybe their father

We’ve never dealt with the companies that

made them his whole life, and they live and

were huge and already doing it themselves,

JDM tuning being a trend is really wrong.

breathe soba noodles. This is the story for

we’ve always fought for the little guys

Japanese tuning is a philosophy; you have

every element of their culture; there are

that are usually less than 10 people as a

to think about what it stands for and what

people who have a dedication to their craft

company, maybe have nobody who speaks

it represents. When people say, “Oh, my

that goes deep.

English, and would have no idea how to

car’s JDM,” and they end their sentence right

explain their brand to an overseas market,

there, they’re missing the whole point. The

Would you say this translates to the

nevermind how to ship it there. We man-

point is not where the part is manufactured;

enthusiasts and customers as well?

age those relationships with a great deal

the point is what the part stands for. What

BS: It’s the exact same for the custom-

of care and respect because they are very

does the quality stand for? What does the

ers. I kind of consider it is being an “otaku”

important to us. Logistics-wise, we keep a

company that makes it stand for? We all

or connoisseur. The premise of being a

warehouse in Yokohama, which is near to

know “JDM” stands for Japanese Domes-

connoisseur means that you don’t just love

the major port. Whatever we order, it gets

tic Market – that’s indisputable – but not

it at face value, you dive deep and you learn

shipped to our warehouse and our ware-

everything has to be made in Japan. For

about it. You constantly strive to enjoy it

house stages the items and then we ship

example: Top Secret shocks are made in

and to experience it and to learn about it

the container. The one thing that’s unique

Europe and their steering wheels are made

at the deepest depths possible. In Japan,

about us is we ship our containers on a fixed

in Italy, not in Japan. Is the Top Secret steer-

it seems like that’s widespread. People in

schedule, regardless of whether they are

ing wheel Japanese? It’s debatable. Is Top

Japan who are into cars are really into cars.

empty or full. We willingly pay to ship empty

Secret a JDM tuning company? Yes. When

When you have customers and people in a

air in our containers just to get products

people just say, “That’s JDM,” that’s a really

culture that obsess over details that are so

faster. Most companies have a model where

surface level impression that can be really

exciting to them, and at the same time you

they will hold the container shipment until

misleading and steer people in the wrong

have manufacturers that look at what they

it’s full to the brim, which is great for their

direction.

do as a lifetime art form, those two things

bank accounts, but that sometimes means

combine into what is Japanese tuning.

that containers can sit for a month or longer.

BS: I think there’s a lot. The theory of

P A S M A

2015

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JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

THE ONE THING THAT I PERSONALLY FOUND ABOUT JAPANESE CULTURE IS THAT THEY DIVE VERY DEEP INTO THEIR HOBBIES AND INTO THEIR PASSIONS.

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P A S M A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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10TH ANNUAL

JAPANESE CLASSIC CAR SHOW 特集

P A S M A

As with any car show worth its salt, there was an awards ceremony where prizes and freebies were dished out to the deserving.

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

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P A S M A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

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A nice selection of old bikes was a pleasant surprise, but it was the Skylines that stole the show...

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10TH ANNUAL

JAPANESE CLASSIC CAR SHOW 特集

VINTAGE JDM BEAUTIES OCCUPY THE QUEEN MARY

Story & Photography by Phillip Awad

T The annual Japanese Classic Car Show is a must-attend event

for anyone interested in the JDM

scene, and the 10th annual event held last fall at Queen Mary Park in Long Beach, California took things to a whole new level of awesome!

The sun was out, but it wasn’t too hot, there was a light breeze and the clouds were amazing. The show itself was, from what I could tell, very well put together with tons of high-quality cars everywhere you looked. A nice selection of old bikes was a pleasant surprise, but it was the Skylines that stole the show, that is until people started realizing there were amazing cars all around to appreciate.

Hats off to Mazda for bringing out one of its right-hand-drive Miatas – the forthcoming 2016 Mazda MX-5 that is, in early preproduction form – for JDM fanatics to fantasize over. As with any car show worth its salt, there was an awards ceremony where prizes and freebies were dished out to the deserving. And there was no shortage of deserving cars on display. In fact, we are so stoked about next year’s show, we’ve started stockpiling memory cards so we won’t miss a single one.

Check out JapaneseClassicCarShow.com for more info.

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EVOLUTION OF A MIRAGE 特集

“They’re Stanley, man!” he

the first three gears. That much

shouts. “Check it out, get a shot of

power on tap from a license-plate

where it says ‘Stanley’ on them!”

wearing street vehicle is abso-

This should warm the hearts

lutely corrupting. But owning the

of anyone who’s ever browsed

same car for 13 years? Why didn’t

an internet forum searching for

he choose any number of more-

that elusive JDM part they sim-

glamorous cars?

ply had to have to complete the perfect build.

“I get that all the time,” Concon admits. “’You should’ve

While most of the control

just got an Evo, or better yet,

arms and cross members come

a GT-R for the amount you spent

from an Evo V, the brakes are

and the work done on your Mi-

modern Wilwood six-piston

rage.’ It’s just not the same, I’ve

fronts and four-piston rears

owned an Evo VIII and I tried get-

gripping two-piece rotors. The

ting into it, but I can’t.”

suspension? JDM Cusco Zero 2 coilovers for the EVO V and VI

This non-stanced bruiser has a higher purpose now.

chassis, naturally. The wheels

“I fell in love with the aggres-

come from Advan, and the tires

sive time attack look, and I will

from long-time Team Hybrid

be tracking the new setup and

sponsor BFGoodrich. The meaty

am finished with drag racing,”

275/40 17-inch tires add grip

says Concon. “I reached my goal

in every direction, however,

of having a 10 second show car,

when the hammer is dropped on

so now it’s time to just have fun

the Exedy HD triple-disc clutch,

at the track.”

ESSENT IAL S

三菱 2000 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE OWNER: Archie Concon BUILT BY: Archie Concon, Mad Kustomz LOCATION: Las Vegas, NV CAR CLUB AFFILIATION: Team Hybrid

ENGINE: TrevTec Motorsport Mitsubishi 4G63 2.1L I-4 HORSEPOWER: 734 awhp TORQUE: 603 lb-ft

ENGINE

EXTERIOR

∂ TrevTec Motorsport 2.1L Evo VIII 4G63 race engine ∂ Manley Performance (billet 3.7-inch crankshaft, Turbo Tuff long rods, 10.5:1 pistons, stainless steel valves, titanium valve seats & retainers) ∂ ACL (race bearings, balance shaft eliminating kit) ∂ Cosworth (Evo VIII race head gasket, Stage 5 ported and polished head) ∂ KIGLYS valve springs ∂ Buschur BF 272 race cams ∂ AEM adjustable cam gears ∂ Mitsubishi (Evo VIII timing belt) ∂ ETS (Turbo Kit, 4.5-inch front-mount intercooler kit, Precision 6262 billet dual ball-bearing turbocharger) ∂ Tial (1.7-inch wastegate, 2-inch blow-off valve) ∂ TrevTec Motorsports (intercooler pipe, custom down-pipe, custom 3-inch stainless steel mandrel-bent exhaust, intake manifold) ∂ AMS race oil pan ∂ HKS (oil cap, radiator cap) ∂ Mishimoto Evo V radiator ∂ FIC 2150cc fuel injectors ∂ Aeromotive Eliminator racing fuel pump ∂ Sparktech ignition coil on plugs ∂ ARC ignition cover ∂ Cusco JDM Evo VI radiator diffuser

DRIVETRAIN

∂ Mitsubishi (JDM Evo IV transmission w/ Stage 3 Sheppard Racing upgrade, JDM Evo V transfer case w/ Stage ∂ 3 Sheppard Racing upgrade, JDM Evo VII rear differential w/ LSD, JDM Evo V differential mount, JDM Evo V differential brace, JDM EVO 5 transmission brace) ∂ Quaife Evo VIII LSD ∂ Driveshaftshop custom 2-piece driveshaft JDM EVO 5 front axles ∂ Exedy HD triple disc clutch kit

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

∂ Mitsubishi (JDM Evo V front axles, JDM Evo V control arms & knuckles, Evo VIII rear subframe, Evo VIII suspension linkage, JDM Evo V front crossmember, JDM Evo V front upper control arm, JDM Evo V rear upper arm bushings, JDM Evo V front lower arm bushings, JDM Evo V tie rods, JDM Evo V trailing arms, JDM Evo V lower control arms) ∂ Energy Suspension complete bushing kit ∂ Cusco Zero 2 coilovers

∂ Custom Kandy Deep Oak Burgundy (50% Kandy Apple Red and 50% Kandy Gold) by FX Matrix Paint Company ∂ Mitsubishi JDM Evolution V/VI front end conversion ∂ Stanley JDM headlights ∂ Varis ASSO (front bumper, carbon fiber front under diffuser, Version 2 carbon fiber front canards, GT fenders w/ carbon fiber canards, rear fender overlays, carbon fiber vortex generator, carbon fiber rear diffuser)

INTERIOR

∂ Takata (4-point harnesses, shoulder pads, racing harness reinforcement plates, racing harness eyebolts Works Bell (boss short steering hub, quick release) ∂ OMP Tommi Mackenin steering wheel ∂ Custom weld-in 4-point roll cage w/ harness bar (ceramic coated) ∂ Custom trunk cage and support bars (ceramic coated) ∂ Custom suede upholstery ∂ Status red carbon Kevlar racing seat, racing seat brackets & rails ∂ Dynamat insulated cabin ∂ Mitsubishi JDM MIVEC 10,000 rpm gauge cluster

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

∂ Advan RG-D wheels - 17x9.5 +15 (f/r) ∂ BFGoodrich Sport Comp-2 tires - 275/40 R17 (f/r) ∂ Wilwood (BBK race system 6-piston(f), 4-piston (r), braided stainless steel brake lines) ∂ ARP extended hub studs

AUDIO / ELECTRONICS

∂ Pioneer head unit ∂ Polk Audio (tweeters, reference component speakers) ∂ Odyssey battery ∂ Cusco battery cut-off switch

SPONSORS

∂ Mad Kustomz, Lesa's Auto Body Supplies, Manley Performance, TrevTec Motorsports, Merrill Performance, TAKATA Racing, AMS Oil, Energy Suspension, Mishimoto, BFGoodrich, Meguair’s, Status Seats, Highway Version, Mastermind North America, NRG Innovations, Pro Sport Gauges, K&N filters, GRAFIK IMPACT

P A

this Evo lights them up like Ken

We say bravo! From street to

Block was filming the next Hoo-

show to strip to track, Archie’s

M

nigan installment.

done everything to do, won nearly

G

ing a time machine. If you want

be tackling the daunting task of

to disappear from one point and

obtaining his competition license

reappear off in the distance, push

soon. Look for the two-door Evo

the pedal on the right all the way

at a racetrack near you soon. And

to the floor and hang on. Thrust

when you see him, don’t forget to

is instantaneous and unrelenting,

shout out, “Nice Civic!” He really

until the rev limiter cuts the fun in

likes that.

2015

everything worth winning and will

A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

Driving this thing is like own-

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EVOLUTION OF A MIRAGE 特集

that someone would eventually build us what Mitsubishi would not, but what sparked Archie’s passion?

“One of the reasons why I wanted to do this project came from the movie ‘Who Am I’ by Jackie Chan,” says Concon. “It honestly motivated me to do a replica of that car. I was disappointed I couldn’t buy it, so I checked into what it would take to build it. At that time, I already had the Mirage and didn’t even know that the chassis was based on the JDM three;

to line up to the doors. The seven-

This led directly to a lot of garage time

painstakingly

piece rear fender overlay had to

spent with his arms up to his elbows in grease

reassemble it

be molded into two pieces be-

and grime as he built Version 1.0 by himself. All

like a life-sized

cause I don’t have the two extra

of the effort was worth it when he claimed the

jigsaw puzzle.

doors in the back. My body guy at

coveted Builder’s Award handed out by Mit-

“The ASSO

Mad Kustomz had to recreate the

subishi executives themselves at their show.

kits are only made for Evo V and VI

body lines on the back where the

“They told me they were just discussing

four-door cars,” Concon explains.

body kit was molded to match the

whether they should build a two-door old

“I had to convert my front end

rest of the body lines of the car.”

school Evo the week before the show, and

to a four-door, meaning I had

Archie is the very first com-

M

then I showed up!” Concon exclaims.

to use Evo VI headlights, corner

plete Varis ASSO kit installed on

G

Cost of hand-converting a Mirage into an

lights, and my radiator support

a Mirage in the US, and while he’s

Evo? Very expensive. Beating Mitsubishi-USA

bar. Then the fenders had to be

justifiably proud of the body kit,

to the punch by creating your own two-door,

restructured where they meet the

he’s over-the-moon about the

left-hand drive supercar? Priceless!

doors to have the perfect curves

headlights and tail lamps.

The exterior refresh was as torturous as cobbling up the underpinnings. Step one; obtain ridiculously expensive body kit not made to fit your car. Step two; cut it all to pieces.

P A S A

2015

Step

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

Evo IV to VI cars.”

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I

In the United States, the

The original engine, transmis-

Lancer platform was given the

sion, suspension, cross members,

uninspiring name “Mirage” and

seats, and axles were all junked.

was essentially shipped as

The rear drivetrain and cross-

a low-budget FWD Civic-fighter.

member came from an Evo VIII.

In the length of time I’ve known

It never really caught on. Archie’s

There’s an Evo IV transmission,

Archie Concon and his “Two-

two-door started life as a 2000

an Evo V transfer case, front axles

door Evo,” I’ve owned six cars.

model-year, 1.8-liter, automatic-

and hubs, and now, a TrevTec Mo-

Archie, on the other hand, has

equipped econobox with a basic

torsports 2.1-liter Evo VIII 4G63

owned just one vehicle, but his

black interior. He bought the car

race motor spinning a Manley

constant tinkering has resulted

and drove it for a year before cut-

Performance billet steel 3.7-inch

in the 743-horsepower all-wheel-

ting the springs and bolting on

crankshaft. Since the stock drive-

drive beast you see here – a sexy-

a set of 15-inch American Racing

line components would never

mean mechanical creation that

chromed five-spokes. Since then,

handle the power produced by

could span an epoch without

Archie personally transformed

igniting E85 fuel at 30 pounds

blinking. It’s hard to say wheth-

the car between 2003 and 2006

of boost over Manley 10.5:1 com-

er it’s sheer genius or madness

into an all-wheel drive, two-door,

pression pistons, there are Shep-

which drives him. Perhaps it’s

left-hand drive street machine by

pard Racing components filling

a little of both...

changing nearly everything.

the tranny and transfer case, and

P A S M A

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特集

Feature

Story & Photography by Eric Eikenberry

EVOLUTION OF A MIRAGE THE VARIS ASSO TWO-DOOR EVO a Quaiffe Evo VIII limited-slip heli-

too; Buschur BF 272 cams, AEM

gear, from the custom ceramic-

cal differential inside an Evo VII

cam gears, Cosworth head gas-

coated four-point cage and

rear housing.

ket, AMS race oil pan (this car

rear trunk supports, to the Sta-

The rest of the engine bay

is drag raced, clocking into the

tus Carbon Kevlar racing seats,

spec sheet is equally drool-

10s on street tires), a Mishimoto

everything’s been improved.

worthy: an ETS Precision 6262

radiator and Aeromotive Elimina-

One of Archie’s favorite items

dual ball-bearing turbocharger,

tor fuel pump. No nut or bolt is

is the OMP Tommi Makinen

Tial 1.7-inch waste-gate and

left unturned in Archie’s quest

steering wheel. Evo guys know

two-inch blow-off valve, TrevTec

for perfection. Monster-feeding

the name by heart.

intercooler pipe, custom down-

FIC 2,150cc injectors pour more

While the rest of the world re-

pipe and three-inch stainless

alcohol into this motor than

ceived thinly disguised rally cars

steel exhaust, and a TrevTec in-

a bartender in Cabo San Lucas

in the form of the first seven gen-

take manifold move gobs of air.

during spring break.

erations of the Lancer Evolution,

All of the supporting roles are

Likewise, the interior has

we were stuck with the Mirage.

filled by some other big names

been decked out with amazing

It’s completely understandable

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ESSENTIALS

三菱 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION IX OWNER: Naohisa Tazawa BUILT BY: Garage G-Force ENGINE: Mitsubishi 4G63 2.3L turbocharged I-4 HORSEPOWER: 665 hp TORQUE: 565 lb-ft ENGINE

∂ Tomei (pistons, connecting rods, 270degree camshafts) ∂ Ported & polished head ∂ RH-9 255L fuel pumps (2) ∂ NGK Racing spark plugs ∂ HKS (PF air filter, S-SQV blow-off valve, R-Type triple-core intercooler, F-CON V-pro ECU, EVC 6 boost controller, oil cooler) ∂ G-Force intake ∂ Borg Warner EFR-8374 turbocharger ∂ ARC radiator

EXHAUST

∂ G-Force (Race-Spec exhaust manifold, down-pipe, titanium extractors, titanium exhaust system)

DRIVETRAIN

∂ Holinger 6-speed sequential dog-box ∂ Exedy Carbon-R clutch ∂ Cusco RS 1-way differential P A S M A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

∂ Marlsche front stabilizers ∂ Cusco (rear Power Brace, 15-point roll cage) ∂ Ohlins DFV G-Force Version dampers ∂ Hyperco springs

kg/mm in the front and 14.3 kg/ mm in the rear. If you are reading this article in great detail, you have been given some very exact measurements through which to build your own street

of Varis, Seibon Carbon and Voltex. The modi-

and track weapon!

fications are extensive: the bonnet, side skirts,

But, perhaps the most im-

rear over-fenders, front fenders and canards

portant aspects of any time at-

are the work of Varis, with Voltex providing

∂ Rays Volk Racing TE37SL wheels – 18x11 +17 (f/r) ∂ Yokohama Advan A050 tires – 295/30 R18 (f/r) ∂ Endless (6-piston calipers (f), 4-piston calipers (r), CCR-G brake pads, rotors, stainless brake lines)

tack car, especially in relation

the rear downforce by way of its carbon wing.

to lightness and speed, are the

Seibon Carbon follows suit with some beauti-

aerodynamic components. In

fully crafted doors.

EXTERIOR

this regard, the aggressive and

Inside, things are as you’d expect: spartan.

purposeful attitude of the CT9A

Taniguchi gets strapped into a Recaro bucket

is provided by a deluge of carbon

with Takata harnesses and monitors the vital

fiber weight reductions courtesy

signs of the Evo from a combination of Defi

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

∂ Varis (front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, hood) ∂ Voltex wing

INTERIOR

∂ Recaro seats ∂ Racepak IQ3 dash cluster

gauges and a very expensive and desirable Racepak IQ3. Brains of the operations are

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No strangers to track-weapons, Tazawa-san and his crew at Garage G-Force pump out the most potent time attackers.

特集

SWORDEDGE PRECISION handled by an HKS F-CON V Pro along with

performance — because almost all of these

an HKS EVC6 boost controller that dictates

parts are available off the shelf.

a massive 4.85 pounds of boost.

Tazawa-san, while personifying a “driving

P A S

Cars like this absolutely bonkers CT9A

force” through his Garage G-Force brand, is

M

G-Force Evolution really capture my atten-

continuing to define his undeniable interna-

G

tion. They are like thoroughbred race horses

tional reputation for extreme Lancer Evolu-

— straining at the gate, chomping at the bit

tion weapons and their abilities to dominate

— built to extreme measurements and toler-

the time attack scene. While Mitsubishi as

ances and are somewhat fragile in construct.

a manufacturer may be cutting the Evolution

But while they are often at their greatest over

branding short, G-Force is forging on. This

only a sequence of single lap attacks, they

CT9A is proof that Mitsubishi’s corporate deci-

are absolutely unhinged and the tech that

sion to axe the Evolution line of vehicles may

goes into them is entirely relatable to street

not have been a timely one.

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

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This group of individuals makes up the upper echelon of

running works Super GT300 cars

master-craftsmen at G-Force)

Giving this entire arrangement

for pace. Let that sink in.

have ended up scorching and dis-

the boost it needs to make that

street tuners in Japan, consist-

Going a little further on the en-

coloring the carbon Varis bonnet

whopping power figure is a Borg

ing of 35-plus companies at last

gine, you can clearly see by the

that conceals the set-up. It’s all

Warner EFR8374 turbo; one that

count, nationwide. This should

shots that it is a tightly packed

in the name of extreme function

is now considered as one of the

give you an idea of just where

ball of aggression with a bright

and, incidentally, is actually one

best solutions for hardcore time

Tazawa fits in the grand scheme

orange cam cover signaling

of the more beautiful aspects on

attack engines — and one which

of things – traveling at warp

some of the intent. The extreme

the entire car.

offers an elusive balance of high

speed in the most hardcore of

heat shielding and wrapping is

Inside the engine are more To-

engine response at relatively low

Japanese machinery matters,

prominent and, despite this, the

mei goodies, including 270-de-

revolutions, combined with the

day or night.

temperatures coming off the ex-

gree camshafts for intake and

potential for huge power outputs

This particular CT9A Evolu-

haust manifold (gasses that end

exhaust, titanium valve springs,

at maximum revs. To give you an

tion is their current time attack

up being spewed out the back

retainers and sleeves, which

idea of the types of teams that

car, and it packs a barnstorming

of the custom titanium one off

are all mated to an extensively

run this turbo, NEMO; that contro-

4G63 bored out to 2.3 liters by

exhaust straight pipe arrange-

ported head on both intake and

versial and record-breaking tube

way of its Tomei stroker kit —

ment, made exclusively by the

exhaust openings.

frame Evolution that ran in the

delivering a lap shattering 665 brake horsepower at 6,712 rpm, backed up by a tractable and gforce — no pun intended — pulling 565 lb-ft of twist at 4,751 rpm.

Evos and their Subaru brethren have always been lauded as point-and-shoot weapons, but this is seriously next level.

Nob Taniguchi is the driver of choice for the G-Force outfit (and one of the best in the business), and most recently during shakedowns, the monster Evo managed a 55-second lap at Tsukuba, a 2:07 lap at Suzuka and a 1:43 lap at Fuji Speedway. These are staggeringly quick numbers, and almost on par with genuine front-

特集

P A S M A

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SWORDEDGE PRECISION

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uses this exact same turbo setup.

Since the RH9 group also manufactures its own personalized brand of in-house products, Tazawa-san went with twin, 255-liter output RH9 fuel pumps mated to a custom rail assembly.

Keeping the entire system cool comes down to other tried and tested HKS items such as the multi-core R-Type intercooler and oil cooler, along with a multi-

carbon mix items that more than

clutch plates, pressure plate and

match the sub-2,645-pound chas-

One of the crown jewels in the

flywheel assembly transmit to

sis in pulling up.

power delivery system (indeed

Cusco RS-spec one-way differen-

But what good is pulling up

one that needed to match the

tials in the front and rear. Time at-

or accelerating when you have

extreme demands of the engine

tack conditions obviously demand

nothing to keep you tied down

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output) is a six-speed Holinger

stopping power just as much as

through corners? This is where

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sequential dog-box. Banging

propulsion and RH9’s long-stand-

other long-standing RH9 part-

through the gears never looked

ing members, Endless, supplied

ners Yokohama and RAYS come

like so much fun and various vid-

the whole works. In the front,

into play, with newly-created and

eos of Taniguchi rowing through

six-pot Endless calipers clamp

sticky Advan A050s on all corners

them on this particular lever can

down on two-piece rotors, while

and TE37 Super Laps to match.

be found on G-Force’s official

Endless four-pots take care of the

The tires measure 295/30 R18

Facebook page (GForceENG).

rear. Pads, meanwhile, are CCR-G

on each wheel with the forged

P A S

2015

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JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

core ARC radiator.

The mix of Exedy Carbon-R

The monster Evo managed a 55-second lap at Tsukuba, a 2:07 lap at Suzuka and a 1:43 lap at Fuji Speedway.

WTAC a couple of years ago, also

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特集

Feature

Story & Photography

by Adam Zillin

SWORDEDGE PRECISION

I

GAR AGE G-FORCE CT9 TIME ATTACK EVO that G-Force (with Tazawa-san at the helm) is a brand name that sits right in the thick of Japan’s fastest in time attack terms. To put the

P A S

RH9 (Record Holder 9) group into context, all

M

In the world of Japanese-based, Evolution

the drag cars they used to create had to run a

G

Lancer tuners (specifically dealing with the

nine-second quarter-mile. Still, to this day, the

legendary 4G63 engine), G-Force stands head

group consists of a who’s-who in tuning brands

and shoulders above all others. The company

from Japan; Top Secret, Top Fuel, JUN, Endless,

president, Naohisa Tazawa, has been dealing

Signal Auto and Phoenix Power to name but

with the Lancer Evo platform/engine combi-

a few. The Nissan GT-R was the weapon of

nation for decades, and his builds are world-

choice for most tuners in the early days but,

renowned – both for the street and the circuit.

more recently, other models like the Evolution

GFORCE CT9 Time Attack_TE_JDM_1.indd 2

have also been a major tuning platform.

2015 JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

What many of our readers may not know is

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2015-05-12 11:32 AM

ESSENTIALS

マツダ

1998 MAZDA RX-7 FD3S DRIVER: Nattawoot Krerpradab TEAM: RE Amemiya BUILT BY: RE Amemiya ENGINE: Mazda 20B 2.0L Custom Rotary HORSEPOWER: 730 HP TORQUE: 542 LB-FT ENGINE

∂ Extended side port ∂ Trust (T88-34D turbocharger, 130 upper injectors) ∂ HKS GT wastegates (2) ∂ K&N filter ∂ RE Amemiya (Big Throttle, SPL intake pipe, Kinokuni SPL fuel pressure regulator, Super Plug Cord 20B) ∂ Bosch Motorsport fuel pump (4) ∂ R34 GT-R coil packs ∂ Vi-Pec ECU

proved their worth, with a 1:27.341

EXHAUST

and fifth in the Pro class. How-

∂ RE Amemiya EX manifold SPL ∂ 3.5-in.

(90 mm) stainless front-pipe ∂ 3.5-in. (90 mm) titanium muffler

DRIVETRAIN

Come WTAC 2014 the changes

ever, the time attack game moves quickly and with Under Suzuki

∂ Hewland 6-speed sequential gearbox ∂ Ogura Clutch triple plate clutch and flywheel ∂ OS Giken Superlock differential

employing Andrew Brilliant to

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

of his S15 prior to the 2014 event,

∂ Fully stripped and spot-welded chassis ∂ RE Amemiya (built-in roll cage, SPL welded strut tower bars) ∂ Quantum remote reservoir dampers ∂ Swift springs ∂ Scoot Ride Height Control system

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

build the most extreme version

I asked Ken Amemiya, who runs the company’s Chiba HQ, whether any aero changes would be made

∂ Enkei RS05-RR wheels – 18x11 +16 (f/r) ∂ Yokohama Advan AO50 tires – 295/35 R18 (f/r) ∂ AP Racing monobloc six-piston brake calipers, 2-pc. slotted rotors (f) ∂ RE Amemiya custom four-piston monoblock brake calipers, 2-pc. slotted rotors (r) ∂ RE Amemiya (brake lines, variable rate brake stabilizer)

for 2015 to help close the gap.

EXTERIOR

our championship-winning car,

∂ RE Amemiya (GT Bodykit special (full dry carbon), blue carbon-look door handles) ∂ Custom rear wing ∂ OSRAM LED lights (f/r) ∂ ARTFACTORY All Graphics sticker wrap

INTERIOR

∂ Dry carbon (door skins, dash) ∂ MOTEC dash logger ∂ Bride 1-pc. bucket seat ∂ Sparco steering wheel ∂ RE Amemiya boost gauge

“Not really. This (pointing to the car) is our full GT300 kit, identical to the one we ran on

barring a few upgrades allowable under WTAC rules. So we have no plans to change it, as we don’t

SPONSORS

∂ M-150 Storm, 3M, OSRAM, Thailand Tourism Board, Ogura Clutch, Scoot, Yokohama Tyre, Bride, Swift, Sunoco, 3K Battery, Snail White, K&N, GruppeM, Iwaya

P A S M A

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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2015-05-12 12:02 PM

think we’re losing out to Under,

started out as a D1 shell, with

That said, with 730 horsepow-

aero-wise.”

large amounts of strengthening

er right now, it’s not like the Hur-

built-in that is typically unneces-

ricane is slow. And losing weight

sary in a pure grip car.

will make sure every horsepower

So if there aren’t any major exterior changes, what’s happening for 2015?

Given many top pro builds are

has an easier time of it.

“At 2,557 pounds (1,160 kilos),

running in excess of 800 horse-

we’re still currently between 110

power, though, is power an area

2015, those efforts pay off.

to 220 pounds (50 to 100 kg)

where major changes will be

over where we’d like to be,” says

made as well?

特集

Amemiya-san. “The trouble

“Again, not really,” Amemiya-

is, with the whole body now dry

san says. “You have to understand

carbon, additional weight sav-

that most high-power builds are

ings will be hard, so we’re going

generally unreliable, with some

to have to strip it down to the

teams making long internation-

bare shell and essentially start

al journeys only to not even put

from scratch.”

down a single timed lap. We don’t

In case you think stripping

mind being 50 to 100 horsepower

a race chassis is futile, remem-

down as long as we can be sure of

ber that the Hurricane actually

getting bankers in.”

Let’s hope that come WTAC

MAMEMIYA!

P A S M A

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RE Amemiya Hurricane_TE_JDM_1 v3.indd 3

“Such were the specs that, while modified today, the base mechanical package has remained relatively unchanged in four years.”

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

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2015-05-12 12:01 PM

特集

MAMEMIYA!

never going to be an issue. Nei-

There, it proved RE Amemi-

went a few tenths slower and, for

ther were stopping and turning,

ya’s theory that even what was

a while, it looked like that was it.

with AP Racing six-pot calipers up

ostensibly a tuner car, so long

Ama-san sold the car to focus

front, custom RE Amemiya fours

as it had the right gear, could

on a new lightweight time attack

out back and remote reservoir

match reasonably well with

build and the future of the Hur-

Quantum shocks. Such were the

dedicated time attack race cars,

ricane seemed uncertain…

specs that, while modified today,

pulling out a 1:29.8 and placing

the base mechanical package has

sixth in the Pro class.

Of course, Ama-san, as found-

tawoot Krerpradab (better known

er Isami Amemiya is known in

as “Oat”) was the new owner. Oat

For various reasons, though,

Japan, wasn’t going to settle for

put RE Amemiya back in charge

after its successful debut, the

sixth, so come 2013, he and his

of the build and simply injected

Hurricane 7 (as it was then called)

crew came back with a much im-

large amounts of money. Namely,

M

didn’t get to turn a wheel in an-

proved version complete with flat

he paid for a full dry carbon ver-

G

ger (as was its purpose), and was

floor and full GT300 aero kit, the

sion of the GT300 kit (replac-

only revived when the invite came

maximum allowed 295/35 R18

ing the previous fibreglass one),

to compete at the 2012 World

tire size and more power. Sadly,

as well as smaller changes like

Time Attack Challenge (WTAC)

engine troubles throughout the

a newer T88-34D and accompa-

in Australia.

weekend meant they actually

nying Vi-Pec ECU.

P A S A

2015

four years.

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

remained relatively unchanged in

That was until it became known that FD Asia driver Nat-

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Ever heard the story of the drift

off their race heritage and exper-

space of a few months, a drift car

car that became a show car that

tise, by bolting a modified version

became a show car.

became a time attack car?

of their championship-winning

Well, as unusual a series of

GT300 kit onto an FD3S base.

And what a show car! With a side-ported 20B, Trust GReddy

steps as that may sound, that’s

But not just any old base.

T88-34D, V-mount three-row

exactly what happened to the

Because why bother stripping

Trust core intercooler, 3.5-inch

RE Amemiya Hurricane.

a fresh donor car when you have

straight-pipe (stainless steel

Back in 2010, RE Amemiya de-

a race-prepped shell in the form

front and titanium rear) and

cided they wanted to build a new

of an old D1 machine, ready

Hewland six-speed sequential

demo car; one that would show

and waiting? That’s how, in the

transmission, get up and go was

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特集

Feature

MAMEMIYA! THE RE AMEMIYA HURRICANE

Story & Photography by Chris Nicholls

P A S M A

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ESSENT I AL S

日産 1998 E-WGNC34 NISSAN STAGEA AUTECH VERSION 260RS DRIVER: Kenichi Shimada BUILT BY: Garage Zaurus, Takero’s ENGINE: Nissan RB26DETT 2.8L Twin-turbocharged V6 HORSEPOWER: 600 hp (road tuned) ENGINE

∂ Nissan N1 block ∂ HKS (Step-1 2.8-liter stroker kit (crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods), GT2530kai turbochargers (2), cam gears, F-Con V Pro engine management system) ∂ CNC-machined head ∂ Tomei (260-degree Poncams, metal head gasket) ∂ Trust (intercooler, intake manifold, air filter) ∂ Sard (fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, 235l fuel pumps (2), 5-liter collector tank, 650cc injectors) ∂ Nismo engine mounts

EXHAUST

∂ HKS exhaust manifold ∂ Takero’s 4-inch full titanium de-catted exhaust

DRIVETRAIN

∂ Route6 close-ratio 5-speed gear set ∂ ORC 659 twinplate clutch ∂ OS Giken Superlock diff

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

A “ part from a quartet of Pivot Cyber gauges in a carbon enclosure, Personal wheel, Nismo shift knob and Recaro SPGN and SP6 seats, there isn’t too much to suggest this machine sees track action.”

∂ Fully spot-welded engine bay ∂ Nissan strut tower bar (f) ∂ Cusco (strut tower bar (r), bushings) ∂ Nismo bushings ∂ Aragosta coilovers ∂ Merewede springs

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

∂ Rays Volk Racing ZE40 wheels - 18x11 +15 (f/r) ∂ Bridgestone Potenza RE-11S tires - 295/35 R18 (f/r) ∂ Takero’s CNC-machined calipers w/ titanium pistons – 6-piston (f), 4-piston (r), 2-piece slotted rotors – 14-inch (f), 13.5-inch (r)

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∂ Takero’s (Wide Kit, Type-Zero front bumper, TypeZero under spoiler, Type-Zero side skirts, Type-4 rear bumper, Type-1 grille, 11j overfenders, gurney flap) ∂ LED headlights & taillights ∂ Nissan Z34 rear fog light ∂ Original WK1 white respray by Takero’s

INTERIOR

∂ Nismo shift knob ∂ Personal wheel ∂ Recaro (SPGN driver seat, SR6 passenger seat) ∂ Willans 3-inch harnesses ∂ Pivot Cyber Gauges w/ carbon pods (oil temperature, water temperature, oil pressure, fuel pressure, boost pressure)

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS Carrozzeria AVIC-ZH99CS head unit

SPONSORS Takero’s

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WHITE UNICORN is handled by Aragosta coilovers with Dutch-made Merewede springs and a mix of Cusco and Nismo bushings. A Nissan front tower bar and Cusco rear help stiffen things up, as does Takero’s full spot-welding of the engine bay.

Inside, as you can see, apart from a quartet of Pivot Cyber gauges in a carbon enclosure, Personal wheel, Nismo shift knob and Recaro SPGN and SP6 seats (complete with Willans three-inch harnesses), there isn’t too much to suggest this machine sees track action. Admittedly, the five-liter collector tank in the back is a bit of a giveaway, but all the interior trim and sound deadening, right down to the carpet, is still there. This is because, at the end of the day, it’s still a road car and has to be liveable.

Outside, though, with the recent addition of the prototype overfenders, the whole ’wolf in sheep’s clothing’ thing does take a bit of a hit. However, thanks to a carbon bonnet, Takero’s Type-Zero front bumper, under spoiler and side skirts, plus Type-4 rear bumper and Type-1 grille, this was never as subtle as a stock 260RS anyway. The extra width just adds a perfect amount of girth and solidity to an already iconic shape. Subtle details like the LED front and rear light conversions and Z34 fog light help complete the mix.

Should any issues occur even after this latest round of tuning, though, Shimada-

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san at least has a back-up plan.

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6-pot brakes all-round with 14-inch rotors, Takero’s full aero kit, dual-exit titanium exhaust and nitrous, among other mods," he says.

Some date car. Those sports cars won’t

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Stagea with a VG25DET, GT3037 turbo,

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"My date car is a circuit-capable NM35

know what hit them.

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So, the prospect of cutting into the Stagea’s rare sheet metal after this shoot to complete the fitment of a set of prototype Takero’s 11J overfenders (likely the only overfenders for a 260RS in existence) was hardly going to phase Shimada-san. Especially as it was the only way to fit rubber wide enough (295/35 R18 Potenza RE-11Ss on 18x11 +15 ZE40s front and rear) to keep up with all the lighter Legacy Touring Wagons he competes with at Tsukuba.

But why take a station wagon, and a rare one at that, onto the track in the first place?

"I just love having a wolf in sheep’s clothing!" says Shimada-san. "Of course, being a fast wagon, it ends up standing out more than any sports car at a circuit, but it’s also great to be able to take all my gear to the track in the back."

Shimada-san’s love for speed began back in his childhood, when his parents used to take him for high-speed weekend night runs along Tokyo’s famous tollways, which were only five minutes from

left nothing but a positive impression on Shimada-san himself.

It’s also meant that he was never going to be satisfied with just a stock GT-R engine. However, getting an RB26 to the point where it can haul nearly 3,800 lbs of car around a circuit quickly was always going to mean leaning hard on it, and all that tuning eventually took its toll on both the engine and transmission. Numerous times, in fact.

These painful experiences finally led Shimada-san to go allin and build this monster before your eyes. To counter any potential block failures, he went with a strengthened N1 block as the base, to which the famed Garage Zaurus fitted a full HKS Step-1 2.8-liter stroker kit. They then CNC machined the heads and bolted HKS GT2530kai turbos to the HKS manifolds, which blow through a Trust intercooler into a Trust intake manifold. The exhaust gasses pass through a custom, de-catted, four-inch Takero’s titanium exhaust on their way into the atmosphere. It is, as you might imagine, noisy.

Having blown transmissions, as well as engines, Shimada-san also strengthened up the driveline with a Route6 close-ratio, five-speed gear set and ORC 659 twin-plate clutch, pushing all that power out through an OS Giken Superlock diff. It seems to work, as he hasn’t had any issues yet.

Slowing down this heavy

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cruise missile are Takero’s CNC-

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machined six-pot front and four-

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pot rear calipers, complete with titanium pistons and 14-inch (f) and 13.5-inch (r) slotted, twopiece rotors. Turning, meanwhile,

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“Getting an RB26 to the point where it can haul nearly 3,800 lbs of car around a circuit quickly was always going to mean leaning hard on it, and all that tuning eventually took its toll on both the engine and transmission.”

his house. While some may ques-

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Story & Photography by Chris Nicholls

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WHITE UNICORN

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TSUKUBA’S SUPER STAGEA It takes guts to cut into a unicorn, but Kenichi Shimada is not a man lacking in determination. He worked two jobs while still at university to afford

his dream car, a Nissan Stagea Autech 260RS, and since purchasing it new in 1998, has overcome numerous blown engines and transmissions, plus a serious road accident, to get it to the point where it is now – a circuit monster with 600 horsepower that he can also drive to and from the track, whilst carrying all his tools and a spare set of rubber.

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VEHICLE: 1996 Mazda FD3S RX-7 DRIVER: Yukimitsu Hara BUILT BY: Zest Racing/Car Shop Glow ENGINE: Mazda Bridge-ported 13B Rotary HORSEPOWER: 522 HP TORQUE: 361 LB-FT ENGINE

∂ Rotorland 6 mm bridge port ∂ Trust T88-34D turbo ∂ HPI core custom V-mount intercooler ∂ Motch Racing custom hoses ∂ Trust Type R wastegate ∂ HKS (Powerflow air filter, F-Con V Pro, Apex Power FC (for incar control)) ∂ Sard (fuel pressure regulator, 1,000 cc/min injectors) ∂ Strengthened R34 GT-R fuel pump ∂ Four NGK 11.5 spark plugs ∂ NGK Power Cable plug leads ∂ Balanced factory eccentric ∂ 8.5:1 low compression factory rotors ∂ Fuji WPC DLC-coated threepiece apex seals

EXHAUST

∂ Trust exhaust manifold ∂ Zest Racing (3.5-in. custom titanium straight-pipe, 3.5-in. stainless steel up-pipe)

DRIVETRAIN

∂ HKS H-pattern 6-speed dog box ∂ ATS carbon twin-plate clutch and flywheel ∂ Zest Racing-spec Mazdaspeed 4.1 2-way LSD

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

∂ Stripped and spot-welded ∂ Zest Racing 12-point welded-in cage ∂ Zest-spec custom Aragosta dampers (f/r) ∂ Hyperco 16kg/mm springs (f/r) ∂ Mazdaspeed strut tower bars (f/r) ∂ Super Now (control arms, three-piece tie-rod ends, Duralumin toe control upper/lower arms w/ 3-pc. rod-ends, short stabilizer brackets, pillowball bushings (f/r))

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

∂ RAYS Engineering ZE40 wheels (time attack) – 18x10.5 +15 (f) 18x11 +15 (r) ∂ RAYS Engineering TE37 SL wheels (race) – 18x10.5 +22 (f) 18x10.5 +18 (r) ∂ Work Meister S1 wheels (street) – 18x9.5 +24 (f), 18x11 +18 (r) ∂ Yokohama Advan AO50 GS wheels (time attack) – 295/30 R18 (f/r) ∂ Kumho V710 slick tires (race) – 305/30 R18 (f/r) ∂ Dunlop Z1 Star Spec tires, (street) – 265/35 R18 (f), 275/35 R18 (r) ∂ Stock Spirit R 4-piston brake calipers, 2-pc. PFC 3D Racing drilled rotors (f) ∂ Stock single-piston sliding calipers, stock 1-pc. rotors (r) ∂ PFC brake pads (f/r)

EXTERIOR

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∂ RE Amemiya (Face N-1 (2002 model), GT-AD widebody kit (custom widened by a further 1.57-in. (40 mm) each side), FRP bonnet, carbon front diffuser, front fender diffusers, carbon side step vortex generators, Sleek Lights) ∂ Car Shop Glow (rear carbon ducktail, carbon fender ducts, carbon rear vortex generators, LED taillights, HID headlights) ∂ Ready Go Next carbon bonnet ducts ∂ Bodyshop Newtype custom carbon front undertray ∂ Voltex (carbon three-layer canards, carbon side skirts) ∂ Voltex 67-in. (1,700 mm) carbon GT wing w/ Voltex carbon gurney flaps, Car Shop Glow carbon end plates, Zest Racing 12.5-in. (320 mm) stays ∂ One-off carbon rear diffuser ∂ Speedglass windscreen ∂ Yumekoubou (FRP rear tailgate and acrylic window, FRP doors and acrylic windows) ∂ Custom brown pearl paint

a different world to piston engines. The FC is nice but the FD is my favourite. And it’s the only rotary that can beat a GT-R!” And when he does beat his friends, he looks

“I love rotaries. The sound and the feeling as it revs is just a different world to piston engines.”

ESSENTIALS

マツダ

1996 MAZDA RX-7 FD3S

good doing it. Hara-san’s favourite parts of the car are the custom brown pearl paint and the overall balance of the aesthetics, an aspect he’s put just as much work into as anything else. Indeed, many of the carbon elements

As Hara-san says, “My inspiration when

on the car, such as the fender vents, wing end

building this was to make a car that was

plates, wing stay covers, and new ducktail

faster, better looking and cooler than anyone

∂ RE Amemiya carbon door skins ∂ Custom machined aluminium door handles ∂ OMP Super Turismo flat suede 33cm wheel ∂ A’PEXi gauges (boost, oil temp, oil pressure, carbon gauge pod) ∂ Recaro TS-G Alcantara seats ∂ Schroth 5-pt. harnesses ∂ Okuyama heel adjustment plate ∂ ETC toll card holder

spoiler are his creations and sold through his

else’s.” While such statements are subjec-

Car Shop Glow business. As are the machined

tive, I personally think he’s doing pretty well

aluminium door handles. Let’s not forget the

on all three fronts.

MOBILE ELECTRONICS

a signature item now sold in the US via May-

(Note: Sadly, after this shoot, Hara-san

day Garage.

blew an apex seal at a Tsukuba track

INTERIOR

∂ Carozzeria HDD navigation head unit ∂ Orion mid-bass speakers ∂ Odyssey battery

SPONSORS

∂ Car Shop Glow, Stardast Japan, Zest Racing

awesome Car Shop Glow taillights either –

day, but said he will repair it and be back terrorising touges, tollways and circuits in the near future.)

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(Hara-san) has to compete with friends who think a 2.8-liter conversion is a starting point for a fast Skyline. Can you imagine the allnight touge runs with this crew?

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goes touge-hunting. When asked if he’s ever scraped going over Japan’s notorious mountain road mid-corner “speed bumps,” designed to slow drivers down, he says no. And he’s got a lot of touge experience. To understand why, you have to know about Hara-san’s past.

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Growing up, Hara-san was surrounded by

monster, which progressed from a side port

older friends who were into fast cars. So in-

and TD07S-25G turbo to its current circuit/

evitably he bought one himself – a 180SX

touge/tollway-crusher status.

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that he tuned for drifting and touge work.

The funny thing is that while much of Hara-

That ended up being sold for an R32 GTS-t,

san’s money goes into making this FD3S the

used for the same purposes. After that came

fastest it can be around Tsukuba, a big rea-

the first of three FDs. On this initial purchase,

son for making a road-registered RX-7 this

Hara-san started off small, with just a boost

fast still lies with his friends. Just as Hara-

increase and intake/exhaust parts. This was

san kept building faster and faster cars, so

still enough to allow him to enjoy touge work,

did his mates, and now he has to compete

as well as his new loves of circuit racing and

with friends who think a 2.8-liter conversion is

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blasting along Japan’s tollways. His second FD

a starting point for a fast Skyline. Can you imag-

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gained a side port and T04E turbo, and while

ine the all-night touge runs with this crew?

this one, he still gained plenty of touge and

why the FD? “I love rotaries,” he says. “The

circuit seat time. Of course now he has this

sound and the feeling as it revs is just

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First, the numbers: Thanks to

(1,700-mm) GT wing on Zest Rac-

You might think the custom

its bridge-ported 13B, T88-34D

ing custom 12.5-inch stays and an

Zest Racing-spec Aragosta sus-

Trust turbo and 3.5-inch Zest Rac-

HKS six-speed dog box, and you

pension on rock-hard 16 kg/mm

ing custom titanium straight-pipe,

have a 2,579-pound car capable

Hyperco springs and Super Now

this RX-7 puts out 522 horsepow-

of driving to Tsukuba, lapping

pillow ball bushings would make

er and 361 lb-ft of torque while

in the 56-second bracket, then

road driving aspects a bit tiring,

emitting a most glorious noise.

driving home. Or going to work.

but the aftermarket sound sys-

Combine that with all of the

Or running errands… All of which

tem, functional A/C and ABS keep

Voltex aero, including a 67-inch

Hara-san has done in the past.

things tolerable. Hara-san badly

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“Many of the carbon elements on the car, such as the fender vents, wing end plates, wing stay covers, and new ducktail spoiler are his creations and sold through his Car Shop Glow business.” enormous Voltex upper canards

compromise on his “race car for

you can see, as well as even more

the road” philosophy to get there.

custom carbon front fender

That means keeping the up-

vents just days after this shoot.

graded stock brakes, too, which

“If I can’t win on weight, I’ll

isn’t so bad given that they’re

have to do it via aero,” he laughs.

relatively light. Because the RX-7

Amazingly, that aero isn’t

is still heavier than a dedicated

even an issue when Hara-san

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track car, he recently added the

ond zone, but he’s unwilling to

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“A race car for the road.” How many times have you heard that tagline used in advertising? And how many times has it actually been true? Well, Yukimitsu Hara isn’t the kind of guy who does things by halves, so when he bought a tired, exKnight Sports FD3S demo car from a customer at his Car Shop Glow automotive light business in 2009, he had a vision of a true race car for the road. As you can see, he’s executed it pretty well.

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CAR SHOP GLOW MAZDA RX-7 FD3S

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S H O P T O U R Mine's has immortalized nearly each generation of Skyline. The BCNR33 GT-R N1 (above, left) and BCNR32.5 GT-R N1 (above, right) pack

MINE’S

The end product of all this was the VX

the only lightweight carbon parts that are

machine. Upstairs, you’ll find parts stor-

ROM, still seen as one of the iconic ’90s

lacquered 10 times for beauty and durabil-

age and the engine building room. Nothing

tuning products. In much upgraded form,

ity. It’s one of many reasons why Mine’s

fancy there, either – just enough to get the

it’s still available today, too.

carbon components are so sought after

job done right.

a whopping 621 horsepower

But it’s not just tech goodies that makes

through a series of Mine's

Mine’s famous. The carbon fiber pieces you

All of this focus on simplicity and beauty

that, in a world full of super high-impact

see at the shop are beautiful, incredibly light

(as well as being very Japanese) is reflected

products often focused on looks alone,

and, again, wouldn’t be possible without

in both Mine’s cars and its workshop. The

there’s always a place for those who like

R&D and finding the right people.

shop exterior is simple, but nothing to write

to walk quietly, yet carry a big stick.

engine components.

worldwide.

“We get our carbon parts made at Moon-

home about. Yet inside, you see a beauti-

craft, which is a company we have a long-

fully arranged line-up of the company’s

standing and deep relationship with,” says

products. The workshop is low-key, with

Niikura-san.

space for three cars, a workbench and a

Well known in racing circles, Mooncraft’s

lathe, but the R35 demo car proves you

skills and technology help make possibly

don’t need much more to make a great

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ワークショップツアー

It’s seeing this that makes you realize

5-7-25 Hayashi, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 238-0315, Japan / +814 6857 3313 Mines-Wave.com MINES/129939153830325

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MINE’S

SIMPLE IS BEST Story & Photography by Chris Nicholls

S H O P T O U R

than the monster vehicles it produces within.

M Mine’s doesn’t do flashy. Its demo cars seem to have very few

It wasn’t just mechanical parts, either.

Aside from its focus on simplicity, Mine’s tuning philosophy is ‘total balance.’ “Everything should be perfect – turning, braking, accelerating,” Niikura-san explains. However, achieving that through mechanical means alone, in an era where ECUs began to play a starring role, was going to be impossible, so Niikura-san looked to explore this new frontier.

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outward modifications. Yet they’re stupidly fast. Some kind of

“At the time, there was a feeling that you

magic? Perhaps. Or maybe it’s decades of research and develop-

shouldn’t, and couldn’t touch computers,” he

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ment, along with finding the right partnerships.

recalls. “They were called ‘black boxes’ due

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It’s a journey founder Niikura-san started in 1985, when he

to their complexity. Hearing this, I thought to

decided to forge ahead on his own after working at Bridgestone.

myself that if I was to make any headway in

He got together friends from TOM’s, TRD and Nismo and worked

this industry, I needed to learn about these

to improve the often-poor quality of parts available at the time.

computers. ‘These will be the basis of my

“When I started, pistons and the like weren’t very strong

strength,’ I decided and, along with a computer

and broke easily, so I researched them and started making my

engineer friend, I studied incredibly hard and

own,” he says.

we managed to crack these ‘black boxes.’ By adding this knowledge to our strengths, we could attain the total balance we were after.”

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Classic, simple and understated, Mine’s shop

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S H O P T O U R

SPOON TYPE ONE GARAGE

Current Type One shop manager, Jomoto-san, is a prime example. Softspoken, but extremely switched-on and with piercing eyes that precede his intellect, he spoke to me about some of the keys to Spoon’s success.

One of the most important, he says, is that Spoon tests its components very thoroughly through frequent participation in endurance races.

“Why participate in endurance races, not sprints?” Jomoto-san asks.

“Because by driving long distances, you reveal a car’s weaknesses. That’s why we’ve continued doing it for 30 years.”

Spoon also boasts suppliers that very few others have access to, such as OEM giants Nissin and Showa, thanks to agreements set-up by founder and former S800 racer, Ichishima-san.

“OEM suppliers, in terms of qual-

Honda heaven. Spoon

ity, are extremely severe in how they

Sports Type One Garage

test things,” Jomoto-san says. “So

looks and operates as efficiently as a laboratory.

Their EG6 Civic out front

the parts they make are always of extremely high quality.”

sports a long list of CFD

This focus on quality has helped

and endurance-tested parts,

Spoon Sports establish itself on the

as well as their trademark yellow CR93 wheels.

scene with other products, too, like its NSX ECU, VTEC Controller and its carbon bonnets, which Jomoto-san claims were the first to really boast a high-quality finish back in the ‘90s.

Finally, there’s the company’s focus: “We aim to build great cars,” says Jomoto-san. “By that I mean great road cars, as if you aim to build a purely fast car, you end up with a race car, and obviously you can’t take that onto rough roads, so we aim to build road cars that make people think, ‘This is great!’ whenever they drive them on the road.”

So what about the future? Thanks to the new NSX, S660 and Civic TypeR, things are looking rosy. Obviously, there are challenges in learning new

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technologies, especially hybrids and

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Spoon’s engine and

their associated control systems, but

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transmission departments

even then, Jomoto-san says, “We ac-

are second to none,

tually have people who are so into it

negligible intolerances.

[programming and electronics] you almost have to slow them down.

We’re blessed to have them.”

Looks like Spoon will continue on its winning ways for a long while to come.

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refusing to build with

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S H O P T O U R

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And because it’s Spoon,

for being obsessive about everything, Type One was never going to be anything other than the best Honda tuning shop out there. Period.

Floors so clean, your shoes commit blasphemy just by walking on them?

Check. Super cool lift to move cars between the shop’s two levels? Check.

Near-hermetically sealed

SPOON FED

ing rooms with climate Imagine the cleanest work-

control tolerances that

shop you've ever seen. Now

don’t change? Check. Every

imagine it even cleaner. And

single engine part in its own

full of awesome Honda race

marked box or tray? Check.

cars. That’s Spoon Type One.

Super-knowledgeable and

Located on Tokyo’s

polite staff? Double check.

busy Kanpachi Doori, Type

In many ways, it’s the

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One was built in 2000 as a

staff who make Spoon what

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dedicated tuning and service

it is, even more than the

shop after it became clear

super-clean workshop and

that running both wholesale

shiny race cars. They hold

and tuning services from

all the specialist knowledge,

Spoon Sports’ Ogikubo

experience and passion that

headquarters was becom-

helps keep the company

ing too difficult (Ogikubo

ahead of the game. With-

still serves as the warehouse

out them, Spoon would not

location).

be Spoon.

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a company rightly renowned

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However, just selling a few parts wasn’t going to cut it for a perfectionist like Tanabe-san, so he committed large sums of money to R&D, which led to famous components like the company’s R1 Titan exhausts and renowned demo cars like the R34 Carbon R and S2000 GT1. Matsui-san said people seeing these cars in Hot Version videos and playing them in Gran Turismo were what really helped cement the company’s position.

Sadly, Tanabe-san passed away in 2012, but Matsui-san and his team have ensured his legacy remains by continuing to push the limits and focusing on R&D. “I think there are many areas of industry outside of our own that we can

‘If we're talking hybrids, it’s just a matter of [development] resources.

learn from,” he says, “and leaving that

Even pure electric cars, we are interested in. As tuners, if we can use our

knowledge untouched is a waste. So,

knowledge to tune them, that’s great. Even if the possibilities for powertrains

I go and look at these industries and

are limited right now, electric cars still have suspension and brakes, and we

see what I can learn.”

can even tune things like throttle pedal feel. And looking further into the

This constant learning is reflected in the parts you see at the shop. The R1 Titan exhausts, for example, are regularly updated as the company learns

future, I think the tuning world will start to develop ties with experienced electric motor manufacturers and look to improve things that way.”

A Tesla with bigger Amuse motors, slick carbon aero and other goodies?

The future doesn’t look so bad.

new things. It also means Matsui-san is keenly aware of what hybrid and electric cars could mean for tuners.

Amuse_v2.indd 2

ESSENTIALS

2-2-1 Sakurai Shinmachi, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba Prefecture, 292-0823, Japan / +814 3830 0055 WebAmuse.co.jp PowerHouseAmuse

2015-05-13 1:44 PM

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S H O P T O U R

POWER HOUSE AMUSE

Known on the streets as one of Japan’s premier tuners and exhaust manufacturers, Power House Amuse has also been rewarded in the digital world as a regular in the Gran Turismo video games.

P A S M A

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POWER HOUSE AMUSE A POWERHOUSE IN NAME AND TUNING Story & Photography by Chris Nicholls

S H O P T O U R

A top tuner? Yes, but the idea of Power House Amuse was spawned by founder Hideki Tanabe’s love for motorcycles, before he launched the company as a wheel shop.

I

Matsui-san, it goes something like this:

It may be hard to believe, but Power House Amuse started

“[Founder] Tanabe-san used to race

out in 1990 as a wheel specialist “no larger than a ramen shop.”

bikes, so he thought about starting a

Obviously it’s a bit bigger now, both in fame and floor space. With

motorbike shop. However, you can’t

worldwide recognition and a state-of-the-art, 9,000-square

do much to tune bikes, so he figured it

foot headquarters/workshop in Chiba prefecture complete with

wouldn’t be much of a business. As a re-

a dyno room and three lifts, Amuse is literally and figuratively a

sult, to fund his racing, and given it was

S

powerhouse of JDM tuning.

during Japan’s “bubble economy” pe-

M

maculate showroom is enough to make any car nut feel giddy

– he decided to start a car wheel shop.

R – scattered liberally about.

“Of course, people who buy wheels also tend to want to do other things, like changing mufflers or lowering them, so he started doing that, and also tried making his own mufflers and so on.

That went well, so because Tanabesan liked tuning cars too, the business went that way.”

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riod – where people had lots of money

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JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

It’s a stunning operation, and just walking through the im-

with all of the expensive parts and demo cars – like the Phantom

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But, how did Amuse get to this point? According to current boss

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RE AMEMIYA S H O P

Isami Amemiya (Ama-san, as he’s known by in Japan) has always been a bit... different. His first car was a Subaru 360, yet he went on in 1974

T O U R

to found the most famous rotary tuning shop on the planet – RE Amemiya.

Heading back out into the main workshop itself, a few of the finished products lie inside some pretty serious machinery. RE Amemiya’s D1GP car sat alongside its FD Asia RX-8 the day of the shoot, for example, along with a couple of customer cars – the white one (shown) sounded a lot ruder than its sedate exterior would suggest. Those drift cars are actually an unusual sight, too, as RE Amemiya is one of only a few shops competing in both major drifting series, gunning for the win in the D1GP this year.

Of course, RE Amemiya has a history of winning whatever it enters, be it JGTC (where it won the GT300 class, despite being a privateer), or D1 and FD, where it has also claimed victories. You can see the trophies inside the retail shop area, along with yet another demo car and an array of parts.

Indeed, the only motorsport competition the shop has entered but not won hardware is the World Time Attack Challenge, but judging by the effort that will go into this year’s entry they may well go home with a trophy from Australia, too. So, what’s next for this renowned tuner? Ama-san is realistic, but hopeful. “Eco-friendly cars will continue to grow, but the popularity of classics will continue

Not for the faint of heart, Isami Amemiya isn't

to grow as well. That said, I do think the tuning

afraid to dive into the

world will shrink a bit in the future, which is sad.

black magic of modifying

I just hope Mazda produces more rotary-engined

rotary powerplants.

cars in the future.”

No doubt millions of car fans worldwide would agree with that.

The cozy atmosphere of the RE Amemiya shop.

Akin to a deli, just order up to your heart's content!

P A S M A

ESSENTIALS

439-10 Nanae, Tomisato-shi, Chiba Prefecture, Japan / +814 7690 000 RE-Amemiya.co.jp

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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RE AMEMIYA

S H O P T O U R

A DIFFERENT PATH TO VICTORY Story & Photography by Chris Nicholls

I RE Amemiya.indd 1

Isami Amemiya (and the shop bearing his name) have long been known as rotary tuning specialists.

While much of their work still involves rotors, diesels have also become a project of choice.

Isami Amemiya (Ama-san, as he’s known by in

So, it’s no surprise that

odd FC and RX-8 mixed in,

Japan) has always been a bit... different. His first

since the apparent demise

fill the forecourt and, amaz-

car was a Subaru 360, yet in 1974 he founded the

of the rotary engine, instead

ingly, many are for sale. It’s

most famous rotary tuning shop on the planet:

of just tuning other gasoline

all rather tempting.

RE Amemiya. His all-time favorite car, despite the

Mazdas, Ama-san decided

The best part is that

amazing array of metal he’s helped build, is a tiny

to focus on the company’s

Ama-san knows there’s still

S

Mazda Chantez kei car he once put a rotary in. And

new diesels instead. Any-

more to come. “Even now,

M

unlike any other tuner I’ve met, his main stated

thing else would have been

if you develop the FD3S,

goal is to get people in the motoring media excited.

un-Ama-san-like.

you can continue to push

see evidence of that de-

majority of RE Amemiya’s

velopment in the back of

work is still rotor-based.

the workshop where rotor

One look at the company’s

housings, eccentrics and

main Chiba workshop

turbos sit casually, waiting

should tell you that. Vast

to be modified, fitted and

numbers of FD3Ss, with the

tuned.

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it further,” he says. You can

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Thankfully for rotary enthusiasts, though, the

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S H O P T O U R

ワークショップツアー

TOP SECRET

“You could get one car in there, and that was it.”

Top Secret. It's an appropriate name given

and I don’t want to involve innocent people in my antics,

But as they say, from little things do big things grow,

or cause trouble to others.”) to creating iconic cars like his

and so Top Secret went from that tiny shop to another in

V12 Supra, Nagata-san’s path has been one full of risk and

Souka City (about half the size of the current one), then

speed, but one also full of friendship. It’s that message

onto the premises in Miyako-chou (which was actually

he’d like young people to learn today.

on Trust’s land, then finally to the current shop in 2011.

“Cars used to be something young people were into,

that Nagata-san got his

The Trust connection is important. It’s how Nagata-

and were an essential part of their lives,” he says. “Now

kick start by working

san got his start, working away on top secret projects

it’s all about the Internet and mobile phones. But if you

(hence the name) out of hours at Trust – before going

add cars to modern life, your life will change. Cars are a

his own way.

way of making new friends and building trust. So, if you

late hours on secret projects at Trust.

And what a journey it’s been. From being arrested in

add cars to your life, your world will expand. That aspect

virtually every country he’s driven in, (“At the time, as long

of cars is what I’d like everyone to know and understand.”

as it was fun, I didn’t care. Now, I’m a little bit more adult

Wise words indeed.

Top Secret's Super GTR1000.

The name alludes to the monsterous twin-turbo power unit within, which was assembled using a careful selection of parts for near immediate throttle response.

P A S M A

ESSENTIALS

759-1 Sankakuchou, Hanamikawa-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba Prefecture, 262-0011, Japan / +814 3216 8808 TopSecret-Jpn.com TopSecretJpn

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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Top Secret.indd 2

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A MILLION AND ONE WAYS INSTALLED OUTCOME...

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Top Secret cars start out as white in color, but are soon racking up performance parts and setting track records to earn their gold paint. A gold Top Secret car is the best Top Secret car.

ワークショップツアー

TOP SECRET

I

S H O P T O U R

SPEED. IT’S ONE HELL OF A DRUG. Story & Photography by Chris Nicholls

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mph just as much as he did

By any standards, not just

through his tuning company,

Japanese, it’s enormous.

Top Secret. While he may

Inside, you could easily

It’s a long way from the deserted country

have toned down his antics

park eight or nine cars side-

roads of Kazuhiko "Smokey" Nagata’s rural

in recent years, he still hun-

by-side, and the extensive

Hokkaido hometown to industrial Chiba

gers for speed.

grounds outside hold more

in Tokyo’s west end, but it’s a journey he’s

It’s that reason why he

GT-Rs than I’ve ever seen in

managed with ease. Perhaps because he

builds insane vehicles like

one place. There’s also am-

was going so fast...

his 1,000+ horsepower

ple storage space upstairs,

S

A legendary figure in underground tun-

Super GT-R II at his expan-

machining and engine build-

M

ing circles, Nagata-san made his name

sive workshop, and takes

ing rooms and a separate

by blasting along Tokyo’s tollways at 200

them racing at events like

dyno shed outside. Last but

HKS Premium Day. It’s why

not least, there’s the sales

he still travels the world,

office behind the workshop.

It’s a far cry from the

he can go flat out. Call it an

company’s first shop in Soga

addiction, but it’s not a bad

Rikkyou (also in Chiba),

one to have.

which Nagata-san says

You can see the results

was about half the size of

of this habit at his workshop.

just the current sales office.

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looking for places where

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2015-05-12 5:22 PM

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the brand-new Pan Speed FD3S, and the very interesting Prime Garage HC35 Laurel.

The Pan Speed RX-7 is, as mentioned, a new ground-up build, as you can tell from the lack of stickers (pictured, top right), was pretty fresh. There’s still plenty of tuning left to go,

it’s a serious threat.

Prime Garage’s Laurel, on the other hand, wasn’t as quick with a 1:48.423, but then it’s a bit of a different beast. Possibly the only Laurel time attack car ever made, the SR20-engined machine is surely going to need a very steep learning curve, but it already turns heads, so that’s a win no matter what for the KitaKyushu shop.

So that was HKS Premium Day 2015. Perfect weather, brilliant cars and plenty of on-track action. Perhaps it is heaven after all. It’s heaven on Earth at the very least, and we can hardly wait for next year!

Perhaps it is heaven after all.

but even then, it’s 1:45.146 proves

HKS PREMIUM DAY 2015 – カーショー

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JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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2015-05-13 11:23 AM

HKS PREMIUM DAY 2015 – カーショー

seconds off its old mark with

HKS made in the last 12 months

a time of 1:48.425.

have been.

The absolute fastest time of

Sadly, the GT1000+’s main

the day on the R-specs belonged

competition at WTAC 2014, Top

to Top Fuel’s S2000 RR, though.

Secret’s Super GT-R II, wasn’t

With Nobuteru Taniguchi at the

in good shape that day, post-

wheel, the car smashed through

ing a slower time than last year

the 1:40 barrier with a 1:39.131. He

(1:46.430 on radials) and suffer-

could have gone faster, too. On his

ing an early failure on the start-

final lap, the commentator kept

finish straight toward the end of

the crowd in a frenzy as Tanigu-

its run. Apparently its front left

chi recorded sector one and two

tire blew out, severing an oil line

almost half-a-second up on his

and leaving plenty of smoke. It’s

fresh record. Sadly, though, Nob

just lucky that things happened at

couldn't match that performance in the final sector - but it proved there’s still time left in the car, and a 1:38 is thus eminently

the start of the long straight and

possible. That is scary consid-

not the end, when it would have

ering those are GT3 and GT300

been pushing well over 150 mph.

speeds, and those are running

Not everyone was there to

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shatter lap records, though. With

M

Speaking of slicks, toward the

plenty of new cars debuting at

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end of the day, HKS rolled out

this year’s HKS Premium Day,

its GT1000+ just to show what

many were there just to use it as

a highly-tuned R35 on race rub-

a shakedown. That included two

ber can do...a 1:37.771, as it turned

of the day’s coolest debutants:

out. Considering the previous year’s time was a 1:39.853, that’s a marked improvement, showing just how effective the upgrades

2015

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JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

slicks.

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2015-04-22 11:05 AM

Yokohama brought out its brand new AD08B R-spec tire (made specifically for the R35) for teams to test. HKS Technical Factory, among others, got one more shot...

HKS PREMIUM DAY 2015 – カーショー

to widebody Evos and big-winged

However, that wasn’t the end

recorded a 1:41.743 – over two

GT-Rs, plenty of the metal away

of it for the Kamikaze R. Yoko-

seconds faster than any other

from the main garages looked just

hama brought out its brand new

R35 on the day.

as good as the ones inside them.

AD08B R-spec tire (made spe-

It wasn’t just the GT-R that

Of course, while the displays

cifically for the R35) for teams

improved their times, either.

are the big attraction for many,

to test. HKS Technical Factory,

The Esprit NSX beat its previ-

the important action happens

among others, got one more

ous record by about half-a-

out on track, with all the tun-

shot. And, showing just how

second (1:42.466) thanks to its

ers aiming to prove their bona

much of a difference rubber can

upgraded WTAC-spec aero, while

fides in the best way possible –

make, the Kamikaze R promptly

the Yashio Factory S15 slashed six

by laying down a fast time.

One by one the different classes embarked, with everything from near-stock engine 86s to the fearsome R35s aiming to lay down a fast lap. And plenty did.

In the GT-R camp, Tsukada-san

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from ATTKD reigned supreme in

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his R32 with a 1:40.295, followed

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faster than any of the R35s, too, with HKS Technical Factory’s Kamikaze R the best of the new breed, but still settling for a 1:44.051.

2015

clocked a 1:41.508. Both proved

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

by the Garage Ito R34 which

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Japan’s biggest and most renowned tuning houses, so you know their demo cars are going to be serious business. Top Secret, Powerhouse Amuse, HKS Kansai Service, Auto Select, Garage Mak, Top Fuel and many others all lined up to show their wares. And being in Japan, you can buy plenty of gear direct from their stalls, too.

Even the regular punter cars for the Hyper Challenge event prove just how impressive Japan’s tuning scene is. From Kanjo-style Civics

S M A G 2015

gawking at how amazing the cars are. The invited dealers are among

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JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

It’s a heady mix, and one that results in a lot of time just spent

Top Secret, Powerhouse Amuse, HKS Kansai Service, Auto Select, Garage Mak, Top Fuel and many others all lined up to show their wares.

HKS PREMIUM DAY 2015 – カーショー

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– カーショー

Story & Photography by Chris Nicholls

HKS PREMIUM DAY 2015 Car Show

Mount Fuji is in

the background,

bathed in a beau-

tiful sunset. The

sound of 1,000-plus

horsepower GT-Rs

Every year since 2009, HKS

pounding around

has put on this amazing event

the circuit reverber-

in its backyard (the headquar-

ates in your ears. In

ters is based in the foothills of

front of you stands

Japan’s most famous mountain),

a selection of

and each year it gets better and

Japan’s best tuner

better. The initial idea was to get

cars - GT-Rs, WRXs,

Japanese HKS dealers together

Evos, RX-7s and

and show off their cars to the

more. Is this heav-

public, along with racing them in

M

en? Close. It’s HKS

a time attack event held in col-

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Premium Day.

laboration with Option maga-

clude HKS dealers and cars from around the world, and even the general public can join in the circuit-based fun via the Hyper Challenge event.

S

2015

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JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

zine. Today, it has grown to in-

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THE tr.

REAL CARGUY トレンド

TRENDING

Kimura-san created the “CarGuy" brand to bring people together over our love for speed, super cars and delectable automotive chassis’ cocooned with carbon fiber. This is precisely why he drifts his F40 and Huracán in the snow in Hokkaido and Nagano and also why he threw a Furious 7 gathering at a popular mall on the outskirts of Tokyo.

There are all sorts of car owners in this world. Automotive enthusiasts are a

of in this day and age, but perhaps not

diverse bunch, and we are fiercely loyal when push comes to shove. We are all the

so in Japan where things – automotive

same at a nuclear level, and yet it takes a special kind of person to drop those barriers

speaking – are quite the liberal affair.

and just let everyone in. You should see the looks on the kid’s faces when they get

In this current climate where people

into and out of these cars. Would this happen where you live? I somehow doubt it…

are constantly being forced to wrap

One night, as we gathered around to appreciate each other’s machinery, Kimura

themselves in cotton wool, Takeshi

dropped a spirit bomb. He’d just ordered one of the most anticipated hyper cars

Kimura cuts a sharp, fresh figure. He

of the 21st century: a McLaren P1. A million-dollar machine made almost ex-

wants to bring people together over

clusively of carbon fiber and packing

our mutual love of the cars we adore

over 900 horsepower of fire-breathing

– old and new. He isn’t afraid to flog

hybrid technology; the same car that

a machine the way it was intended to

made Jeremy Clarkson almost shit his

be flogged and, best of all, he let’s you

pants at Spa-Francorchamps in Bel-

(and your kids) enjoy it along with him.

gium. It even has a button on the wheel

That’s a very rare combination in the

labeled “iPAS.” Oh, the irony! One push

climate we’re in.

of that that and you’re seeing stars at warp speed.

And so, CarGuy was created as a vehicle of its own; a brand that embodies

Not long after it was delivered, I

that passion and brings it to the masses

found myself traveling with the Car-

through public and personal channels.

Guy team to the furthest reaches of

To that end, I am basically CarGuy’s

Okinawa, hanging out of the side of a

spec-ops; on call when they need a

helicopter at 130 mph on an airport run-

target taken out, day or night. The job

way, shooting photos like a hunter shoots wild deer. I still can’t believe it happened,

does have its perks and within the team

even after looking through my files.

I’m known as the “Aussie Sniper.” Lame

You’re probably thinking that Takeshi Kimura is just some rich dude with a lot of toys, but I can tell you from personal experience – intrinsically and extrinsically – that

as the nickname might be, the results are anything but.

this is far from the truth. He literally is a CarGuy; an enthusiast for the masses. I can-

Kimura-san also has a lot of friends

not remember for the life of me a time where I have seen the owner of cars like the

and colleagues in the automotive indus-

F40, F50 and McLaren P1 simply letting kids, teens and adults climb in and around

try in multiple disciplines including D1,

these machines, happily snapping photos for them on request. It is almost unheard

Super GT and Super Taikyu (endurance) racing. Max Orido, Takahiro Ueno and

YOU SHOULD SEE THE LOOKS ON THE KID’S FACES WHEN THEY GET INTO AND OUT OF THESE CARS. WOULD THIS HAPPEN WHERE YOU LIVE? I SOMEHOW DOUBT IT…

Tetsuya Hibino are also CarGuy sponsored drivers! There’s literally something

P A

for everyone within this new endeavor.

S

I really encourage you to visit the Car-

M

Guy page on Facebook (/CarGuy.jp) and

A G

automotive life. I can safely say there are many more adventures to come. トレンド FILL 'ER UP

PASMAG.COM

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

the madness that we get up to in daily

2015

also on the web (CarGuy.jp) for more of

THAT SAME F40 IS INFAMOUS FOR THE “CAMPING TRIP” HE TOOK IT ON – A VACATION THAT SAW HIS TENT STRAPPED TO THE ROOF AND EGGS FRIED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

20

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2015-05-12 3:22 PM

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トレンド

THE tr.

REAL CARGUY

TRENDING

BRINGING AUTOMOTIVE LOVE TO THE MASSES

Story & Photography by Adam Zillin / Additional photography by CarGuy EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE “BIG M” PEGGED HARD TO THE FLOOR, WAILING IN SEVENTH AND NEEDLING 170 MPH AT ITS CUT OUT, THE COMPUTERS WERE TELLING ME THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO GIVE DOWN THAT LONG 9.3-MILE STRETCH WITHOUT A REBOOTED ECU. BUT THAT DOT IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS COMING ON FAST; GETTING LARGER AND LARGER UNTIL WITH A RUSH, A SILVER PORSCHE CARRERA GT SHOT PAST ME DOING WELL OVER 200 MPH, WHERE IT SIMPLY STORMED AWAY INTO THE DISTANCE AND DISAPPEARED OUT OF SIGHT. I WAS FLABBERGASTED. A SHORT WHILE LATER, PARKED AT A REGULAR MEET I INHABIT ON WEEKENDS, I WAS TO MEET CARGUY’S TAKESHI KIMURA FOR THE FIRST TIME.

GET THE FULL PICTURE

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Despite the throngs of people suddenly

night, he drove up in one of my all-time

surrounding the car, Kimura-san, remov-

favorite dream cars; a Ferrari F40. That

ing his black leather driving gloves, hap-

same F40 is infamous for the “camping

pily accommodated my request to take

trip” he took it on – a vacation that saw

a closer look at the Porsche’s interior.

his tent strapped to the roof and eggs

The one thing I remember best was the

fried on the exhaust manifold. To say that

beautiful little wooden shift lever. It’s the

a certain demographic of purists went

small details that often matter, right?

ballistic is an understatement. In any

Not long after that, I saw Kimura-san

case, I was smitten with the machine and

again at another spot we both frequent;

just wanted to drool all over it. Each time

Tatsumi Parking Area. If you haven’t a

we met, we would trade pleasantries and

clue about what Tatsumi Parking Area

he would always let me pore over every

is, look up the page on Facebook un-

car in detail, taking as many shots as I

der the same name – I promise you’ll

liked and climbing all over the machines

become a fan of it. There, he’d brought

in true awe and appreciation. I suppose,

along his new Lamborghini Aventador

at least in recollection, it was like Charlie

Roadster – the first and only one of its

meeting the automotive equivalent of

kind in Japan at the time. Barely a few

Willy Wonka. Without letting any greed

weeks after that, he rolled up in a brand

get to me, over time I took the cars all

new custom ordered McLaren MP4-12C

in through my Nikon and filtered them

in orange. Then, on a separate night, a

through 7Tune’s social media and web

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead. Then

outlets.

not long after that it was a Ferrari F50!

YOU’RE PROBABLY THINKING THAT TAKESHI KIMURA IS JUST SOME RICH DUDE WITH A LOT OF TOYS, BUT I CAN TELL YOU FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE – INTRINSICALLY AND EXTRINSICALLY – THAT THIS IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH.

One particular night, he took me for P

My mind was doing backflips with

a couple of laps of the R9 route in that

every car he brought. “Who the heck is

F40. I’ll never forget it. I realized that my

S

this guy?!” I wondered. Then one special

love for the F40 was close to complete

M

at that point, where understanding how

A

A G

level yet again. It’s difficult for average guys like you and I to comprehend these experiences, let alone recount them without rambling incoherently, but I’m doing my best!

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

the urgency and took things to another

2015

it handled the road at speed magnified

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ガイド

JDM EVERYTHING MCR Crimson First-Class Exhaust for Nissan 350Z $3,875 | MCR-LTD.com / BulletproofAutomotive.com Famed Japanese Nissan tuner and race builder MCR recently revamped their entire line-up of exhaust systems.

Their overhauled 350Z exhaust system features a new design, as well as construction. Built from 100% titanium, the exhaust sheds 21.2 lbs (9.6 kg) off the OEM piece, and features a 70-mm main pipe, 60-mm sub-pipes and a unique double-thick, laser-cut titanium plate highlighting MCR’s logo.

RAYS Volk Racing TE37RT Black Edition RAYSWheels.co.jp / Mackin-IND.com The TE37 is loved by generations and is a long-selling model. This RT (Rigid Tune) model improves rim strength by approximately 5% and includes antitire-slip knurling on the rim seat. Its Mold Form Forged 1-piece construction offers lightness, strength, rigidity and durability.

The Pressed Black color and rim flange and logo machining accent this special model.

Project Kics R40 iCONIX Lug Nuts From $266 | Mackin-IND.com Project Kics R40 iCONIX lug nuts are made of SCM435 alloy for light weight and high strength. They feature 3-piece construction with a 17-mm hex body, floating seat and removable resin cap. The floating seat design allows the user to properly torque the lug nuts without marring the wheel finish. Available in M12x1.25 and M12x1.5, Black Chrome or NeoChrome, with or without locking nuts.

Whiteline Roll Center & Bumpsteer Correction Kit for FR-S/BRZ & Subaru Impreza WRX/STI $249.80 | Whiteline.com.au Whiteline’s Roll Center & Bumpstop Correction Kit is designed to correct suspension geometry on lowered vehicles by replacing factory ball joints and tie rod ends. The specially engineered ball-joints raise the front roll-center geometry back towards factory settings, resulting in substantial increase in roll resistance.

WORK Emotion CR2P Wheel WORKWheelsUSA.com The Emotion CR 2P is a 2-piece construction wheel that uses one of WORK Wheels' most iconic designs. Center finishes include Matte Bronze, Matte Black, White and GT Silver. Standard barrel finish is anodized polished lip. Optional barrel finishes are available in Black Anodized or Bronze Anodized. Available in 19 (full reverse) and 20-inch (step rim) diameters and 7.5 to 11.5-inch widths.

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Project Mu Club Racer Brake Pads From $193.33/axle set | Mackin-IND.com The newest compound out of the Project Mu Racing lineup, the Club Racer brake pad offers exceptional feel, modulation and release characteristics, while maintaining extremely low wear rates. This compound produces high mid-range torque and a consistent coefficient of friction all the way up to 1,472 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring reliable braking lap after lap.

Tire Graphix Tire Wall Lettering TireGraphix.com Want that white wall lettering effect on your ride? Spray-painting your tire logos on your tires eventually rubs off. Tire Graphix white tire wall lettering features weatherproof raised rubber and special adhesive to give it that classic or sporty look. Tire Graphix can also customize your team or crew logo onto the lettering.

Yokohama Wheels Advan Racing RZII YokohamaWheel.jp / Mackin-IND.com The twin 5-spoke design has been updated to exhibit more concavity and dimension through the elongated spokes.

Manufactured with Advan Racing Flow Forming technology where the center is cast, while the rim section is spin forged to improve density, lightness and strength. Available in SemiGloss Black, Racing Hyper Black, and Racing Indigo Blue & Ring in 17 to 19-inch sizes.

Subaru STI Security Lock Nut Set

One One 2 Auto Japanese Nostalgic Wheel Coasters

$599 | Nextmod.com

From $30 | 112Auto.BigCartel.com

These security wheel nuts feature laser-etched STI logos and a 3-layer nickeling process to provide strong protection against corrosion. The star-shaped locking pattern of the security lock nut prevents removal without the use of a special tool.

Packed in a black resin case, the kit includes 16 coded lock nuts, 4 security wheel nuts, 1 locknut removal tool and 1 security lock nut removal tool.

Each set of these coasters comes with six unique wheel designs inspired from highly sought-after, vintage Japanese wheels. You can choose from set 001, 002, or mix and match your own set of six. The coasters are laser-cut and etched from 4.8-inch basswood. The designs are original artwork, drawn and created by ONEONE2 Design.

P A S M A

Varis VAB Aero Kit for 2015 Subaru WRX STI

Runduce.com / BulletproofAutomotive.com

Varis.co.jp / BulletproofAutomotive.com

Japanese tuner and Varis partner, Original Runduce used their experience building some of the fastest circuit racers in Japan to develop a series of big brake kits. Campaigned on the fastest Toyota 86 in Japan, these circuit-proven big brake kits are available in a wide variety of applications for common Japanese tuner cars.

Debuting at Tokyo Auto Salon 2015, Varis Japan’s new aero kit for Subaru’s latest WRX STI adds subtle styling and increased cooling.

The kit includes a front lip spoiler, side splitter set, rear diffuser, wide front fenders and a vented hood (bonnet). The pieces are available in both carbon fiber, as well as FRP, and can be complimented by one of Varis’s famous GT-wings.

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

Original Runduce Big Brake Kits

2015

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info@mdaudio.net For dealers inquires: www.orioncaraudio.com | T: (305) 593.8361 | F: (305) 593.8413 | Toll free: 1-855.475.6048 Miami, FL - USA @orioncaraudioofficial facebook.com/orion.car.audio | twitter.com/OrionCarAudio

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JDM EVERYTHING Aimgain VIP GT Widebody Kit for Lexus IS-F Aimgain.net / BulletproofAutomotive.com Japanese VIP tuner Aimgain recently stunned the tuning world with their orange IS-F drift car, which sported their new VIP GT aero kit. The kit is available in a 3-piece set (front bumper, side skirt set and rear bumper), and can be complimented by wide overfenders, as well as a trunk and roof spoilers.

Aragosta Coilover Kits

HKS Reduced Exhaust System Prices

BulletproofAutomotive.com

HKSUSA.com \ Motovicity.com

Aragosta blends Japanese and European experience and know-how to offer options for virtually every build, from comfortable, yet sporty street setups to fully custom race vehicles.

Aragosta coilovers have been utilized by numerous highprofile tuners in Japan for a number of years, including Top Secret, Midori Seibi, TRUST Japan, RH9, Phoenix's Power and many others for both customer and demo car builds.

At a time when many manufacturers are increasing prices, HKS has determined that lowering prices on exhaust systems will help strengthen the brand in North America.

The newly reduced prices are applicable to the Hi-Power, Racing, Ti-Carbon, Sport, Turbo, and Legamax systems – providing the opportunity for younger enthusiasts to purchase the same high-quality performance made-in-Japan exhaust systems used by successful race teams and builders around the world.

Car Shop GLOW LED Kouki-style Combo Lights for Mazda RX-7 FD3S $399 | MaydayGarage.com These LED plug and play combo lights mount up right under your FD RX-7’s pop-up headlights with no hassle.

They’re 99-spec, kouki-style and take on the job of being both parking and turn signal lights. Hand assembled in Japan and ready to go for your 1993-1998 RX-7, just leave some time for shipping and construction when you order.

J’s Racing XR Steering Wheel Type-D Nextmod.com J's Racing Xtreme Racers Type-D steering wheel is deep dished, wrapped in leather and made for motorsports fans.

The 13-inch (330 mm) steering wheel offers an increased thickness that fits your palm perfectly to minimize fatigue.

Its deep shape provides a closer driving position for rapid and hard steering movement.

JDM Tsurikawa Tsurikawa – Train/Subway Handle $23 | JDMTsurikawa.com Stolen in trains by Japanese young gangsters, also known as bosozokus, the tsurikawas (safety handles) were proudly attached to modified bikes and cars to show disrespect to authority. They quickly became the symbol of a reckless youth and hardcore Japanese car enthusiasts are still flaunting them to express their freedom. JDM Tsurikawa offers you a wide range of colors and shapes, direct from Japan!

P A S M A G

$4,995 | GT-RR.com / BulletproofAutomotive.com ESPRIT is among the world’s most respected manufacturers of aero parts. Their well-known NSX time attack car is widely recognized as among the fastest track cars in the world.

Originally made exclusively for their NSX’s racing efforts, ESPRIT now offers their 052W design for the R35 GT-R. The 052W is produced in dry carbon with titanium mounts and utilizes the OEM wing stand locations.

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

ESPRIT 052W GT Wing w/ SPL GT-R Stands

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パフォーマンス・オート・アンド・サウンド

PASMAG Tuning Essentials (ISSN # 1710-1573) is published 6 times a year by Performance Auto & Sound Inc. 100A-219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1, Canada SUBSCRIPTION RATES: (10 issues) Canada and USA: $24.99 (20 issues) Canada and USA: $34.99 (30 issues) Canada and USA: $42.99 Toll Free: 1 (888) 564-SUBS [7827] Email: subs@pasmag.com www.pasmag.com/subscribe GROUP PUBLISHER & CEO Tim Rutledge PUBLISHERS Blake Breslin & Perry Breslin FOUNDER & SR. VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Frank Spezzano

EDITORIAL GROUP MANAGING EDITOR Shaun Keenan SENIOR EDITOR Jordan Lenssen ASSOCIATE EDITOR Micky Slinger TECHNICAL EDITOR Garry Springgay

CONTRIBUTORS Phillip Awad Ashley Barone CarGuy Eric Eikenberry

Rey Trejano Derek Weldon Adam Zillin

Andrew Ho Chris Nicholls Jeff Peabody Ben Schaffer

ART & PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR Queue Gonzalez PRODUCTION & SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Patrick Dinglasan SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Edward Shintani SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Patrick Beltijar GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mike Chan

SALES & MARKETING SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Matthew Adolfo DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING Justin Hasan AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Randi Bentia SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE Ken Rule

A D M I N I ST R AT I O N DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Craig Sweetman DIRECTOR, CLIENT SERVICES Richard Robles CLIENT SERVICES Anna Brown Performance Auto & Sound Magazine welcomes unsolicited contributions including stories (typewritten), photos, club news, events, etc. (Forward to PAS, 100A-219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON, M6K 3J1, Canada) Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40069655 PAP Registration #10760 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NIAGARA FALLS, NY AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. U.S.P.S. # 022-608 U.S. OFFICE OF PUBLICATION: 2421 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY, 14305 U.S. POSTMASTER SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO: Performance Auto & Sound, Box 1082, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304 Exclusive distribution by: Coast-to-Coast Newsstand Service Ltd. Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies whose products and services might be of interest to our readers.

If you prefer to have your name removed from this list, please write to us at the address below and include your mailing label. For any subscription inquiries, including change of address, call 1 (888) 564-SUBS.

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND Phone: (416) 922-7526 Fax: (416) 964-1836 Toll Free: (866) 737-8805 www.pasmag.com pas@pasmag.com

Issue Preview-Masthead_TE_JDM_2.indd 1

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2015-05-12 1:58 PM

W

arning! This issue is so smoking hot that it may spontaneously combust. And, when

there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. In fact, Chris Nicholls, the newest member of the PASMAG team, caught up with the legend himself – Smokey Nagata – during a tour of some of the country’s top tuning shops while on assignment. Nicholls, a resident

SOMEBODY CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!

of Melbourne, Aus., has been working behind the scenes for months, curating and coordinating the best of the best JDM content on the planet to make sure that our super special JDM issue beats all others in the market. And, after all that’s been said and done, nobody can argue that fact either.

During his annual pilgrimage to the re-

Glow FD3S street and track terrorizer that

parts in the U.S. and his personal philoso-

cent Tokyo Auto Salon, Nicholls stayed

graces our cover. Takero’s joins the party

phy on JDM tuning. Also stateside, Ashley

on for weeks after the fact to attend the

with a 600-horsepower Nissan Stagea

Barone from Amsoil recounts her personal

massive HKS Premium Day at Fuji Speed-

Autech 260RS, while Zillin follows up his

experience of importing her JDM dream

way, photograph some killer rides and visit

interview with Naohisa Tazawa (PASMAG

car – a Eunos Cosmo – legally into the

with Mine’s, Power House Amuse, Spoon

#131, June/July) with Garage G-Force’s

U.S. It’s a must-read for anyone thinking

Sports Type One Garage, RE Amemiya

CT9A Time Attack Evo. It laps the Tsukuba

of doing the same.

and, of course, Top Secret. You’ll find all of

Circuit in 55 seconds. Enough said!

last, full JDM Special Edition, Phillip Awad

is in store – besides the Japanese-style,

the U.S. home, however, it is anything but

photographs the 10th annual last Japa-

backwards printing that is!

made in the USA. Frankensteined in the

nese Classic Car Show mere steps from

Meanwhile, Adam Zillin, our regular

USA perhaps. Archie Concon’s two-door

where he grew up, alongside the RMS

JDM Insider, has started hanging out with

Evo VIII is actually a 2000 Mitsubishi Mi-

Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

the ultimate car guy, who's been garnering

rage, and it has been a project of passion

And our editors bring the latest and cool-

much attention with his exotic rides and

for many, many years. PASMAG’s Eric

est JDM parts and accessories in our Hot

community outreach initiatives in and

Eikenberry walks us through this one-of-

New Products Guide.

around Tokyo. His group is actually called

a-kind whip.

If all this doesn’t amount to the best

Also on the homefront, we sat down

JDM enthusiast special edition magazine

with Bulletproof Automotive boss Ben

outside of Japan, then we have no clue

Schaffer, North America’s authority on

what we’re doing. Let us know at letters@

tuners in existence. The all-star list of

all things JDM and author of “The Real

pasmag.com if you agree or disagree. That

machines boasts a pair of Mazda RX-7s,

JDM” blog (which actually has its roots

is, after the fire department has left the

including the time attack RE Amemiya

in PASMAG by the way), to talk about the

building. In the meantime, thanks for

Hurricane and the jaw-dropping Car Shop

process of importing and distributing JDM

checking us out!

C O N N E C T MAKING IT EASIER TO STALK US THAN EVER BEFORE!

www.pasmag.com

facebook.com/pasmag

twitter.com/pasmag

instagram.com/pasmag

blogs.pasmag.com

P A S M A G 2015

On the features front, we’ve nailed down some of the most insane Japanese

youtube.com/pasnation

Download the iTunes app PASMAG+

Get the digital edition for your tablet at pasmag.com/zinio

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

CarGuy (go figure).

MANAGING EDITOR

Our final featured vehicle actually calls

Shaun Keenan

To round out our first but definitely not

it inside so keep reading to see what else

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THE CURE FOR YOUR ITCHY TRIGGER FOOT. GIVE YOUR RIGHT FOOT WHAT IT WANTS with a K&N ® performance air intake system. It delivers more horsepower — guaranteed — and installs in about 90 minutes. Order yours online today. So you can scratch that itch.

SUPERIOR AIRFLOW. SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE.™

AVAILABLE THROUGH:

Johnston Research & Performance, Inc. 905-822-7223 - www.jrponline.com Huge K&N Inventory, Ready To Ship!

Competitive Pricing and Extensive Technical Support

PAS full.indd 1

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マガジン

TABLE OF CONTENTS CAR FEATURES I 特集 52

HOME MADE

CAR SHOP GLOW MAZDA RX-7 FD3S 60

WHITE UNICORN

TSUKUBA’S SUPER STAGEA 260RS AUTECH VERSION 66

MAMEMIYA!

RE AMEMIYA HURRICANE WTAC RX-7 72

SAMURAI PRECISION

GARAGE G-FORCE CT9A TIME ATTACK EVO 78

EVOLUTION OF A MIRAGE

VARIS ASSO “EVO” MIRAGE

特集

FEATURES I 特集 18

TUNING INSIDER

THE REAL CAR GUY: BRINGING THE AUTOMOTIVE LOVE 22

HEAVEN ON EARTH?

HKS PREMIUM DAY @ FUJI SPEEDWAY 84

10TH JAPANESE CLASSIC CAR SHOW

JDM TAKES OVER THE QUEEN MARY 88

THE REAL JDM

INTERVIEW WITH BULLETPROOF AUTOMOTIVE’S BEN SCHAFFER 92

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

IMPORTING A JDM VEHICLE INTO NORTH AMERICA

SHOP TOURS I ワークショップツアー 32

TOP SECRET

36

RE AMEMIYA

40

POWER HOUSE AMUSE

44

SPOON SPORTS TYPE ONE GARAGE

48

MINE’S

JDM BUYERS GUIDE I ガイド

E D I T I O N

トレンド

P

14

JDM EVERYTHING!

95

KONIG CALENDAR

A S M A

THE HELIX & JENNY CHU

JAPAN SPECIAL EDITION

2015

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8

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HIGH PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION O F F I CI A L S U S PENSION OF FORMULA D RIFT CANADA

MADE TO WIN C O M P E T I T I O N B R E D 1 5 WAY R E B O U N D A N D C O M P R E S S I O N A DJ U S TA B I L I T Y The HSD MonoPro coilover is what the performance tuning scene has been crying out for. The MP series coilovers offer the most features and the best quality for under $1350.

HSD Coilovers use a Monotube damper design favoured by high end suspension companies and each kit is TUV approved. This level of quality and performance is usually found on much more expensive suspension products.

HIGH QUALITY MONOTUBE DAMPERS Cheaper aftermarket dampers use a twin-tube design with low pressure gas whereas our Monotube damper design uses large diameter pistons and a much higher gas pressure to better stabilise the oil within, even under extreme and prolonged use.

FOR YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED HSD DEALER PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.HSD-USA.COM

HSD_V3.indd 1

NEW APPLICATIONS SPRING 2015 BMW 1M (E82) BMW 3 SERIES M3 (F80) BMW 5 SERIES (F10) FORD MUSTANG 2005 - 14 HONDA CIVIC 2014 - 15 (SI & NON SI) MAZDA MIATA NC 2006 - 14 VW GOLF MK7

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

FULLY ADJUSTABLE DAMPING

PILLOW BALL TOP MOUNTS

A very wide range of height adjustment is possible without affecting the spring pre-load or the damper stroke length. So whether you want sporty or totally slammed, you still get the full performance of the damper.

Our 16 Stage damping adjustment allows quick, easy and accurate control of the damping so you can tune it to suit your style and setup.

Set to soft for your daily drive, then quickly switch to hard for track days or competition use.

Our coilovers come with Anodised Aluminium top mounts with integrated heavy duty noise-free pillowball bearings all round. A wide range of camber adjustment is included on front strut models.

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@HSDSUSPENSION

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JDM EVERYTHING BUYERS GUIDE

HKS PREMIUM DAY

TUN I NG ESSENTIALS

SHOP TOURS

HEAVEN ON EARTH

E D I T I O N

+ MINE'S + POWER HOUSE AMUSE + RE AMEMIYA + SPOON SPORTS + TOP SECRET

CAR SHOP GLOW RX-7

+

PASMAG.COM

PM40069655

R10760

Display Until 08/31/15

$6.99

TE_Japan_1_Cover.indd 1

HOW TO IMPORT A JDM VEHICLE GARAGE G-FORCE

TIME ATTACK EVO IX

TSUKUBA'S SUPER STAGEA

260RS AUTECH VERSION

5/12/2015 4:14:27 PM