JAPAN TUNING

VARIS

The aero parts that captivated the world

In addition to Toyota models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR86, there’s also the Fairlady Z and Civic Type R. The ever-popular S2000 is also on display. This breadth of design is what makes VARIS unique. Their body kits are so eye-catching that they’ve gained support not only in Japan but overseas as well. However, it’s not all about impact; what’s unique about VARIS is the ease of use and high-quality manufacturing that’s hidden beneath the surface. This was clearly evident in the works created this year.

SUBARU/STI

A masterpiece that embodies the Subaru spirit makes its debut

Subaru’s popularity is worldwide, thanks to its participation in the WRC and more recently in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The S210, an STI complete car, made its debut at the Auto Salon, drawing attention from around the world. Released in a limited run of 500 units, the S210 is described as “a special car that generously incorporates the know-how gained from the Nürburgring 24 Hours.” In addition to a 2.4-liter flat-four turbo engine that produces 300 PS, this hot model also boasts enhanced body, transmission, and brakes.

DAIHATSU

To enjoy motorsports at a life-size level

Daihatsu’s theme for the Auto Salon was motorsports and community contribution. Disaster prevention vehicles and construction site vehicles were lined up, but as for motorsports, the Mira e:S and Copen racing vehicles were on display, with the theme of “expanding the base of motorsports and making the joy of driving available to everyone.” This GR Copen is a car that competes in the World Rally Championship, and features 40mm wide fenders on each side and a 770cc engine. It was a car that was approachable yet challenged on the world stage.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

A mid-engine Yaris wreaks havoc on the racetrack?

The GR Yaris M Concept model is currently the talk of the town. The car, which will compete in this year’s Super Taikyu series, is a mid-engine car with a 2.0-liter G20E four-cylinder turbo engine mounted in front of the rear axle. It has a 4WD drivetrain, which is probably the optimal approach for a racing car. It’s a car that is typical of GAZOO Racing, which aims to “make ever-better cars with motorsports as its starting point.” Hopes are high that this will come to fruition as a production car after gaining experience in racing.

ST Suspension

The total balance that impressed Dorikin

As the phrase “ST made by KW” suggests, ST suspension is a sub-brand of KW. However, it is not simply a budget version. This FL-type Civic Type R is the car of Keiichi Tsuchiya, affectionately known as “Dorikin.” The ST suspension is equipped with XTA, which allows for 16-stage adjustment of rebound damping force and even camber adjustment with a uniball top mount. Tsuchiya’s skillful adjustments have resulted in a well-balanced FF machine.

Hyundai

“A bike made for people who fly a lot.”

Keiichi Tsuchiya, also known as “Dorikin,” spent a year last year working with Hyundai’s development team to create the “DK Edition” performance parts package exclusively for the Ioniq 5N. The Ioniq 5N is highly refined even in its stock form, and development was particularly challenging until the very end in order to surpass the original suspension. Brakes, aero parts, wheels, and more were also developed. The car is scheduled to be released in Korea and Japan by the end of 2025.

MAZDA SPIRIT RACING

A satisfying blow that captures the essence of lightweight sports

At the 2024 Auto Salon, Mazda announced the establishment of a sub-brand, Mazda Spirit Racing. Following this, this year they unveiled the first of their special models, the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster and its 12R production model. This series of models, which “utilize the technology cultivated through Super Taikyu, while focusing on speed and quality,” captures the essence of the Roadster. Reservations will begin this fall, with sales targeted for the end of the year.

NISSAN/NISMO

The living legend that is the GT-R takes a new step

The R35 GT-R NISMO Special Edition, which refined the engine and improved aerodynamics to achieve the best performance in GT-R history, and the R32EV, an EV conversion model of the R32 Skyline GT-R built by volunteer Nissan engineers, are two cars that symbolize Nissan, a company with a great history in the GT-R and one that was one of the earliest to tackle EVs with the Leaf and other models. The digitally remastered version of this legendary car was sure to satisfy even longtime fans.

TOP SECRET

Spreading the legend of the GT-R to the world

The display of complete cars such as the R35 GT-R Gold Special and Stealth Special seems to be top secret. Skyline GT-Rs (BNR34, BCR32) are also on display. The BNR34 has been perfectly restored using the “Second Generation GT-R Regeneration Program” and now has a lustrous appearance that makes it look like a new car. The R35, painted in Rolex Gold, is also a special tuning car that will catch the eye of the world. All cars are fitted with OZ Racing wheels.

IMPULSE/SELFISH

The Carbon Magic that revolutionizes exterior parts

There’s the Impulse, which turns an AE86 into a full carbon fiber body, and the Selfish, which adds numerous crushed carbon fiber parts to a Mazda 3. The engines of these two cars have also been meticulously tuned, but we’d like to draw your attention to this carbon fiber bodywork in particular. Kodama Fiber Works, which also exhibited a carbon fiber Corvette, worked with them to finish each piece. It seems likely that these carbon fiber parts, which incorporate the craftsmanship of infusion molded carbon fiber, will become more common in the future.

Kansai Service

A long-established traditional art that impresses connoisseurs

Kansai Service, which operates as a tuning company that helps create cars that are fun to drive, is known for its friendly finishes rather than heavy tuning. From a mature R35 GT-R that has been “honed to perfection” using carefully selected tuning parts to an FL-type Civic Type R that has been tuned to a more sophisticated and mature look, all of the cars had the feel of tuning cars for adults.

ENKEI

Japan’s top wheel manufacturer

Enkei, Japan’s top wheel manufacturer, exhibited the NANIWA DENSO TEAM IMPUL Z, which competed in the 2024 Super Taikyu Series, and also had a number of new products on display. The new NVR5 sports wheel series was a hot topic. While OEM now accounts for the majority of Enkei’s production, Enkei has not given up on aftermarket wheels and continues to develop and expand them as a matter of policy. Enkei is a manufacturer that supports the automotive industry and car enthusiasts.

SHIBATIRE RYDANZ

An up-and-coming tire manufacturer born from drifting

Shiba Tires was born in the drifting world and is currently garnering a lot of attention. The brand was established with the aim of providing affordable, high-performance sports radials, and is now expanding its market share not only in drifting but also in motorsports such as time attack. This year, they even released studless tires, which were developed after extensive time trial testing on ice and snow. It seems that Shiba Tires will soon become popular not only in motorsports but also on the street.

CUSCO

Manufacturing that evokes nearly half a century of history

Fans flocked to get a close look at the GR86 currently competing in FDJ and the Impreza GT300 that competed in the All Japan GT Championship. Next to them was the latest creation, the LBX MORIZO RR tuning car. From racing to rally to street racing, Cusco operates under the philosophy of “producing what we need, with the quality that satisfies us,” and these were all masterpieces that are sure to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts.

RE AMEMIYA

Japan’s leading carrozzeria

RE Amemiya, led by Isami Amemiya, known as the god of rotary tuning, has brought in a masterpiece called “Koku,” based on the RX-7 (FD3S). At first glance, it looks like a GT car made by a European coachbuilder. Inside, it is equipped with a three-rotor engine that incorporates know-how from SUPER GT machines. It is said to be a 350PS specification that can rev up to 9000 rpm. This car won the top prize in the tuning car category at the Tokyo International Custom Car Contest.

HKS

Combines the fun of customization with environmental friendliness

The HKS GR Yaris RZ350S was one of the first to be customized in the HKS style with the minor change GR Yaris. With a focus on boost up, the intake/exhaust and cooling systems have been adjusted to achieve a maximum output of 349 PS and a maximum torque of 500 Nm. However, it is not an outlandish or difficult-to-handle tuning car, but rather “a specification that makes weekend touring even more enjoyable.” HKS aims to combine customization with environmental friendliness, and approximately 90% of the equipment used to set up the booth was reused or made from recyclable materials.

REPORT/Daichi NAKAMIGAWA, Mai AGENOSONO

PHOTO/Nina NAKAJIMA, Keigo YAMAMOTO

MAGAZINE/ GENROQ March 2025 issue