Japanese Honda Accord Receives the Mugen Treatment

It's only been a day since Honda launched the new Accord in Japan but that was more than enough time for Mugen to release details on its new sport package for both the sedan and Tourer (station-wagon) wagon variants of the car. The Japanese tuning company that was started by the son of Honda founder, Soichiro Honda, offers all sorts of cosmetic enhancements that can be bought as a kit or 'a la carte'. On the outside, there's a full bodykit that includes front and rear under spoilers, 'aero' bumpers, side sills, a TSX-like bunny-tooth grill and a huge rear wing to prevent the Accord from... taking off.
 

Buyers can also choose from four different alloy wheel designs that are available in two sizes, 18- and 19-inches. Under-the-hood upgrades concern a sport suspension, high-performance brake pads and rotors, and a sport exhaust system.
 
In Japan, the new Accord (essentially the same car as the North American market Acura TSX), is offered exclusively with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with power channeled to the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission.

 

The Ultimate Gaming Machine: Japanese Tuner Rigs Playstation onto a BMW M3 E30 Racer

What a better place for bimmer enthusiasts to play Sony's acclaimed Gran Turismo video game than inside a BMW M3 E30 racer? Paraphrasing the Bavarian firm's well known motto, 'The Ultimate Gaming Machine' is the work of Studie AG, one of Japan's leading BMW tuning specialists. The specially rigged M3 is on display along with many other uber cool items such as the chess set with pieces made out of bolts, nuts and spark plugs at the company's Yokohama shop. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. More photos after the break.

Source / Pictures: Gawa , Via: Vwvortex

2011 Toyota Vanguard: Minor Facelift for JDM RAV-4 LWB SUV

Before we tell you what's new about the JDM Vanguard, allow us to clarify that the latest generation Toyota RAV-4 is available in two wheelbase versions, with Europe and Japan getting the SWB variant and North America, the LWB model that is also sold in its home market with a different nose job under the name Vanguard.
Now to the updated Vanguard that was launched in Japan today. For 2010, the Vanguard benefits form a few minor cosmetic tweaks that include the restyled grille and front bumper, the new alloy wheel designs and fresh body trim.
Inside, Toyota added new standard features and redesigned the steering wheel together with the paddle shifters that are said to be more ergonomic.
Finally, the Japanese firm's engineers made a few changes to the Vanguard's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Classic Japanese Cars at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

Together with their new production cars and concept studies, some domestic automakers also brought along with them a handful of Japanese classics to display at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show floors. First up is the 1980 Mazda Familia hatchback which was essentially the Mazda3's forefather. Toyota had a 1981 Toyota Soarer Coupe and the GT HYBD, a gas-turbine hybrid concept version of its first production sports car, the Sports 800 that went on sale in 1965.
Mazda displayed the 1970 500cc rotary-powered RX-500 Concept while Mitsubishi exhibited Japan's first series production automobile, the 1917 A Model which was based on the Fiat Tipo 3. Finally, Honda showed off a first generation (1976-1981) Honda Accord CVCC three-door hatchback.

2009 Subaru Forester Breaks Cover on Japanese Magazine

One of our Japanese readers sent us a few links earlier today pointing out sites that feature the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester. While we’ve already shown you the two spy images that surfaced on the net today (click here), we hadn’t seen this cover of a Japanese car magazine. Although the image resolution isn’t high enough for us to make any final conclusions, from what we’ve seen up to now, it sure looks like it’s the real thing. -Continued
Link: nagai

Japanese-Spec 2010 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon Teased

In about a month's time, Subaru will proceed to the launch of the Japanese domestic market (JDM for short) version of the new Legacy that made its first global appearance at the New York Auto Show last week. For the time being, Subie has released a teaser shot of the JDM 2010 Legacy Touring Wagon which is essentially a USDM 2010 Outback without the raised ride height, roof rails and fancy-pansy plastic body cladding. Just for the record, the Legacy Touring Wagon will not be offered in the States. From what we can tell by comparing the teaser photo of the JDM Legacy Touring Wagon to the US-spec Legacy, the Japanese version will also feature restyled exterior mirrors, a different headlight assembly and larger air intakes at the corners of the front bumper.
However, what we're all really interested in finding out is what will be hiding under the hood of the JDM Legacy and in particular, if Subaru will be revealing any details and photos on the STi versions of the sedan and estate variants of the model.

Japanese Sleeper: 1985 Toyota Celica GTS with LS1 5.7-Liter V8

Sleepers or as Brits prefer to call these type of automobiles, Q-cars, is a term used to describe standard looking vehicles with extensive mods under the hood. This custom-made 1985 Toyota Celica GTS fits the description perfectly as the owner of the Japanese coupe swapped the rear-wheel drive Celica's humble four-pot with a brawny LS1 5.7-liter V8 from a fourth-generation 2001 Camaro that produces around 325 horsepower.
It goes without saying that these kind of engine swaps demand the replacement and/or modification of various other mechanical components. Among other changes, the LS1-powered Celica features a Z06 clutch, a front swaybar from a 1992 Iroc Z and a custom-made radiator.