JDM CAR

The Top 20 JDM Cars Of All Time

1.NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R34)

Why We Love It

What happens when you’re young and broke and love drifting but also love Godzilla? You save your pennies and buy a RWD Skyline GTT instead to build up for those sick skids, that’s what—and young gun Kenshi Otake’s ER34 is one of a kind.

Mods

RB25DET NEO; Ho-Wa dual muffler; NISMO clutch, GT LSD Pro; SR Sports Racing dampers; 326 Power springs; IKEYA Formula front upper arms, tension rods; YURA-MODE 30mm lower arm extensions; 18x9.5-in. +15 Stance Magic #130 wheels; 225/35R18 Sunew tires; 20mm spacers; NISMO Z-Tune style front fenders, front bumper; Okubo Factory front diffuser, rear over-fenders; Z.S.S. carbon-fiber hood; BNR34 rear bumper, tail lamp covers; BNR34 style sidesteps; URAS roof spoiler; D-Max S15 style trunk spoiler; East Bear rear under spoiler; OE Nissan Cloud White QM1 paint; bucket seat; MOMO steering wheel; Razo shift knob; Blitz turbo timer

2.TOYOTA SPRINTER TRUENO (AE86)

Why We Love It

IT’S KEIICHI “DRIFT KING” TSUCHIYA’S PERSONAL AE86—do you even need to ask?

Mods

TOYOTA AE-86

TEC-ART’S 1.8L “7AG” (AE111 head/7AFE block), camshafts, timing belt, pistons, rods, pulleys, engine mount brackets, large capacity curl funnel, exhaust manifold, direct ignition kit, radiator; TODA Racing valve springs, head gasket; Sard fuel pump; K1 Planning exhaust; Setrab 34-row oil cooler; TRUST oil element relocation kit; TEC-ART’S N2 Cross Mission gears; custom 7AG carbon clutch, solid shift lever; MoTeC M84 ECU; TEC-ART’S x Aragosta coilovers; polyurethane bushings; lower control arms; stabilizer bar; stitch welded chassis; Soarer20 calipers; End- less brake pads; TEC-ART’S stainless mesh brake lines; 15X8.5-in. +3 Work Meister CR01 wheels; 195/50R15 Goodyear RS sport tires; Impulse carbon-fiber roof; custom dry carbon hood; Carbon Gate trunk; TRD wing; Bride King seats, rails; Schroth harnesses; TRD steering wheel, shift knob; TEC-ART’S leather dash panel

3.HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (FK8)

TYPE-R

Why We Love It

This is the highest-performance version of the Honda Civic, and it was at the forefront of JDM cars because it was unavailable outside Japan. It is a three-door hatchback with a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine, and upgraded brakes and chassis.

The model was designed on sporting lines, with the interior featuring a wealth of red fittings and a stylish leather-wrapped steering wheel.

A red badge accentuated this distinction and differentiated it from other Honda models. This emphasis on sporting success continued in 1998 when the Motorsports edition was released. It featured steel wheels but no air conditioning, power windows, power steering, radio, and the standard Type R interior.

Mods

Like its counterpart, the Integra Type R, the Honda Civic Type R was modified to fit Honda’s vision of a car capable of high performance on the racetrack. Other similarities between the two vehicles were the omission of sound-deadening and other weight-reduction measures, a hand-ported B16B engine, a front helical limited-slip differential, and a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox.

S2000

Why We Love It

May come as a surprise that Honda features again in our list, but it’s a testament to how impressive they were back in the ‘90s - launched in 1999, the S2000 narrowly makes the cut-off.

In many ways, we feel that the S2000 was underrated and underappreciated, with the F1-inspired F20C engine becoming the highest-powered naturally aspirated pro Mods

Before Ferrari launched the 458 Italia to the market, the S2000 held this title for a mind-blowing ten years.

Despite the Ferrari’s higher total output, the 9,000 rpm F20C produces 123.5 HP/L, compared to the 458 Italia’s 124.5 HP/L, making it incredible value for money in comparison!

WRX STI

Why We Love It

The performance-orientated Subaru Impreza WRX STI was designed to compete in the World Rally Championship. (WRX stands for World Rally eXperimental). Innovative technology made it a rallying legend, such as an all-wheel drive drivetrain, stiffened suspension, and a turbocharged engine.

Mods

The STI was very successful in rallies and poplar with street racers. It even found fame on the big screen after featuring in Edgar Wright’s cult heist film Baby Driver.

TOYOTA MR2

Why We Love It

The Toyota MR2 has more in common with the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the time than its Japanese cousins. Why? you may ask. Well, the MR2 had its engine not in the front, but behind the driver. Its name stands for “Midship Runabout 2-seater” after all!

The MR2 of the 90s was one of the most stylish cars around. And its mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout provided one

of the best driving experiences ever. The car was agile and responsive and kept drivers on the edge at all times.

Mods

Think the MR2 is not a good tuning platform? Well, think again! There are a whole host of engine-swapped MR2s driving around, with some producing ridiculous amounts of power. Just take a look at this Honda K-swapped MR2.

The orange Supra – driven by the late Paul Walke reached a high of over half a million dollars at Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas sale. “It’s not just a Supra, it’s the Supra, one of the most l egendary cars in Hollywood,” the auctioneers said. “A car that stared a cultural revolution.”

Why We Love It

This is the Supra Smoky Nagata wanted, instead of a BMW—a gold, widebody, 1,000hp, twin-turbo V12-powered MkIV. Your move, Toyota.

Mods

1GZ-FE 5,000cc engine; HKS GT2540 turbine (x2), HKS blow-off valve (x2), wastegate (x2); Top Secret custom intake plenum with twin 80mm throttle bodies; ARC intercooler, radiator (with custom rear mount); JZA80 Getrag tramission; Cusco 1.5 way LSD; ORC clutch; Top Secret coilovers with Roberuta Cup kit; Volk Racing GT-F 19inch; 245/35R19 front and 275/40R19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A; GReddy GREX eight-piston 380mm front, four-piston 350mm rear; Top Secret Super G-Force Wangan widebody kit (includes front

A Toyota Supra that starred in The Fast and the Furious has sold at auction for a whop ping $550,000.

8.ACURA NSX

Why We Love It

The first-generation Honda NSX bucked the trend of low-budget JDM cars as it was designed to compete against Ferrari’s high-performance models and was marketed as the first “everyday supercar.”

Honda achieved this aim using the powerful 3.0 liter 24 valve VTEC V6 engine, which incorporated innovative variable valve timing. They also installed titanium connecting rods, which lowered the reciprocating weight and improved the vehicle’s strength. This allowed an additional 700 rpm, which brought the engine redline to 8000 rpm. The design of the car’s bodywork was based on the inside of the F-16 fighter jet’s cockpit. It was intended to give 360-degree visibility by moving the cabin forward, and the long tail enhanced directional stability at high speed. The vehicle accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph. The NSX was designed to showcase several of the Japanese manufacturer’s automotive technologies, with many taken from its Formula One motorsports division. Honda had significant developmental resources and used them with this model.

Mods

Japanese F1 driver Saturo Nakajima and the late Brazilian world champion Ayrton Senna put the vehicle through its paces at the Suzuka race circuit, performing endurance driving to test the chassis tuning.

Why We Love It

Anyone who ever watched the first Fast And Furious probably understands why the Mitsubishi Eclipse makes an appearance on this list. This car was a cornerstone in popularizing the JDM culture. Our American audience may know this car as the Eagle Talon. Both cars were the same underneath, with minor differences in their appearance.

Mods

Buyers could pick up this sleek and stylish two-door coupe in three different trim levels. The fastest one was named the GS-T and came with a turbocharged inline-four that produced an impressive 210 horsepower along with 214 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the improved performance, the GS-T came with some additional creature comforts as well. Leather upholstery and a factory-installed sunroof are two that come to mind.

MAZDA RX-7

Why We Love It

The FD was the third generation of the legendary Mazda RX7. This stylish front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car attracted a substantial following due to its sleek design and powerful performance.

Mods

The third-generation RX-7, known as the FD, was offered a 2+2-seater coupé with a limited run of a 2-seater option. This featured a sequentially turbocharged 13B REW engine.

11.NISSAN GT-R (R35)

The Nissan GT-R (Japanese: 日 GT-R, Nissan GT-R), is a sports car and grand tourer produced by Nissan, unveiled in 2007.[3][4][5] It is the successor to the Nissan Skyline GT-R, a high-performance variant of the Nissan Skyline. Although this model was the sixth-generation to bear the GT-R name, it is no longer part of the Skyline line-up. The GT-R is built on the PM platform, which is derived from the FM platform used in the Skyline and the Nissan Z models. The GT-R is an entirely new model shar- ing little with the Nissan Skyline GT-R, except its signature four round tail lights. Like some later generations of the Skyline GT-R, the GT-R has the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system with a twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. But the HICAS four-wheel-steering system was removed and the former straight-6 RB26DETT engine was replaced with the new VR38DETT engine.[9] Despite the GT-R’s heritage, the chassis code for the all-new version is CBA-R35 and for later model years DBA-R35 and 4BA-R35,[10] or R35 for short (where CBA, DBA and 4BA stands for the emissions standard prefix), carrying on the naming trend from previous Skyline GT-R generations.

The GT-R also retained its predecessor’s nickname, Godzilla,[11] originally given to it by the Australian motoring publication Wheels in 1989 for its R32 generation model.

12.NISSAN 300 ZX

Nissan continued their emphasis on the Japanese domestic market with the 300 ZX. They utilized the Cray-2 supercomputer and a form of CAD software, making it one of the first production cars to be designed using this tool. It was a new design, with a rounded body and fewer hard edges.

This second-generation model retained the turbo-charged V6 engine of its predecessor but was more upmarket, being faster, larger, capable, advanced, and much higher priced. Four-wheel steering was available under the name Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) on the twin-turbo models.

It was also offered without the turbo-charged engine and as a hard top, T-top, or convertible, like many sports cars of the period. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph, making it one of the fastest Japanese sports cars of the 1990s.

As well as impressive speed figures, due to its welltuned chassis, sport-orientated suspension, and active rear steering, it was an impressive all-rounder. It was a leading exponent of JDM cars and featured several trim variants unavailable on the international market.

This second-generation model retained the turbo-charged V6 engine of its predecessor but was more upmarket, being faster, larger, capable, advanced, and much higher priced. Four-wheel steering was available under the name Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) on the twin-turbo models.

13.NISSAN SILVIA 200SX

IWhy We Love It

This S13 was destined to be a drift missile,

but owner Hitomi Ishikawa sweet talked her hubby Masaru, who happens to be an autobody repair tech as well as a bona fide enthusiast, into creating this drift-able show piece. Those 19-inch Rays NISMO rims from a Z34 17 years its junior are a nice touch, too.

Mods

HKS GTSS turbo, inter-

cooler; custom exhaust; Silk Road exhaust manifold; Trust head gasket; tubbed and shaved engine bay; NISMO limited-slip differential, clutch flywheel; A’PEXi Power FC; HKS shocks; Swift springs; NISMO and arms; Alcon front big brakes; 19x9.5-in. front, 19x10.5-in. rear NISMO Z34 wheels; 215/35R19

front, 255/30R19 rear Nitto tires; Custom metal fenders widened in total 250 mm front, 400 mm rear; Bride seats; MOMO steering wheel; six-point rollcage FET shift

14.NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R (R32)

After discontinuing the Skyline GT-R in 1973, Nissan revived the GT-R nameplate again in 1989. At the time Nissan was competing in Group A Racing with the Skyline GTS-R. Nissan wanted to retire the GTS-R in favor of a more competitive vehicle. The new generation of the GT-R, E-BNR32 chassis (commonly shortened to R32), was designed to dominate Group A class racing.

Nissan Kohki (Nissan’s power train engineering and manufacturing facility) originally tested a twin turbocharged 2.4 L (2,350 cc) bored and stroked version of the RB20 engine. This set up resulted in a power output of 233 kW (317 PS; 312 hp) and used a rear wheel drive drivetrain. Under Group A regulations, a turbocharged engine must multiply its engine displacement by 1.7, putting the new Skyline in the 4,000 cc class, and requiring the use of 10-inch-wide tyres. Knowing that they would be required to use 10-inch-wide tyres, Nissan decided to make the car all wheel drive. Nissan developed a special motorsport-oriented AWD system for this purpose called the ATTESA E-TS. Although this assisted with traction, it made the car 100 kg (220 lb) heavier; the added weight put the GT-R at a disadvantage to other cars in the 4,000 cc class. Nissan then made the decision to increase the displacement to 2,600 cc, and put the car in the 4,500 cc class, with the car’s weight near-equal to competing cars. The 4,500 cc class also allowed for 11-inch-wide tyres. New engine block and heads were then developed to better match the increased displacement. The result was a car that had a power output of 441 kW (600 PS; 592 hp).[23] Later REINIK (Racing & Rally Engineering Division Incorporated Nissan Kohi) produced Group A racing engines rated between 373–485 kW (507–659 PS; 500–650 hp)[24] depending on track conditions.

LANCER EVOLUTION

LANCER EVOLUTION

This sports sedan was the Subaru Impreza’s arch-rival. It featured turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines and a five-speed manual gearbox. The sixth generation was updated to improve cooling and engine durability.

It received new bodywork, and the substantial fog lights were reduced in size and moved to the corners for better airflow.

The Tommi Makinen edition was named after the Finnish racing legend after he won four World Rallying Championships for Mitsubi-

This version came with 17-inch Enkei white wheels, a faster-spooling titanium turbine, a lower ride height, and a quicker steering

All these improvements meant that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was now stronger and more impressive than ever.

GT

The Toyota Celica Hepburn: Toyota Serika is an automobile produced by Toyota from 1970 until 2006. The Celica name derives from the Latin word coelica meaning heavenly or celestial In Japan, the Celica was exclusive to the Toyota Corolla Store dealer chain. Produced across seven generations, the Celica was powered by various four-cylinder engines, and bodystyles included convertibles, liftbacks, coupés and notchback coupés.

In 1973, Toyota coined the term liftback to describe the Celica fastback hatchback, and used the name Liftback GT for the North American market. Like the Ford Mustang, the Celica concept was to create a sports car by attaching a coupe body to the chassis and mechanicals from a high volume sedan, in this case the Toyota Carina. Some journalists thought it was based on the Corona due to some shared mechanical parts.

The first three generations of North American market Celicas were powered by variants of Toyota’s R series engine. In August 1985, the car’s drive layout was changed from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive turbocharged models were offered from 1986 to 1999. Variable valve timing came in certain Japanese models starting from December 1997 and became standard in all models from the 2000 model year. In 1986, the six-cylinder Celica Supra variant was spun off as a separate model, becoming simply the Supra. Lightly altered versions of the Celica were also sold through as the Corona Coupé through the Toyopet dealer network in the 1980s and as the Toyota Curren through the Vista network in the 1990s.