Here I sit in a hotel room in Tokyo, jetlagged and exhausted to the point of wanting to use my keyboard as a pillow. I couldn’t be happier though, because first, I’m in Japan, and second it’s time for Tokyo Auto Salon. I arrived from California last night to join Dino and Sean for the Speedhunters invasion of TAS 2013 and we’ve got plenty of posts on the way. I thought I’d kick off my coverage with a few observations from day one.
For me 2013 marks my first visit to Auto Salon in quite a while. Four years to be exact.
Needless to say, I’m ecstatic to once again be wandering the halls of Makuhari Messe in search of Japan’s greatest custom automobiles, and uhhhh other things too.
In addition to our usual focus on the machines, I’m also going to try to convey what it’s like to be at Tokyo Auto Salon.
After all, the TAS experience goes far beyond simply looking at cars. From the always popular booth girls…
…to the giant selection of collectables and other car-related goodies available for purchase.
A visit to Tokyo Auto Salon is an assault on your senses as well as your pocket book. There’s nothing else like it in the world.
To say that Toyota-Subaru twins are the star of the show would be an incredible understatement. I doubt there’s been a single platform this popular in TAS history. The 86 and BRZ are EVERYWHERE this year.
You can find them done in every style imaginable, from Ken Nomura’s new D1GP machine…
…to this dramatic looking wide body cruiser displayed by Bold World.
One of the 86s that caught my eye today was this concept car from TRD. Naturally, it’s equipped TRD’s whole line of upgrades…
…but what really grabbed my attention were the one-off 15″x7.5 wheels designed as a throwback to Toyota’s classic models. I have to say I quite like the use of small diameter wheels on the new 86. Hopefully these will be put into production at some point.
Also popping up are customized examples of the all new Toyota Crown, which just went on sale in Japan a couple weeks ago. I have to say the front grille doesn’t look nearly as big as it does in photos, especially in a dark colors.
In addition to the new models, TAS 2013 has the usual selection of old favorites.
There’s plenty for S-chassis fans to enjoy, such as this S13 Silvia from Central SPL…
…and this absolutely bitchin’ 180SX that’s part of this year’s Drift Tengoku selection.
The 161 Toyota Aristo is another platform that continues to shine year after year. Strange to think these things have been around for a decade and a half now…
This four-door R32 Skyline from Prosper is purely functional, and purely awesome.
Of course as much as I enjoy the traditional tuner and VIP cars, I’m just as excited about of the more unusual machines on display.
I’m talking about cars like Dream Factory Blow’s Suzuki Lapin kei pickup.
How can you not like its “cute and cool” retro American look?
American vehicles probably aren’t the the first you thing you associate with Tokyo Auto Salon, but you may be surprised at the Ame-sha turnout. From vintage Cobras and ‘Vettes in the Goodyear booth…
…to this slammed Dodge Ram being shown by House of Kolor.
Here we have a bit of F1 history displayed alongside the latest and greatest in Honda’s large booth.
We have so much more to come from Tokyo Auto Salon, but I’m going to sign off here as I can hardly keep my eyes open and another long day of TAS-hunting awaits.
Oyasumi.
-Mike
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Great coverage, thanks for the hard work. I NEED those 15x7.5" wheels from the red TRD car for my 510. They're teh sight size and bolt pattern, who do I call. I wonder where they're going after the show?
Great coverage, thanks for the hard work. I NEED those 15x7.5" wheels from the red TRD car for my 510. They're the right size and bolt pattern, who do I call? I wonder where they're going after the show?
Amazing coverage so far, can't wait for more posts on TAS! Such an amazing display of machines...
Exciting time to own an 86/FR-S/BRZ
please feature the cefiro please the last picture. tq
Those wheels from the Blue 4 door R32, what brand are they?
gotta love TAS coverage but arent these photos lacking professionalism? I have been working on taking good photos for some time and I think I could take better ones...... Step it up!
@RodrigoVivo Rays TE37SL.
@roryfjohnston He DID just get into Japan the night before and TAS is just huuuge and exhausting to cover... I think we can let it slide
@roryfjohnston eat a dick
@roryfjohnston Is'nt it abit hard to take glorious shots at a static show? They cant really move the cars or change the back drop. You can only f#ck with the prick you've got! (for a better phrase)
Everything looks so great, but something about that clean, mid-2000's, one color clean body drift car look that still has a spot in my heart. DRIFT FOCUSED POST THIS YEAR, PLEASE. (And thank you, lol.)
That Bold World 86 rear end looks like an LFA! Can't wait to see more, wake up and get there so you can post up damnit!!!!
@Waxhaw Brad I need a old school car just for those wheels now haha. >:(!
Please post some pictures of the light blue Sexy Knights FD RX-7!
Nice pictures! can wait for the next part. I wish I was there to experience it myself.... if you guys can find old Old D1 Drivers im sure they are there. Just want to know what they up too now. Like Kazama, Ueo, Miki Ryuji, Tanaka ( I know his not with team orange I wonder what happend?) want to see more 86's!!! there has to be one there with initial D colors hahaha
It's refreshing to see the FRS/BRZ wearing something other than Rocket Bunny.
@Waxhaw Brad Dude...if you get a hold of those I so wanna see pics of them on your 510! DO IT!
could you do a feature on the bold world 86 that looks wicked
That 60s Honda F1 car is glorious.
Less coverage of the weird cars and more on the performance ones please. =)
mature man. real mature. roeby, you are right. taking photos at a car show isn't the easiest thing and I forgot about that.
mature man. real mature. roeby, you are right. taking photos at a car show isn't the easiest thing and I forgot about that.
Best time of the year!
For me at least.
Best time of the year!
For me at least.
@Doriftoboy No "old old" D1 drivers at this year's TAS. I haven't seen any of them to tell you the truth. Today I ran into Hibino, Nomuken, Taniguchi and Tarzan, that's about it. I'm sure there many other drivers present, but I highly doubt that those you mentioned (the old school ones)...are here.....few of them left the sport altogether....
@Doriftoboy No "old old" D1 drivers at this year's TAS. I haven't seen any of them to tell you the truth. Today I ran into Hibino, Nomuken, Taniguchi and Tarzan, that's about it. I'm sure there many other drivers present, but I highly doubt that those you mentioned (the old school ones)...are here.....few of them left the sport altogether....
@arsinek I have (so far) shot over 1700 pictures (in two days). Tomorrow will mark the last day of the 2013 TAS. Once I go back to the US I'll upload them on my Flickr account, and I'll share it with you guys....a bit patience please
@arsinek I have (so far) shot over 1700 pictures (in two days). Tomorrow will mark the last day of the 2013 TAS. Once I go back to the US I'll upload them on my Flickr account, and I'll share it with you guys....a bit patience please
I would like to see more of that Z20 Soarer next to the Chaser in the last photo!
@roryfjohnston u brag about how good you are at taking photos and now ur preaching of maturity. mature man, real mature.
Your notion of me bragging is negated by the fact that I used the words "I think" before stating my opinion.
I think the photos presented on this site are of the highest quality. This post IS professional. I apologize Mike for saying otherwise. For this post though I think its quality that was lacking. It just seemed the pictures aren't as clear as to what I am used to seeing on here.