RE-Xtreme Extra

F1 Manager

2011-05-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Remember when F1 and WRC used to bring technical enhancements, huge improvements, speed and excitement. Turbo engines, insane speed and heroic drivers.

Those days are sadly gone. too many things you can't do? why?

After the limits on aero fans, wings and weight and ultimately engines. Then came limits on suspension, limits on electronic aids, etc etc.

Safety became THE issue and thats great too that safety was looked at.

But now ENTERTAINMENT is the issue. Thats BULLSHIT!

Nowdays, F1 is all about refinement and management that becomes a logistics battle and nothing more.

In China 2011, Webber saved tyres and came from the rear of the grid to the podium. Jokingly (NOT) he actually commented that he should do that as his real race strategy as it basically made no difference.

Turkey proves the point again that the restrictions are forcing teams not to try.

Qualifying again has become a tyre management issue. teams parking their cars in the garage instead of really going for it.

"Just good enough" seems acceptable. I am really pissed that F1 has gone down this path. Kind of makes you wish that the F1 Split DID happen 2 years ago.

Now it just reminds me of those F1 manager type games where you plan the race and the driver just follows your commands.

Driver skill doesn't really account for too much these days. The F1 champ this year will be the one who can drive gently???wooooooooooooh? I'm not really impressed.

You drive your heart out to get to F1, then they say, don't drive as fast as you can. WTF!!!!???

I guess thats why the red bull designer made the F1 concept. It's almost a dare to F1 to free the rules.

Tracks have not become faster however. The cars have some restrictions, but the tracks are still built with the same basic ideas in mind. boredom.

Under less control it was radical.

I WANT

F1 Car with wide track, Super grippy wide tyres, Full auto transmission, Traction Controlled Electric Jet whatever motor boosted, Turbo and Supercharged Hybrid, Fan assisted hugely winged, active suspensioned, with whatever engine and carbon nanotube frame soft impact bodied car capable of damage resistance. Ai driver assists, The best tyres the manufacturer can make and as many pit stops as your thirsty or efficient engine can manage.

I also want a track with a loop and a track with an upside down section. We know these cars can run upside down.

I don't want to see the Manaco F1 any more. F4ck history, Do something mental.

Japanese Anime Cyber Formula is something on the right track, but inertia drifting in F1??? Maybe not. Unless it works.

Spray the track with water for 20 minutes..... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Why not have 2 wet corners in each track??? how about that!
how about a Jump?
How about Divided road. How about the driver draws straws for cars?
How about an underwater section?
How about a rubber road and wheels made of glue??

All of these things might make the racing more entertaining Bernie.... what about it?

RE-FR-S-86

2011-04-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

I got a bit excited today at the new FT-86 concept. It deseved a chop.

Im using a sard GT wing and Varis canards. I've dumped it on Advan RS in Matt Black and the Yellow is a contrast we like.

The wheels from 5 Axis are pretty hot. There's going to be some cool cars coming.

Nag o ya ECS-TRA

2011-04-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been thinking about a possible low cost runner.

MX5 NB AWESOMENESSSSSSSS is at the top of the list. I'd like a coupe, but hard top is still cool.

Rotary swap maybe....

A bit of tight tarmac rally would be cool in this. March. Super Turbo was always a favourite.

And as much as i hate the ergonomic nightmare that is the AE86. With something this custom, you should be able to fabricate a good driving position and gear shift.

Russ.

TAS - The other good bits

2011-01-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, my favourite car at TAS was this Rolls. Junction Produce have made this thing look soo cool.

Rolling on 24" rims and bags, I can see this kenworth looking sedan crushing purists at pebble beach.

I only need a beautiful Japanese lady with a crisp english ancent to complete the dream picture. I don't ask for much.

Studie BMW with Super Expensive TWS alloys.

More and more manufacturers are doing the Race thing these days. Sti WRC style track car. Ring runner.

Artis Audi covered with the coolest handbag vinyl plastic. gotta touch....

Dumped Lambos roar Cool.

Drift style from final connection. this 180 was running AME tracers and some serios camber. I love this style. Reminds me of Koguchis old green car.

A cool feature was the inner wheel rims. Large stickers contrasting well..

Nismo GTR-RC35 was contrasting HUGE BRAKES with new Nismo VR G2

I remember building 2 models of this car when I was around 10 years old. Thats unfortunately 30 years ago.

The BBS on this cop car were cool.

Gram Lights. DC finish.

Best colour at TAS. Re-Amemiya's D1 kitted Hattari 8. Auto trans cruiser. great for Tokyo traffic.

Supraudently by Veilside. confusing.

TE37 SL pressence at TAS was huge. Almost no normal TE37 to be seen.

One of my favourite cars of All time. The mitsu GTO from pitroad. This car does endurance racing and time attack. 800hp+

My favourite wheel of all time. RGII

I've thought the TCIII could take the crown. But it fell a tiny but short.

And what TAS review wouldn't be complete without a shot of .... ahhh. If you want more, there are many galleries on the web.

This will get you started http://car.nifty.com/special/motorshow/cs/top/tas2011/1.htm

Tokyo Auto Salon Wheels - Advan TC-III

2011-01-18T01:46:00.000-08:00

I asw these in Optino Magazine in Matt Black.

At TAS they Arrived in Gun Grey. Very cool! But somehow not perfect.

The machined contrast is a bit strong.

The silver items looked perfect. 18x11.0J = wide.

RS-D prototype in RED... yummy candy!

Supa Supra Surprise

2010-12-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

Veilside is turning the Supra into a bently continental. Sort of. lights are from audi? Civic?

This is a re-hash of their bently kit. 2JZ-GTE 760HP and 20"F 22"R wheel combo.. gonna cause a stir at TAS 10.

Greddy T88-33D Turbo kit, Greddy intercooler, 800cc injector, VeilSide Special Surge tank, 90Φthrottle, Oil cooler, HKS F-con V Pro

There's going to be a few wild grts for Supra fans with AB-Flub doing a SCHWARTZER concept also.

These old cars are cheap now that they are providing a bit a last ditch comback for tuners.

Russ.

SA22C

2010-12-19T05:01:00.000-08:00

I wall say. This SA22C is THE COOLEST IN THE WORLD.

Simply WIDE!

GT5 good, bad and ugly

2010-12-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

I didn't see this shot in the brochure. It's supposed to be road glare. HAHAHAHAHA.

How lazy are GT5 programmers

I think nothing worked, so they reverted to GT4 and added premium cars,
No one will notice.

Licences,
Same

Cars
Mostly Same

Prizes
Same

Tracks
Same

All too familiar.

Day Glare.
IMPOSSIBLE!

Night time without full EV+
IMPOSSIBLE!

Chunky Shadows
IMPOSSIBLE!

Sacrifice road for internal car prettiness.
STUPID.

Road Bumpiness
MY EYES GO EPILEPTIC INSIDE A PREMIUM CAR

Lamboghini Miura faster than Super GT car around a corner.
IMPOSSIBLE!

Nascar with Controller
IMPOSSIBLE!

Driving in a straight line at 300+kp/h doesn't warm your tyres????
STUPID!
After 1 lap at LE-Mans
my tyres were still cold.

Gold medal licences without driving like a Maniac
IMPOSSIBLE.

Rally Start Line.
Sometimes the computer starts you on an angle. WIERD.

these are just some things wrong with GT5.

Macau GP - Road Sport Challenge

2010-11-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

I love this event. I look forward to the coverage every year.

High power street cars, bad driving, tons of crashes on the tightest street circuit.

R33. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u44CDNeRh-c

R35 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrGu-N6RcW0

Front runners

Wild tuning. Orido in this one

Some faster than others.

Here is the crash at the start. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtYBZ2SyA5I

There's a knight Sports 13B Turbo RX8 between the GTR and the EVO.

It all adds to the spectacle I guess.

Practice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TzGA4TmMLM

10 Lap. Orido took it out in the HKS Top racing carbon GTR. Interestingly, the car was not the fastest outright. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_tEOL4AXF8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-44aItIzTVQ

http://gp.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/mgpc/gallery.php?year=2010&cid=249&page_no=1&lang=en

Aussie Legends

2010-11-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

The GT-R, Sierra, V8 and an old Rx7 and stuff.

Listen to these guys salivate over the machines.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CrZ5M9PKhs&feature=related

Cool!

Sema's Gloss in Matt

2010-11-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Two specials I was floored by were the Camaro and the Z06X. Track ready cars make sense these days.

You can't drive fast on the street or you go to prison.

The stark contrasts look good, but somehow I feel the new flavour of matt black wheels and vinyl is a bit .... 5 years too late. Has it really taken this long for people to spend $5 on a sheet of vinyl in search of cool.

Now this mazda 2 is cool. Why? Because unlike many small car series race cars like the march cup in Japan, they have actually given this on decent wheels and lots of rubber. Looks like grip would be at levels far beyond the engine. Thus creating a momentum loving car. Bury your foot flat to the floor for 97% of a lap, brake sparingly at the latest possible point and the bury your foot again. Looks like a fun touge muncher. On the right road you could be a hero in a car like this.

Lastly the hybrid with less care for the environment. I love the stupidity of small car hybrid tuning. We want a fast race car... but not too fast. So let's turbo charge the engine (extra weight and complexity) and (because that REALLY saves gasoline) then try to please the green by keeping the heavy hybrid parts and the complexity of hybrid systems for an additional 10hp. Just up the boost or build a 2.2 instead of a 2.0 WTF!

A samll priateer team trying to run a hybrid with the complexity of it all and the added cost is simply stupidity.

Now I know the Panoz Zytek systems are real, but I feel the end user honda tuning is a bit shall we say.. weak. One thing I will say is that the US guys know how to build a roll cage. I'd feel safe in there. Awesome!

Probably the coolest CR-Z yet. I'm not against green tech, just stupidity and practicality.

Of the above two concepts, the mazda two would get my cash.

Somehow I've seen a cool CRZ-Concept before... Hmmmm where I wonder...!

I won't mention vaughn's mustang, it's cool and we all know it.

GT-5 sucks it's own hype.

2010-11-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

I, like most car enthusiasts of my era, spent a lot of time behind the Fake wheel of GT4. We have been looking forward to GT5 for sooo long.

I bought my initial release 20gb PS3 sooooooooooo long ago and have hardly touched it.

Since then, we have seen a new player released before new software!!!!!!!!

When does hardware out release software???? Is this a first? We have become so used to the delays that the game has become irrellevant in society.

Here you can see one of the few cars I enjoyed. I don't know how many times I loaded up my 720hp Time Attack Nitrous fed used Fd3s RX7 and set 45~47 second lap times at Tsukuba TC2000.

Since then my TV has grown from a 30" CRT to a Used 42" LCD Widescreen that is actually cheaper than the PS3 and a game.

Here is the rant part. I went to a department store in Japan and played GT5 in a seat with a wheel on the weekend.

I played the game and crashed multiple times in a slow car. (remember I played about 5000 hours or more in GT4 finishing every race)

I tried it and the countersteer with the steering wheel was VERY difficult. It kind of fed information too late.
I almost had to drive by expectation and estimation rather than feeling anything.
Also the engine sound dropped out when running over ripple strips

If these are the things we will be dealing with when the final version is actually released.

It maybe one of those games you play once and throw in the cupboard.

I think we can actually assume that the extra time required was for bug correction and not packaging production and cd printing.

BTW, my pet hate in GT5 prologue..... Limited throttle on the fake super skid grass is still in the game.

Where is the fun and realism? Looks like the weather simulation will be another feature you will turn off also.
From the videos I've seen, You can't see where you are going anyway.

Again no fun.

I have ultimate expectations for this game that I know will not be met.

That Mazda Furai 3 rotor Prototype better be good, because If I can't tune an RX7 to 700hp, I don't know what car I will drive.

Audi Quattro S2

2010-10-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Give Me Give Me

Short wheel base 408hp in stock form.

The race version is AWESOME!!!!! Any rally fan will fall in love with the tarmac version of the new Quattro.

It leads back to the group B days of WRC and the Pike Peak of the time.

Almost no imagery of this motorsport version of the concept online.

But the concept is sound.

Only the stockey is a little less aggressive. I like it when they build a motorsport version also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XSjUE_rtUw

WRC

2010-10-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

The release pics of the new WRC cars are around. the Fiest looks awesome!

The mini not so cool until you slap the Tarmac Wheels on it.!!! Boom!

I wanna be a countryman.

Ebisu Summer Matsuri Videos

2010-08-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

I divided my video coverage into two sections.

The East Course known as Higashi usually used for grip and racing has a huge uphill straight allowing 160kph entries, then a fast downhill section.

Ebisu Summer Matsuri - East http://vimeo.com/14357830

and the North Course known as Kita. It has an uphill kink and a great downhill sweeper followed by small rubbish turns.

Ebisu Summer Matsuri - North http://vimeo.com/14357768

Enjoy the videos. I'll embed when they are loaded.

Russ.

G1GP - Ebisu Videos

2010-08-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

G1GP Ebisu.

Thanks to http://www.powervehicles.com/ , Team Orange, AutoWorks, Zenky Racing and SpeedHunters.

Direct links.
Practice. http://vimeo.com/14349721
Qualify. http://vimeo.com/14349759
32 Battles http://vimeo.com/14349823
16 Battles http://vimeo.com/14349857
8 battles http://vimeo.com/14349898
The Finals. http://vimeo.com/14349941

Enjoy.

Russ.

Ebisu G1 and Matsuri

2010-08-22T02:35:00.000-07:00

Ebisu Circuit is a major drawcard for grassroots drifting in Japan. It attracts people like Benny and some of the Aussie boys from JPP ready for action.

The Team Orange guys. Kumakubo, Suenaga and Sumika played hosts to the G1Gp on the weekend of the Summer Drift Matsuri.

Powervehicles, Ems and Andy from scotland are based at the circuit and helped setup cars for attendees for some Attendees.

Andy chose to use the his JZX90 for the G1GP.

It was actually a good choice making for some close battles. Finished and qualified in 2nd.

Kumakubo provided some lines to follow during practice for the contestants. When he joined the track almost the whole 31 cars were on track trying to chase down the D1 boys. DeJager must have picked up the line as he top qualified.

Powervehicles are a direct link to the D1 scene supplying a lot of the competitors with cars for the weekend. People from America, Australia, Ireland, France, etc etc. Some of us living in Japan also attended to compete and I attended with for some coverage. I shot mainly video as Dino from Speedhunters was doing the main photography so these pics are just inbetween the action...

Rob's 240SX is a rare LHD version in Japan. Check it on Roadster Drift. It was also one of the cleanest drift cars at Ebisu.

He wasn't shy leaving it parked in everyone's camera shot.

Slowly learning the circuits including Nishi used for G1Gp.

And he found a home at Higashi circuit for relaxation.

He was fighting his way to 4th on the G1 day with some smooth driving and taking out some others trying too hard. But he almost slipped up against the French Stick.

Flying French-man JP is the editor of Autoworks Magazine. He provided some added nationalism on the day.

Look for the little man.

Some special cars at the track including this one. Christian Pickering from Australia using one of the last cars prepped by the D1 legend Kuroi.

This looks so cool with the frontal fenders, however it had a bit too much grip on the day.

When sharing a car, it's hard to know who is driving. two lights are a good idea.

Aussie Team - Drift Police. These guys were having fun in their Skyline and made it quite far in the comp.

I managed to hitch some rides during the matsuri. Some great skills displayed. A sticking hand brake ending Leigh's run in the G1 in a pretty dramatic way.

Traction control was definately OFF!

Leighton Fine was the winner of G1Gp. His lesser car had some advantages after all. Soft rear suspension suiting the Nishi entry over the hill. "The matsuri is somewhere you can practice a single corner over and over and over. I'm Loving It"

2 days of unlimited track time gives everyone time to go for it.

This is D1 driver, Koguchi-san. He was practicing rear facing entries up Higashi's main straight at over 160kph. Many ending in clouds of smoke and 360 degrees. But he was smiling a lot.

He wasn't the only one.

some nice cars in the Koguchi clan.

Many prefering to save their front bumpers.

Not a bad idea. Actually the entry to Higashi usually requires removal of a low bumper.

It's a shame because cars look shit like this.

This pristine 180 belonged to a lady driver. Colour is deeeeeeeep metallic green.

This girl was also practicing. Not attacking in a massive way, but learning entries. She was already good with power oversteer.

Everyone loves a hachi.

I love the levin coupe. I guess it is really just a Corolla. I guess there is a difference. A Corolla is not a drift car. A Hachi Rocku IS!

Alexi from Noriyaru took me for a spin to finish off some tyres. Thanks! But it just made me want to drive.

The US guys prepared this Special Beast.

But this is real JDM style.

Chris DeJager was doing some amazing rear entries. He Said... "It's not knuckles" baby as he explained the technique to get over 90 degrees.

Stay tuned for video.

I can recommend the Drift Matsuri. It's insane. But you need to bring a car. You don't want to just watch.

You need to be a part of it. Chase down a Champion, compare yourself, Practice and simply have fun.

Russ.

http://www.powervehicles.com/driftlife/g1-gp/

G1GP - Ebisu - Style

2010-08-22T01:37:00.000-07:00

This post is about syle and logos from the grassroots G1 GP held at ebisu circuit in Japan.

This is the level of drifting that puts good drivers in lesser cars, those who grew up with their cars, those without the super cash.

The paint on this one is awesome. masking is more like holding a sheet of paper.

Do-Ri-Ko. like a Japanese girls name .. KeiKO. YumiKO. Probably guess it's a girls car.

Skulls seem to be part of it and some flags to represent.

Some real stickers.

Some big ones. Cutting Sheets are the way to go.

Some applied with bubbles. But we all know drift cars don't require a refinement required of a luxury machine.

Some just for fun.

Some support their clubs.

Sometimes Japanese products have strange names that sound like insults.

BTW. Ponta is a rewards card. like a discount card.

Sometimes Japanese products are just funny.

Make a "C" shape with your left hand. And say the word's "Short Stroke"

Text reads "This new idea Produced a series of performance parts." "With COMRADE design."
?????

My brain says. If you don't know what it means. Don't write it on a sticker.

This one is straight forward. Even Japanese names are cool. Obihiro. What's that... It's cooler that some butchered english.

Home made.... no circuit made.

Yeah, What's Up!

Combination. Names Nationality perhaps Age?

Is this cool? Maybe just cut off the size and instructions first.

This reminds me of a conversation.

"We are thinking of colour matching the car to the Vinyl"... good idea.

Something pretty... flowers... ahhh.

5 Yen. Goen often means "good luck" in Japanese. This fender seems to be applied twice... was that bad luck.

Stolen or never replaced. now it's a feature. Gum residue stickers.

Bi-ri? Beery? I don't know.

Hard to remove...

what does it take to make a badge like this... polish? neglect?

Cable Stiching.

Sometimes tape is just necessary.

Hmmm.

Painted tape. new style.

Where's the body?

Tarmac Rally

2010-08-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

Three reasons why Tarmac Rally Rules.

1. THE CARS look FREAKING AMAZING.
Based on stock but soooooo not. Slammed to the deck. in Tarmac form WRC cars look super pumped extreme widebody ultimate tuner's car AND rally cars are RELIABLE!

2. LOCATION
Usually it's caning through the mountains and super speed. forest flashing by until you reach hairpins like these. Grab the brake, a quick flick then POWER POWER POWER. ALL DAY!

3. The Drivers are INSANE.

200kph beside a 500ft drop. From snow & rain to desert heat, these guys perform with limited preparation and simply go fast anywhere. Thats what they do.

These shots of the Fiesta testing are just a reminder of cool.

Remember the tour de course in France, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWzWduJ0zM8
I can imagine blasting along in something crazy Grouppe B!!

I guess hillclimb falls into this category. Home of ex- rally and grouppe B cars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqpwzlD89UE

The Dark Side.

2010-08-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

This R33 GT-R has me thinking about the dark side....

I changed the background and it definately suit the Darth Vader among us.

If you think more along the stoorm trooper guise, then this Dark-Veil-SIDE R33 would suit.

I consider myself the Luke Skywalker however.

FD3s... Aggressor Style.

The Real Takumi

2010-08-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Dai-san's AE86 GT-V Tureno.

Dai-san is the real Takumi Fujiwara in many ways. When I first met him, he was working at the gas station and spent every waking hour with his car on the hoist searching for that little extra.

These shots were taken as we headed to Nikko for a drift event... My roadster was new and a good platform for some highway shots.

On the way, Dai-san got a slow pucture, so we stopped to get it sorted and the front lip spoiler. Unlike the Initial D Takumi though, Dai-san knows his way around his car doing all the tuning and engine mapping of his freedom ECU tuned black top himself.

You often find him sitting in a C1 rest stop with his laptop getting the best response from the little tureno.
Here, with Allen and Miguel's he more than makes up for his hachi's normal looks and style with on track performance. In some ways the normal car attracts more attention because of this.

Interior is half stripped for weight reduction and tyre size is small for best balance. Dai-san's entries are nothing short of spectacular, and he can hold this style all day.

The Kid!

He has tried his hand at the circuit attack,

But his talents lie in the Drift Arena and the search is on for more power.

If you are in the market for a "real" hachi-rocku. One that has lived a good life on the C1 and Touge, is well maintained by a top mechanic and only needs a little love and attention, Dai's is up for sale.

Hit up http://www.neweraimports.com/

The AE86. Dog or goD

2010-08-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

The AE86 above is my friend, Allen's hachi. The AE86 is a cheaper entry level vehicle that can get you hooked on driving or motorsports and keep you involved, with reasonable outlay and continued cheaper maintenace and components, but buying a stock car isn't really going to do that.

When people think AE86, they think about cars like Allen's and these get you hooked. So hooked in fact that people tend to tune them somewhat more.

Miguel's AE86, a car I have spent some time in, is one such car. Race spec engine, stripped interior and most componetry upgraded. It's an awesome aural experience of excitement that stemmed from dissapointment with the stock performance.

"That's me in the passenger seat!" "Woo hoo!"

So what do we talk about the dissapointing stock AE86... or the wonderful tuned AE86.

Stocker does the basics well. and they are cheap to run and go shopping in. I think this is the main ingredient for the AE86 popularity. Low cost to a point.

Rear wheel drive fun with a decently long chassis that's not going to catch you out, enough power for fun, but not enough to break records.

They can make you a better driver, by not having mechanical aids and you can learn about RWD car control. ie Sliding.

But you have to really tune them to have real fun. A stock AE86 isn't going to compete unless you drop serious serious weight, serious money or.

Many tuners simply ditch the engine to go for power. Turbo, AEII Supercharger or another engine altogether.

I love this pic!!! Yates 3SGE AE86? Is that stock?

Are these cars still AE86 or are they something else. FJ86, SR86, RE86, V886 etc

Same can be said for many cars, but you know a GT-R is good because it is. The heart of the car RB26 rarely gets thrown away in favour of something else. The same can't be said for the little AE86.

So I love the AE86. Cool and Driftable, RWD boxy 80's styling. I remember dreaming about a Toyota Sprinter in Australia in 86 or so.

But, here is my gripe, and there are only a couple.

1. unergonomic interior. I think it has one of the worst driver positions of all time. (stock)

2. Refers to D1 which opens a can of worms anyway.

When other car's are seriously penalised to cater for the AE86 power deficiency. Is that a fair competition?

Now in Ueo's case, I believe he is the only driver that ever could get close to a turbo car of the period. He was the ultimate driver and car combination. No other NA AE86 driver deserves a mention. He simply drove the car far past it's normal limit with his own style. If you have ever watched the effort he put in clutch kicking to keep the engine on song, then he deserves every accollade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-FtspKilJk Amazingly insane, one of the first cars to get serious angle in D1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQq4lWalY1Q summary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ao4384Cwos
This is the punishment you need to drive a basic 180 at full tilt. Check the feet @ 1:22 bro!

But Terasaki. Even with some of the most biased judging ever in 2004 he still couldn't win the championship.

These days vehicle performance in D1 and FD sees full custom chassis and engine combos built around a fake body. So the comparisons are almost over.

You have to take the car without comparison.

Stock.. don't mind it.

Heavily modified.. Love it.

This Techno Pro Spirits AE86 has a 4AGE with 10,200 rpm redline. In this realm of race car tune, any car modified to this level of performance will be AWESOME!!!!!

See it in action. eventually.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IHR8SzgtcA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IHR8SzgtcA

Take it and leave it at that, but people will compare.

1:00 flat at tsukuba.

AE86 Festival The top level.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oioMD1khjg

So saying a top race car AE86 is a better car than a 800 hp JUN Tune GT-R can be measured by Lap Times.

Is cheaper better? Is faster better? you decide. Is the car Fun... Yes!

I like them, even though it sounds like I don't.

1000hp is the new benchmark.

2010-08-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

1000hp used to be a big achievement. Now it's just a benchmark.

Sometimes cars and owners flaunt the specs.

Sometimes they don't.

Ever been in a car with 1000hp! I have!
Even been driving a car with 400hp behind a car with 1000hp and have it accellerate away from you at speed. I have!

You don't get perspective until you witness these things first hand.

The feelings are amazing but sometimes the regular guy can only be amazed by the specs.

Veilside's R34 in Street Tune hit a record 346.26 k/ph and others have gone much faster since. To put this into perspective. Le Mans cars only hit 380kph odd.

Whether you use 6,8 or 12 or 16 more cylinders to achieve this power, you'll probably need the beloved chargers, Super or Turbo.

These days there are many tuners easily surpassing these specs and the 1 factory car "The Veyron" with this performance figure is just a basic target benchmark for tuners.

It seems there are endless cars capable of beating the Veyron so why bother.

1500 hp is easily possible from a modified Lambo V8 gallardo engine with twin turbos. Similar systems for Vipers and Ferraris are possible. http://www.undergroundracing.com/

GT-R34/5 and Supras from Japan all pull similar numbers. Veilside, Jun, etc joining Hennesy, APR, etc etc

It reminds me of the Koenig and Gemballa madness of years back that others are emulating these days.

Who buys these cars?? Where are they driven?? Are they Daily Driven for some owners? Usually No, but when they come out. They look good and go fast.

The other day I saw a White EB100GT parked on the street in Ginza, Japan.

Thats a daily driver I wouldn't mind.

XD-XG Utes

2010-07-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

Looking for a ute as a tow vehicle.

Why not make it the Race Vehicle!

I'm loving this XG ute.

Earlier cars are too expensive. I love XA,B,C utes best, but they are all rusted away or super expensive restos these days.

XD~G models seem to be good and the engine swap options are many as they were sold from 1980~1996 with V8s and inline 6s with and without turbo..

The XF Dick Johnson Grand Prix Turbo Model (26 made) Flares would make a great addition and some Deep Dish 17" or 18"

Taking inspiration from early Aussie stuff.

Love the beast. Love the Falcon.

Mazda Racing

2010-07-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dennis Barretto sent me some more images. The Rolex GT series runs mostly RX8s and Porsche which are far from stock and are formidible machines.

Mostly 3 rotor engines in the RX8s producing....

Hommage to Flames...!!!!

A closer look.

Side Barbeque??? Overtake this and get burned!

This one too?

69... nice number.

Dennis' Shots of the whole day includes other stuff.
http://s144.photobucket.com/albums/r193/sinned2545/Rolex%20Cup%202010/?start=all

Check out more on the EXCELLENT Mazda Racing Site.
http://www.mzracing.jp/en/americanracing/201018.html

My favourite. This livery does well to shorten the length of the RX8.

Nice

Russ. pics Dennis

Design SOS

2010-07-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Frontal design recently is horrendous.

The poor man's chrome rolls royce grille is a plastic hell of ugly!

Even honda are getting guilty. It's almost like someone is trying to save paint.

The latest aborition is the Holden W427. The ugly beast is just making performance a joke.

It used to be that performance cars were sleek and elegant 2 door machines.

Whoever thought that this should be the face of all sports cars from the last few years needs some kind of re-adjustment.

At least this leaves the aftermarket free to easily design something better.... Maybe
Some try to improve this with a tiny carbon cover and a few carbon accent pieces but these are all the aftermarket is brave enough to produce and yes with limited pieces to work with, they all look the same.

I scan the web looking for someone brave enough to redesign the ugly out of these cars, they seem to afraid to remove the one ugly identifying feature. The GRILL.

Looks familiar.

Be brave and be individual. Avoid the corporate image and improve it.

My hat goes off to seqential. One company brave enough. Even a small change is good.

Watanabe Nissan Jeep

2010-07-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for watanabes recently. Cruising their site, I came across this Awesome J44 Jeep Drift Rod!

F:R16-90 -13

R:R16-95 -19

114.3/5 GM

Engine is an SR20.DET bored to 2.2L running a TD-06 25G turbine with 256°cams
Control is HKS F-conVPRO with suspension left over from a silvia S14　
Nismo 2 way LSD

Now we know what happens to silvia's when the bite the dust at Ebisu.

Ultra creative cool!
Steering is centrally mounted!!!!

I can see a few more of this style coming in the future.

http://www.rs-watanabe.co.jp/index2.htm

http://www13.ocn.ne.jp/~h.d.o/

Rays Logo

2010-07-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

All you RAYS Fans... better get used to changes. Rays have changed their logo which means the ICONIC logo will be no longer available. All the copies will easily be identifyable again and they have also introduced a copy proof Authentication Logo on all wheels.

Still BOLD and STRONG.

RAYS

D1 Okayama 2010

2010-06-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

The RE28 mini mustang celica was back at Okayama, qualifying with 98.93.
I hope he can get back on track for the main

Very cool

Russ.

GT5

2010-06-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

GT5 they say is Due November 2010 .... Can we really believe this?? 2008~2009~May 2010~ when?

Cars:

Over 1000 cars. I can believe this. They have been modelling them for years.

Headlight Illumination

200 Premium cars with FULL interior detail.

800 Standard Cars with game level detail.

Premium Car High lights / Low Beam switchable
Standard Car Only Light On

One car I want to driver is the HKS Lancer EVO CTR

Nascar... for me I'll never play this.

Tracks
This area is a bit fuzzy.
20 locations <- only 20? Countries or tracks.
70 variations.? what does this mean

Top Gear track.

Effects.
Morning Dusk Night Day.

Tyre Smoke on the circuit. Drift!!!

Damage.

Who cares... Just another thing to delay the release. Be a good driver. You will never see this.

Premium Car & Standard Car get Physical damage to the calculation and Dents scratches and dirt but only Premium cars get panel deformation

Photo Mode... WHO CARES!!!!! You cant modify or customise your car anyway...
Who wants a pic of a stock car.
Release this as another game. Load your cars and take pictures.

Online. Maybe OK / maybe bad.
Yet to see what morons are out there, And how well they can drive.
Typically they'll take you out in the first corner.

BUT HERE IS A KICKER>

New Sony 3D TV with face tracking that allows you to look out the side windows and follow apexes.
Maybe cooooooool.
So I will get to experience this in Japan sooner rather than November.
Time shall tell.

Russ.

Confessions of my Fake Wheels

2010-06-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Check out http://fakewheels.com/. enough said. If you have a performance car. Don't buy them.

But sometimes you have to... I am guilty!

I have owned Ravs Vork TE37 Cup copies.

I didn't lie about it.

Lets have a look at how it happens.

Can you honestly keep your car like this?!! FARKED UGLY SH1T CR4P!

Location

Gold Coast Australia.

Population 527,660 includin grannies and kids.

Wheel Shops. 10 maybe F1/JAX/Bob Jane etc

Performance car market size = Very Small! Maybe 15000 people.

People who buy wheels each year. ???

Number of people wanting 17" wheels for a Vitz. = 1... Me. Not Joking.

Car. Stock 2004 Toyota Echo (Vitz/Yaris)

Purchase Price.... wait for it $13500 USED...2 years old. WTF! this is Australia for you. $19900 new!

Daily Road Use = 100%

Motorsport Use = 0.

Top Speed. 120 kph maybe to keep my licence.

The odd drift in the wet with the handbrake on all the time!

First Modifications. Pedders Springs $350

Note: car handled/accellerated and stoped very well with STOCK STEELwheels.

I ran the car lowered on springs for a while. Excellent actually.

I simply removed the hubcaps and the car looked pretty gangster sitting low on black wheels.

Almost like a tradesmans car. Stock Bridestones had good grip.

Anyway, I wanted a bit more style.

REAL

TE37 cup were never available in 17" discontinued at this time.

So the closest comparison is normal TE37.

Volk Racing TE37 Bronze 17x7 +50 $733.99 AUD ea

x 4 = $2935.96

+ 20% Import Tax + $350 delivery

= $3873 for wheels only.

+ Cheap Tyres $125eax4 = $500

Fitting and Balancing $50

TOTAL $4423

This represents 30% of purchase price. Am I crazy?

I went to JAX Tyres in Australia.

The owner was a guy in his 50's who has probably never even heard of RAYS.

His usual customer is a truck and he fits retreads to that.

He stocks wheels to give maximum turnover and at a budget people can afford.

If he stocked RAYS he would sell 1 set a year maybe. In the wrong size.

Such is the size of the Australian local car market in small cities.

In Australia at that time there was one importer of Enkei wheels. That was it.

There is a reason for this.

Enkei are among the CHEAPEST decent wheel in Japan. Because most are cast.

These cast models are offered in Australia as PREMIUM wheels.

But infact are quite inferior to forged models.

This guy tried to sell me RP03 as the only real wheel option for 4K.

I previously fitted RP-01 for over $3500 (wheels only) to my MR2 in Canberra Australia.

I couldn't get exact sizes I wanted either. 8 and 8.5 I wanted 7.5 and 8.5

I could go for an Australian Wheel .

Have you checked Simmons wheel prices. The owner has now retired and the business folded.

So there is nothing cheap available and no alternatives.

So for this car it really only needed something cheap. And I bought these.

FAKE

VORK RAVS CUP Malaysian specials

17x7 (only 2 sizes offered)

With falken ziex crap tyres (zero grip in the wet) treadwear was in the forever zone.

fitted and balanced

$1180

Heavy and slow the car became, but I still held the handbrake in the wet and it drifted fine.

Not one person in Australia even looked at the car and screamed fake.

I actually got more grief over my RAYS SE37W and THEY WERE REAL

And not one person ever mentioned the FAKE wheels on my Vitz. I usually had to tell them they were.

So sometimes, you can't tell.

Sometimes, you don't need.

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

I'm totally in favour of shutting down the FAKE wheel businesses like Rota/BSA/Koing etc

But what are we left with. I doubt these businesses would be capable of designing a wheel with good design when the owner of the business probably drives a honda dart scooter to work every day.

Ever been to the north of Vietnam. Cars are few and Cows are many. Bikes are the only transport sometimes.

I don't know what the answer is.

BTW. I would never recommend running a high performance car on these rims. And If you curb them. Replace them quick.

I think I have supported the OEMs more than most.

But you can comment whatever you like.

FTR:

My wheels I have purchased with MY money.

REAL for my fast cars

Crimson Club Linea 17x8 x4 for Subaru WRX.

Enkei RP01 17x8 x2 17x8.5 x2 for MR2 turbo.

Rays CE37W 18x8.5 x2 18x9.5 x2 for FD rx7

Advan RS 18x10 x4 for FD Rx7

Advan RGII 17x7 x4 for NCEC

FAKE for my slow cars

Type C SSR 17x7 for Honda Civic EK4 Painted black my ME with a can of spray paint.

Mytle 17x7 for NA roadster

Vork Ravs Cup 17x7 for Vitz

I am not a rich man. I have owned 20 cars. And modified them all.

If there were cost effective and cool alternatives in other countries. Fakes would have no place.

Don't bag the owners, mostly they just want to look cool.

By the way. If you have ever bought a cheap Nike copy or downloaded a movie and watched it without paying royalty. You are guilty too.

Fess up faker fakers. Lets see how widespread it is.

BTW, I now live in japan. Fakes don't really exist. The good brands are cheap.

Weds, Enkei, Work are all cheap and under 1200 for a set of smaller sizes.

So do what you want.

Ps. Electrical Tape Eyelines. Cost... 1c

BMW Z3 M

2010-06-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Z3 M Coupe

What freak of nature made this. M3 engine in this chunky mash of M5 rear propertion and narrow front end.

It's one of those controversial designs. That polarizes opinion. Not Open, Small Trunk?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz_1Dsj3VEQ

Just add wheels it gets in your face even more. You can't decide if it's cool or not.

Either way, you have to consider this car has power, and a boot. It's not super huge that it looses all chuckability AND it has a trunk/boot which makes it one of the ultimate practical sports cars.

Go further and things get even more confusing. Can it rival the EVO 9 Wagon or StageA.

This car with the painted roof almost becomes a different car altogether. It almost returns the roadster profile with a kicker tail.

Tuning or Racing How far do you push...

Z3 M coupe Race Car... Insane!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pPRhEOZ85Q

With BMW's race experience this is a WIN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go4PW4iD9TQ

S 2 Million!

2010-06-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

This S2000 is crazy! Turbo tuning using a trust engine kit with (T518z), Big brakes and drivetrain to enjoy a multi purpose machine.

The exterior has been dressed up around a spoon body kit, but many parts of one off. Custom wheels HRE C21 (18 inches).

The interior has installed a one-off audio box under the spoon cover, this is a pretty special S2000

A car like this is amazingly cheap. Around 25K right now at lead cars.

It seems as the tuning scene dies in Japan, bargains are becoming available.

If I had this money today... It might be mine. Screaming VTEC, Whining Turbine with BOV and open air... can't get much better than that.

http://cartown.jp/shop/stock_detail2.php?c_code=129&p_code=1219232

Maruta Goya S15

2010-06-02T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best looking S-Strawberries in Japan. 15/Ichi Go = Strawberry

BTW new Silvia Hyper Rev is out also.

For more cool silvias http://www.maruta-goya.com/index.html

Russ

Juro Merc

2010-05-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

This pic from the RS-Watanabe site really has me interested.

I have always been a fan of the old mercs and I love a convertible car. They are just fun. There are a few old mercs in Australia with 20B cosmo engines and this one has the style down almost perfect. Maybe the fronts could be a little wider spaced or the rears just a hint narrower, but near perfect.

It should inspire someone.

Or this will http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQy49YkDjI
Get back to the Old school.

Russ.

Japan Humming

2010-05-23T22:25:00.000-07:00

Don't see these often in Japan. Especially a custom one.

FC BN AWESOME!

2010-05-14T02:42:00.000-07:00

H A R D - C O R E.

nothing more to add here.

Monte Carlo Simulation

2010-05-12T19:12:00.001-07:00

Give us a go Mark...

http://www.redbull.jp/cs/Satellite/ja_JP/RedBull-Japan/001242760632203

Targa Tas 2010 Leg 1 Update

2010-04-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Steve Glenney, Bernie Webb in the 2009 Mazda RX-8 SP

Currently in 2ND PLACE! 00:09 seconds behind the leading Gallardo!!!!

. Who needs 4wd?

Mazda Austalia & Targa Tasmania

2010-04-02T00:09:00.000-07:00

As the 2010 Targa Tasmania event draws closer. ADVAN have joined Mazda teams by giving Steve Glenny and the Horsley run teams some decent gear. The 8 will run RG2 and AO50 tyres for the event. Previously they have sponsored other RX7 teams so this was no surprise.

Expect big things from the giant killing Mazda RX8

http://www.mazdamotorsport.com.au/

F1 2010

2010-03-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

F1 in 2010. Why is everyone excited. A few reasons. The cars are the closest they have been in years, so that means the driver gets more cred. There are many on top of their game.

The cars actually race, rather than the pit boss's strategy. I hated the previous seasons, where most cars ran light or heavy and the field spread out searching for fresh air so they could set lap times rather than racing anyone. If somewas was close, they'd pit and get fresh air. B O R I N G!

But this year seems to have a decent formula to allow racing from the start to finish.

A small mistake and you'll lose. Consistency will win. Drivers can make their car better.

So after the first race, there are few clear indications except that the top guys we expected will be the top guys.

I hope it's the Young Vettel (New blood) or the Older Webber (Go Aussie!) that take the championship.

Should be interesting year with sooooo many races. One thing about F1, they can market their stuff well.

Didn't someone say "recession?" F1 Splitting? F1 dying?

I can't relate to F1 speed and feeling and I guess I never will, but it's a spectacle.

Russ.

V8 Supercars '10R1

2010-02-20T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm a lover of V8 supercars and I am almost over it before it starts in 2010.

Race 1

Top Ten V8 Supercar Race 1 Results

1. Jamie Whincup, 150pts
2. Craig Lowndes, 138pts
3. Mark Winterbottom, 129pts
4. James Courtney, 120pts
5. Lee Holdsworth, 111pts
6. Shane Van Gisbergen, 102pts
7. Paul Dumbrell, 96pts
8. Jonathon Webb, 90pts
9. Alex Davison, 84pts
10.Rick Kelly, 78pts

1st... They run the first two rounds of the Aussie series in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain because Chevy also runs a V8 series there with the Aussie holden's exported there.

So with teams outlaying enormous expense to get there, they are taken to a superb venue that isn't so great as it seams.

One team was excluded from the race because their on board in car air jacks penetrated an expansion crack in the concrete on pit lane. Then stupid stewards refused to consider their track could cause such incident and handed a penalty to the leading team car which suffered substantial damage as a result.

That kills interest and faith in fairness of competition.

The cars are close in times (less than 1 second covered the top 10), and that brings close racing.
things happen, rubbing is racing and all that...

Typical car setup
5.0-litre V8 Estimated 635 + bhp limited to maximum 7,500 RPM
1355kg
=
294+kph (182+mph), 0-100kph: 3.8 seconds

If you feel like following... hit up http://v8supercars.com.au/. some of the teams such as Kelly racing have great galleries.

These links are basically for my own clicky clicky.

If you want to watch the events outside australia. you need to cough up $70US to see them.
V8 Supercars runs this series as a business! and sometimes, that just sucks.
If you want to see some pics... good luck.
After clicking around I discovered that the V8 series uses a couple of photographers and the images are divied up to all concerned. Same angles. Same shots, same boredom.
Some teams lock everything down and others are open to sharing.

I won't post anymore on V8 this year. Just see for yourselves.

Do some research.
http://v8supercars.com.au/teamsdrivers/championshipseries/tabid/93/default.aspx

Get started here.

Holden Fans.
HRT
http://www.hrt.com.au/racing/2010/home/

Ford Fans

FPR. ( Prodrive )
http://www.fpr.com.au/

http://www.teamvodafone.com/

Craig Lowndes
Jamie Whincup

http://www.kellyracing.com.au/ Jack Daniels
Rick Kelly
Todd Kelly

http://www.kellyracing.com.au/kr/ Rock & Supermax
Jason Bargwanna
Tony Ricciardello

http://www.djr.com.au/index.asp Jim Beam
Steven Johnson
James Courtney

http://www.tradingpostracing.com.au/
Jason Bright

http://www.bradjonesracing.com.au/
Brad Jones?

http://www.stonebrothersracing.com.au/
Alex Davison http://www.irwinracing.com.au/
Shane Van Gisbergen

Honda CR-Z GT Concept

2010-02-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

The Honda CR-Z is supposed to make people feel enthusiastic about "sporty" hybrids.

GO FU!

If they make the CR-Z GT then maybe I'll get emotive. I lowered this car about 6-8 inches before it looked good.

The design is ruled by government regulations that stop automakers being emotive. When the front of the car has to be this high, it throws sh1t in the face of anyone trying to build streamlines cars.

The FT-86 also has fallen in to this category and is now being changed to match regulations.

Pretty soon well all be driving in a box with a polymer virtual exterior anyway, so it doesn't really matter.

I just hope eveyone with a car can afford to change to an alternate energy source.

I'll wait for the suitcase sized 1000hp electric drive converter that propels my old Honda CRX to warp speed.

BEFORE you get excited and think the normal one is OK. I have increased wheel size 2" and dumper this 3 inches also. Massive size also means massive wheels and that equals weight and drain.

What ever happened to the lightweight challenge of the past and refinement.

Here is a version with small front overhang, lower nose and the whole car is back to crx-dimensions.

I cut a whole stack out of the centre of the body.

It looks different, compact and something tuners could have fun with.

Russ.

Tsuchiya and the FC

2010-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

Few would know that dori dori-chan, as I call Keiichi Tsuchiya used to race in the FC3s in the JSS Japan Super Sport Sedan championship in the mid-late eighties. The FC3s in these events were PP versions and very fast.

Here is a final at fuji. He finished third after leading for a while at the super fast (old) Fuji speedway course. Last corner and straight line speeds were crazy.!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2ykGckF_NE

This is an FC only race here half way through the vid..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4eXgV70RVc

Some of these cars prepared by famous RE-tuners, ERC, RE Sugiyama and Yours Sports. These guys are still around you know, they just don't feature like the RE-Amemiya's of today as they focus on older models or less funding.

more pics here here.

Russ.

Limosuineious

2010-01-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

This was one of my absolute favourite cars at TAS. Not because of the lovely accompanyment. But because of the black out treatment and uniqueness.

I'm pretty sure not many people have heard of the Galue. It's a Nissa Fuga sedan base thats turned into a limo. Kind of.

The black out treatment on this car is phenomenal. Black crome and black. Black and more black.

It is also sooooo slammed on air sus that it looks tough!

The ordinary version is one of the ugliest things on the plannet, but this thing has awesome pressence.

It's kind of what you'd do if your father drove one and handed it down.

PWRC STI Arai-val

2010-01-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

While Subaru have pulled from WRC, the PWRC is still one of their goals and Toshihiro Arai still gets massive support from them.

Over the years he has also come to develop some of his own parts for the car and the latest one looks awesome.

He is an extremely well known guy in Japan's rally circles. http://www.toshiarai.com/

Taking the PWRC title in 2005 and many other race wins.

Some of the detail pieces are nice. you can't see the awesome business interior, but the mirrors show the quality.

I thought about putting this dry carbon roof vent in my bag. Uninstalled, it was held on the car with just the tiniest pieces of tape.... hehe.

Yes, it's a race car.

Huge brake upgrade is requirement for forest and mountain stages. New Work 11R wheels do the hard work.

I absolutely love rally cars in tarmac spec. they simply look tough. Tsumagoi Rally in Japan is first.29th Jan

Want your own... start with this Arai tuned Sti. Spec C

Left Field Westfield

2010-01-25T06:33:00.000-08:00

One of the craziest cars at TAS was this westfield. Having watched the build of this car it was very interesting to see it come together. But who would have thought you would tune something that is aready an awesome lightweight machine.

One Guess. Crazy old Amemiya-san. He has already created about 5000000 million Rx7 FD3s derivations and the Rx8 isn't really worth chasing speed with, so he turned his attention to something more personal.

The result is amazing and totally unexpected. While not exactly F1, it sits somewhere in between road and race car. The first thing you notice is cowl. dropping down to a more pointed design and greeted with a superb dry carbon splitter/wing. it immediately defines this as a crazy body kit for a westfield.

The eyes define the face of the car and the tube frame recieves splashes of red on the suspension. This theme is carried onto the ninja theme.

Some big spacers help with wheel placement on the front. Sponsored RE-Amemiya spec items include Quantum suspension, Enkei wheels, Advan Rubber, Bride seats, ORC clutch and M7 parts. Under the bonnet there is an NA 13b that should propel this lightweight machine to criminal speed pretty quickly.

On the way aft. You find a spartan interior with just the essentials. Brake bias adjuster is one of them. Harness is another.

Rear end is pretty interesting too. Vented fenders, Large carbon wing and flat floor diffusser, should help handling.

The car is really small. With no roll over protection.

Definately need your helmet in this one.

Final Connection GTR34

2010-01-25T06:09:00.000-08:00

The Tokyo Auto Salon provided this car. It simply Stood out among everything. and it wasn't even displayed well. According to Final Connection it is just a crappy ER34. Maybe not a true King of Auto Salon contender, but for a street car. This would be interesting.

But... The high contrast and width of this car is amazing.

A GT-R34 is big but not super huge. This kit makes it look as big as a R35. Now thats big.

Rear end gets a small rear wing. I can only imaging this thing witha 2000mm Sard gt wing and a carbon bonnet.

As it is with full black out windows and headlight covers, there is a bit of RC look. It certainly doesn't look real.

The Z tune inspiration is obvious, but this needs another letter in the alphabet. What comes after Z? ZZ

Interestingly a lot of American and Australian parts are finally making it to japan. This car featured legendary http://www.briancrower.com/ camshafts. Check the kit here. http://www.finalkonnexion.co.jp/lineup/popup/nissan_27.html

EVOlicious

2010-01-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

Kumakubo and JUN. Koyama san's news....

Koyama have a new.

Time Attack machine.

Black Evo's and GT-R35s look the same. It was hard to tell them apart on the Runduce stand.

not that it's a bad thing. This angle looks great.

Black on black on black on black. Gun Metal on Black...

Cockpit tatebashi. Still running strong. I like the subtle rear mud flaps.

They skould rebrand Voltex canards as Katana.

Stance on this car is amazing. the rear over fenders are hilarious though.

Leg choppers in full effect here.

I love the striking image of this car. RS advans are great match,

Hate the front canards though. You can't beat Voltex so don't try.

Side view is strong.

JUN rear diffuser is cool.

VR.G2 on Varis.

G-Force and Varis. Grunty. Front is very R35 though. Squared off more.

Reflect on this! TE37 are very old now. Still the coolest.

Lovely.

Endless and TE37 are timeless.

Contrast is good on this car. Everything matches or doesn't match well.

Cusco Rally Japan Tarmac Spec. Theres a Kyushu event coming up.

WRC style interior is awesome. Suede dash.

HKS Kansai font view is great.

Gloss or Flat/ Wet orDry Carbon... make up your mind people. There was a little too much of this at TAS this year.

Contrast here.

Seibon weave looks good... but.. HKS kansai lip looks better.

Thats all my Evo shots.... Advan RG-D are simply too cool.

Inspire the next project.

Battle Evome Round2

2010-01-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

o my godzilla. YMS Gyoda Blog with help from TFR and Supernow ran around 1.01 at tsukuba...yesterday but sooo cool..

Silvia's fenders are fixed about 2" out from the bonnet. How's that for panel gap.

It's still the quickest thing at Tsukuba these days. 55.563! Easy. Thats a record for this car and pushing for the Rear wheel drive record.

http://eyevio.jp/movie/335039 This is his incar race view. Taking the WIN.

Tokyo Auto Salon - Top Tenish

2010-01-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

Picking top ten at at event like this is impossible in any order. But this Final Connection GT-R34 with a body kit that should have been released about 10 years ago was Awesome. We've been seeing these style of kits on FD3s Rx7s for ages. But a true Super GT-R34 wide body has been lacking. The contrast makes this car look RC style.

This AE86 with N3 fenders and G7 panasports was awesome.

The Gazoo FT86 was detailed a little too much. Minus the graphics would be nice, but the effect was great for the future of cars.

G-Works and Rocky Auto. The dish on this Z30-G was amazing.

A splash of colour blended with the craziness of this car. Westfield chassis and RE-Amemiya creativity.

Kazama's Lexus widebody looked great with it's own contrast. Splashes of pink and yellow are not out of place.

GT-R dish TE37 are still my all time favourite wheel. They make anything look good. This EVO was all purpose.

New Touge Monster. The pinacle of street tuning. I love this car's curves.

Voltex Cyber Evo - Check the detail.

Below, Daigo & Chaser and awesome combo.

Tokyo Auto Salon - Textures II.

2010-01-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

Tokyo Auto Salon was an amazing place this year. This photo showcases a lot.

The RE-Amemiya Caterham was an interesting machine. Paint, vinyl, wet/dry/fake carbon, chrome, aluminium, FRP, steel, titanium, anodised, painted and raw. Rubber, fabric and thread. Computer and hand crafted. Where does it end? The show was a tactile experience for me. About the only thing I didn't touch was the skin on show.

Rubber.

Cloth and Stitches.

Powder

Brushed Vinyl Alloy

The Kazama Auto Lexus is also a tactile machine. You have to touch this stuff to feel what it's actually made of. The roof and rear are covered in carbon weave. Real or not? The spider's legs are carbon weave? Real or not? The colour is matt vinyl or matt paint? Chrome or plastic? It's hard to tell.

RAYS GT-30. Machined centre, polished and translucent gun metal painted spokes, matt black lustreless rim. Greddy callipers are heat treated gold. Body is Maziora colour change paint.

You can spend ages looking at one car.

Varis GT-R35 reveals titanium and carbon exhaust tips. Is this too much?

While some go for Vinyl, some go authentic. Real brushed steel AND ground metal flames. not one or the other.

Wheels on this car are chrome, airbrushed, inlaid, stencilled, etc etc etc. Body had above finishes + candy apple metal flake and solid paint.

Sometimes carbon IS just for style.

And syle comes in many flavours. Leather and Chrome. Is this Animal or Mineral?

And it's not only the small players getting creative.

Under the bonnet is just as important. look at the finishes. Raw and Gloss, Shine and Dull.

Tokyo Auto Salon 2010.

Raw and Emotive. More textures here.

D1 M7 RX8

2010-01-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

With Tokyo Auto Salon opening Tomorrow. All the cars are ready as of today. The RE-Amemiya D1 car has the most useless bumper in the world. There is sooooo much mesh and the other holes are sooooo big that this would add ZERO aerodynamic benefit to the car.

Its a good thing that these cars are designed to run with the bumper ripped off anyway.

Maybe black mesh next time. The cheapest item on the car is often the one that shouldn't be highlighted.

Compare this to the deeply rendered "good-looking" vents in the below concept picture and you would feel M7s and my dissapointment with the end result. Even the indicator light surrounds haven't been fitted.

I can only hope this was a result of time pressure for TAS and the real thing will be implemented later.

Russ's 2C

Evome Specials.

2010-01-10T02:16:00.000-08:00

Battle Evome started as the Lancer "Evo Meeting" with almost all the cars being Evos of some kind. These days the event is more open. Some of the quicker cars in Japan are true race spec cars masquerading under the time attack guise. What's TA, road registerable semi slick tyres. This S15 in the 56.3 second range. Faster than the Cyber EVO 5.

This is a formiddable car in its own right, but it proves you need everything working together to get the best from 4wd. 58.4 this time. but it's run much faster.

This MR2 is a favourite of mine. Having owned an MR2 Turbo before, I certainly know about the tricky handling that likes 9.8 tenths driving. 10/10ths is a little scary. For DR.ZOO's car to be around 1.00 minute is great. It looks awesome with NSX scoop and FTO lights.

Lastly this GTR was running 1.03 on this day, But looks cool!

His blog donted these images. He'll be quicker.

M7 RE-Amemiya D1 RX8 with Toyo Tyres 2010

2010-01-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

option have been showing this image.

And the RE-Amemiya images back it up with special parts.

It's still a strange choice but the chassis is good. Just the flexing part that needs addressing.

RX8 is becomming a popular tuning base in Japan.

M7 parts bin has been raided for the best.

Ringers

2010-01-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

How to compare and when not to compare.

Everyone knows the Nurburgring has become a benchmark. But they should just make a large parking garage there, because it's fast becoming the only place you can drive fast. Or lose you life or licence.

Anyway... I digress.

Lets look at ring times. There is a list on wiki. But really WHO CARES?!

Radical SR8LM - 6:48
Grumpert Apollo - 7:11:59
Dodge Viper - 7:22.1
Nissan GT-R - 7:26:70

When you watch these videos look at how hard or easy the driver is working, because thats going to be you, or never going to be you unless you are a pro.

The Grumpert's driver looks almost asleep with ultimate grip on hand.
The GT-R driver is trying hard all the time and can never relax. He also has to keep searching for the stupid gear change levers on the wheel. I would imagine it would be soo easy to miss shift.

However, I have seen 200 GT-R35s in Japan on the streets. Yes on the streets.
How many of these other cars do you see. A PaganiEnzoACRLMAtomCR12 Not many?

So in my book the GT-R is a mass production car that is also Very Very Fast. Finish this stupid contest you race car builders. A low volume production race car WILL be faster.

Just because a car can be street legal...is it? I bet none of them pass in all countries. They all have "limited" capabilities including the driver.

Maybe this GT-RLM could be street legal if they wanted to spend the time and effort.

Compare that!

Super Taikyu - ST5

2010-01-02T01:34:00.000-08:00

Super taikyu just got a whole new level of boring.

The new 1.5 Litre NA with 850 weight limit ST-5 class has obviously been added to boost car numbers. But who want's to be driving the Super tuned BMW Z4, when it approaches a Demio or Vitz.
These things will be slow.

PIT Diorama

2009-12-26T04:28:00.000-08:00

My first car was a blue TA-23 Celica and I collected some old cars from coffee cans in Japan. But They always ended up in a drawer. I finally have a place to display My Z30G, R32 and Cosmo.

Best Part.. This diorama was free from Ikspiari PIT. Check more on RE-Xtreme.

Auto Salon News

2009-12-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

WOW! SHOCK!

M7 RE-雨宮(Amemiya) with TOYOTIRES D1-RX8 to debut at Autosalon.

I don't know much about the full spec and whether it's a D1 SL car or D1 car.
But the engine will be a 13b of some description.
But next year will be interesting. Could we have D1 without a decent works fd3s RX-7??
Not likely. RE-Amemiya are building a new D1 FD Rx7 too.

R-Magic have almost got the D1 4 rotor in.
Tokyo Auto Salon is shaping up to be awesome! http://www.e-autosalon.net/tokyo/index.php

2009 Macau GP Road Sports Challenge

2009-11-27T01:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a cool event. Tuning cars racing...!

Knight sports rx8 took second place, but a cool Evo was first.

Macau Videos and Gallery

Watch the Stupid GTR35 driver.... hehe.

Newera FD3s

2009-11-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

A little chop of another friends FD3s. Newera's demo car of a best of breed car. Every component has been chosen with a no expense spared approach resulting in well over 400 hp and handling that simply amazes. This car works best with S-tyres as the suspension and brakes simply overpower lesser grip. Physics at work.

Garage Itoh R33

2009-11-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

This is a chop of my friend's R33. Recently lapping at Fuji. I added some graphics, played with ride height and upped the wheel size. As if the 18x9.5 RE30 aren't big enough. :)

RC RS2086

2009-11-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a good mix. Escort Mk1 + AE86 bumpers. The result is cool, but when placed in this dioramic environment, 1/10 never looked better.

Here.

Revolution New Demo Rx8

2009-11-20T00:52:00.000-08:00

This car is being prepped for the RX-Race series next year. The Panspeed 8 and The knight sports 8 are full on race cars and this will be a no expense spared race car too. Expect the interior to be similar to the TA-FD.

Revolution do all machine and carbon work in house. Pretty awesome. Power will come from this 3 rotor thats ready to go.

R-Magic 4 Rotor RX8

2009-11-20T00:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, you may not know that the R-Magic D1 car for next year will be the upgraded Pink 5 Se3p RX8

It will be a 600hp 4 rotor BEAST. Currently ready for engine install.

RE-Amemiya at Autosalon

2009-11-20T00:34:00.000-08:00

This is RE-Amemiya's 2010 Autosalon car. It's a Westfield chassis with a Rotary engine.

If you have been following his blog then you will have seen this a long time ago.

But it's finally taking shape.

Another month and it will be on display. I particularly like the fat S-tyres on the rear.

NSX for Super GT 2010

2009-11-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

Rumours are that the NSX shape for the discontinued road car will be used for the Super GT car.

I guess if the economy recovers they can finally build the new NSX.

Sgt2000

2009-11-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

As I think about SGT for Honda. I hope they can continue next year.

It took me 5 minutes to turn the NSX into the S2000 GT car.

I think the honda team can do it in a pit stop or two.

Russ.

NS-EXIT

2009-11-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

Sad day today. The best looking car in Super GT has gone.

Its an exit for the NSX after this weekend's Super GT race. 2010 holds a FR only layout for the teams. which poses the question. What and IF hoda will run next year.

Going out in Style, the NSX has hit 1st and 3rd at Motegi in a fine finish for the NSX some 12 years or so after it's competition debut in 1996 or so.

Check out the original Dome car.

Bye Bye. Good Job.

REV for iPhone

2009-11-07T03:37:00.000-08:00

This iPhone app is cool. I noticed it from germany in the Mazda superlight concept.

GPS track mapping, data logging and gauge display for next to nothing.

Reads any OBD port (they recommend a wireless obd connection)

Demonstration

Sounds very easy. Maybe a reason to go iPhone.

Check the devtoaster site for more.

HKS GT600

2009-11-06T06:16:00.000-08:00

As the GTR35 gets seriously tuned by HKS with the GT 600 package. Times are very fast. 1.47 at fuji speed way is very very fast indeed. Faster than a tuned Ferrari 360 and about the same as a Radical.

But would you still choose one over a R32/34. The price of parts and maintenance would kill you!

V8 Rumble

2009-11-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

Last round is in Sydney around the outside of the 2000 Olympic stadium. Here the cars are parading through the Sydney downtown area. Now that would have been cool!

But don't try finding too much info on V8 Supercars. The Aussie promoters make everyone pay for everything and their website is so slow and cluttered its painful.

Russ.

Choose the same wheels.

2009-11-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

I remember when the Advan RZ came out. It looked cool but not much different to the RS. But this time it has competition.

Enkei USA has just released the PF-01. I guess it cant make up its mind if it's an RP style or an F1 style.

Sometimes people challenge the malaysians and chinese for coying everything but are these so different.

The Weds at least has some accents on the spokes. But basically the same. These days most companies produce similar stuff. I mean how many ways can you make something like a wheel.

If you can choose between these three its probably going to be a price choice.

Russ.

NS-Xtra

2009-11-01T07:25:00.000-08:00

I am a HUGE NSX fan! I love the super shape and they always catch a pedestrians eye. Exspecailly if accompanied by a raw short tuned exhaust. 3.2L screaming NA behind your head is a great addiction.

The problem with tuning an NSX is engine accessibilty and ultimte power. But you should be pretty happy with stock.

The problem with the body is just deciding how wide to go. with some amazingly wide cars available... almost Super GT width.

For me, the top two above retain the maker lines well.

PS. If you have $100,000 right now, the Revolution NSX is for sale.

URAS ER34 2 Door

2009-10-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

I am really liking this ER34 from URAS. Very tough. It took me a long time to get to like GT-Rs but this one is low and wide and looks very different.

FT-86 Xtreme

2009-10-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

This is my version of the FT-86 Concept from Toyota. I changed the chin spoiler line and the front lip design. then just added a rear wing and played with paint variation.

Wheels are the latest TWS Black Racing 200 in 19".

Russ.

Welcome to RE-Xtreme Extra

2009-09-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to RE-Xtreme EXTRA Edition.

This is a dumping ground for all car stuff that I love but doesn't fit on the FD3s Rx7 blog.

My other blogs are focussed to personal projects or personal interests.
This should become a wasteground of car coolness.

Russ.