Toyota 2000GT Replica Based on Nissan 240Z with GT-R Engine

At last weekend's Tokyo Salon 2009, Mr. Makoto Kobayash and his company Road Star Garage from Aichi, Japan, launched their latest Toyota 2000GT replica, this time based on the 1970's Datsun Fairlady Z S30 - known in most markets as the 240Z and later as 260Z and 280Z. Whereas the original 1965 Toyota 2000GT used a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, straight six producing around 150HP, Road Star Garage fitted the replica with a Nissan Skyline GT-R derived and NISMO prepped, twin-turbocharged RB26 N1 six-cylinder unit.

The Japanese firm hasn't published any performance or output figures, but understandably, this replica holds a mighty punch under its hood. As some might remember, Road Star Garage also produces a Toyota 2000GT convertible based on the underpinnings of the Mazda MX-5 / Miata - see here.

Carscoop thanks Mr. Makoto Kobayash for the Tokyo Show Photos

Link: Road Star Garage

Blitz Presents Rear-Wheel Drive Nissan GT-R at Tokyo Salon

The 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon that opened up its doors today saw the unveiling of a Blitz Nissan GT-R prototype model that is being developed for the D1 drift series in Japan. Due to hit the track by early 2010, the Blitz Nissan GT-R features a rear-wheel drive layout as well as a Hollinger sequential gearbox unit (with a conventional clutch) so no need for a H-Pattern manual gearbox. These changes will result to a drop in the GT-R's overall weight. We remind you that the production GT-R comes with all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission.

Blitz has not released many details on the car other than that it will come with a sport exhaust system and that it will not perform any modifications on the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The Japanese tuner has also removed the air-condition as well as replacing the standard steering wheel with a race-spec model from Key's.

Source: GTR Blog

Nissan Brings GT-R NISMO Club Sports and 370Z NISMO S-Tune to Tokyo Salon

The NISMO-prepped GT-R and 370Z will be two of fifteen Nissan models to make their way to the Tokyo Auto Salon, which runs January 12-14. While not as exclusive as the GT-R SpecV that was officially revealed on Wednesday -see details here, the GT-R NISMO Club Sports features several improvements over the standard car. Developed collaboratively with the GT-R product development team and Nismo engineers, the GT-R Club Sports most prominent aspect is the Chassis Package.

The pack includes a set of race-spec Bilstein Damptronic adjustable dampers, stiffer front (18.5kg/mm) and rear springs(9.6 kg/mm) and new 20-inch Rays forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Bridgestone RE070R run-flat tires, sized 225/40 and 285/35, front and rear.

Nismo also added a new lightweight titanium exhaust system that removes 11 pounds from the GT-R's overall weight and a set of the carbon fiber backed and leather trimmed manually adjusted bucket seats that save an extra 13 pounds. Nissan supports that at the Sendai Hi-land Raceway, the GT-R NISMO Club Sports outrun the standard GT-R model by a full second

As for the 370Z or as it's called in Japan, Fairlady Z, the NISMO S-tune package features a more rigid body brace, sports suspension and the "Aero Package" body kit.

Nissan to Present Cube Rider Performance and Cube Drive Shot Concepts at Tokyo Salon

Among the fifteen modified Nissan models that will make their debut at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2009, are two concept versions of the all-new 2009 Cube dubbed "Drive Shot" and "Rider High Performance Spec". The most interesting concept of the two is the "Cube Rider High Performance Spec" developed by Autech. Aside from the full bodykit that includes a three-bar chrome grille, new front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler and decorative decals, the customized Cube also gets different alloy wheels as well as a sport suspension and engine modifications (Nissan did not reveal any details).

The second Cube study, called "Drive Shot Concept", incorporates the dealer-option "Aero Outer" package, featuring a subtle bodykit and new alloys. The concept car is also equipped with what Nissan calls a "Drive Shot" option, that gives the driver the ability to capture images of passing scenery and upload it into the navigation system, with the simple "click" of a button. Talk about useless gadgets...

Honda's 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon Offerings

In addition to the S2000 and Fit / Jazz Sports Modulo concept vehicles, Honda will also display an array of other models at this weekend's 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. The Japanese automaker's stand will see the presentation of the glitzy Life and the blacked out Crossroad Styling Study Models, a Racing Modulo Civic Type R competition vehicle, the Sports Modulo Civic Type R, Touring Modulo Accord, Touring Modulo Accord Tourer, Modulo Odyssey Absolute, Modulo Odyssey, Life, Zest Spark, Freed and the Fit Sports Neo. While Honda has yet to release any details on its Tokyo Auto Salon offerings, it did publish photos of the cars. Click through to check out our complete image gallery.

2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Mazda6 Circuit Trial Version

Even though most of the automotive world will be turning its attention this weekend towards Detroit and the 2009 North American International Auto Show, in Japan, automakers are readying their tuning proposals for the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon that runs from January 9 to 11. Mazda will be presenting several cars at the show, including Mazdaspeed modified, track-ready versions of the new Axela, RX-8, Demio (Mazda2) and Atenza (Mazda6) called 'Circuit Trial'. In this post we've included the first photos of the Mazda6 Circuit Trial.

Like the other Circuit Trial models, the Mazda6 has been modified to offer higher levels of performance without sacrificing the comforts you'd expect from an everyday car. Mazdaspeed's upgrades include an M'z Custom bodykit with front, rear and side lip spoilers, race-inspired decals, a rear wing, Recaro bucket seats, sport interior trim and, larger diameter and grippier tires with dark alloy wheels made by Yokohama. The Circuit Trial Mazda6 also benefits from a lowered, sports tuned suspension and more powerful brakes.

Pics via: Carview