Zokusha at TAS 2010 (2 of 4)

Here is the second round of the excellent Zokusha photo set submitted by Ai from Spirant.

I particularly like the over-the-top grachan cars with the "Super Silhouette" bodywork. I can't imagine trying to drive something like that in the United States, we have a hard enough time with takeyari.

The Honda City doesn't fall under the banner of Zokusha, but it I can't NOT post any car that says "High Tension Disco Time" on the windshield. It also has a HIN plate frame, which is interesting.

Awesome or Not Awesome?

I can't decide.

These photos are from the Osu Rider's Cup back in December. Tandem scooter racing, and I don't believe it's done as a joke. I LOL'd.

I think it'd be cool to ad-hoc a circuit and race Ruckuses around though, mine's pretty much done now aside from a small cable bind issue. Pics soon.

Thanks to JALOPNIK for posting my submission!

Subarodo - B4 Legacy

The following is the first of several cars I will be featuring from "Subarudo", this one belonging to Shinya. We don't see a lot of people slamming B4 Legacies in the US, and judging from this car it's an unfortunate circumstance. This car redefines "simply clean". Car is lowered on Buddy Club Racing Spec Dampers. The last image shows most of the team, look for more posts on these guys.

Check out the Subarudo team page HERE

And Shinya's Minkara page HERE

Oh, and I am now guest posting on Canibeat, and this Legacy was my first post. Go see it HERE

Back Again - Dennis' S14

After *numerous* requests, I obtained a few more pictures of this beautiful S14.

This time, we get to see it with a few different sets of wheels at different times, although I'm still partial to the AME's.

If you haven't already, please visit Dennis' art store HERE and blog HERE

I just got my canvas print from him and it looks really good, definitely recommended.

Zokusha at TAS 2010 (1 of 4)

The parking lot at Tokyo Auto Salon is no less a show than the event itself. I have a particular affinity for Zokusha (i.e. grachan/shakotan/yankee cars) and so rather than pick a few choice shots out of this collection, I thought I'd just show the whole thing in four parts.

MANY thanks to Ai of Spirant for these photos.

Some of these cars have already been covered elsewhere, TAS having been nearly two months ago, but I haven't seen these actual photos anywhere else yet.

Doped

I found this on the Canibeat forum late last week. I love tuned mopeds, and this thing screams originality. The owner hails from The Netherlands, which by any measure is the center of all things both moped and bicycle-related.

This bike began life as an ordinary Puch Maxi the owner picked up for 50 euro. Parts include 60cc cylinder kit, 15mm bing carb,and metrakit handmade exhaust. Additionally, in lieu of a conventional battery, power comes from a 9.6 volt RC battery back.

Check out PuchForum


Short video:




Before:




After:

Noblesse CR-Z on track at Suzuka

This thing is slowly growing on me. Noblesse is one of the first tuners to get their CR-Z. Number still look embarrassing, but I'm willing to withhold judgment until I drive one.


Check out Noblesse's Minkara blog HERE


Video:




Stills:

Spirant - Ai's S13

The flared S13 below belongs to Ai of Spirant

Check out her Minkara page: Ai Soliloquy

I really dig this car because it doesn't look like every other S13 out there. The aero is fairly conservative and I'm generally a sucker for flared coupes. Parts list includes GP Sports dampers, Origin DNA-01's on the rear and TE37's on the front, G Corporation exhaust, and lots more.

Thanks Ai!

Tiny Terror

I am currently fascinated with Japanese "Monkey" bikes. A lot of bikes get lumped into this category, but the Monkey is the name of an actual model produced by Honda. They also make the Ape and Gorilla, and then other companies produce a few more.

This one has a lot of parts from "Over Racing". You can just about build an entire bike from their catalog, and they make parts for normal full-size motorcycles as well.

Check out their site HERE

I'd love to pick up an XR50/CRF50 and build something crazy, although the frames on those are very different from a Monkey/Ape frame. It might be easier to just get someone to buy an Ape for me in Japan, disassemble it, and ship it to me in a crate.

Submissions - 4 (ClubLoose FC)

I ran across this car on Slideways, a local Maryland drifting board. This thing stands out immediately with the wide DRW's and flares, and I ZOMG'd when I found out it was an LS2 swap. I hope to see this monster in person at East Coast events this year, and there will definitely be a follow-on post when the car is 100% completed.

Partial mod list includes:
-LS2 from 2005 GTO (LS6 injectors and intake mani, JTR headers)
-Tex Racing T101 4-speed gearbox
-OS Giken 1.5 way LSD
-Stance AL+ coilovers
-Turbo II calipers

There's a lot more coming, serious work being put in here.

Check out ClubLoose

Webmining: Speziell MH23S Wagon R

Speziell is one of my favorite Wagon R tuners, although they also make a great line of parts for the Hi-Ace van. I like the angel-eye fogs and the dual angled tips. Most of my favorite MH2X's have wacky camber, but I dig this one as-is.

Check their site out HERE

I made tons of progress on the Ruckus over the weekend, hopefully I'll be able to get some pics up soon.

I'm still skeptical

It's not as if Honda has a history of putting out disappointing product, but even as a self-professed Honda fanatic I still can't get too excited about the CR-Z.

It seems like it's not sure what it wants to be. The power output isn't terribly impressive and yet the fuel economy isn't any better than what you would get out of a Fit. That said, I've yet to read any sort of driving impression and Honda may well surprise us all. The first Japanese buyers are taking delivery right now, so we'll see how it shakes out.

I caught this post on Autoblog yesterday about the requisite Mugen add-ons that are being released for the car. It's a kooky-looking vehicle, but I could see the aesthetics growing on me over time. I wish the nose was shorter though.

Full Autoblog article HERE