#TamerThanPreviousYears
This was the hashtag photographer Ken Saito used on his Tokyo Auto Salon Instagram submit. No caption. Whereas the ocean of black fits and middle-aged males creates an austere ambiance at TAS, there are all the time pockets of insanity. However is that insanity fading?
I’m not a giant fan of crowds at one of the best of instances, so the inhabitants of a small city crammed into the slim alleyways between cubicles on the Makuhari Messe isn’t essentially the most inviting. However I push myself to battle the ocean of individuals, decided to search out the Tokyo Auto Salon oddities.
This yr was my fourth time attending TAS, however even over this quick interval, the vibe appears to have been mellowing.
4x4s and vans now vastly outnumber the outrageous vehicles
Trying again at a few of Speedhunters’ 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon protection, the wackiness stage appeared distinctly increased then. Keep in mind the Mustang, the cake automotive, and people wrapping paper-covered supercars? In comparison with what I’ve seen from the SEMA Present, TAS feels notably tame now – not less than in my expertise.
Numerous the identical stuff continues to be round; I noticed the Hi there Particular pink kei truck and the human-sized rabbit on the Osaka Auto Messe simply final yr. And firms like Rohan and Kuhl are nonetheless cranking out complicated physique kits and complicated paint jobs.
Talking of Kuhl, what can we consider its new A90 Supra package?
Ten years in the past, vehicles just like the SLR McLaren have been being wearing wild customized kits, whereas Hakosukas received V8 engine swaps. At the moment, these vehicles are too useful to change in such excessive methods.
As a substitute, we’ll simply should make do with stanced out Toyota Centurys…
Or this GX100 Cresta, which now sports activities a Crown Crossover entrance finish, Camry XV70 rear finish, and a 1JZ-GTE engine swap. What this yr’s TAS might lack in amount, it definitely made up for in high quality.
Particularly if you happen to’re a fan of Transformers.
Examine this out – imagine it or not, a 2002 Jaguar XJ is hiding beneath. One way or the other, it’s been reimagined as a Chevrolet Impala.
Nearly all of vehicles on show are flaunting loopy physique kits and dress-up elements.
It’s no secret that Hyundai is totally on fireplace proper now. The Korean automaker’s manufacturing Inster – and the Inster Cross Tarmac Idea on present at TAS – solidify its place as one of many main automotive designers popping out of Asia. The mannequin title may increase a number of eyebrows, however that’s one critically well-proportioned electrical bulldog.
Among the most fascinating stuff at TAS is hidden within the bigger cubicles, the place you typically catch a take a look at the way forward for automotive design and mobility. Think about getting off the grid, tossing your turntables and audiophile sound system behind an SUV, and kicking again in your sculpted field trailer. Doesn’t sound too unhealthy, does it?
The variety of new and classic Toyota Land Cruisers on show was overwhelming.
Not that I’m complaining.
99.9% of the 4x4s on show have been Land Cruisers, although there have been a number of Land Rovers and mini G-Wagons. And also you don’t see a five-door Suzuki Jimny in Japan daily.
Bryce Menzies’ Trophy Truck was by far essentially the most excessive off-roader on present. It’s in all probability a superb factor it doesn’t have house for licence plates.
Talking of vans, this NASCAR Craftsman Truck/787B-inspired mashup turned heads. Sadly, there’s no howling V8 – or screaming rotary engine – hiding beneath the hood of this pickup-converted Mazda CX-5… but.
There’s nonetheless hope for the way forward for Japan’s bizarre and wacky tuning tradition. Kei Miura was available to showcase the newest iteration of his customized tube-frame race automotive – the identical chassis design used to create Mad Mike Whiddett’s five-rotor ‘787D’.
The final time I noticed it was in his Kyoto storage, the place it had simply had its stainless-steel body welded collectively, the engine was nonetheless up within the air.
Surprisingly, Miura-san has gone with a twin-turbocharged Subaru boxer engine and a 6-speed transmission. The great thing about the AWD format is that the engine and gearbox keep of their unique orientation, with the axles that after powered the entrance wheels now driving the rear. That low centre of gravity and mid-engine format ought to maintain the automotive planted on observe. I can’t wait to see the remainder of the customized physique.
Lastly, right here’s a peek at the way forward for mainstream tuning in Japan. That is what most individuals need: a range and timber cladding behind a kei truck.
Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 might not have been as loopy as we’re used to, however one factor’s for certain – it’s nonetheless fairly mad.
Toby Thyer
Instagram _tobinsta_
tobythyer.co.uk
