Why is Japan a mecca for tuners? What car models are Japanese car fans most eager to modify?

We tend to associate the Japanese with people who are modest and subdued, but under this mask there are often creative minds who like to do crazy things and push the boundaries of engineering. That is why they have extensive experience in designing, manufacturing and reworking cars. From Japan come not only iconic models of sports cars, but also the most famous tuning companies, including also the Porsche tuner - RWB.
‍

The most popular tuning trends from Japan

Before proceeding to the descriptions of specific cars and companies that are engaged in car tuning, it is worth getting acquainted with the most popular trends of the Japanese tuning scene.

• Bosozoku - this school bets on the visual tuning of the car, although not everyone may consider eccentric alterations tasteful. Excessively elongated bumpers, giant spoilers, bright paintwork and large, loud exhausts are the main features of Bosozoku. This applies not only to cars, but also to motorcycles. Bosozoku are real road rebels!
• Shakotan - how low is too low? Lovers of Shakotan style certainly do not ask themselves this question. The idea here is to lower the vehicle as much as possible using lowering springs, air ride suspension, threaded suspensions, etc. Also characteristic of this style are small rims with wide rims. We can say that it is the Japanese equivalent of German Style, which is also popular in Poland.
• VIP style - this is a style that was created back in the 80s of the last century, and the piquancy is added to it by the fact that it is combined with a yakuza. From the stylistic side, its assumptions are similar to Shakotan - it is about lowering the car as much as possible and putting on rims that catch the eye, but at the same time have a large diameter. Only luxury Japanese sedans are remade. This style has been warmly received in the United States, where it is very popular.
• Kaido racer tuning - is a style that involves the likeness of civilian cars to racing cars. The peak of its popularity falls on the 70s and 80s of the last century. In addition to the ignition package, the owners paint their cars in racing colors, increase engine power, improve driving characteristics, etc.
• Drift and Time Attack - these are the two most popular activities in Japanese motorsports. Here the cars are reworked in order to achieve the best possible results during training and competitions. Japan is strongly associated with drift, because that is where the sport originated and has a strong Time Attack league.
  ‍

Tuning icons - the most important car models from Japan

It's hard to list them all Cars from Japan, which are popular among tuners, but we can certainly point out several iconic models, and some of them have even penetrated into pop culture thanks to their appearances in films adored even by people not interested in the automotive industry. At Sakura Motors we can bring such cars for you.
‍

Nissan Skyline

Regardless of the generation, the Nissan Skyline is by far the most iconic model of this Japanese brand, although it still has quite successful and desirable 200SX, 300ZX, 350Z and 370Z in its portfolio. The dream of many is, of course, Nissan Skyline GTR, preferably of the R34 series, although the R35 is also highly valued. Although it is a popular base for performance tuning, paradoxically the versions preserved in the original are the most valued. If you are interested in a stronger and lighter variety, it is worth spending more and buying one of the special versions.
‍

Toyota Supra

Another popular car is the Toyota Supra, especially the IV generation of this model with the iconic 2JZ-GTE engine, which allows you to raise power up to 500 or 600 horsepower without having to replace its components with forged ones. The car gained worldwide fame when it appeared in the film “Fast and the Furious”. It is worth knowing that the car was available in Europe, with the steering wheel on the left, but only for a short period of time. This is a highly sought-after model among collectors, and for cars in original condition you have to pay a dime.
‍

Honda NSX

The Honda NSX was created to compete with Ferrari and other European supercar manufacturers. The work involved, among others, the unrepentant Ayrton Senna. It was also offered as Acura NSXwhen it was sold on the American market. The car is powered by a naturally aspirated V6 engine, which initially had a volume of 3.0 l, and later a 3.2 l version appeared. As for tuning, car owners most often install turbochargers or compressors to increase power. It is also worth mentioning the ultra-light design. The car initially weighed only 1370 kg, and the NSX-R version weighs only 1240 kg.
‍

Mazda RX-7

Mazda RX-7 is another interesting model from Japan. It is distinguished by the fact that it is powered by a Wankla engine. This is a unit that has a triangular, rotating piston. Thanks to this, the manufacturer got high power from a small capacity. The most popular is the third, last generation of the model, which has the designation FD3S. Under the hood went a 1.3 engine with a capacity of 240 to 280 hp, depending on the version. This motor is not a master of durability and, in addition, there are not many services that undertake possible repairs. However, despite this, the RX-7 enjoys great popularity and is appreciated by tuners and collectors.
‍

Legendary Japanese tuning companies

Japan is famous not only for its iconic sports cars. The love of tuning has led to the fact that there are quite a few tuning companies here, whose offer includes mechanical parts and kits for changing the appearance of the car.

• HKS - the company was founded in 1973 and specializes in the production of exhaust systems, turbochargers and engine control computers. It also offers reinforced engine components and complete sports suspensions. Its products are known and appreciated all over the world.
• VeilSide - performance improvement is often followed by a change in the appearance of the car and this is where VeilSide comes into play. This company is known for the production of spoilers, bumpers, sills and other elements that allow in an extreme way to change the appearance of the car. Its products are most often used by the owners of Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7.
• Spoon Sports - is a company specializing in tuning Honda cars. It develops and tests its solutions on racetracks and then offers them to customers who want to improve the performance of their cars. From the very beginning, it focuses on combining high performance with excellent driving characteristics.
• RWB - is a workshop specializing in Porsche cars. Automobiles Porsche RWB are made by special order and only in the one of version, which means that they are unique. RWB stands for Rauch-Welt Begriff. Despite the German-sounding name, the founder of the company is Akira Nakai. Each car is built by hand and Nakai personally takes part in the creation process.
• RE Amemiya - the company was founded in 1974 and from the very beginning specializes in Mazda cars, which are powered by a Wankla engine.
• Liberty Walk - is another company that deals with extreme stylistic changes. Her business card is wide bodices and aggressive packages of bumpers, sills and spoilers. It is not limited only to Japanese brands. The range even includes products for Lamborghini and Ferrari cars. He often uses carbon fiber in his designs.
• Top Secret - the founder of the company is Smokey Nagata. He is engaged in extreme visual and mechanical alterations of cars. Nagata's most famous project is the golden Toyota Supra, which has a 1000 hp V12 engine under the hood. Nagata accelerated it on the British highway to speeds of more than 320 km/h, and was one of the first to carry out engine modifications on the Nissan Skyline GTR. He initially worked with Trust, and in 1991 he founded his own business.
• GrEddy - is a brand owned by Trust, which specializes in dedicated kits for installing turbochargers and tuning exhaust systems. It also offers chiptuning and cooling systems with increased efficiency. It produces parts for Japanese and American cars. It has branches in the United States and Australia.
• Wald International - is a company specializing in tuning luxury limousines and sports cars of the premium segment. It specializes in Lexus, Jaguar, Mercedes and Maserati brands. The company also has its branches in Europe, which significantly facilitates the purchase of parts.
• Artisan Spirits - is another tuner that deals with modifications of luxury cars. As befits a Japanese company, it specializes in Lexus cars.
  ‍

How to bring iconic Japanese cars to Poland?

If you want to have a JDM car in your garage, Sakura Motors can help you with that. We are a professional broker who works with Japanese brokers. Thanks to this, we have access to the best offers from the largest auction houses. We take care of the whole process of bringing a car - from searching for an offer and participating in the auction, through transportation, formalities and assistance in preparing for registration. We can also help you import parts from the best Japanese tuners.
‍

Japanese sports cars - only from Sakura Motors

Only registered brokers can buy at Japanese auctions. At Sakura Motors, we work with the best companies in the cherry blossom country. Therefore, bringing a car from Japan with us is safe and secure.

The range of services includes:

• search for a car, verification of the offer and participation in the auction;
• transport to the port in Japan, freight to Europe with optional insurance, transport of the car to Poland;
• assistance with customs and excise formalities and fees;
• assistance in preparing a car for registration in Poland.

Do not wait, call and make an appointment. With us, you can make your automotive dreams come true!