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What are the best JDM cars? Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars have attained a legendary status in the US, and for good reason. Thanks to imports from Japan, rare and sought-after models such as Porsches, Ferraris, and other exotics have become available on the American side of the world. What’s more, Japanese vehicles are right-hand drive and often well kept due to their past lives on salty roads.
This has inspired an entire culture devoted to converting classic JDM cars – largely related to movies like Fast & Furious – into modded performance machines. Furthermore, some of the most unique cars produced by Japan that were not originally available in America have been great additions to collections as well. These examples alone make it clear why JDM cars are some of the most popular collector’s items for car enthusiasts!
Best JDM cars
Nissan Skyline GT-R34 R32 V-Spec II
Even those who don’t know its background are aware of the rumored nickname “Godzilla” given to the Nissan R32 Skyline. Nissan upgraded the Skyline R32’s technological capabilities in the late 1980s by giving it HICAS rear-wheel drive and the computer-controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive systems.
The R32’s image as a real performance car was further cemented when Hiroyoshi Kato, the “Nurburgring Meister,” tested it on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Because it could compete with European sports cars for less money, it is a legend deserved of respect.
Mazda RX-7 FD3S
The JM1FD (FD3S in Japan) was the third generation of the RX-7, and while it is unquestionably the most gorgeous, it is also the least reliable. Many gearheads, however, were more than ready to overlook its shortcomings due to the extraordinary sensory overload that occurred when driving one. The RX-7’s twin-turbo 13B-REW Wankel rotary engine produces a peculiar sound that might or might not give muscle car enthusiasts nightmares.
In Japan, there were four models available, but there was only one in the US. The Japanese Type RZ received Recaro seats, Bilstein dampers, BBS wheels, and a weight reduction of roughly 30 kg among other modifications. After 1996, JDM vehicles also received a new vacuum system and ECU.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-400 GSR Evo 8 CP9A
Mitsubishi held off on releasing the Evo in the US until the eighth generation, but the WRC was already buzzing with the renowned moniker. The 1995 Swedish Rally was won by Kenneth Eriksson’s Group A vehicle, which cemented its place in JDM legend.
It is easy to repair the 4G63T engine, which is recognized for its durability and longevity. The 4G63trustworthy T’s powerplant also delivers huge performance, providing tuners with a solid base upon which to expand. What else made the Evo II special? Despite having a body that was substantially similar to the previous generation, the Evo II could generate 260 horsepower without compromising torque.
Honda Integra Type R
Although the Honda Integra made its introduction in 1992 as an excellent JDM in its own right, enthusiasts had to wait until 1995 to get their hands on the Integra Type R. The controversial four headlamp “bug eyes” design, first employed in the third version, was dropped in the Type R, code-named “DC2”. The car had strong racing credentials thanks to a Helical Limited-slip differential and weight reduction.
The real star of the Integra Type R was the legendary JDM B18C engine, which is still in high demand today. It was capable of 200 horsepower at 8600 rpm.
Toyota Supra MKIV 3.0i A80
Instead of discussing all the hype surrounding the most recent BMW Toyota Supra, let’s speak about how the Mark IV became a legend. When the Mark IV was introduced in 1994, Toyota made it lighter and more powerful than the Mark III. It had a stock short block and head change with the now-famous 2JZ engine with twin sequential turbochargers, which with the right tuning was capable of producing 1,000 horsepower with factory internals.
Speculation exists. Toyota had initially intended for the car to have a factory-installed horsepower rating of 600, but the Japanese gentlemen’s agreement limiting horsepower and production costs prevented that. Because the Japanese automakers agreed to refrain from selling vehicles with more than 280 horsepower in Japan, the US obtained a more potent version of the Supra than the one distributed in Japan, which was only rated at 280 horsepower. Read about New Toyota Supra 2023.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The first-generation Impreza WRX boasted a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and rally triumphs to support its boldness. The original WRX and the even better STI weren’t available in the USA until recently, more than ten years after their debut. Before making the STI initially accessible to US buyers in 2004, Subaru had to struggle to acquire traction in the domestic US market.
Subaru also released 500 RA versions if you feel the WRX STI isn’t insane enough. The acronym RA, or Race Attempt, is used to refer to the record-breaking, race-tuned WTX STi Type RA NBR. The new inverted Bilstein struts offer the steering even more feedback and a quicker response than the standard STI’s, and the 2.5-liter flat-four generates 310 horsepower.
Toyota AE86
The AE86 is a sporty, lightweight, twin-cam inline-four vehicle with rear wheel drive. It is one of the most recognizable vehicles in the entire globe and will always be connected to tofu delivery. The AE86 was never meant to control the world of drifting. Folklore has it that mountain racer Keiichi Tsuchiya once entertained the crowd by throwing his AE86 down the mountainside. But as soon as a video of Keiichi doing the feat surfaced online, it shot to fame.
One of the things that makes the AE86 appealing is the fact that it doesn’t truly wake up until the engine is almost over-revved. Because there are only 128 horsepower available, drivers can only steer the vehicle by using true drifting techniques rather than the throttle.
Honda S2000 Type S
The Honda S2000 was the final remaining example of a swiftly passing era, and it was fantastic. It followed the conventional sports car model, with the engine situated in the front and the wheels driven in the rear. The banshee-like engine of the S2000 was at home on mountain routes and on racetracks alike. The JDM and USA models were nearly identical, with the exception of a different ECU map because of the varying octane fuel in each nation.
During the latter two years of manufacture, the Type S model was introduced in Japan with modifications resembling those of the Club Race version sold in the US. The main difference between the two vehicles is that the Type S still had some creature comforts while the Club Race was designed to be a track-only vehicle.
Honda NSX
Most likely, dependability, affordability, and safety are why Honda is so well-known. one of the most dependable automotive brands on the market right now.
Attention, sports vehicle enthusiasts! Honda is about more than just getting to work or picking up the kids. With the Honda NSX, the company’s most potent sports car to date, they set a new standard for their whole product line.
A renowned sports car with a top speed of 191 mph and a 0-60 mph time of less than three seconds was created by Honda with the NSX. This is not your typical city car; in addition to having an 8000 rpm engine and an aluminum body and chassis, it also boasts titanium connecting rods for the engine.
Honda produced the NSX from 1990 to 2005, with C30A and C32B engines. It is referred to as the Acura NSX in the American market, and moviegoers everywhere will always link it to the hugely popular “Pulp Fiction” film hit. And among those who enjoy classic, sporty cars, it is still a popular choice.
Honda Civic Type R EK9
When it was first released, the Honda EK9 Civic wasn’t the most appealing vehicle. It naturally aspirated. Behind the dismal exterior, however, were a limited-slip diff, dual cams with profiles that allowed for full-on track lunacy, a front strut brace, and Recaro bucket seats. The EK9 was the first Civic to proudly wear the Type R badge despite being the target of innumerable “VTEC kicked in” memes.
Underneath the FK8, the modern Type R, lies a hyperactive, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 306 horsepower. The Type R KF8 improved upon the previous record at the Nürburgring by lapping the circuit almost seven seconds quicker than the Type R FK2.
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