Following on from our previous feature on the JDM Car Culture and Street Racing scene in Japan, we now bring you the final installment of our Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) series, and what better way to cap it all off than diving into the evolution of some of JDM’s most iconic names.
There have been many JDM cars over the years representing various automotive manufacturers; Subaru, Mazda, Toyota, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Honda have produced several iconic cars for JDM over the years. Here are some iconic models from that world.
Toyota Supra
(1978-present)
The first generation of the Toyota Supra, also known as the A40/A50 series introduced in 1978 and produced until 1981.
The first generation Toyota Supra was inspired by the Toyota Celica but featured different styling cues to complement its longer aerodynamic body. The Supra’s design keeps it sporty and sleek, but immortalized by the pop-up headlamps, bonnet and sleek lines.
The first generation offered a variety of engines including an in-line four and an in-line six. The 2.6 liter inline six-cylinder engine produces around 110 to 130 hp and is equipped with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.
The Supra offers air conditioning, power windows and power mirrors along with alloy wheels, cruise control and a limited-slip differential. The front suspension is managed by the front MacPherson strut while the live axle at the rear strikes a balance between comfort and sporty handling.
The Supra was well received by the market due to its features and affordability and it should be noted that this Supra laid the foundation for a legendary status which it will enjoy even in its next iteration.
Second generation:
The second generation of the Supra, the A60, was introduced in 1981 and remained in production until 1986. It showcased a sharper and more aggressive design than before. It had a longer wheelbase with a wider track and a more aerodynamic body.
This second-generation model offers a range of engines that includes six in-line mills. The 2.8 liter, in-line-six engine produces around 145-160 hp and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. It comes with a digital dashboard display, electric seats and a sound system that carries optional features such as a limited slip differential, sports suspension and an upgraded audio system.
With similar handling compared to the first generation, the second generation was also well-received by the market, and while not as well-known as the other Supra generations, the A60 offers a mix of performance and performance. style that appealed to enthusiasts of the time.
Third generation:
The third generation Supra, also known as the A70, was introduced in 1986 and remained in production until 1992.
This Supra comes with a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor. The longer and wider body makes it look fierce and muscular. The retractable headlights, integrated rear spoiler and sleek lines play a major role in achieving this look.
There are several engine options to choose from, but the turbocharged, in-line, six-cylinder unit is the most popular. It develops around 200-235 hp and comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. It boasts older features, including electronically controlled suspension, traction control and anti-lock brakes. It offers a digital instrument cluster, electric seats and other comfort features. It uses a double wishbone at the front and an independent rear suspension which provides stability.
The third generation Supra marks as a sports car that offers an intoxicating mix of power, handling and style.
Fourth generation:
The fourth generation Supra, also known as the A80 series, was introduced in 1993 and remained in production until 2002.
This generation also offers two types of engines equipped with a 3.0-liter in-line six (2JZ-GE) that produces 220 hp and a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six (2JZ-GTE) that produces 280 hp, both engines come with a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The manual system is very precise and attractive.
This is the Supra featured in the first film of the Fast and Furious franchise, Fast and furiouswhich increased its popularity among car enthusiasts around the world.
Fifth generation:
The fifth-generation Supra, also known as the A90, was introduced back in 2019 after a long hiatus. It was co-developed with BMW and is modeled on the exciting FT-1 concept. Power comes from a BMW B58 straight-six, 3.0-liter, turbo-petrol that produces 340 hp and 500 Nm, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. The next Premium model, packs a higher 387 hp. It boasts a variety of features including adaptive suspension, active rear differential and Brembo brakes.
Mazda RX-7:
The RX-7 built a reputation as a sports car and was in production for nearly three decades. A hallmark of the RX-7 is the rotary or “Wankel” engine which uses a rotating triangular rotor to generate power which results in high rpm performance and a unique sound. The RX-7 is known for its sleek and aerodynamic exterior which makes for a compact yet muscular appearance. The lightweight chassis allows for even weight distribution and the power delivery from the rotary engine makes for a fun and exhilarating ride.
In all its variants, the RX-7 offers turbocharging which increases power and torque helping it earn its reputation on the streets and race tracks. The RX-7 has a popular presence in the world of motorsport. The lightweight chassis, rear-wheel drive layout and responsive handling have made it a popular choice among enthusiasts. The RX-7 continued to be popular even after it was discontinued because of its combination of performance, unique rotary engine and striking design. The RX-7 packs a 13B-REW, 1.3 liter, twin-rotor engine with sequential turbochargers. It is said to have a power output of around 255-280 hp with a 0-100 km/h time of around five seconds.
Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R:
The Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R was introduced in 1999 as the successor to the R33 Skyline GT-R. The Skyline features an aggressive design that blends aerodynamic elements with a muscular stance. The R34 is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 2.6 liter, in-line, six-cylinder engine; RB26DETT. This engine gives riders excellent acceleration and impressive power output making it a favorite. Skyline comes with Nissan WAIT E-TS (AWD) or all-wheel-drive system that intelligently distributes power to each wheel based on driving conditions, providing increased traction and stability.
Skyline R34 has earned a reputation for its performance both on the road and on the racetrack. It has achieved a lot of success in motorsports and has also gained fame through its appearances in movies like “Fast & Furious”. That R34 Horizon introduces HICAS – high-capacity active steering that improves cornering stability and responsiveness. The car was produced in limited numbers and never sold in certain markets such as the United States. This exclusivity combined with performance has given the R34 the fame it has today.
The RB26DETT is a 2.6-liter, twin-turbocharged, in-line-six that officially outputs 280 hp but is widely known to produce far more; estimated at around 330 hp, before any serious modding was done. It has a 0-100 km/h time of around 4.5 seconds and the speed is limited to 180 km/h while the limited variant can go beyond that.
Honda Citizenship:
The JDM Honda Civic features unique design elements compared to its international counterparts. With an aggressive and sporty exterior with an aerodynamic body kit, spoiler and grille. The JDM variant offers both naturally-aspirated and turbo-charged engines built for high performance.
Honda Civic JDM also comes with advanced features to suit the Japanese market such as advanced infotainment and driver assistance systems that offer comfort and safety. It also offers a special variant for the Japanese market. It also has strong ties to motorsport in Japan and has played a key role in various racing events. The Honda Civic has a thriving aftermarket with a wide range of parts and accessories available for customization and performance upgrades.
The first Civic came with a 1.6 liter, in-line, four-cylinder (B16B) engine with an output of 185 hp while the second (R-EP 3 type) came with a 2.0 liter, in-line four (K20A) engine with 197 hp output. The third (FD2) comes with a 2.0 liter, in-line-four (K20A) engine that produces 222 hp, ad fourth engine (FK8) 2.0 liters, comes with an inline four engine (K20C1) which produces 306 hp.
These are just a few examples of performance icons from the wide variety of JDM cars available. This model has special editions, limited production, and features not found in its international counterparts. They have garnered a worldwide following for performance, engineering and distinctive Japanese automotive culture, and for good reason.
We hope you enjoy this journey we have been on as much as we had to do it together.
Story: Kanishk Mehta
