It’s Tokyo Auto Salon time once more! Japan’s greatest tuning present will quickly open its doorways to the world, however as we’ve performed for a few years now, I at all times prefer to carry you a bit sneak peek from Thursday’s setup.
Watching this present come collectively is at all times thrilling, and from what I noticed of the demo vehicles being unloaded and cubicles being put collectively, TAS 2023 goes to be a particular one. That is the primary Tokyo Auto Salon occasion since 2020 with worldwide company correctly welcomed again, and it’s apparent that each firm with one thing on show has pulled out all of the stops to mark the event.
As anticipated, the brand new Nissan Z is in all places. I have to have walked previous not less than a number of dozen examples, all exhibiting their very own distinctive taste.
With this in thoughts, we’ll have a particular put up devoted to the RZ34 to point out you simply what number of of them turned out. Anybody prefer to take a wild guess at that quantity?
The GR86 additionally continues to be a preferred tuner base for TAS exhibitors. That’s in no way surprisingly; the rear-wheel drive Toyota coupe is handsome, enjoyable and inexpensive.
Wataru Kato’s single-handed try to steal the TAS limelight continues in 2023. At 2:00pm native time, his Liberty Stroll wide-body Ferrari F40 might be unveiled to the world. Will individuals like seeing such an icon be put below the knife? Will Ferrari be faxing stop and desist letters to Kato-san’s workplace? Solely time will inform; there’s only a few hours to go now.
Kato didn’t cease on the F40. Right here’s one other particular LBW Ferrari construct, this one primarily based on a F355 Problem.
Of all of the exhibitors at TAS 2023, I’m fairly positive none have introduced alongside extra vehicles than Liberty Stroll. I believe I counted 22, however I might have missed a pair. There’s positively no scarcity of selection both.
Having seen this creation being prepped for show, we’ll additionally make sure to cease by the NATS sales space and try what the scholars have been busy with. I at all times love seeing what this automotive faculty comes up with their builds. Creativeness is actually left to run wild with these guys.
Vans of all styles and sizes are an enormous a part of Tokyo Auto Salon, and with a tenting growth occurring proper now in Japan there are some fairly attention-grabbing methods these items are being custom-made.
As at all times at TAS, surprises are round each nook, able to be noticed and correctly hunted.
Going off what I noticed on Thursday, there’s a variety of carbon fiber and a number of hybrid autos making a press release, too. Did I point out the exotics?
With all that mentioned, there’s additionally a tragic angle to this yr’s present, as Ken Block was scheduled to attend Tokyo Auto Salon with the Hoonitron. Watching the Audi being unloaded on the Toyo Tires sales space and figuring out that Ken isn’t with us anymore was a poignant second. 2023 is a yr us automotive people will always remember; legends are by no means forgotten in any case.
As an entire, Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 is wanting merely superb. And with the most important crew we’ve ever had at this occasion now descending on the Makuhari Messe, you possibly can count on loads of present protection within the coming hours and days, each right here and on Speedhunters’ Instagram feed. Brace yourselves – TAS insanity is imminent!
Dino Dalle Carbonare
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