Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars have a reputation for being well-built, reliable, and high-performance – and their unique characteristics are cherished by car enthusiasts all around the world. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best JDM cars ever made.
- Nissan Skyline GT-R
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time, first introduced in 1969. The 1989 R32 GT-R was the real precursor to the GT-R of today, and is treasured amongst the JDM community. The Skyline has undergone several major updates over the years, with the most recent version being the 2023 GT-R, released this year. The GT-R is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine that produces 565 horsepower, launching itself from zero to 60mph in a mere 2.9 seconds. It is known for its incredible acceleration, handling, and braking performance thanks to its quick steering, rigid structure and adjustable suspension. The GT-R has also been successful in motorsports, with numerous victories in various racing series.
2. Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra was first introduced in 1978, loved by petrol heads across the world. Over the years it’s seen various changes, with the most recent version being the 2022 GR Supra. The Supra is known for its sleek design and impressive performance, with agile handling and strong acceleration. The Toyota GR Supra was jointly developed by Toyota and BMW. It is based on the same platform as the BMW Z4, and shares many mechanical components with that vehicle. Powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, the Supra is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.
3. Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance version of the popular Honda Civic compact car. It was first introduced in 1997, and over the years it has gained a reputation for being a fun, reliable, and affordable performance car. The most recent version is being introduced to European markets this year, and is powered by a VTEC turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with new turbine blades, producing 329 horsepower and 420Nm of torque. The Civic Type R is known for its agile handling and excellent traction, thanks to its front-wheel drive layout and advanced suspension tuning. It is a great car for both the track and the street, and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
4. Mazda RX-7
The Mazda RX-7 was first introduced in 1978; it was produced until 2002 but is still loved just as much to this day. The last model, the FD RX-7, is powered by a twin-turbocharged 1.3-litre rotary engine that produces 255 horsepower and has a top speed of around 155 mph. The RX-7 is known for its agile handling, smooth power delivery, and a unique rotary engine. The rotary engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotating triangular-shaped rotor instead of traditional pistons. As seen in Fast and Furious – Tokyo Drift, The RX-7 is a favourite among JDM enthusiasts and is often used in drifting and other motorsports.
5. Subaru WRX STI
Subaru is namely The Subaru WRX STI is a high-performance version of the popular Subaru Impreza compact car. It was first introduced in 1994, with many favouring the older style over the new. The original Impreza WRX STI Type R still remains a JDM staple, becoming even more desirable as time moves on.
The most recent version, the VA WRX STI, was introduced in 2021. Many longtime WRX fans may wince at the sight of the body, which has seen extreme changes since its production, however the performance remains impressive. Powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, this all-wheel drive model has excellent traction and stability in a variety of road conditions. In terms of handling, the WRX STI has a sport-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, which provide sharp and responsive handling. It also has a driver-controlled center differential, allowing the driver to adjust the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels for optimal performance. Whether you prefer old or new, the WRX STI has always been great for the track and the street.
These are just a few fan favourites of the many great JDM cars that have been produced over the years, all with their own treasured characteristics. Which one is your favourite?
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