“JDM” is a funny term. Like any trend based around a single ideal, the core of that ideal will be diluted and worn away as more and more people latch the trend and don’t stick to the original intent of the idea. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just a natural progression.
However over time the original ideal will be eroded to the point that it no longer carries the same meaning at all. Over the years what has defined something as “JDM” has been worn down to slapping on bumpers, lights, oil caps, rad shrouds and other such high-dollar nonsense that we all admit to coveting. Also, at the end of the day putting parts by Amuse or Greddy on your car doesn’t make it “JDM”.
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for people who want to try something unique and go after a look or performance they can only get with the Japanese parts, but you can’t deny that there’s an intangible element of mystical truth and honesty to a car like a Skyline that’s been fully built & tuned in Japan when it’s placed into North America.
Lots of R32s are now imported into Canada for sale – some good, most crap. We’ve all seen the beaters brought over by shady local importers and we’ve all seen the occasional diamond-in-the-rough that may have a few scuff marks but are obviously good runners and considered in the back of our minds “maybe I could pick that up and do it justice…”
Toshi and his R32 Skyline GTR are as JDM as you get though – no grey market imports here. Hailing originally from Japan himself and here in Canada on work, he’s a die hard enthusiast and has brought to Canada with him the true Japanese spirit of car passion. He also brought with him his Top Secret built GTR. You may remember Toshi as he’s also the lucky owner of the red R35 GTR I shot earlier in the summer. You can see why his R35 is still stock…
Having seen more than a few R32s of all different levels over here, this is easily my favorite one. It’s not the prettiest, the sponsor stickers are a bit worn, it wasn’t even freshly washed for the shoot – and that’s why I loved it. The rims are stained and pitted with brake dust from the aggressive Endless pads and from aggressive use. This is a car that was built by enthusiasts, for a true enthusiast, to be driven enthusiastically. It’s a car that is living it’s life to its proper potential.
What do you get when you put your car in the capable hands of Top Secret to build and tune it? Starting with a Nur Spec RB26 engine, Top Secret bored and stroked it out to 2.8L and built the internals.
The interior of the car is as JDM as it gets. When I think of cars built in the hayday of tuning and wangan running mayhem, I don’t think of slick gauge packs and integrated electronics. I think of double sided tape and universal everything. Gauges that are function oriented. Electronics that would look more at home in the bargain bin of a Radioshack then a powerfully modified tuner car. Toshi’s car is a perfect blend of this honesty. Quality parts that don’t fit together into some preconceived theme of what a tuner car should be. They all just serve a purpose and work the way they should; much more like a race car than a street car.
One feature that I love about Toshi’s car is the ability to change from AWD to fully RWD on the fly. R32′s have long been doing this by removing a fuse or something (I’ve never gotten a straight answer on how it was done the ghetto way) but Toshi can do it with the flick of a switch. 700+ hp out the rear wheels is a recipe for terror.
Everywhere you look on this car it’s brand names you covet. The bumper and body kit are Do-Luck items.
Although you may overlook the Top Secret built and tuned motor as it isn’t as much of a center piece.
A Brembo Gran Turismo big brake kit takes care of clamping duties. 4 piston up front, 2 piston in the rear. Slotted two piece floating rotors up front help keep weight down.
The color of this car just screams beautifully against the rusty fence and burnt orange of the fall colored plants. Bright fall days are great for shooting.
Carbon everywhere, as far as the eye can see! I always wonder how well carbon fiber pieces will stand up over time on a car like this since the gelcoat is something that will eventually be worn down by UV light, stone chips, etc. Toshi’s hood, trunk and big GT style wing have all stood up beautifully.
I have to say a big thanks to Toshi for bringing out his absolutely amazing R32 to shoot. Toshi is a great guy and a true enthusiast. This is really one of the best most honest JDM pieces I’ve seen in Toronto, and easily the nicest R32 I’ve seen. As far as I’m concerned it’s the perfect mix of power, flash, reputation and soul.
