Before discontinuing the RX-7 in 2002, Mazda produced one of their finest road cars, the RX-7 Spirit R. Produced in a limited quantity. Although the muscle car formula was found in the early 1950s, the phrase “muscle car” was not coined until the mid-1960s. Putting huge V8 engines in a bare-bones intermediate car had shown to be an inexpensive way to get scorching straight-line performance. Engines grew bigger and more powerful to build quicker muscle vehicles, with little or no care for handling or ride comfort.
| Japanese Cars Kills Muscle Cars | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mazda RX-7 Spirit R | $75,317 |
| Subaru Impreza 22B STI | $115,000 |
| Honda Civic Type-R FK8 | $36,995. |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ-400 | $25,468 |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34) | $485,000 |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ-440 MR | $83,000 |
| Toyota Supra | $43,290 |
| Acura NSX | $171,495 |
| Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition | $771,190 |
| Nissan GT-R Track Edition | $81,675 |
JDM car makers, on the other hand, took a different method to making their cars drive fast. They use turbocharging and high-revving engines instead of large gas-guzzling engines. They have pioneered industrial techniques by depending on cutting-edge technology, leaving the rest of the globe scurrying to catch up. We now have Japanese cars that are both dependable and inexpensive. Furthermore, some of them are vicious on the track. Continue reading for a look at ten Japanese CARS that will smash most muscle cars.
Japanese Cars Kills Muscle Cars
1. Mazda RX-7 Spirit R
Before discontinuing the RX-7 in 2002, Mazda produced one of their finest road cars, the RX-7 Spirit R. A total of 1500 cars in three different variants were produced in a limited run of 1500. The Spirit R (Type A) with a 5-speed manual transmission was the most powerful of the bunch.
The handling was simply world-class, thanks to a perfect (50:50) front-rear weight distribution and a low centre of gravity. With 276 horsepower and 231 pound-feet of torque, it could achieve 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and peak out at 155 mph.
2. Subaru Impreza 22B STI
Subaru manufactured what is maybe the meanest production Impreza ever for 5 months in 1998. Only 424 of these widebody coupes were manufactured, each with specially modified Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks. A 2.2-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine with 276 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque provided power.
The 22B STi weighs 2,800 pounds and accelerates to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at 101 mph. What a way to commemorate Subaru’s 40th anniversary and a third consecutive FIA World Rally Championship manufacturer’s title.
3. Honda Civic Type-R FK8
The first Honda Civic Type R, introduced in 1997, was based on the sixth generation of the Honda Civic 3-door hatchback. Unlike previous generations, which dressed subduedly to match their sleeper powers, the Type R FK8 looks as good as it drives.
In American models, a 2-liter turbocharged I-4 engine coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission produces 306 horsepower. The Civic Type R FK8 weighs 3,084 pounds and accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds before topping out at 169 mph. Furthermore, with a trap speed of 110 mph, it completes the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds.
4. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ-400
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ-400 is a performance variant of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII that is only available in the United Kingdom. In 2004, to commemorate the Lancer’s 30th year in the UK, only 100 models were produced. A turbocharged 2-liter I-4 engine with 405 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque drove all four wheels.
With a 6-speed manual transmission and a whopping 202.8 horsepower specific output, it propels the 4-door sedan to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It had a quarter-mile time of 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.
5. Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34)
The V-Spec is one of the Skyline GT-R versions introduced in January 1999. It was equipped with a stiffer suspension, an active limited-slip rear differential, and the ATTESA E-TS Pro system, as opposed to the ordinary GT-R. The iconic 2.6-L twin-turbo RB26DETT I-6 engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission under the hood.
Although it was officially rated at 276 horsepower, independent testing revealed that the true output was significantly higher. Regardless of the exact power, this famous sports car can reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and top out at 165 mph.
6. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ-440 MR
The Evolution X FQ-440 MR was a limited-edition Lancer introduced in the United Kingdom in 2014 to commemorate the Lancer’s 40th anniversary. The 4-door sports sedan is limited to only 40 units and is built on the Mitsubishi GS platform.
It is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that is linked to Mitsubishi’s sophisticated full-time 4WD technology (S-AWC). The FQ-440 MR is a rally monster with 440 horsepower and 412 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 185 mph.
7. Toyota Supra
The Supra debuted as a Celica in 1978 before becoming a different model in 1986. Although it has always been a strong performer, the current generation has set the bar even further. It can reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds thanks to the efficient base turbo-4 engine.
With the optional turbocharged I-6 producing 382 hp, the GR Supra is thrust into the major leagues. The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes 3.7 seconds, and the quarter-mile takes 12.1 seconds on the route to a top speed of 160 mph.
8. Acura NSX
The 2015 North American International Auto Show saw the debut of the second generation Acura NSX. It is propelled by a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and three electric motors. It produces 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque when mated to a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The second generation NSX accelerates to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and the quarter-mile in 10.85 seconds. It can reach 191 mph if there is adequate road and a brave driver behind the wheel.
9. Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition
The Nurburgring Edition – the ultimate and most potent edition of the LFA – was forged in the fires of the Green Hell, as the name implies. In addition to enhanced aerodynamics, the transmission was recalibrated, and the engine was modified to produce 563 hp.
With this arrangement, 0-60 mph took 3.6 seconds, and the quarter-mile took 11.6 seconds at 125 mph. It lapped the Nurburgring course in 7:14.64 seconds while riding on Bridgestone Potenza RE070 street tyres and driven by Akira Iida.
10. Nissan GT-R Track Edition
The Nissan GT-R (R35), powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, has been delighting gearheads since its introduction in 2007. The Track Edition is a lighter limited-production variation with stronger suspension launched for the 2014 model year.
It accelerates to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, completes the quarter-mile in 10.8 seconds at 125.1 mph, and has a top speed of 207 mph. The Nismo version’s 600-hp engine and Nismo-tuned independent suspension system were added in a 2020 update. A new carbon fibre top, bigger front fenders, and Nismo carbon-ceramic brakes were also added.