Bling and Carbon Fiber: Best of Tokyo Auto Salon 2014 [Gallery]
Europe has Essen Motor Show, US has SEMA and Japan has Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS). Every January, the JDM faithful make a pilgrimage to TAS to see the latest from Japan’s tuners.
The guys at Bulletproof Automotive/GT-RR.com were kind enough to share their photos from Tokyo Auto Salon. I had the opportunity to go to Tokyo Auto Salon a few years ago and was impressed with the quality and attention to detail of every build at the show. This year was no exception with 800 of the wildest demo cars, packed with the latest tuner products filling the exhibition halls.
Tokyo Auto Salon houses the most extreme creations from all corners of tuning culture. Where else can you find a Lexus’ on 32” wheels...
and full carbon fiber Hakosuka GTRs under one roof?
Some of these trends may not catch on, but others are likely to be seen again at SEMA in the fall. Although there are always examples of outrageously styled demo cars, TAS is usually dominated by track oriented cars and this year was no exception. Many manufacturers exhibit cars built for Time Attack or GT500. Lexus used TAS to debut their RC GT500 car. Their display complete with a pit crew sporting double breasted jackets and a top hat was one of the best at TAS. Keep it classy, even on the track.
Subaru displayed their recently revealed STI, prepared to compete in 24 Hour of Nürburgring. A year from now, chances are that TAS will be filled with this car.
Bulletproof Automotive brought over their FR-S Concept One from California. Featuring the highest quality tuning parts inside and out such as a Powerhouse Amuse turbo kit, Varis wide body kit. new RAYS Volk Racing ZE40 wheels and a full carbon fiber and alcantara interior, the Concept One is their answer to “What defines a supercar?”.
The Griffin TRD 86 was also there, it made its debut at TAS 2013 and has spent the past year on the race track. Instead of focusing on big power, TRD engineers took a back to basics approach and focused on weight reduction, aerodynamics and handling to cut lap times.
The R35 GTR is another popular car at TAS. This GTR was sporting a full dry carbon fiber body by Overtake and the latest version of the classic Volk Racing TE37, the TE37 Ultimate in teal. Well executed without being overdone.
Kei Miura has dominated Tokyo Auto Salon and SEMA for the last couple of years with his Liberty Walk, Rocket Bunny and Bensopra kits.
This year, his signatures fenders flares found their way onto the Sarto Racing CLK.
With an increasing number of European cars at the show, our favorites featured a mix of JDM and European tuning styles.
The BBS LM looks good on almost anything, especially the Studie AG 6 Series Gran Coupe.
The newly released Mercedes Benz CLA is already a looker in stock form and will be a popular car to see at tuning shows in 2014.
Visit Bulletproof Automotive/GT-RR for more information about the latest parts from Tokyo Auto Salon. Check out the gallery below and let us know what you think were the best cars of the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon!
