This has been on my mind for sometime now, so thought it would make a good discussion. Back in the early turn of the century, we saw the I6 engine platform die out. They were some of the most powerful, reliable (sorry Toyota M Engine, your the exception), and best sounding engines around. After the Japanese quit production of these engines, it felt as if to me, the cars we left with no direction.
We are not talking about Impreza's, Lancer's, S2000's, or any other 4 cylinder engine. The 4 cylinder will always be around. We are mainly talking about the flag ship cars of the top Japanese car brands.
Nissan - Skyline & Fairlady Z
Toyota - Supra
Honda - NSX
Mitsubishi - GTO
Really, all the cars had their reason for going out of production. Some carried the I6, some converted over to the V6 over their life time or were already V6.
The thing that has really been bothering me is this. I have always looked at the Japanese car as an affordable, efficient, and reliable car to modify. Their cars are very cult-ish at that. What happen when they are no longer affordable? When I say affordable, we are talking about the Japanese car marquees stated above we have all grown to love.
The Nissan Skyline took its turn of face being now its classified as a Super Car. No normal man can afford the car, so the name Skyline doesn't even come out of many mouth when it comes time to thinking about the new project car to buy off the dealers lot. I am also seeing dark futures for the Z line and the G line. To make these cars "up to date" or new again, they have to enlarge the engines. Giving them their names G35, G37, 350Z, 370Z. These cars had 3.5L engines and 3.7L engines respectively. With gas prices as high as they are, I don't see a G40 or a 400Z in the future.
Toyota for sometime has been out of the performance game. There has been talk for years now that the Supra will live again. I used to be a Supra owner myself. With the I6 gone, there is no way Toyota can rebadge any car they create and call it the Toyota Supra. This new sports car they come out with they say is destined for Super Car territory as well. Leaving the average man out of luck when it comes to a Toyota sports car.
Honda, we'll, honestly, won't be mad at them if their car that is replacing the NSX is in Super Car territory. The NSX was considered an exotic car any how.
The 3000GT was not really needed in the first place considering the Evo's success in other parts of the world.
Currently, if you are in the market for a Japanese performance car you don't really have to many choices...talking non-front-wheel drive...
G37
350Z
RX8
Evo
STi
It seems the window for Japanese performance is constantly narrowing for the average man.
The Future of Japanese Cars?
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