8 Japanese performance cars that all petrolheads should worship

Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata is one of the purest sports cars ever offered by an automaker. Ever since it first went on sale in 1989, the Mazda Miata has offered a lightweight platform, a modestly-powered four-cylinder engine and of course a beautiful two-seat roadster design that provides a fun, well-connected driving experience.  The newest modern Miata available now might have added a retractable hardtop to its repertoire, but it remains remarkably light compared to the competition, and has stayed true to the original spirit of the compact convertible.

Mitsubishi Evo IX

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX was the culmination of the brand's World Rally Championship know-how, expressed in a sedan platform that featured a host of high tech innovations. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making anywhere from 275 to 400PS of peak power was managed by an advanced all-wheel drive system, sport-tuned suspension, and race-inspired aerodynamics gave the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution tenacious grip and startling acceleration. Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, and a driver-controlled center differential rounded out the features that set the Evolution IX apart from other sports sedans of its time. 

Toyota Corolla AE86

If you've heard of the AE86 Corolla, you're likely one of two things: a fan of drifting or a fan of the cult anime series Initial D. Long before the Corolla became a sedated product of corporate evolution, it was one of the most basic and exciting cars you could buy. It is also possibly one of the most under rated cars globally outside of the drift arena since unlike its other brethren here, it has never been tuned to ridiculous horsepower figures.

Subaru Impreza WRX STi

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Right over crest-Leading into fast left-into Jump. These are the words I most fondly associate a Subaru Impreza with. Possibly one of the most successful Rally and Rallycross cars of all time, the Subaru Impreza with its 4-cylinder 2.0-litre boxer engine is capable of more power than you can contend yourself with. Thankfully, with all-wheel-drive keeping the power in check, along with electronic differentials working overtime, the range topping WRX STi has always been the benchmark for most performance cars worldwide. Our favorite is of course the original Impreza 22B Coupe in WRX STi form.

Mazda RX-7 FD

There are some who would say that the FD edition of the Mazda RX-7 is one the most beautiful automobile ever produce by any Japanese brand.  The Mazda RX-7 was also notable for its use of a rotary engine instead of a traditional piston-driven power plant.  Like the Supra, the RX-7's 260PS engine was easily boosted past its stock rating, thanks to a turbocharger. Unlike the Supra, however, the RX-7 was light enough to acquit itself well on the race track even in factory configuration, as it maintained the automaker's philosophy that it was easier to reduce mass rather than add horsepower.

Photo Credit - Topspeed

Nissan Skyline GTR R32

Having dropped the GT-R during the 1970s due to the global fuel crisis, the performance-centric trim returned in 1989 with all-wheel drive and rocking the absolutely legendary RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-6 engine rated by the factory at 276 hp, well below its actual output. With this combination, the GT-R competed in the All-Japan Touring Car Championship, killing the competition, including Porsches, and winning all 29 races to seal the Championship. The GT-R accomplished similar feats in Australia, earning the reputation of "Godzilla" from local press. Although later cars like the equally legendary R34 and the currently available R35 are more capable, the R32’s simple looks and insane performance makes it our personal favorite.

Toyota Supra

The fourth-generation Toyota Supra made its debut in 1993 and it quickly gathered a cult following based around the incredible capabilities of its optional 2JZ-GTE six-cylinder engine.  This turbocharged mill featured twin turbochargers and output of 325PS in stock form, but aftermarket tuners quickly discovered that the engine could be tapped for over 1000PS without the requirement for substantial modifications.  This robust motor, combined with a slippery body shape and a starring role in the Fast and Furious film franchise, has given the Toyota Supra one of the highest profiles in the world of Japanese sports cars.

Honda NSX

The Honda NSX was the car that proved that the Japanese could contend on the world stage against exotic supercar competitors.  The Honda NSX was a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive supercar that featured an all-aluminum monocoque body, handling input from F1 star Ayrton Senna, and a 3.0-liter V-6 that initially produced 277PS.  Over time, the Acura NSX would evolve to offer more power and slightly updated looks, but the vehicle itself never strayed from the original formula that proved that it was possible to build an exotic sports car that would start every time you turned the key, without the need for excessive, and expensive, maintenance. Honda will soon have a brand new Acura NSX out later this year.