Top 20 Japanese sports cars of all time
When it comes to sports cars, it usually revolves around European manufacturers, whose history began even before the concept itself appeared. Some snobbery also prevents many motorists from giving credit to Japanese sports cars, whose development in one way or another has always taken place under constant Western influence. But no matter how hard many people try to label the Japanese auto industry as a “reliable workhorse”, it has something to counter competitors on the race track.
Today, we've rounded up the top 20 Japanese sports cars of all time that you can easily induct into the Sports Hall of Fame right now.
(Total 20 photos)
1. Datsun Sports (Fairlady in Japan) 1500/1600/2000, 1959 The company began its sports car journey with a miniature roadster model, gradually wedging itself into the rather conservative American sports car community.
2. Honda S500, 1963. This roadster retained such an atavism as a chain drive, used mainly on motorcycles.
3. Toyota Sport 800, 1965. Only 44 horsepower of this first Toyota sports car did not prevent him from flaunting a removable roof.
4. Toyota 2000GT, 1967. When creating this response to the Jaguar E-Type, the Japanese automaker had to team up with Yamaha for a while. The result was worth it.
5. Datsun (Fairlady) 240Z, 1970
6. Mazda RX-2, 1971. On the most charged version of this car, pilots managed to accelerate to 257 kilometers per hour on the Bonneville track.
7. Mazda RX-7, 1979. A slightly more powerful engine and light body allowed this car to reach 290 kilometers per hour on the same salt track.
8. Datsun Maxima, 1982. The sports sedan borrowed many components from the 240Z, and even got a turbocharger in a special version for actor Paul Newman.
9. Toyota MR2, 1985. This coupe was clearly inspired by Ferrari sports cars.
10. Honda Prelude, 1988. Sports sedan with all-wheel drive.
11. Mazda MX-5 Miata, 1990. Almost imperceptible Lotus features still charged this roadster to worldwide fame.
12. Acura NSX, 1991. Sleek aluminum body and 3-liter V6 engine made this sports car the dream of many drivers for many years.
13. Mazda RX-7, 1992. The third and final generation of the RX-7 got turbocharging, improved dynamics and a great exterior.
14. Honda S2000, 2000. This car was created in honor of the 50th anniversary of the brand and fulfilled its purpose with honor.
15. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, 2003. For the American market, this car was delivered with Brembo brakes, Bilstein shock absorbers and a mesmerizingly large carbon rear wing.
16. Mazda RX-8, 2004.
17. Nissan GT-R 2009 Great choice!
18. Lexus 500 LFA, 2012.
19. Subaru BRZ, 2012. Excellent sports rear-wheel drive coupe.
20. Lexus RC F, 2015. If the legendary Ford Mustang is sent for major revision, then something like this magnificent Japanese sports car can come out of it. Maybe.
Keywords: Car | Sports car | Japan