10. Nissan GT-R

It's not hard to appreciate the 2009 Nissan GT-R. Unlike almost anything on the road, this latest iteration of the famous Japanese supercar not only outperforms many of its pricier competitors, it also offers a look that's both familiar and fresh. The aggressive front and strong profile makes no secret of the GT-R's ability.

9. Mitsuoka Galue Convertible

Whereas the strange-in-the-wrong-way Orochi from Mitsuoka may be one of the ugliest cars in the world, the Mitsuoka Galue Convertible is very much strange in the right way. Based on the current-generation Ford Mustang, the carriagemakers at Mitsuoka have crafted on the front from a Rolls Royce and the rear from a CTS. It's strange, but we can't help but love it. [Photo Credit: Carscoop]

8. Nissan Teana

While the current Nissan Altima isn't unattractive, the car's Japanese cousin is downright becoming. The sedan's elongated proportions and sweeping lines are distinctly European, while the sharp headlights and large grille are particularly Nissan. Let's hope this is the direction they're going to take American Nissans sometime soon.

7. Honda S2000 Type S

As much as we like the base Honda S2000, the S2000 Type S takes the modest and becoming sports car and adds a dash of Super Potential to the equation. Though some may fault it for its large wing and aggressive ground effects, these bits not only add aerodynamic function to the S2000, they also add much needed teeth. If you've got a hankering for one, the Honda S2000 CR is fairly similar.

6. Mazda RX-8

A minor refresh this year hasn't changed the fact that the Mazda RX-8 design is getting a bit long in the tooth. Nevertheless, the RX-8 is still a head-turner. A mixture of rotary-inspired shapes and exotic details, it's a car that only Mazda could design. One of the best-looking rear 3/4 views of any GT, we're glad those rad rotarians finally added a front to match with the 2009 RX-8.

5. Daihatsu Copen

One of the favorites among Kei Car enthusiasts, the tiny Copen from Daihatsu may not be the most powerful car on the list (in fact, it's the least powerful) but it's undeniably the cutest. In the tradition of tiny roadsters, the Copen looks like something fun a British company like MG would build if British carmakers like MG weren't all owned by the Chinese and Indians. It's proof that good things do sometimes come in small packages.

4. Toyota Century

A love for the Toyota Century is a love for a car that personifies understated luxury. Way understated. The only front-engined, RWD Japanese car to get V12 power, the Century has only been redesigned twice in the last 40 years of its production. Thought it costs nearly $100,000, it doesn't have the "Look at me, look at me!" cues of a Lexus, Mercedes or Bentley. Tasteful and reserved, the Century is the luxury car of the cunning diplomat. [Photo Credit: Yehey Forums]

3. Mazda MX-5 (Miata)

In addition to being a competitive LeMons racer, the MX-5 has historically been a low-key but sleek roadster, and the latest iteration is no different. The slightly flared fenders, rounded surfaces and low profile are timeless and beautiful.

2. Toyota Mark X

One of the best looking sedans that few people have ever heard of, the sleek Toyota Mark X may be related to the American Lexus GS300 but in a way that makes us think one of the two was secretly adopted. This RWD sedan has the shapely curves of an E-Class Mercedes combined with the sloping and textured nose of an Alfa (sans the crest) and that wonderful disregard for subtlety that makes us love Japanese cars.

1. Infiniti G37

The Infiniti G37 is a coupe that just missed getting placed on our most beautiful cars list. A drastic improvement over the previous generation, the G37 practically sparkles in person. Unlike most Japanese luxury cars, the sculptors of the G37 took chances with the design. The gently raked beltline and 1980s-professional-woman wide shoulders balance the feminine and the masculine like few modern cars can. But it's the details, like the 10-spoked wheels and creased grille, that make this otherwise toned-down coupe scream.

The question was spawned from Brandon, who emailed us yesterday lauding the realism of Ferrari 355 Challenge, which he contends is the one game he could play for the rest of his life. As mentioned, we're sort of partial to Tokyo Cop for non-realistic simulators and any version of Ivan "Ironman" Stewart's Super Off Road, which is also quite unrealistic. You've got endless quarters, what do you pick?

As you can tell from the photos, the biggest change comes at the front where the foglights get incorporated into the larger air inlets in a way that reminds us of the new Audi R8. Other than a slight revision to the taillights the rest of the changes seem rather minor. Full details still to come. [Mazda, World Car Fans, MotorAuthority]

We'll get to see the slightly upgraded RX-8, probably sans some of those goodies, at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. If it maintains this look it'll definitely be what most consider a mild refresh, with most of the enhancements in the usual places (bumpers, lamps, et cetera). [MazdaMadness via World Car Fans]

As with most Tokyo Auto Salon previews, there's no word yet on what kind of madness is going on under the skin. Just for fun let's say it's some tuned version of the 3.5-liter six. [Honda via World Car Fans, NihonCar]

Other models Nissan will bring to the show include a modified Skyline Coupe, Xanavi NISMO Z Super GT2007 racer, Endless Advan Z racer and the Dualis Premium concept. We look forward to the X-TREME X-TREMIST EDITION. Le Blog Auto via

What's powering this concept is anyone's guess. As is whether or not the vehicle will be made, if it will carry the Mazdaspeed name if it is made and what countries will get the modified version. It's like Ross and Rachel, except we sort of actually care. [AutoBlog]

We'll let this story continue in Rust-MyEnemy's own words:
I have literally just returned from a week in Tokyo, having missed out on a whole bunch of jalopnik style meaty goodness. While out there I rather fell for the the Japanese Domestic Market world o'cars, and this prompted me to bung in your general direction this particuar magical gem.
Spotted between Giza and Tokyo Station, in a side street,a Nissan Gloria Station Wagon, complete with "colonial oak (or somesuch)" vinyl cladding.
My knowledge of Japanese DM cars of the era is... sketchy. All I do know is that the Gloria was the upmarket version of the Cedric (well, it had to be with a name as posh as Gloria), and that they were panhard layoutted conventional sedans and wagons, with myriad engine combinations.
These ranged from a 2.0 lpg or gas engine, through to a 3.0 twin cam. There was no way I am aware of to determine what engine was fitted to this example.
The condition of this car made me wonder how it was still on the road, with JDM pollution and roadworthiness regulations being some of the most stringent in the world. It is obviously a workhorse, but one that has been loved. It proudly wears a large dent in the drivers' door, and a set of lace seat covers clearly from a Toyota Mark II.
I can only make a guess to the age of this car, but would suggest it to be from '84-87, as this was when the next facelift I believe took place.
Later in that same day, and tragically out of photographic range, I spotted what appeared to be a heavily rice'd version of the same model. In iridescent purple, with "big ole rims", it made a very suspiciously forced-induction-esque noise, and was definitely a vee-six.
Makes me think that a VG30DETT conversion is not unheard of among these machines.
I know you are probably succumbing under sheer bulk of DOTS stuff, but the woodiness of this beastie just had to be shared.

As for the rest of you who have sent DOTSBE photos in but haven't seen them yet: They shall be posted!

MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT

Characteristics
By combining a high-powered, fuel-efficient, 2.2-liter clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST, and using significant quantities of Green Plastic in the interior, a high level of running and environmental performance is achieved.

In addition to advanced active safety technology, Concept-ZT achieves a high level of passive safety. Features include pre-crash safety; a lane-drift warning system; driving assistance technology, including new all-around multi-monitors and a parking assistance system; and crashworthiness safety technology including a pop-up hood.

Moreover, equipped with the S-AWC system combining front E-LSD (Electric control - Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC, based on Mitsubishi Motors' 4WD electronic control system, the MITSUBISHI Concept-ZT is a premium sedan that possesses dramatically improved driving, environmental and safety performance.

Design
The basic exterior form, simple and flowing with a low center of gravity, yields a sense of stability and sportiness fitting Mitsubishi Motors' premier sedan This base is combined with a powerful shoulder line, substantial side panels and projecting fenders. Sculptured headlights, grill and aluminum wheels proclaim quality and status created out of "Japanese" sensitivity — a sophisticated and adult sensibility.

In the interior, the goal was a level of "hospitality" that would resonate with all the senses of the occupants. Combinations of designs with clear contrasts — simple forms with overall continuity gently embrace passengers and precise, hard functional parts — express the melding of quality, comfort and the pleasure of driving. Meters and monitors are of clear materials, futuristically stacked, with the beauty of industrial art.

Minute quantities of a new reflective material add elegance to the body color. In combination with decorative parts, including wheels and grill, a radiant presence is realized with a sense of quality and refinement, like jeweled layers of precious metals. Interior colors are a combination of grained black wood, metal and leather, making maximum use of materials expressing boldness, sophistication and grace.

Powertrain/S-AWC
The concept's powerplant is a newly developed 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC, 16-valve with VD (Variable Diffuser)/VG (Variable Geometry) clean turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct fuel injection (piezoelectric injector) that delivers a maximum output of 140 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm.

The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST, which delivers superior power transmission efficiency in a powertrain that realizes smooth, responsive, effortless power and acceleration, whether on the highway or in urban areas, together with good fuel economy. The S-AWC system combines front E-LSD (Electric control - Limited Slip Differential), ABS and ASC with the 4WD electronic control system also used in Outlander and Delica D:5. This optimally controls driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, and provides stable driving on various road surfaces under various conditions, realizing a pleasurable and safe driving experience.

Body Structure
As in the i MiEV SPORT, the aluminum space frame structure combines aluminum extrusion and aluminum die casting, not only realizing a body of great strength and rigidity, but contributing to weight reduction and crashworthiness. In addition, for the outer panels of hoods, fenders, doors and trunk lids, shock-resistant, recyclable resin is used, as seen on the front fender of the Delica D:5.

Safety Technology/Driving Assistance Technology
Pre-crash Safety System: Using millimeter-length radar waves, the system detects cars far ahead as well as obstacles in the adjacent lane. When it determines that objects near the car are too close and there is danger of a collision, it warns the driver to take action. If the system determines that the possibility of a collision is nevertheless quite high, it pretensions seat belts and activates crash-restraint seat cushions to increase passenger restraint, and initiates emergency braking to reduce the impact of an imminent collision.
Lane-Drift Warning System: The system consists of a front camera, steering angle sensor, speed sensor, yaw rate sensor and ECU. The front camera recognizes lane markings (white lines, etc.), and the system, based on information from the other sensors, calculates the possibility of the vehicle drifting out of its lane, warns the driver, and adds steering torque in the direction such that the car stays within the lane.

Pop-Up Hood: If the car should hit a pedestrian, the hood pops up before the person's head strikes the hood, acting as a buffer and minimizing injury to the head.

New All-Around Multi-Monitors: In addition to a nose-view camera and a rear-view camera, cameras with extremely wide-angle lenses are positioned at the left and right sides. Optical distortions of the images from the four cameras are corrected, and the information is converted into a display of the situation all around the car as seen from the top — thus enabling clear confirmation by the driver. The nose camera is also part of the proximity-detection function for approaching objects.

Parking Assistance System: A distance sensor, embedded in the bumper, assesses the space available for parking. If parking is possible, the system will automatically maneuver the wheels (steering) while all the driver must do is control braking.

Press Release:

Nissan Intima Concept

A New-generation Saloon for People with a Sophisticated, Discerning Eye for Beauty - Who Enjoy Spending Time in Refined Elegance and Comfort, Whether Traveling Alone or with a Partner

Intima takes Nissan's Modern Living Concept into a new dimension with an interior that invites passengers into an extraordinary world of artistic forms, materials and illumination.

The front passenger's seat swivels approx. 80° to the outside, as if to welcome and escort a passenger into the car.

Exterior styling that matches the interior's artistic image, with a design that combines sharp-edged lines and organic panel surfaces. Rich elegance is conveyed though Intima's arching side character line, while the crystal-like appearance of the front and rear lamps, grille and wheels project an image of superior quality and refinement reminiscent of jewelry.

Press Release:

Mazda Taiki

Mazda Taiki reflects one possible direction for a future generation of Mazda sports cars aimed at helping create a sustainable society. The fourth concept car in the Nagare design series, Mazda Taiki further evolves the "flow" theme to establish a breathtaking presence that clearly distinguishes it as the next in the series, and which visually expresses the atmosphere - called taiki in Japanese - that wraps the Earth in its protective mantle. The basic proportions begin with the stretched coupe form of a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout, the short overhangs, and the liberating feel of an all-glass canopy. The challenge to create "a design that visually expresses the flow of air" was inspired by the image of a pair of Hagoromo - the flowing robes that enable a celestial maiden to fly in Japanese legend - floating down from the sky. Inspired by Japanese koinobori - the decorative "climbing carp streamers"- the notion of creating an Air-tube became the concept word for the interior design. In accordance, from the dashboard and seats down to the door trim, the interior space creates the dynamic sensation that the flow of the wind is being visually depicted. Centering around the performance rotary engine sports packaging that is synonymous with the Mazda name, technologies introduced for the Mazda Taiki include the next-generation RENESIS (rotary engine 16X), which sets new standards for environmental and driving performance, a front-engine rear-drive layout, a unique 2-seat configuration, and Mazda's rotary sports package, which conveys an image of lightness. The effect integrates the design theme perfectly to realize outstanding aerodynamic performance.

But that's one of only 30 new technologies the QarmaQ incorporates, many of which Hyundai hopes they'll be able to incorporate into new models between 2008 and 2014. According to Hyundai, the QarmaQ is lighter, stronger and more economical than any current production CUV in its class. We also have to say it looks not too terrible on the eyes either — which is why we thought it was so nice, we've brought it to ya twice. Plus, we felt the need to drop a "Death Race 2000" joke and a Shibuya joke in one post.

Press Release:

Tokyo: World Premiere of the space up! Concept Car
Second variant of the space wonder by Volkswagen

Wolfsburg/Tokyo, , 24 October 2007 - Just six weeks after the world premiere of the two-door city specialist - the up! - at the IAA in Frankfurt, Europe's largest car producer is now showing the next member of the "New Small Family" - the space up! concept car - at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Being the largest small Volkswagen, the space up! is a small space wonder; on just 3.68 meters length and 1.63 meters width it offers the space of a significantly larger vehicle. The designers intentionally avoided any superfluous gimmickry here. Like the up!, the space up! is characterized by a fully new harmony between technical layout on the one hand and emotional design on the other.

The clever space concept of the space up! is largely due to its engine layout. The environmentally friendly gasoline, diesel and electric drives of the future up! family are located - as they were at one time on the Beetle and the Bulli - in the rear. An abbreviated comparison: The four-door space up! is exactly 23 centimeters longer and four centimeters taller than the up! shown at the IAA in Frankfurt.

"The world premiere of the up! at the IAA in Frankfurt served as an initial test to see how the concept of our New Small Family would be received in Europe. And the results of this test were more than favorable," says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Head of Technical Development. Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen Group, underscores this assessment: "In formal design terms, one can see that the space up! is fun and at the same time offers maximum space on the smallest of platforms. Our New Small Family brings a smile back to the road."