For most of the 2000’s, Toyota has been missing…something.  Sure, the new Camry is amazingly reliable and looks pretty from all angles.  Yeah, the IS-F packs a ton of power – but who can really afford one?  The Celica and MR2 Spyder were carrying the ’sports car’ flag at the turn of the century, but those were shadows of their previous incarnations and just didn’t pack the same ‘umph’ or ignite the same passion as Toyotas of old did.

The Supra.  The All-Trac. The AE86.  Now THOSE were exciting vehicles.

Fast forward 10 years from when the last Supra rolled off the showroom floor.  With a little help from Subaru, a new generation of Toyota Sports Car is born: The FT-86.  Powered by a Subaru sourced 2.0L boxer four powerplant and a rear wheel drive configuration, the FT-86 has everything going for it.  Since it is still only a concept, not much more is known.  But Toyota is confirming there was a focus on keeping weight down, keeping handling crisp and making sure it comes is just north of $20,000.

The Nissan 370Z is a true tuners’ car: Stylish, Powerful and Mod-Friendly.  HKS is the tuners’ tuner: Innovative, Cutting Edge and Always Quality.  So it should be no surprise that HKS has chosen the Nissan 370Z as its most recent Muse.

The newest addition to the ever-growing catalog of parts for the 370Z is the HKS Hi-Power Exhaust (32009-BN004).  As with all HKS Hi-Power exhausts, this 370Z Hi-Power is inspired and designed from endurance and GT racing in Japan and can be used on both naturally aspirated and turbocharged applications.

The HKS Hi-Power Exhaust for the Nissan 370Z is a full dual system made from 304SUS piping measuring a massive 60mm, includes the crucial H-pipe and comes fully polished to a mirror finish.  The Titanium Tips that crown this masterpiece are not only beautiful, but allow for adjustment of length – which makes this a perfect match for any rear bumper.

No, we’re not worried about the winter cold – it’s the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement that would like a word with your Nissan Skyline.  It seems that ICE agents have descended on California in search of illegally imported Nissan Skylines and have already impounded a few.

GTR USA Blog reported that cars registered under SB100, which allows for “kit” cars to be built and driven on US Roads, have been red flagged and nabbed.  Does this mean ALL owners of Nissan Skylines imported into the United States need to be concerned?  Even those brought it by “official” importers like Motorex?  Who knows.

If you’re not familiar with the MotoRex Fiasco, check out the article 0-60 Mag did on it: MotoRex and the North American Skyline Fiacso

The Scion tC is one of those vehicles that offers an all around good value. For the money, you’ll get a stylish two-door coupe that is sporty, practical and powered by a 2.4-liter 161-horsepower Toyota engine. To sweeten the deal even more for Scion tC owners, the aftermarket industry supports the Scion platform with a plethora of performance parts.

AEM Performance Induction is right there to supply the 2005-06 Scion tC with a high-quality Cold Air Intake System (part number 21-569P). The new AEM 21-569P intake system is constructed from mandrel-bent high-grade aluminum and topped with a DRYFLOW oil-free synthetic air filter. AEM engineers took this Scion tC air intake system one step further by incorporating the patented Air Bypass Valve into the design. With the addition of the Air Bypass Valve, the 21-569P Cold Air offers the enthusiast an entire package of performance and safety in one.

The 21-569P air intake system is designed to increase the performance of the 2005-06 Scion tC coupe by routing the air inlet tubing to the front of the vehicle. The filter chosen for this application is AEM’s 21-201DK DRYFLOW synthetic air filter. The 21-201DK air filter measures 2.5-inches (64mm) on the flange inside diameter and 5.125-inches (130mm) for the overall height. In addition to performance air filtration, AEM includes the Air Bypass Valve, found before the Mass Air Flow sensor, to virtually eliminate the chance of hydro-locking the engine.

It’s being reported that the idea of an F1 race back in the states was floated around by F1 bossman Bernie Ecclestone.  More specifically, the race venue was none other then the Big apple itself, New York City:  “Obviously Manhattan, Ecclestone said. I will tell when it happens if I can do it or not.”

0-60 Mag even took this opportunity to draw up a track that carves through Central Park, which, is pictured above.  Is it just a dream?  Will there ever be another F1 race in the states? In NYC?  Only time will tell. But it is sure an interesting talk to have until official word spills out.

The Toyota Prius continues to be a hybrid superstar with a slightly different look in 2010. Sharp creases on the corners streamline airflow over the body, along with a longer spoiler, flat underbody panels and an optimized roof arch. There is more headroom in the rear seat and a little more head and shoulder room.

K&N has released a replacement panel air filter (33-2435) for the 2010 Toyota Prius with a 1.0 liter inline-4 hybrid engine. Our washable, reusable K&N air filters are made from cotton instead of paper and never need to be replaced. K&N air filters are designed to increase horsepower and acceleration while providing excellent filtration. K&N air filters will not void factory warranties.

The simple drop in design of the 33-2435 simply fits in the factory air box and requires no modifications. It also comes with the famous K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty and will be the last air filter you will need to buy. Using one K&N high-flow air filter instead of many disposable air filters can be better for your car, better for your wallet and better for the environment.

Some manufacturers of performance air filters make aggressive claims about their filter’s ability to make power, but leave out the fact that their filters are not effective at filtering dust and dirt. Consider the wear and tear that will result from insufficient filtration!

The APEXi Power Intake Filter element is engineered to minimize air flow restrictions without compromising its ability to filter contaminants from the induction air stream. We proudly expand the usage of the Power Intake Filter element by incorporating it into a line of drop-in, factory-replacement filters.

A little TLC for your daily driver.

• Progressive-density filter element improves power and efficiency, without compromising ability to filter dust and dirt.
• Dry-type filter element requires no oiling, and will not foul air flow sensors.
• Ideal for light-tune cars, and cars that develop idling problems and throttle response issues when factory air box is removed.
• Factory replacement filter installs in minutes
• Easy cleaning and maintenance

It’s not a production model yet but the Honda CR-Z will be making an appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. This latest ‘concept version of the production car’ should give fans and pretty darn good idea of what the future holds.

Power comes from a 1.5L mated to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (automatic) transmission OR a six-speed manual, which should provide a bit more driving excitement.  Looks like it’ll be just about 20 years after the CRX was killed that a proper replacement will rise from the dust… at least Honda made sure they got it right.

When developing a true function-over-form product for the Nissan GT-R R35, sometimes the end-result happens to be extremely aesthetically pleasing as well! We had to put our thinking caps on when bringing a real “game changer” rear seat delete alternative to market… the premise for the design and build was to delete the rear seat and delete all the stuff required for the rear seats. this premise came about since we find the factory rear seats near useless by design. There was hardly any leg room, so why even bother. Reducing as much weight as possible without making this car look bare and naked has been our agenda since day one. The PWJDM Rear Seat Delete project has followed this directive to a T.

To maintain and forever perpetuate the infamous PWJDM baller reputation, we definitely had to build the Rear Seat Replacement out of 100% dry carbon fiber and mold them to fit both the body and the car like a glove. Building upon the successes of the Tecnocraft ‘T1′ racing seats from the premium side of Password Industries, Inc. We also kept in mind the interior “race bucket seat” theme and wanted a continuation of this effort for the rear seat deletes. What’s shown here is a true testament to PWJDM’s commitment to the platform as well as our abilities as a true tuner and developer of great products.

The first thing to notice would be the organic curvature of the PWJDM Rear Seat Delete, which provides structural strength and rigidity over just a simple flat design. Secondly, they have been molded in such a way to provide a tight, drop-in fit, and have eliminated the rear passenger seatbelt hardware – yes, you are correct, this weight-saving upgrade is strictly for off-road use only!

Liven up your engine bay and give yourself some peace of mind while you’re at it with one of Skunk2’s all-new Silicone Radiator Hose Kits. Unlike OEM rubber cooling hoses that must be periodically replaced because of deterioration caused by heat and pressure, Skunk2 silicone hoses will outlast the life of your engine. And with their glossy black finish, red interior, and Skunk2 logo, they’ll look good while doing it.

Skunk2 Silicone Radiator Hoses are handmade using high-quality, automotive-grade silicone and feature cutting-edge, multi-layer, embedded fiber linings that’ll resist even the most abusive engine temperatures and pressures. Each application has been test-fitted for accuracy, as well as for an OEM fit, and has been subjected to rigorous tests and inspections to ensure years of worry-free operation.

All Skunk2 radiator hoses are compatible with each vehicle’s OEM water housings, radiator necks, and OEM hose clamps. You’re going to have to replace those OEM radiator hoses sooner or later. Do your engine bay a favor and upgrade it with a Skunk2 Silicone Radiator Hose Kit.