Summary
- Japan's reputation for building high-quality sports cars was solidified by the success of the MX-5 Miata, which set a new benchmark for affordable and reliable performance.
- After a lull in recent years, Japan is experiencing a resurgence in the sports car market, with the return of iconic JDM nameplates like the Supra, Z, and Integra.
- Exciting developments are on the horizon for Japanese sports car enthusiasts, including the highly anticipated release of the Acura Integra Type S, the upcoming Toyota MR2, and the next generation of the Mazda MX-5.
Japan is no stranger to building lightweight high-performance sportscars. While they weren’t the first to enter the sports car market, that honor would go to the Brits, the Japanese approach was unique, starting out with cars like the Toyota 2000 GT and Datsun Fairlady back in the day. But it was really the MX-5 Miata that solidified the nation's reputation for building high-quality sports cars. It really set a new benchmark as far as affordable and reliable performance is concerned.
Then came the 90s which was the golden era of JDM cars, when models like the Nissan GT-R and Mazda RX-7 essentially became supercar killers. It seemed like the Japanese dominance would never end, however, it did come to a shuddering halt. Japan went through a bit of a lull, with many turning to the glory days of the 90s instead of looking forward to new releases.
In the last couple of years though, things have changed. Japan is once again back with a vengeance and it doesn’t look like they intend on letting the momentum get away this time around. The resurgence of iconic JDM nameplates like the Supra, Z, and Integra is a trend that is going to continue and there are some incredible sports cars on the horizon. We’re going to take a look at Lexus, Acura, Toyota, and Mazda, and some exciting developments of what they currently have in the works.
12 The Long-Awaited Powerhouse, The Integra Type S, Is Nearly Here
The Integra name really needs no introduction. The fifth generation of the Integra was released not so long ago, back in 2022. It was a fun sporty sedan that didn’t disappoint, with great handling, a cool and refined new look, and performance that wasn’t insanely quick but gave the driver some thrills. Even back then, though, the world was waiting to finally get their hands on the Type S version, with almost all of Acura’s line-up already getting the sport treatment. Well, that time has finally come, the Acura Integra Type S is set for a June release and is looking to be an absolute banger of a car.
The new Type S, of course, shares a lot in common with its sister car, the Honda Civic Type R. It has the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder and six-speed transmission. It also holds on to that beloved limited-slip differential. The Integra Type S delivers 320 horsepower, enough to get off the line with some pep and smoke some much bigger and much heavier cars.
The Integra Type S also offers drivers a premium ride along with its sporty new trim. It comes with adaptive dampers which offer a number of choices for ride firmness, including a comfort setting that provides a smooth driving experience, and a sport setting for firmer handling. The interior is incredibly neat and the cockpit looks brilliant for its MSRP of $50,800.
11 2024 Nissan Z NISMO, Another Returning Giant
There is no doubt that people are thrilled that Nissan has brought the Z badge back in a big way. The Z brought mixed retro styling to instill that nostalgia over the legendary coupe. Whilst the performance was something that was enjoyable, we’re hoping that 2024 finally brings about a NISMO variant.
When redesigning the Nissan Z, it was built on the platform of the 370Z, but everything else was completely revamped. The Z houses a twin-turbo V-6 which outputs 400 horsepower, making it quick enough to keep up with the competition.
The main expectation for the 2024 model is that Nissan will provide the market with a high-performance NISMO model with a good power bump and that is exactly what we got, resulting in 420 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Much to the disappointment of fans, the Nismo Z won't be offered with a manual transmission.
The Z doesn’t really need that much to change for it in 2024. It has struck the hearts of old fans and has garnered a new following through its unique and distinct styling. A NISMO variant being in the works would push the Z from being something great to something extraordinary and would allow it to compete with the other heavy-hitting sports cars on the market.
10 2025 Toyota MR2 Is Shaping Up To Be An Awesome Sports Car
Set to hit the market somewhere in 2025, Toyota's upcoming mid-ship two-seat sportscar will adhere to the Japanese sportscar philosophy of lightness and simplicity. The next-generation MR2 will be underpinned by the GA-B platform and to keep developmental costs down, Toyota will produce the car in collaboration with Suzuki and Daihatsu.
Since this will be an affordable sportscar, you can rule out hybridization and will find a trusty 1.0-liter Suzuki engine with an expected 150 horsepower. But thankfully, a lightweight chassis should take care of the deficit of horsepower. Daihatsu, which is owned by Toyota, will be responsible for the styling of the MR2. But it's really the price that should get you excited as we expect the low-slung two-seater sportscar to be priced below $25,000.
9 The Next Generation Of The MX-5 Will Push The Roadster To New Limits
There are not many cars out there that have the history of the MX-5. With over three decades of Miatas, Mazda has found a winning formula that works incredibly well. This formula is based on their ethos of delivering a brilliant driving experience and staying away from the excess that a lot of modern sports cars suffer from. The next generation of the MX-5 features some changes that will be exciting to some and devastating to others.
The Miata is becoming a hybrid. This electrification process is something that all car manufacturers are pursuing and something that will upset gearheads. However, this fits the ethos perfectly. The MX-5 is about delivering performance and keeping weight down, which a hybrid powertrain as opposed to an all-electric powertrain, would do perfectly. The 48-volt will likely be paired with a reworked 2.0-liter engine. We also expect the MX-5 to stay true to its six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.
Whilst we only have concept renderings of the next generation MX-5 from Mazda, we can expect the roadster to maintain its stylish yet aggressive identity that it has garnered in recent times. Hopefully, the changes will excite more than they will disappoint. The Roadster is set for its refresh around 2026, so there is still some time to go before we see anything solid.
8 The Lexus LFA Successor Could Be A Hybrid With A 900+ Horsepower Powertrain
Perhaps one of the most coveted sports cars of all time, the Lexus LFA was a success in every possible way. Very few were able to own one though because of its absolutely tear-inducing price, and only 500 of the latest 2010 model being produced. For even more exclusivity you could have gotten the Nurburgring package, only 50 LFAs with this trim were produced.
Much to the distaste of many nostalgic purists, the upcoming untitled Lexus won’t have a howling Yamaha-built V-10 under the hood like the original LFA. However, it will be packing quite the punch. Lexus has made it clear its goal is for the final, most premium model of the car to be all-electric. A Japanese report from BestCarWeb, however, is now claiming that before the all-electric model of the car is released, the public is going to get a hybrid powertrain. Lexus has been silent about this, so take it with a grain of salt.
The Japanese publication claims that, according to their sources, the LFA successor will launch with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 as the combustion component of the powertrain. This will be supplemented with an electric motor that all-in-all produces a staggering 937 horsepower. This would put it in the absolute highest rungs of performance.
Regardless of whether the car launches first as a hybrid or all-electric, a new Lexus supercar is on its way, and as a successor to the LFA, it has big shoes to fill.
7 Toyota GRMN Supra
Despite initial backlash from hardcore, JDM fans, the BMW Z4-based, fifth-generation Supra turned out to be a surprisingly capable car, able to punch well above its weight. In 2021, Toyota listened and gave those who crave a more organic driving experience the option of a manual GR Supra. With the BMW Z4 set to retire in 2025, and the GR Supra following suit, rumors regarding a track-focused GRMN Supra have picked up wind. We are no strangers to "swan-song" models and the Toyota GRMN Supra is said to feature BMW's S58 inline-six.
Moreover, it is said to develop 533 horsepower, which is 30 more than what we get in the G80 M3 and G82 M4 Competition. This is the most performance-oriented inline-six, BMW can, currently, sell you. Given how capable the B58-powered GR Supra is, the GRMN Supra will pack mind-blowing performance. Transmission-wise, the ZF eight-speed automatic is the most logical choice, although rumors also suggest a seven-speed DCT might be available.
6 Nissan GT-R R36
An R35 GT-R successor is long overdue and 2024 is shaping up to be the last model year, in which Nissan produces the R35 GT-R. For 2023, Godzilla stopped being available on some markets due to not meeting the latest safety requirements. There is still a lot we don't know about the R36 GT-R other than it's coming sometime after 2024.
In an interview with TopGear, Mr. Philip Klein, Nissan's product planning executive, said
"Yes, you guys have to be patient because we will meet your expectations. The driving experience is a high priority, and as we move from gasoline engines to hybrids, nothing will be lost in the fun of driving, even if we go electric. For these reasons, it is certain that the announcement of the next model has been postponed".
We also know the next-generation Godzilla will continue to be motivated by the VR38 twin-turbo V-6 engine, likely, as part of a mild-hybrid system.
5 Mazda RX-9
It is finally certain that Mazda is bringing out a new, flagship sports car. The 2015 RX-Vision concept will, finally, materialize in a production model, powered by a new, three-rotor engine working with three electric motors. The question now is not if, but when the new Mazda RX-9 is coming out. We know Mazda engineers have been hard at work making sure the rotary engine is as reliable as possible.
The patent files clearly show a three-rotor unit, but apparently, Mazda's newly-developed, 3.3-liter, turbocharged inline-six is also on the table. The targeted power figure was said to be 350 to 400 horsepower, but according to the Australian publication, CarsGuide.com.au, the target figure is 370 kilowatts or 500 horsepower. According to more recent reports by Best Car Web, the RX-8 successor may be co-developed with Toyota.
4 Honda S2000
Honda has been keeping a tight lip regarding the revival of one of its most iconic models. However, according to the Japanese publication, Best Car Web, a plan for an S2000 revival certainly exists in the company, and apparently, 2025 could see a precursor to a production-version, rear-wheel-drive sports car from Honda.
At the 2020 Tokyo Auto Saloon, Honda revealed a Honda S2000 AP2 Restomod, powered by the Civic Type-R's K20 turbo-four. In addition to celebrating 20 years of the roadster, this may have been an exercise aiming to gauge reactions. While it goes without saying everyone wants a new S2000 that's powered by the K20C turbo engine, we'll have to wait until 2025 and see.
3 Toyota GR86 Turbo
Last year, we reported on Toyota doing tests with turbocharged Toyota GR86 test mules. Toyota plans to enter a turbocharged GR86 in the Super Taikyu racing series, which could spell a homologation special. The engine in question is a version of the GR Yaris/ GR Corolla's G16E-GTS engine de-stroked to 1.4 liters, likely due to racing regulations.
Given that the GR Yaris is a homologation-special rally car that is yet to race, a turbocharged GR86 could enter production sometime around 2025 when the current, FA24-powered GR86/BRZ is scheduled to be discontinued. Best Car Web also claims that the next generation of the compact, Japanese coupe, will indeed be motivated by a Gazoo Racing-developed powertrain, featuring a hybrid system. This could mean that the 2025 GR86 will no longer be an affordable sports car.
2 Nissan Skyline
It goes without saying that since 2002, the Nissan Skyline nameplate is exclusive to Japan. Everywhere else, the Skyline is sold under the Infiniti brand, which is currently undergoing another metamorphosis. Their latest model, the Nissan Skyline NISMO is the swan song of the car we know as the Infiniti Q50. While it shares an engine with the Nissan Z NISMO, the next-generation Skyline will be something completely different, and by different, we mean, most likely electric.
Nissan Executive Vice President, Asako Hoshiro assured us the Skyline name will live on, although outside of Japan, it will be badged as an Infiniti. A few years ago, Infiniti revealed the Q Inspiration and Qs Inspiration concepts, which hint at what the future of the Nissan Skyline will be while drawing parallels between the current Q50 and the now-discontinued Q60.
1 The Future Looks Bright
Japanese sports cars have definitely made a strong comeback in recent times and the cars above are just some examples of how things will progress. An electrified future is something that is inevitable but could end up being something to look forward to if the engineers at Mazda and Lexus are to be believed.
Ultimately, Japan has created itself a niche in the sports car enthusiast community and whilst they are definitely playing off of nostalgia, they have created some of the most iconic models on the road. Hopefully, these upcoming models live up to that reputation.