D Car — November 2003
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About this issue
250 available scans from D Car — November 2003, in right-to-left reading order. Japanese OCR and English translation drafts are available throughout. Drafts have not received exhaustive image proofreading; unreadable source remains recorded in the archival data.
Page 66 — English draft translation
...they create a distinctly JDM look. The suspension is Tein RA, and the wheels are Blitz Technospeed Z1. How's that for a JDM combination? The front wheels are 17 × 7.5J and the rears are 18 × 10J—serious sizes. Although many US-made exterior parts are available, choosing JDM wheels for a key visual detail is the point. The front hood and rear wing also follow the JGTC (All-Japan GT Championship) style. That's another take on JDM.
Japanese wheels and performance brands are especially popular, and Japanese labels are doing well even in large sizes. JDM wheels remain consistently popular, not only in JDM builds. Their reputation for reliability helps explain the appeal, whether the wheel is large-diameter or lightweight. Owners look for function as well as design, so they often choose Japanese brands. Mugen, Blitz, Volk, and Racing Hart wheels from performance-parts makers are all popular. Large-diameter rims with strong visual impact are also thriving.
Captions and page details
Part 04: American JDM—high-speed scene
Wheels
01
TREND
Wheels are a key element in building a car that turns heads. 'Key element' may sound formal, but it just means an important part. This NSX will show you what I mean.
Along with the engine...
JDM wheels are one of the parts you cannot leave out. Blitz is even more popular here than in Japan. The photo shows the Technospeed Z1.
A Gruppe M carbon intake duct can make the car look much more serious all by itself. It really is impressive.
BLITZ Z1
BLITZ TECHNOSPEED Z1
Macintosh
Bride seats are beginning to catch on. They may evoke Japanese street racers, but that is exactly JDM. There is also a Takata harness.
A Macintosh system in an NSX—now that's a luxurious touch! It might feel a little out of place in a Civic or Integra...
Marga Hills front wide fenders
A canard is fitted to the Burn-Up front bumper, creating a successful low, wide face.
The V6 C30A is equipped with a Comptech supercharger. The carbon-fiber intake box is also by Comptech.
Facelift headlights give the car a newer, current-model look. Its actual model year is 1992.
2
OWNER
Mr. Allen filled in. The owner was away during the shoot, so Allen from Tee's USA marketing...
The carbon JGTC wing rising over the rear hood is by Taitec. The dual-tip muffler is by Gruppe M.
...stood in for him.
Volk
...Racing Hart
JDM
Wheel
And also...
Trends
Racing Hart
AEM
GT300
Rays remains popular for its lightweight performance and attractive designs. Above is the Volk Racing SE37A.
Alongside Rays, Racing Hart is another popular wheel brand. Its racing look is part of the appeal. The photo shows the Type CR.
5ZIGEN
Enkei EX
Mugen
VeilSide
Yokohama
Like its aero business, VeilSide offers wheels with highly original designs. The photo shows the Andrew Racing V.
The name itself sounds intensely JDM. US sport-compact builders are especially drawn to the exotic names of Japanese brands. The photo shows the FN01-R.
Enkei EX is highly popular in Japan and has established a strong brand name locally as well.
As everyone knows, this brand inherits Honda DNA. In American pronunciation it is 'Mugen.' Remember that for the quiz.
The photo shows the RP07.