The seventh-generation Nissan Z sports car (known as Fairlady Z in the Japanese market) made its debut in 2021, replacing the 370Z model.
After several years, Nissan has finally updated the Fairlady Z by introducing a facelift version at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.
While there aren’t many changes, the facelifted Fairlady Z features a cleaner image compared to its predecessor, particularly with the all-new front bumper.
According to Nissan, the new bumper design not only focuses on aesthetics but also contributes to improved aerodynamic aspects by reducing front lift by 3.3 percent and drag by 1 percent.
Additionally, the Nissan emblem on the front has been replaced with a Z emblem, accompanied by two-tone alloy wheels.
Finally, Nissan has introduced a new color called Unryu Green, inspired by the Grand Prix Green from the S30 generation Z model.
For now, Nissan continues to utilize the original 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which produces 400 hp and 475 Nm of torque.
However, the driving and handling aspects have been enhanced with a revised suspension system featuring larger monotube dampers, as well as larger brakes.
The layout of the cabin remains unchanged, but for the facelift version, Nissan offers a tan trim option for the seats, door panels, and lower dashboard.
Interestingly, the official images provided include paddle shifters behind the steering wheel in a car equipped with a manual gear knob.
Nissan is currently facing significant challenges, forcing the company to lay off a large number of employees and close several factories around the world.
While Nissan’s focus has shifted towards high-volume vehicle models, the manufacturer acknowledges that sporty models could be a game-changer and pique the interest of younger consumers.
Speaking to Kuruma News, Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa explained that sports cars like the IDx could help revitalize the Nissan brand.
He added that such models have the potential to appeal to a younger demographic, making it essential for manufacturers to continuously attract younger consumers to their brand.
Espinosa also expressed his desire to revive the Silvia nameplate.
“The Nissan S15, particularly with its high-output 2.0-liter turbo engine, is one of the favorite cars in Nissan’s history. In my opinion, it is one of the best lightweight sports cars we have ever produced.”
He acknowledged that it is quite challenging to reproduce a car with a lightweight chassis while simultaneously meeting today’s stricter safety regulations.
Undoubtedly, if Nissan wants to follow in Toyota’s footsteps, the IDx concept model is a suitable candidate to be highlighted.
The IDx concept model was displayed at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show as a response to the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, featuring an exterior design inspired by the Datsun 510.
Unfortunately, the IDx has yet to be realized to date.
Through its collaboration with Subaru, Toyota introduced the sports car 86 at the Tokyo Motor Show in December 2011.
The second generation of the 86 known as the GR86, debuted in 2020 with Toyota continuing its partnership with Subaru.
But what about the third generation?
Japanese automotive website Best Car claims that Toyota will develop a new GR86 independently, although it may seek assistance from Mazda to lead the project.
The new GR86 will be built on a new ultra-lightweight platform that will also be utilized for the development of the next-generation Mazda MX-5.
Unlike the approach used for the GR86/BRZ, the new GR86 and MX-5 will feature many differences.
According to Best Car’s report, the MX-5 will remain a two-seater sports car, while the same platform will be slightly lengthened to allow the GR86 to retain its 2+2 coupe configuration.
Both models will also utilize different engines, with the MX-5 featuring a Mazda-made 2.0L hybrid engine and the GR86 using a Toyota-configured 2.0L hybrid engine.
This is not the first time the Mazda MX-5 has served as a base for the development of other manufacturers’ models.
The fourth-generation ND served as the foundation for the Fiat 124 Spider, which features a different design and powertrain, followed by Japanese manufacturer Mitsuoka for the Rock Star model.
Jim Clark is recognized as one of the greatest Formula One drivers in history.
In a gesture of appreciation for this remarkable individual, Lotus is now offering a limited edition sports car, the Emira Clark Edition.
The exterior design of the Emira is inspired by the Lotus Type 38 race car, featuring the distinctive Clark Racing Green along with yellow stripes.
This car is also adorned with a black roof, silver side mirror housing, and yellow exhaust tips.
Additionally, it includes a blue fuel cap and a Clark Edition badge on the door sill.
The cabin of the Emira is enhanced with a two-tone black and red color scheme, reminiscent of the theme used in the Team Lotus cars of the 1960s.
Beyond the elements paying homage to Jim Clark, the Lotus Emira Clark Edition also embraces a classic theme through its manual gear knob made of wood.
The Lotus Emira Clark Edition is based on the Emira V6 model, equipped with a Toyota V6 engine capable of generating 400 hp and 420 Nm of torque, paired with a manual transmission.
Production of this limited edition Emira will be restricted to just 60 units and will only be available in select markets.
For your information, the starting retail price of the Lotus Emira Clark Edition is £115,000 (RM647,342) in the UK market.
Bermaz Motor, as the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles, has announced the availability of the Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition special model.
This special edition Mazda MX-5 is introduced as a tribute to the four generations of this sports car, renowned for its exhilarating driving characteristics and timeless design.
For the local market, this limited anniversary MX-5 is only offered with a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine (181 hp/205 Nm) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Each unit features a specially created Artisan Red Premium color using unique Takuminuri technology, Bright Metallic 17-inch alloy wheels, and a ’35th Anniversary’ badge accompanied by a serial number.
The cabin comes equipped with Tan leather upholstery, the 35th Anniversary Edition logo on the headrests and floor mats, as well as Artisan Red accents on the air conditioning vents and door panels.
In addition to the anniversary edition, all MX-5 variants have received cosmetic changes on the exterior.
For instance, this includes headlights with eye-like LED DRL graphics, taillights featuring an ‘afterburner’ effect, and a rear bumper equipped with reflectors and fog lights.
The cabin showcases a redesigned meter cluster, a frameless rearview mirror, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, Type-C USB charging ports, and an HD rearview camera.
In terms of driving dynamics, Mazda has improved the EPAS steering system for smoother operation and more linear, responsive characteristics.
Meanwhile, the manual 2.0L variant now incorporates DSC-TRACK (Driving Stability Control Track Mode) and an Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential (Asymmetric LSD) for optimal control in various conditions, including spirited driving sessions.
Except for the anniversary edition, all MX-5 variants can be optioned in Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, and the new Aero Gray color.
The selling prices are as follows:
Mazda MX-5 2.0L MT – RM293,000
Mazda MX-5 2.0L AT – RM295,000
Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition – RM315,000
The Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition will be showcased at the Oval Concourse, 1 Utama Shopping Centre from April 10 to 13, from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Visitors can also participate in the Mazda MX-5 Photo Contest for a chance to win exclusive merchandise. This contest can only be entered at the Bermaz Auto Showcase in 1 Utama Shopping Centre and Sunway Carnival Mall in the northern region.
High-performance vehicles, internal combustion engines, and manual transmissions.
This is the recipe that Toyota Gazoo Racing aims to uphold for an extended period, signaling good news for its fans worldwide.
In a report by CarSales AU, Toyota Australia executive Sean Hanley stated, “Internal combustion engines and manual transmissions will continue to be maintained for the long term.”
This approach does not mean that Toyota is completely sidelining modern technology for its Gazoo Racing models.
Toyota has previously explored the possibility of replacing petrol with hydrogen for internal combustion engines, even testing this concept extensively through participation in major races.
Currently, Toyota offers four high-performance models (GR Yaris, GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla), and this family of performance vehicles is expected to be joined by new models such as the GR GT3, Celica, and MR2, according to various sources.
There are also reports that Toyota is collaborating with Mazda to develop a sports car featuring a straight-six engine — could this be a replacement for the existing GR Supra?
Whatever Toyota has in store for the future, Hanley wants the Gazoo Racing sub-brand to be better recognized for “the sound, smell, and feel of internal combustion engines.”
Did you know that this silver Mazda RX-7 was owned and driven for 25 years by an elderly woman, Naoko Nishimoto?
In conjunction with her 80th birthday celebration on December 18, Naoko decided to voluntarily surrender her driver’s license and return her beloved RX-7 to Mazda Japan.
Her intention to sell the RX-7 captured public attention when it was featured on YouTube on September 2024, creating a significant phenomenon.
After her story aired, Naoko received over 400 emails, including one from Mazda’s Public Relations department.
Coincidentally, an engineer at Mazda watched the program and immediately contacted the PR department, stating, “Mazda should take over this (RX-7)!”
When Naoko read the email from Mazda, she remarked, “It was an email filled with enthusiasm and sincerity, and it seemed to shine for me.”
It is understood that the sender of the email also had a strong attachment to the Mazda RX-7.
Naoko’s story of her love for driving the manual RX-7 began when she was 55, at which point her Corona Coupe, owned for nearly a decade, started to have issues.
Coincidentally, she watched the animated series Initial D with her son and fell in love at first sight with the design of the Mazda RX-7 (FD3S).
She then promptly went to the nearest Mazda dealership to place an order, where at that time (1999), the price was around 3.2 million yen (approximately RM91,855).
Initially, Naoko wanted to choose a blue color as shown in the product brochure, but the Mazda salesperson suggested she opt for Highlight Silver Metallic.
“Looking back, I feel relieved that I chose that color,” she stated.
Thanks to the care and maintenance provided by Kyushu Mazda Akasako, Naoko’s RX-7 never experienced major problems during her 25 years of ownership.
The mileage of 77,592 km is evidence of her passion for the unique driving experience of the RX-7, which never made her feel fatigued, even on long journeys.
According to Naoko, she particularly loves the design of this sports car’s rear, especially the rear wing and the number seven on the license plate.
During the purchase process, the staff at Kyushu Mazda kindly handled all registration procedures, successfully obtaining the number 7 from the Land Transportation Bureau for the RX-7.
As a result, this became one of Naoko’s favorite features of the car.
Naoko also never found it difficult to drive the manual RX-7 in her hilly neighborhood in Nagasaki.
“When I first bought it, I felt nervous; however, now I have gotten used to it, and it is no longer a problem,” she expressed.
This Mazda RX-7 Type RB S package is powered by a 13B-REW engine with sequential twin turbocharging, capable of generating up to 265 PS and 294 Nm of torque.
Her story also captured the attention of Mazda President and CEO Moro Masahiro, who sent an appreciation letter read by Kosuke Doi, General Manager of Mazda’s Domestic Sales Division.
In the letter, Moro mentioned, “The RX-7 is the first model I was responsible for marketing after joining Mazda, so it holds special memories for me.”
“We will cherish this car, along with the stories of your (Naoko) joyful and vibrant life experiences.”
After the handover event, Naoko then proceeded to the Urakami police station in Nagasaki Prefecture to voluntarily return her driver’s license.
Mazda Japan promised to take excellent care of the RX-7 and plans to transfer the model to the R&D center in Yokohama for use as a public relations vehicle or to be exhibited at official events.
In addition to the introduction of the limited edition A90 Final Edition model, Toyota Gazoo Racing has also updated the GR Supra Lightweight Evo as an equally impressive alternative.
The Lightweight Evo version retains the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo engine, delivering 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and is available with either a manual or automatic transmission.
This model features a more stripped-down design compared to the A90 Final Edition, with the GR Supra Lightweight Evo equipped with distinctive elements such as a carbon fiber ducktail spoiler, new matte black 19-inch wheels, and fins on the front wheel arches.
However, Toyota remains committed to enhancing the handling characteristics, equipping this model with larger Brembo brakes, revised camber angles on the front and rear wheels, and tuning of the electronic shock absorber control.
Additionally, Toyota engineers have reinforced several crucial components, including rubber bushings, rubber mounts, sway bars, and underbody braces.
Finally, the electric power steering system has been recalibrated to provide a better steering feel and handling response.
Inside the cabin, the GR Supra Lightweight Evo features Alcantara-wrapped seats adorned with GR logos, red seatbelts, and red stitching on the gear knob, giving it a sporty appearance.
According to Toyota, although production of the GR Supra A90 is coming to an end, this does not indicate that the model will be neglected.
On the contrary, the GR Supra will continue to thrive in various motorsport disciplines around the world.
Toyota has also indirectly confirmed that the GR Supra will receive a new generation successor, hinted at through an Easter egg featured in a short animated series called GRIP.
In addition to the Japanese animated series “Initial D” and “MF Ghost,” which feature characters driving Toyota-branded cars, there is also an anime series officially produced by the automaker itself.
The anime series “GRIP,” which can be watched legally on YouTube, is now in its second season and includes Easter eggs that will delight fans.
Shared on the Supra MKV forum, one such Easter egg appears on a chalkboard in a scene featuring a list of potential future GR sports cars, including the Supra Mk6, Celica Mk8, MR2 Mk4, GR86 Mk3, and GR GT3.
Notably, the GR Yaris and GR Corolla are completely absent from this list, along with the GR Starlet, which has been promoted as an affordable alternative to the GR Yaris hatchback model.
According to several previous reports, Toyota Gazoo Racing is set to revive several iconic names that are part of the brand’s motorsport history.
The Celica is expected to return as an all-wheel-drive coupe with a 2.0L turbo engine delivering 400 hp, while the MR2 is likely to make a comeback as a mid-engine sports car based on the FT-Se concept model.
In addition to the new generation GR86 and GR Supra, there is also the GR GT3/Lexus LFR, which may be powered by a V8 engine.
Toyota is also looking to develop another fast model, the GR Starlet, which will serve as a complement to the existing hot hatch lineup (GR Yaris, GR Corolla).
Unlike the two models equipped with GR-Four all-wheel-drive systems, the GR Starlet will utilize a three-cylinder inline engine producing around 150 hp and 220 Nm, driving only the front wheels.
Do you still remember the Nissan IDx sports concept car showcased eleven years ago?
It was one of the concept models that garnered a lot of attention, but unfortunately, it was not realized due to the relatively high development costs, coupled with lackluster demand.
Nevertheless, in 2024, Nissan is reported to be developing a third high-performance sports car model after the Z and GT-R.
Speaking to the media, Nissan’s Vice President of Global Product Strategy, Ivan Espinosa, shared plans to revive the iconic Silvia model, despite the shrinking sports car market.
“I am trying to make it happen. It is not easy, as the sports car market is increasingly shrinking.”
He revealed a vision where the Silvia would be reborn as an electric sports car (positioned between the Z and GT-R) so that this new model can comply with emission laws in as many countries as possible.
In this way, Nissan can increase production numbers to achieve the necessary economies of scale.
Furthermore, Nissan will not follow the footsteps of collaborative manufacturers in developing sports cars like the Toyota GR Supra/BMW Z4, and Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ.
Instead, Nissan aims to independently develop this new Silvia model without assistance from any party.
Espinosa is confident that Nissan can proceed alone in developing this Silvia model, albeit acknowledging that this project is challenging and requires serious investment.
The future Nissan Silvia will not be an isolated model, considering that it will face fierce competition from other Japanese manufacturers.
For instance, Mazda is developing a new generation MX-5, Honda is presenting the Prelude sports car, and Toyota’s GR86 might be upgraded with a hybrid engine package.
Toyota Japan has updated its offering of the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe model Toyota GR86 for the 2025 model year with the anticipated upgrades for its enthusiasts.
Compared to the previous GR86, Toyota claims the 2025 model is able to offer sharper handling and a more connected driving feel with the road.
Based on input obtained from racing circuits, Toyota has retooled the characteristics of the suspension system and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control of this vehicle for more precise response and control without sacrificing stability.
For the manual transmission model, the traction control has been recalibrated to facilitate throttle blipping, in addition to offering smoother traction control response.
Toyota engineers also adjusted the engine speed tolerance aspect on the automatic transmission-equipped GR86 for a more sporty driving experience based on feedback from customers involved in motorsports.
Furthermore, the Toyota GR86 2025 has been updated with new features such as tire pressure warning system and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
For those seeking something more exclusive, Toyota Japan has introduced the GR86 “RZ Ridge Green Limited” edition, limited to just 200 units.
It features an exclusive green color on the exterior, 18-inch silver-colored rims, Brembo vented brake rotors, SACHS shock absorbers, two-tone black/tan leather and suede upholstery, as well as special embroidery on the door panel.
The Toyota GR86 Ridge Green Limited edition is priced starting from ¥3,897,000 (RM114,560) and can only be purchased through a lucky draw system, with applications closing on July 28.
Those who miss out can still get the standard Toyota GR86 with a starting sales price of ¥3,195,000 (RM93,923) for the manual version, while the automatic version starts from ¥3,293,000 (RM96,804).
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