International, Time Attack, Wangan Style

Nostalgic Wednesdays: 1984-1989 Toyota MR2

By
March 23, 2011

The first generation MR2 (AW10/AW11) would be my favorite out of the 3 generations.It was Toyota’s experimental project with the Lotus corporation in its prototype phase of the M90 concept. It’s name ment “Midship Runabout 2-seater” also dubbed as the “poor man’s Ferrari” or “mini-Ferrari” by some, it was something that you wouldn’t expect from Toyota.

it's official when its on Watanabes.

Toyota, well known for producing economical and practical family cars; created a non-practical 2 seater, light weight, mid-engined compact that wasn’t even really born to be a sports car, but was just a fun enjoyable cruiser.  The MR2 was the first japanese car to use the MR layout. Enjoyable cruiser? Definitely! Strategically bolt in the legendary 16V 4AG-E, later on supercharging it making a 4AG-ZE, then loading it with Momo commissioned steering wheel and shift knob. The slapping in some Recaro Seats and branding it “Super Edition”..lightweight high reving roadsters; now THAT’s classic DNA of a sport compact car!

Traces of Toyota are still visible in a Lotus. As of today, it is still rumored that Lotus is still in subtle contact with Toyota ; visible in the Esprit’s, the Trueno tail lights, and the Elise and Exige using the Matrix XRS’ VVTL-i 1.4 motor.

Sadly, the succeeding generations of the MR2 died slowly in my book. Toyota needs to bring some Midship goodness back!

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-mark-

mark@maydayGarage.com

Events, Houston

Event Coverage: TX2K11 Supra/GTR Nationals.

By
March 22, 2011

What started as a small, but high quality gathering of Toyota Supras at the old RSI on the west side of Houston nearly 10 years ago, has now become a full on, balls-to-the-wall, super, mega, ginormous, humangous sized, freakishly high horsepower meet. Did I leave anything out? Me and my roommate, fellow photographer Khiem, have made coming to TX2K events a yearly ritual, just like Christmas. Except with Christmas, I don’t have to request off of work to attend. TX2K11 spans across four action packed, crazy days of track, dyno, show, and drag at various venues. Khiem, owning a single turbo, 2JZ-GTE SC300, understands the need for high horsepower events that includes imports. So armed with our DSLR’s, we joined the 1000+ attendees on our favorite day, the TX2K11 dyno/show and shine day.

This Supra was absolute nuts.

So round and delicious, that ass never gets boring to see.

Two Jay Zee, no shit.

More

Drift, Wangan Style

Nostalgic Wednesdays: RE-Amemiya FC3S Rx7

By
March 16, 2011

FC3s? nuff said. BUT wait, have we forgotten about the RE Amemiya FC3s? Also known as the RE SuperG, this is definitely a ricer’s paradise. The Rx7 Savanna (FC Chasis) is equipped with a modified engine specially tuned by RE Amemiya, a bodykit including recessed headlamps, diffusers, and of course  monster wing! (thus the name SuperG?). All this being a “total tune”. The RE Amemiya aero is hard to come by and considered rare in the FC3S community. If I’m not mistaken, the RE SuperG,  which contains all pioneered technology is also applied to the RE Amemiya race cars competing in the Japanese GT Championship. I totally love GT inspired street cars and this would definitely be in my top list.  Enjoy!

white always brings a smile to my face

definitely cargasm.

can't touch thisss....

omg...

...I jizz in my pants.

But wait…

There’s more rotary love!

Part 1

Part 2

-mark-

mark@maydaygarage.com

Drift

Texas Drifting: Henry Swasey Does Lonestar Drift Round 1

By
March 14, 2011

If you have been keeping up with drifitng in Texas you are now well aware that Aaron Losey of Fabricated Motorsports has started a 2011 Lonestar Texas drift series. Round 1 took place at Nonstop Tuning’s anniversary car show event. MaydayGarage was present, but unfortunately we had to skip out early….so you wont be finding any pictures here, however, Henry Swasey from Team Silhouette caught some great coverage. Long story short, Silhouette underdog Robert Lee took the win of Round 1 in his 113 hp AE86 by being tapped by last year XDC series winner Chelsea DeNofa. The first round of the series had a great turnout and is looking very promising! Check the video from Henry Swasey!

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– JohnP