When you think about the term "muscle car," you think big American V8 power, simple suspensions, and tough-guy looks. Across the Pacific Ocean, Japan's automakers faced an interesting dilemma; how do we compete against the "American Big Three?" They couldn't copy the V8 platform due to Japan's rules governing engine displacement. The higher the displacement, the bigger the tax penalty on the car owner.
Over the years, Japanese cars were powered by small capacity Inline engines to save weight and boost fuel economy - the advantage being a simpler, more balanced motor capable of revving fast without damage.
With the help of inspired styling and engineering know-how, Japan's marques created their own versions of American muscle cars. So, here are 15 Japanese muscle cars that every muscle car fan needs to see!
15 1971 Mitsubishi Galant GTO
Taking styling cues from the Ford Mustang and Pontiac Firebird, this GTO launched to 0-60 in 9 seconds. Powered by 1.6-liter Inline-4, it was good for 120 miles per hour and 30 miles to the gallon. The Galant also was destined for motorsports. While not being able to race due to circumstance, it found success in rallying, becoming a regular player at the Japanese Alpine Rally.
14 1975 Toyota Celica GT
Next up, the GT-Four's grand-dad. While not a race car, the Celica GT does come with a 2.2-liter SOHC Inline-4 producing developing a modest 96 horsepower and 129 ft-lbs of torque. 0-60 clocked in around twelve in a half seconds. It didn't have the speed or the power, but it did have the look. And, Japanese cars are famous for their tunability.
13 1972 Mazda Savanna RX3 Coupe
This pocket rocket is a marvel of its time. Powered by wonderous 1-liter 10A Wankel engine, the RX3 was good for 110 horsepower and 112 miles per hour. In addition, it came with a 4-speed manual with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. The upshot is a simple, economical Japanese muscle car that you could race on the weekends.
12 2008 Lexus IS-F
Before the IS-F's debut, Lexus was a marque of luxury, albeit a boring one. So when the car debuted in America in 2008, there was skepticism. Its over-aggressive styling and an 8-speed automatic gearbox left something to be desired. To spite that, the IS-F has a 5-liter DOHC V-8 with direct injection, producing 420 horsepower, and good for 180 miles per hour. It may look ridiculous, but it goes like hell.
11 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe
Before the days of mid-size trucks and SUVs, Isuzu tried their hand at making a coupe. The 117 was conceived by Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro, a man who cut his teeth designing the Ferrari 250 and Alfa Romeo Giulia. To help the little Coupe along was a punchy DOHC 1.6-liter Inline 4, producing 118 horsepower and good for 120 miles per hour with a four-speed manual.
10 1973 Datsun Bluebird SSS Coupe
An evolution on the popular 510 model, the Bluebird (sold in the U.S. as the 610) carried a beefier presence than its predecessor. With an uprated 1.6-liter SOHC Inline 4, 123 horsepower, this angry bird can blast down the quarter mile in nine and a half seconds. A comparative Chevy Camaro LT was actually half a second slower to 60 - and is heavier, and thirstier.
9 1974 Toyota Corolla SR5
Before the Corolla became one of the best-selling cars in America, it was a small little Coupe designed for fun. The Sr5 Corolla boasted a DOHC 1.2 Liter Inline-4 producing 115 Horsepower from a five-speed gearbox. Given this was the last of lightweight Corollas, it holds a special place with tuners and enthusiasts alike.
8 2010 Infiniti M45 Sport
Here's an Infiniti looking for a fight. The M45 Sport is sizable upgrade over the base model, sporting a tuned suspension, active steering, a new grille for cooling, and 19-inch alloy rims. It also boasts a 4.5-liter DOHC V-8 pulling near 330 horsepower, and a 0-60 time of 5 seconds. Not bad for a car that weighs two tons, and seating for five. This car yearns for you to drive it fast.
7 1990 Nissan 300ZX
When this car hit the showrooms in the spring of 1990, it was spectacular. 1 million cars sold in the first year alone, a feat few cars of its type ever achieved. The twin-turbo 3-liter DOHC V-6 produced 300 horsepower, with 0-60 coming in around 6 seconds. The ZX included adjustable suspension and four-wheel steering. The car's popularity still shows as prime examples are still sought after today.
6 2017 Lexus LC 500
The modern take on the Japanese muscle car, the LC 500 ushered in a new era for Lexus. After its launch, it left people scratching their heads. As our Sean Murray noted, 'it’s still not something people have come to associate with Lexus.'
To spite the confusion, the LC 500 contains a DOHC 5-liter V-8 producing 471 horsepower. In addition, the V-8 comes with intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Direct Fuel Injection. The upshot is instantaneous power delivery with no rough spots.
5 1970 Datsun 240 Z
Ah yes, the 70's legend. The 240 Z became one most car popular cars of the 1970s. It boasted a sleek, sporty design with a fully independent suspension and a 2.4-liter SOHC Inline-6 developing 175 horsepower. So impressive is the 240 Z, it dominated the SCCA C-Production category throughout the decade.
4 Toyota Celica ST205
If you own a PlayStation, and have played a game called Gran Turismo, chances are you have driven this. The GT-Four packed a heck of a punch. A turbocharged 2-liter Inline-4 producing 254 horsepower, a five-speed gearbox, and all-wheel drive. This was a muscle-bound race car for the road. The Celica ST205 would compete for several years in the World Rally Championship, winning the 1995 Rally Catalunya.
3 1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R
The granddaddy of all Skyline GT-Rs was a powerhouse of its time. Under the hood is a 2-liter DOHC Inline-6 developing 160 horsepower. 0-60 in a cool 8.4 seconds. It defined Japanese muscle with its fastback body and pitch-black wheels.
According to Nissan Global, this car is referred to as "The Phantom." Only two hundred of these Skylines were ever produced. If you ever see one, take a picture. You might not ever see it again.
2 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
While the Nissan 300 ZX Twin-Turbo was grabbing the headlines, Mitsubishi unleashed the 3000GT. Power is delivered from a 300-horsepower 3-liter DOHC V-6, and 306 feet of cyclone torque. Never mind the sports car styling and all-wheel drive, this car carries a muscle car attitude. From the aggressive bodywork to the active aero splitter, the 3000GT is about two things; speed and power.
1 1967 Toyota 2000GT
Here we are, the original Japanese muscle car. When it debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show 1965, it turned heads with its evocative style, smooth lines, and power. Designed in cooperation with Yamaha, the 2000GT boasted a 2-Liter Inline-6 producing 150 horsepower, with its top speed edging 130 miles per hour. To top it off, it had a starring role in a little film called You Only Live Twice. But, unlike Mr. Bond, the 2000GT will live forever.