Japan is an island country famous for its tea ceremonies, floral arrangements, calligraphy, and sushi. Aside from all these, Japan is also known for its fun, reliable, and practical cars that won't have you breaking the bank just to get your hands on them.
Over the years, Japan has produced some of the most iconic sports cars. These include, the MK IV Toyota Supra, Acura NSX, and the original Mazda Miata. Japanese sports cars guarantee decent power and amazing handling at an affordable price.
Japanese sports cars are a favorite amongst up and coming street racers all over the world. If you are familiar with Tokyo Drift, then you know why street racers like these cars. Here are ten of the best Japanese sports cars in the market today.
10 Nissan GT-R
Starting off our list is one of the biggest sports cars - the Nissan GT-R aka Godzilla. Since the GT-R made its first debut in 2007 as the potential successor of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, the Godzilla has continuously proven to be a formidable opponent.
The Nissan GT-R is one of the fastest all-wheel-drive sports cars in the world. This beast is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 turbo engine that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine pushes 565 horsepower at 6,800 rpm to the car's all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The GT-R accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. This is the same time as the Bugatti Veyron. While it might not be the newest car in the market, the Nissan GT-R is one of Japan's best work.
9 Acura NSX
Acura is Honda's luxury division, and it has proven to have a perfect balance of speed and elegance when it comes to one of Japan's most exotic cars - the Acura NSX. The first-generation NSX was unveiled in 1990 and it was in production up to 2005 when Honda put the NSX project on a hold before picking it up in 2016, ushering in a new generation.
The new generation Acura NSX has proven that the best can be made better. Honda replaced the traditional NZX power unit with a hybrid powertrain. The Acura NSX is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine that is paired with a carbon-trimmed battery pack that delivers 573 horsepower to the car's all-wheel-drive drivetrain.
8 Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ
Toyota is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world and the largest in Japan. Toyota cars are one of the most affordable and most adaptable. So, if you are in the market for a car that can double as a simple daily driver and a beast on the track, then the Toyota 86 is the car for you.
This small, compact Japanese sports car is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission. This engine pushes 205 horsepower to the rear wheels.
7 Subaru WRX STI
Subaru has proven time and time again that it builds some of the best rally cars in the world. While Subaru cars might not be as technologically advanced as their competition, they are a favorite among rally racers. The Subaru WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that is paired with a six-speed manual shifter.
Although this engine is laggy, it manages to push 305 horsepower and deliver 290 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm to the car's all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The WRX STI is the perfect description of Japanese old school. When other brands are choosing to fit their cars with hybrid powertrains, Subaru is sticking to what it knows best.
6 Nissan 370Z
The 370Z has built a cult-like following because of its rakish looks, decent powertrain, and most of all, its proper handling.
Although it lacks some of the modern safety technologies, the Nissan 370Z has over the years posted solid numbers. The new generation 370Z debuted in 2009 and it is not going anywhere anytime soon - since there has been no word from Nissan about its replacement. This rear-wheel-drive sports car is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that pushes 332 horsepower and delivers 270 lb-ft of torque.
5 Toyota Supra
Is the Supra really a Japanese sports car? Well, it does have a Toyota badge, so yes it is a Japanese sports car, with BMW parts. The Supra dates back to 1978 when it debuted as a trim level on the Toyota Celica. Five generations down the line and the Supra is better than it has ever been. The fifth-generation Supra was unveiled in March 2019.
This new generation Japanese classic is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that pushes 382 horsepower. The new Supra promises to be one of Japan's fastest sports car on a budget.
4 Mazda MX-5
For a car whose heritage stretches back more than 30 years, it is right to say that the Mazda MX-5 is an icon.
Renowned for its lightweight, amazing handling and its infinite headroom, the Mazda MX-5 has never steered away from its tradition of relaxed driving. While it might not be the most powerful, best looking, or the biggest car in the lineup, the MX-5's charisma and charm win the hearts of many. This sports car is powered by a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV petrol engine that pushes 181 horsepower to the car's rear-wheel-drive drivetrain.
3 Lexus RC F
Lexus is Toyota's luxury division and a favorite amongst Americans. It is also the highest-selling Japanese premium brand.
The Lexus RC F was built to go against some of the best sports cars in the world such as the Audi RS5 and the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 coupe. This beautiful cross of power and luxury packs a huge 5.0-liter V8 that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission under its hood. This engine has an output of 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque.
2 Honda Civic Type R
Over the years Civics have gotten a bad rap - the front-wheel-drive drivetrain, in particular, has been a cause of concern for many. However, the Honda Civic Type R paints a completely different picture. This hot hatch is built to dominate both on track and off track. This car was designed to be a head-turner wherever it goes and its race-inspired cockpit screams high-performance.
The Honda Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This engine delivers 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
1 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400
The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 is the high-performance trim of the Infiniti Q60 coupe this ride is also the sportiest Japanese grand tourer. The Q60 Red Sport 400 is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine that pushes 400 horsepower to the car's rear-wheel-drive drivetrain or all-wheel-drive drivetrain.
The biggest shortcomings of the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 are its unpredictable adaptive steering system, its cabin, and compact trunk space. Overall, the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 is decent enough to be listed as one of Japan's best sports cars.