SIX Cool Things to Check Out at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2024

From JDM legends to obscure classics, here are six cool things to check out at the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2024!

The Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2024 (TASKL 2024) returns for its second year, running from November 8 to November 10 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.

For the second edition, the TASKL 2024 promises to be bigger and better, with the main showcase featuring over 300 top-tier tuned cars this time around, ranging from JDM legends to obscure classics and anything in between.

To help you manoeuvre through the sea of customised vehicles in MITEC’s main halls, we have shortlisted six cool and quirky things you can check out at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur…

1. Top Secret Nissan GT-R R35 Duo & Nissan HKS R35 NEO GT1000+

Yes, we’re cheating a bit here by including more than one car in this place, as both Top Secret and HKS have dished out some interesting builds based on the legendary Nissan GT-R R35, affectionately known as ‘Godzilla’.

Nissan GT-R R35 Gold M24 SPL (left) & Nissan GT-R T-Spec Track Edition (right)

From Top Secret, Smoky Nagata & Co. have brought in two new special builds, namely the Nissan GT-R R35 Gold M24 SPL and the Nissan GT-R T-Spec Track Edition. While the former is technically the continuation of last year’s TS R35GTR Gold build (which was allegedly sold to one Johor royalty), the latter is essentially a maxed-out track version of the latest GT-R T-Spec.

Meanwhile, HKS has also brought in a special build based on the GT-R R35. Cordially named the HKS R35 NEO GT1000+, this concept build features a series of serious performance upgrades that sees the GT-R’s stock output of 570 PS and 637 NM boosted to over 1,000 PS, making it one of the most potent R35 GT-R builds out there.

2. Two7 Bagged Honda NSX

From one legendary JDM nameplate to another, this Honda NSX special build is the one that truly separates the fans—which is ironically the same thing that this second-gen NSX did when it debuted about a decade ago.

Christened as the Two7 ‘Bagged’ Honda NSX, this stanced NSX is made by a Japan-based suspension company named Air Force Suspension Japan. Besides the super-lowered air suspension setup it underpins, this special NSX boasts a pretty minimal exterior makeover, featuring a special carbon fibre bodykit by Aimgain, plus a staggered set of Advan Racing wheels measuring 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear.

3. Proton Wira Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 3 WRC Build

At first glance, one can be forgiven for thinking that this is a replica of the WRC-winning Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 3 rally car driven by the legendary Tommi Makinen himself.

Instead, this WRC-inspired build is based on the Proton Wira sedan (chassis code C98), which is essentially built on the same platform as the Mitsubishi Lancer. While the exterior looks almost full-decked rally, the car’s interior is being kept rather standard, perhaps serving as a reminder of its humble beginnings as a Proton.

4. Austin Mini Pick-Up

Hidden in the sea of JDMs and exotic builds is this super clean-looking Austin Mini Pick-Up truck, so clean that we even need to take a second glance to be super sure of it.

Built from 1961 to 1983 based on the Austin Mini Mk 1, this cutesy yet functional pick-up truck (or technically a coupé utility by definition) shares the same platform as the Austin Mini Van, which spans 3.4 metres long and weighs less than 700 KG.

Its clean and period-accurate exterior is matched with a very mint-looking interior, which is a testament to the excellent job done by the restorer in keeping this quirky pick–up truck alive and well more than half a century after its inception.

5. Tesla Model 3 by Prazis Air Suspension Malaysia

Yet another stanced build showcased here, but we’d reckon this one may get more ‘purists’ fuming simply from its presence in this year’s TASKL show. And that is simply because, unlike the uber-cool Two7 NSX, this stance is based on the Tesla Model 3, specifically the facelifted ‘Highland’ variant.

This unique (or utter woke nonsense, depending on who you ask) built is the work of Prazis Air Suspension, specifically its Malaysian arm, where it rides on the brand’s bespoke air suspension system. While some might loathe the ‘engine bay’ build that houses the air suspension pump instead of a fire-breathing engine, extra points must be given for the self-aware ‘Not For Everybody’ stickers.

6. Porsche Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB) Malaysia

And of course, any aftermarket motor show is not complete without the display from the world-renowned yet controversial tuning house, Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB).

Featured here are a slew of special RWB Porsche builds in Malaysia, with the highlight being the two latest RWB Porsches christened by Akira Nakai himself, Hanabi and Kagayaki, which are also the ninth and tenth RWB official builds to ever exist in Malaysia.

Whatever opinions and thoughts you have on Nakai-san’s design and method of ‘transforming’ these classic Porsches, it is hard to deny that their appearance in any motor show, particularly the TASKL 2024, truly helps to liven up the mood in the entire hall.