GT-RR.com: Bringing GT-R performance parts to the people

Nissan maintains that the GT-R is mechanized perfection that could never be improved upon (never mind that V-Spec over there), but that's not going to stop owners from attempting to extract every last bit of performance from Nissan's super coupe.

Enter GT-RR.com, an online distributor specializing in the importation of top shelf kit from Japan. Ben Schaffer, president of Bespoke Ventures, one of the men behind Bulletproof Automotive and blogger at The Real JDM, is behind the new site, bringing almost a decade of tuning experience and over 100 aftermarket components to GT-R owners here in the States. The site is currently in BETA testing, but that doesn't mean that GT-R drivers have to leave "good enough" alone.

GT-RR currently offers a nice assortment of parts – from seats to suspension components and exhausts to wheels – and while Schaffer and his team are currently farming out installation work to other reputable shops in the L.A. area, he's not ruling out a dedicated location for work on the GT-R. According to Schaffer, "Our sole focus is on what we do best. Fast and highly accurate logistics and distribution from Japan to both local tuning shops and directly to the end users." Although the aftermarket, along with the rest of the auto industry, is experiencing a downturn, there's little doubt that GT-R owners will be looking for something to turn up the wick on their rides. Thankfully, GT-RR will be there to answer the call.

Motoring J-Style brings JDM flavor to Vallejo, CA

Memorial Day is the traditional kick off of the car show season, and despite some cloudy skies and a few scattered showers, the Motoring J-Style crew returned to Vallejo, California to provide JDM obsessives a venue to show off their wares.

In addition to the obligatory drifting exhibition, the show played host to all manner of Japanese iron, spanning the spectrum from a late '60s, right-hand-drive Toyota Crown to several examples of impeccably equipped late-model Mazdas. The show was broken up into separate sections for Nissan and Toyota, along with a BRE booth, a pseudo-concours event and enough F20C-powered Celicas to have us considering another addition to our Project Garage.

Some of our favorites included Adam Carolla's race-prepped Datsun Roadster, an impeccably restored Mazda RX2, an all carbon fiber Honda hatch, a Toyota Corona with a Lexus SC430 V8 swap and a 1971 Datsun 510 wagon motivated by a 7M-GTE Toyota Supra engine, with a Ford rear end and Corvette C5 front rotors clamped by Dodge Viper calipers. Not to mention that we watched Speedhunters' main man Antonio Alvendia take a spill from the back of a hopped-up golf cart. He survived unscathed and being the consummate professional, he never let his camera hit the ground.

Our boy Brad happily snapped away and we've assembled a massive gallery to keep you occupied between beer runs and barbeque.

Subaru Exiga heading to production, teaser leaks out

We received word from a little birdie last week that Subaru was gearing up to release its brand-new Exiga into journalist's hands in Japan. Coincidentally (or not), a teaser shot of Subaru's new pseudo-CUV popped up on the NASIOC forum over the weekend and it's clear from the darkened profile that many of the elements from the show car have migrated over to the production model. The Exiga, which appeared at last year's Tokyo Motor Show as a lightly veiled concept, will likely form the basis for the new Outback, slotting in between the Legacy and the Tribeca CUV. However, it's doubtful that when the Exiga (or Outback) makes the trek across the Pacific it will be sporting seven full seats. Its closest competitor here in the States is the forthcoming Toyota Venza, which aims to define a new segment between wagon and crossover, but in reality, both vehicles own their inspiration to the AMC Eagle, the original wagon on stilts.

EV race day at Tsukuba circuit in Japan

Today is Children's Day in Japan and that means it's also the day of the annual electric vehicle (EV) races at Tsukuba circuit. Sponsered by the Japan EV club with coordination from Daihatsu Motor Co. (maker of really cool little cars we can't buy in America), the event will feature 30-minute endurance races and 20-lap sprint races with EVs of all stripes including slick open-wheeled racers (like the one pictured above from last year's event). The ever popular electric racing kart (ERK) gymkhana will also be featured. The day begins with at 7 AM with a vehicle inspection and will end after the "commendation ceremony" at three in the afternoon and admission is free. Happy Children's Day!