NISSAN AUTOMOBILE TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS TO REVEAL A TRIO OF MODIFIED NISSANS AT TOKYO AUTO SALON
The Tokyo Auto Salon is one of the world’s biggest automotive events that showcases Japan’s awesome car culture. The show began in 1983, it was originally known as the Tokyo Exciting Car Show and it was created to showcase car customization, modification, and tuning - a massive part of Japanese car culture. Over the years, it has grown into a premier stage for automakers, aftermarket companies, and tuning enthusiasts to display their creativity and innovation. Held annually in January at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba, Japan, the show serves as a platform for revealing modified vehicles, new aftermarket parts, and cutting-edge tech that will eventually make its way around the world. What makes the Tokyo Auto Salon stand out is its blend of mainstream manufacturers that put loads of time, effort and money into attending the show. We already reported that Nissan and Nissan Motorsports & Customizing would be showcasing some impressive new cars, customised in-house, but there’s more to the display in the form of project cars, sorta like Skunkworks things. These cars are special projects undertaken by students from the Nissan Automobile Technical College. The college operates five campuses across Japan - Tochigi, Yokohama, Aichi, Kyoto and Ehime. Over and above the regular studies for national qualifications in automotive maintenance, there are also specialised programs tailored to motorsports and bodywork. The trio of cars on display came from students from the Aichi and Kyoto campuses, it’s a great initiative and will no doubt inspire the students to do more, and visitors to get in on programs and training offered by Nissan. The cars are interesting, to say the least.
NEO Skyline - a 6-month project created by 4th-year students in the Auto Maintenance and Customization Department at the Nissan Kyoto Automobile Technical College
The NEO Skyline is based on the CV35 Skyline Coupe and embodies the concept of a modern Kenmary - a name that resonates with fans of the Nissan Skyline from the 1970s. The students aimed to create a car that captures the essence of the iconic Kenmary while appealing to a contemporary audience. Kenmary“or “Kenmeri” is a nickname given by fans to the 4th-gen Skyline C110 from 1972. Its provenance is due to a popular Japan-domestic Skyline advertising campaign featuring characters Ken and Mary. This build is aimed at enthusiasts in their 30s to 50s, the name NEO stands for nostalgia, encouragement and originality: nostalgia for those in their 50s who fondly remember the Kenmary Skyline from their childhood, encouragement for those in their 40s rediscovering the joy of driving, and originality for those in their 30s who seek novelty in classic restomods. The style retains the essence of the Kenmary without copying its parts or design - the body is painted in original Tomoaki Blue, building on the original Kenmary's bright blue metallic while adding a pearl finish to add a modern touch.
Bluebird Kiwami - an 11-week project created by 3rd-year students from the Auto Body Master Course at Nissan Aichi Automobile Technical College
Students at Nissan Aichi Automobile Technical College leveraged the panel beating and painting skills they’ve learned since to produce the Bluebird Kiwami. Although the production period was only 2.5 months, the end result reflects passion and creativity. The base vehicle is the PU11 Bluebird Maxima, a top-tier model sold 36 years ago. Featuring a 4-door hardtop body minus a centre pillar, it was known for its luxurious feel and spacious interior. The students chose the name Kiwami - Japanese for ‘ultimate’ - to reflect their desire to perfect every aspect of the car and to express the essence of Nissan DNA. Blending luxury with sportiness, the Bluebird Kiwami embodies the Gen Z students' vision of a luxury car with a sporty driving experience. This car was built to target younger drivers who enjoy sharing fun, memorable moments with their friends. The Bluebird Kiwami is finished in Aurora Flare Blue Pearl as a tribute to the sea and clear blue skies - aiming to convey an active and youthful vibe.
Bluebird Kiwami - an 11-week project created by 3rd-year students from the Auto Body Master Course at Nissan Aichi Automobile Technical College
Students at Nissan Aichi Automobile Technical College leveraged the panel beating and painting skills they’ve learned since to produce the Bluebird Kiwami. Although the production period was only 2.5 months, the end result reflects passion and creativity. The base vehicle is the PU11 Bluebird Maxima, a top-tier model sold 36 years ago. Featuring a 4-door hardtop body minus a centre pillar, it was known for its luxurious feel and spacious interior. The students chose the name Kiwami - Japanese for ‘ultimate’ - to reflect their desire to perfect every aspect of the car and to express the essence of Nissan DNA. Blending luxury with sportiness, the Bluebird Kiwami embodies the Gen Z students' vision of a luxury car with a sporty driving experience. This car was built to target younger drivers who enjoy sharing fun, memorable moments with their friends. The Bluebird Kiwami is finished in Aurora Flare Blue Pearl as a tribute to the sea and clear blue skies - aiming to convey an active and youthful vibe.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off a bunch of the awesome modified cars seen at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon - through the lens of Larry Chen, one of the coolest automotive content creators on the planet: Tokyo Auto Salon Goes Crazy! Walk Around Favorites and Standouts 2024 | Larry Chen
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel here for more exciting and exclusive SXdrv content! And don't forget to smash that subscribe button!