I obtained my licence in the mid-nineties when grey imports of JDM classics grew popular. Dealerships and importers were becoming ubiquitous as was the second-hand market for these cars. Most were highly modified but,  by virtue of Japanese emissions laws, relatively low mileage. Many of these cars were well supported by a growing network of specialist spare part importers, performance upgrades and some shared componentry with Australian-delivered vehicles. With the majority turbo-charged, tuning options were plentiful, offering young enthusiasts an entry into the performance scene at competitive pricing. Insurance companies also started to respond with similarly reduced policy costs.

Today's article is a homage to these forgotten cars. Cars that haven’t survived, or become as collectable as their JDM brethren. For the sake of order, I have decided to work through manufacturers in turn, focussing on less popular models that were still genuinely performance-orientated.

I’ve spent so much time and energy researching the tune to give up now. I have consulted tuning experts, engineers, car enthusiasts, and the internet.  The result. I have decided to go with a custom tune by Evolve Technik. Why? The result. I have decided to go with a custom tune by Evolve Technik. Why? Evolve Technik was one of two tuners that provided an opportunity to discuss in detail their tuning process, and most importantly consider what it was I wanted from the tune.

In Australia, we have produced some fantastic, inspired and outrageous cars over the years. However, as a smaller market, we didn't always receive some of the gifts from other manufacturers that arguably could have become icons down under. In this article, I will take a look at six truly cool cars that should have come to our shores.

I have decided to tune my car. Well, that’s not entirely true. When I bought the GTI, part of the reason was its ‘tune-ability’, and the access to a variety of high-quality aftermarket modifications. So essence I have committed to researching tuning options, with a date in mind for the tune. January 2024, the end of the warranty. I started some preliminary research on tunes, basically reading about the ubiquitous APR and COBB versions. Realising there are many different methods to go about tuning a car, thousands of different brands and an equal amount of variation on how these providers achieve their results, I decided to write this article. 

Open-top motoring can accentuate the connection between man, machine and the elements of the open road. They inspire a sense of freedom, and despite the complexity of a folding roof, they often have an inherent simplicity about their design - lightweight, responsive handling and a willing engine sympathetic to the constraints of the chassis. Think MX-5, Alfa Romer Spider or MGB.

Initially I had thought to focus on the utilitarian elements of utes and pick-ups, the best work horses fit for purpose, but that purpose is now as wide as the choice of vehicle available. So lets take a ‘greatest hits’ approach. Like a greatest hits album, the songs are eclectic and enjoyable, but don’t consistently meld through a coherent theme.

This market is perhaps the most contested segment by car makers today, with most offering some sort of ‘hot’ or ‘warm’ option. It could be considered the most important market today allowing everyone an entry point into the performance scene with options from budget to prestige, in different sizes, driveline options, and dynamics. With combustion engines under threat, a well-priced, practical car that offers good economy is a key ingredient for a successful hot hatch. 

The Fine Art of Parking!

Some 25yrs ago my friends and I would discuss the idea of selecting the perfect parking space to protect our beloved vehicle. The discussion was somewhat in jest, but also I think as early 20 somethings we did consider it a higher, more philosophical exploration of the mundane. Part of this discussion was developing a playbook of how to park, so here it is!