A little behind on posting this but the upcoming release of the AccessPORT in Japan reminded me of our last Japanese tuning trip. Immediately after the Tokyo Auto Salon, Christian, Billy and I (Trey) headed out to Takasaki to do some testing.

First up, we need to do some testing with the EVO IX. Here’s Billy putting the AccessPORT through the paces.

Next up, we did some dyno tuning on Cusco’s GRB (new STi). This is part of the process to train and eventually hand over full tuning duties to Cusco. In March, we’ll fully hand off all tuning duties to Cusco for their version of the AccessPORT. That won’t be the last time we tune cars in Japan… plans are already in motion for COBB Japan. Stay tuned.

While we normally visit Cusco’s race facility, they have another facility in Takasaki that serves as their showroom and where the sales staff operate from. We’ve shared before but here are more shots of their amazing showroom.

SuperGT (JGTC) Impreza

Dirt Trial Impreza (hint to Cusco…two things. Pat Richard. Pikes Peak. Do it!)

Finally, walking through Takasaki, in the Gunma prefecture, you see some crazy stuff sometimes. Everything from a new Lexus LS wearing 888 plates (the number 8 in many Asian cultures means prosperity or wealth) to this…. a normal looking building with a few quite amazing vehicles just sitting unassumingly at its base. Aside from the middle “car”, these are all full size. Any guesses to what they are?