These Are The Fastest Japanese Cars Ever Made

Japan, a powerhouse of automotive innovation, has consistently pushed the boundaries of speed and performance. In this article, we take a high-octane ride through the world of Japanese automotive excellence while highlighting the fastest Japanese cars ever made.

Most Japanese cars were reliable, cheap, easy to maintain, and perfect for the family. However, several carmakers from Japan have built some sensational sports cars over the years.

There are a few cars that kickstarted the JDM tuner trend throughout the world, such as the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra. The JDM culture has now become bigger than ever. There are millions of JDM car aficionados all over the world.

Although many high-performance modern sports cars are being produced in Japan, GTR’s RB26 DETT and Supra’s 2JZ motors are true automotive icons that can be tuned to as much as 2000 horsepower, and these cars are known for their bulletproof reliability, especially the engines.

Now, without further ado, here is a look at the fastest Japanese cars ever made.

10. 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition

The tenth fastest Japanese car ever made is the 2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition. The RC F Track Edition has a top speed of 168 mph and a 0–60 time of 3.96 seconds. Under the hood, the RC F Track Edition features a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels.

Since the loss of the LFA, Lexus has become a regular luxury carmaker, just like it used to be. However, for those who want fun, Lexus offers a few sportscars and performance-oriented sedans in their lineup, and the RC F is one of the most popular of those. Two doors, a sexy design, and most importantly, a big naturally aspirated V8 under the hood—that's basically what you get when you bring home an RC F. Lexus offers two trim levels for the RC F, and the top one is called the Track edition, which will save two-tenths of a second compared to the regular version in a 0–60 sprint.

However, the Track Edition is a lot more than that, especially when you look at the upgrades in performance equipment. It gets drilled and ventilated carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes instead of the regular ones, lightweight forged alloy rims by BBS, etc. So if you want a racecar to enjoy on your nearby track, then the RC F is perfect for you. Currently, Lexus is selling the Track Edition RC F for $101,070, and the regular RC F comes at a price of $68,195.

9. 2014 Lexus IS F

Next up is the 2014 Lexus IS F high-performance sports sedan, which represents Lexus' foray into the realm of high-powered, track-inspired vehicles. At the heart of the 2014 IS F is a robust 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque. This helped the car reach a top speed of 170 mph. It could also go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

The 2014 IS F was a fat four-door sedan just like any other car from the outside, but that’s before you start the engine. Unlike our American V8s, the Lexus V8 feels more smooth, both in terms of driving and sound. The power delivery is very linear, and it is very stable at high speeds. Why they stopped making the IS F is a question asked by many, but what we’ve felt is that the IS F didn’t sell as much as Lexus expected, and the automaker was also negligent in giving it proper updates with time, making it feel outdated in front of the competition like the M3 and the C63 AMG.

The Lexus IS F used to cost around $64,000 back in 2014 when it was last on sale; however, you can get it for much less from our used car page link below.

8. 2002 Acura NSX

Next up on this list is the 2002 Acura NSX, which was known as the Honda NSX outside of the USA. The 2002 NSX had a top speed of 175 mph, and it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Under the hood of the 2002 NSX was a mid-mounted 3.2-liter V6 engine that produced approximately 290 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system, providing a combination of power and efficiency. The NSX's lightweight aluminum body and chassis, coupled with a rear-wheel-drive setup, contributed to its nimble handling and responsive performance.

The 2002 version of the Acura NSX underwent a facelift to maintain a more contemporary appearance compared to its rivals. A redesigned suspension system was paired with slightly wider rear tires. Besides that, we fixed xenon HID headlight units that took the place of the original pop-up headlamps. If you wanted to buy a 2002 Acura NSX in good condition, it would cost you more than $100,000.

7. 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII FQ-400

The 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII FQ-400 stands as a high-performance variant of the popular Evo VIII. It had a top speed of 175 mph, and it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

At the heart of the FQ-400 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing a staggering 405 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. This impressive power output is achieved through various upgrades, including a larger turbocharger, high-flow fuel injectors, and an enhanced intercooler. The FQ-400 also features a robust six-speed manual transmission, coupled with the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that Mitsubishi is renowned for.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8, or, should I say, Lancer Evolution VIII, in its FQ-400 avatar, was one of the most popular, powerful, and fastest Lancers ever made for the road. It was developed in collaboration with renowned British tuning firm Prodrive and was the pinnacle of the Evolution series during its time, offering extreme power and performance.

Now, Mitsubishi has stopped making these fun cars after the discontinuation of the Evo X, and now the Lancer Evo VIII FQ-400 models are up for sale for around $40,000–$50,000 in the used car scene.

6. 1998 Toyota Supra Turbo

Next up is the legendary 1998 Toyota Supra Turbo. The Supra Turbo had a limited top speed of 155 mph, but according to Toyota, you could reach a top speed of 177 mph if the limiter was removed.

As part of the fourth generation of the Toyota Supra, the 1998 Turbo model is particularly noteworthy for its potent powerplant and advanced technology. Under the hood, the 1998 Supra Turbo is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, known as the 2JZ-GTE. This engine is an engineering marvel, capable of producing around 321 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. Renowned for its robust design, the 2JZ-GTE became a legendary powerplant, often used in various high-performance applications.

The 1998 Toyota Supra Turbo is revered for its exceptional performance, stylish design, and strong presence in the automotive enthusiast community. The design of the 1998 Supra Turbo is iconic, featuring sleek lines, a distinctive front fascia, and a signature rear wing. The body design is not only stylish but also aerodynamically efficient, contributing to the car's performance capabilities.

5. 1996 Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R (R33)

The 1996 Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R (R33) is one of three GT-Rs on this list. The Nismo 400R (R33) was the high-performance variant of the R33-generation Skyline GT-R, developed by Nismo, Nissan's motorsport division. This limited-edition model is celebrated for its enhanced performance, distinctive styling, and exclusivity.

It had a top speed of 186 mph and a 0–60 time of 4 seconds. This is thanks to the 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine under its hood. With upgrades from Nismo, including strengthened internals, larger turbochargers, and improved intake and exhaust systems, the 400R produces approximately 400 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. T

Even though this model was super rare, R33 GT-R owners love to swap their regular bumpers with the R33 GT-R Nismo 400R front bumper, thanks to its aggressive design, and it is considered one of the most popular accessories for the R33 Skyline GT-R.

Only 44 of the R33 400 R were made, and according to reports, only 40 of them exist as of now. This type of rarity makes the Nismo 400 R fetch prices of over a million dollars in modern classic auctions these days.

4. 2003 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 Z-tune Nismo

Next up is the ultimate JDM icon, the 2003 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 Z-tune Nismo. The R34 Z-tune Nismo is an extraordinary and limited-edition variant of the R34 generation GT-R.

At the heart of the Z-tune is a hand-built RB26DETT 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. Nismo reworked this powerplant to deliver an astonishing 500 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the standard GT-R's output. The engine features upgraded internals, larger turbochargers, and a strengthened block, contributing to the Z-tune's top speed of 191 mph and a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds.

Nismo bought 18 used Skylines under 29,000 miles and revamped them completely from the ground up. Besides the enlarged 2.8L twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, the Z-tune also received some minor aesthetic upgrades like the revised front hood, wide wheel arches, wide tires, Brembo brakes, and a track-tuned suspension setup. On the whole, it is the most hard-core Skyline GT-R R34 that has ever existed. Being one of the rarest cars in the world, it's no surprise that the R34 Z-tune Nismo can fetch over $2 million at an auction.

3. 2022 Acura NSX Type S

The third-fastest Japanese car ever made is the 2022 Acura NSX Type S. The 2022 NSX Type S came with an updated version of the hybrid powertrain that now produced 600 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque instead of the 573 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque from the previous model year.

This updated power output helped the NSX Type S reach a top speed of 191 mph, which is the same as the 2003 R34 Z-tune Nismo. It could also go from 60 mph to 3.1 seconds.

2022 was the last model year of the NSX, and a total of 355 units were produced. Besides the updated powertrain, the 2022 Acura NSX Type S comes with a Type S badge on it.

Priced at $171,495, the power figures are close to a 911 Turbo S but with more efficiency and refinement levels. It is relatively cheaper as well. Speaking of design, the compact coupe looks angrier than the previous generation with a more aggressive front end, while the rear end remains the same. Altogether, it is one of the best Japanese cars that balances the best of both worlds.

2. 2012 Lexus LFA

Next up is the 2012 Lexus LFA, which is a true gem of a car from Japan. It is a car that totally changed the perception of Japanese sports cars. It was produced from 2011 to 2012 and can easily be considered one of the all-time great supercars to come from Japan. The 2012 LFA had a top speed of 203 mph, which is good enough for it to be the second-fastest Japanese car ever made. It could also go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

Under the hood, the LFA is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 engine that produces a spine-tingling 552 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This high-revving engine, capable of reaching 9,000 RPM, is mated to a six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) that enables lightning-fast gear changes.

Ex-Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson described the Lexus LFA as "bloody brilliant" and even stated that it was the best car he has ever driven. We would have to agree with that statement, as everything from its screaming V10 engine to the absolutely mind-blowing exterior design is crafted to perfection. 500 units of the LFA were produced, and today, the value of a used LFA is somewhere between $700,000 and $1 million. There are very few cars that make you want to drive forever, and the LFA is one of them.

1. 2020 Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo

The 2020 Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo is the fastest Japanese car ever made, with a top speed of 205 mph. It could also go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, which also makes it the fastest-accelerating Japanese car in the world.

Under the hood of the GT-R Nismo lies a hand-built 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powerplant generates a formidable 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most potent iterations of the GT-R. The engine is paired with a dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission, providing rapid gear changes and contributing to the car's impressive acceleration.

The 2020 Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo represents the pinnacle of the GT-R lineup, showcasing Nissan's commitment to high-performance engineering and racing-inspired technology.

The 2020 GT-R Nismo boasts an advanced aerodynamic package, including a large rear wing, front canards, and a unique front bumper. These enhancements improve downforce and overall stability, allowing the car to handle high-speed corners with precision. The suspension system is fine-tuned for a more responsive and dynamic driving experience.