Fastest Japanese Cars Ever Produced – While Japanese auto manufacturers no longer chase top-speed crowns like during the 1990s horsepower wars, several historic production models from the major Japanese automakers have delivered face-melting, license-losing velocity complementing their precise handling.
Below we highlight the fastest and often most powerful cars from key heavy hitters Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Lexus, and more – models granting owners straight-line performance bragging rights through blistering speed.
Fastest Japanese Cars Nissan GT-R: Taming Godzilla Unleashed
When Nissan decided to revive the legendary Skyline GT-R brand in 2007, they created a vehicle lacking rivals as the fastest accelerating and most technically advanced Japanese car ever.
Its 480 hp twin-turbo V6 enables catapulting the AWD GT-R to 60 mph in under 3 seconds thanks to innovative launch control systems. And with Nissan continually updating Godzilla’s vault of tricks this beast maintains a legit claim as Japan’s motorsport hero.
Lexus LFA: Carbon Fiber Supercar Statement
Debuting as the lovechild passion project of Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi, Lexus stunned supercar circles in 2010 by introducing their $400k LFA as direct competition to Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Its bespoke carbon fiber construction, Formula 1-inspired 9,000 RPM 552 hp V10 and race team development delivered LeMans prototype roadgoing credentials with otherworldly looks to match rocketing from 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds.
Toyota Supra MK4: Legendary 2JZ Powerplant’s Home
Before the latest BMW-infused generations, Toyota’s 3rd gen MK4 Supra defined affordable supercars blending sleek styling with legendary robust engines.
Its 2JZ family of inline six cylinders became synonymous with tuning culture after the twin sequential turbocharged variety propelled Supras beyond supercar territory to 214 mph. An MK4’s sub-5 second 0-60 mph still raises eyebrows 20+ years later.
Mazda RX-7 FD3S: Rotary Screamer Supreme
In 1991, Mazda hit a high watermark evolving its signature compact wedge sports coupe by introducing the RX-7 FD3S. Its sequential twin-turbo 13B powerplant enabled the featherlight RX-7 to hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds while shrieking to its 9,000 rpm redline.
With an elite handling balance to match, Mazda’s FB3S showcased the pinnacle of rotary engine performance before emissions regulations forced its curtain call.
Honda NSX Type R: Acura’s Sharp Weapon Unleashed
Although the NSX pioneered an everyday fascinating formula blending understated styling with reliability, the Type R model introduced in 1992 unleashed true track attack velocity from Honda.
Shedding weight while gaining race-bred suspension and aero tweaks, the NSX Type R roared to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds thanks to its honed 290 hp V6. Priced above Ferrari 348s, it beat them on tracks regularly.
Conclusion Of Fastest Japanese Cars
While raw acceleration takes a backseat to balance and precision today, multiple Japanese automakers have unleashed historic supercars hitting 60 mph in 3-4 seconds while attaining unbelievable top speed.
The GT-R, LFA, Supra, RX-7, and NSX models above demonstrate Japan’s auto engineering prowess by blowing doors off equal or pricier European counterparts when given free rein to deliver impulsive velocity in stunning packages.
