2008 Tokyo Auto Salon

For the 'souped-up' car enthusiast, this would be the car show you wouldn't want to miss. This three-day event is known to be the world's largest exhibition of cars dressed with aftermarket parts. We attended the very crowded Tokyo Auto Salon on Saturday, January 12th, at the Makuhari Messe convention centre.

Greddy Nissan GTR

One of Markus' favourite animated movies is Disney's Pixar movie, Cars. When we explained to him we would see cars similar to characters, "DJ", "Boost" and "Wingo" at the show, it of course motivated him enough to want to go. Surely, there were plenty of cars, scooters and motorcycles to keep him interested throughout the day.

In this photo, Markus is trying to figure out if this 33-inch wheel would work with any of his toy cars at home.

Markus sizing-up tires for his new wheels!

Compared to the super flashy, decaled vehicles, there were many beautiful and clean cars that I would love to drive...this smooth looking M3 was one of my top picks.

One of the many drift cars

We discovered that the value of this dressed-up Bentley was well over $250,000 USD.

As you can see, the men scope out more than just cars; a typical site at auto shows in Japan. I highly doubt this hefty crowd marvelled at the purple car at this exhibit.

The new Honda Goldwing is a beast of a motorcycle. I swear the ultra comfortable passenger seat felt like I was sitting in a Lazyboy. The driver's seat was just as nice. Honda debuted the 2006 Goldwing as the first motorcycle to be equipped with front airbag. Shortly after release, Rodney said there were reports of the system having a huge impact on reducing rider injuries. One of his co-workers here in Tokyo was part of team that developed this system.

This Recaro racing-style seat nearly swallowed Markus up, yet he thought it was pretty funny.

Check out the dual super-chargers in this tuned SC400 Lexus.

As always, PEACE!

Heading toward the exit, we heard some loud banging sounds coming from outside of the convention centre. Beyond the crowd we could see cars drifting on a short track. We didn't have the greatest view from where we were standing, though we could still hear the loud engines popping and see the action from a distance. Very cool to witness live! It was cold and rainy that day and the road was very slick. I'm sure these professionals had a blast wooing the crowd as they drifted just inches apart from each other. Rodney is planning an upcoming weekend at the track to watch an all Japan drifting competition. Tanoshimi!