Top 5 Fastest Japanese Sports Cars That Left a Lasting Legacy

Super BEASTS - Speed has always fascinated people. From the racetrack to the highway, the desire to go faster and look cooler doing it never fades. And when it comes to combining performance, design, and cutting-edge engineering, Japan has never shied away from the challenge. 

The legendary Mazda RX-7 car looks more fashionable. (Picture from: Oto.Detik)

Over the years, Japanese automakers have proven time and again that they can produce sports cars that rival—if not outperform—their Western counterparts. With sharp styling, precision handling, and the kind of engineering that borders on obsession, these machines leave lasting impressions long after the engine stops. Among the sea of fast rides from the Land of the Rising Sun, five cars stand out not only for their speed but also for their legacy and personality.

5. Mazda RX-7 (FD)

The Mazda RX-7 FD is a great place to start. This sleek two-door coupe, born from a long line of rotary-engine innovation, was the final and most refined generation of the RX-7. With its lightweight design and perfect front-mid engine placement, the RX-7 FD offered incredible balance and precision. Powered by a 2.6-liter twin-turbo rotary engine, it came in three output versions—236, 255, and 276 horsepower—delivered through a slick 5-speed manual gearbox. 

Mazda RX-7 (FD). (Picture from: http://www.c7carbon.com/)

There was also an automatic option, but enthusiasts usually leaned toward the manual for a more involved drive. Ventilated disc brakes on all corners gave it impressive stopping power, matching its rapid pace. The RX-7 wasn’t just fast; it was soulful, responsive, and artfully designed. No surprise it earned a spot as Playboy’s Car of the Year in 1993 and carved out a reputation as one of the most beloved JDM icons ever. (Jump to related article).

4. Nissan R390 GT-1

Now, if exclusivity had a face, it would look something like the Nissan R390 GT-1. Built with one mission—to conquer the Le Mans 24 Hours in the 1990s—the R390 wasn’t a mass-market performance car; it was a full-blown race machine disguised as a road car. Only two road-legal units were ever made, with one now living in Nissan’s heritage collection. 

Nissan R390 GT-1. (Picture from: http://autos.okezone.com/)

Its appearance alone screams aggression, but under the hood lies a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V8 producing 550 horsepower. It rockets from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds and keeps pushing until it reaches 315 kph. It’s not just fast—it’s rare, sharp, and downright legendary for those who know its story. 

3. Acura NSX

Next comes the Acura NSX, a car that turned the supercar world on its head when it arrived in 1990. Many mistook it for an Italian thoroughbred thanks to its elegant lines and exotic proportions. But this was no Ferrari—it was a Japanese masterpiece powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6 churning out 280 horsepower. What made the NSX even more special was the input from Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna, who helped fine-tune the chassis. 

Acura NSX. (Picture from: http://www.topcarmag.com/)

The result? A supercar that you could drive every day, with reliability and refinement unheard of in its class. Produced until 2005, the NSX became a benchmark for balance and usability, proving that supercars didn't have to be temperamental divas. (Jump to related article).

2. Nissan GT-R (R35)

Speaking of redefining expectations, the Nissan GT-R R35 brought brute force and advanced tech into the spotlight when it launched in 2007. Carrying forward the Skyline legacy, the GT-R packed a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 pushing out 542 horsepower in its 2013 iteration. But numbers only tell half the story. With its all-wheel-drive system, razor-sharp traction, and lightning-quick dual-clutch gearbox, the GT-R could embarrass far more expensive European rivals both on the track and the street. 

Nissan GT-R. (Picture from: http://www.bornrich.com/)

The updated suspension gave it a composed yet aggressive ride, and its bold, muscular design made it instantly recognizable. While its looks may divide opinion, few would argue against its performance pedigree. (Jump to related article).

1. Lexus LFA

Rounding out this adrenaline-charged list is the Lexus LFA—a car that sits in a league of its own. Produced between 2010 and 2012, this was Lexus stepping into the supercar arena with laser-focused ambition. Only 500 units were ever made, each meticulously handcrafted at the Motomachi plant in Japan by a team of just 170 workers. 

Front view of Lexus LFA. (Picture from: http://www.langitberita.com/)

The LFA’s 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine was the star of the show, generating 552 horsepower and screaming to 9,000 rpm with a sound that rivaled Formula 1 cars. It launched from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.6 seconds and reached a top speed of 325 kph. Every detail, from its carbon-fiber construction to its acoustically tuned exhaust note, was engineered with obsessive precision. 

Rearview of Lexus LFA. (Picture from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/)

These five machines—each unique, each iconic—are more than just speed demons. They reflect Japan’s passion for performance, innovation, and craftsmanship. Whether built for the racetrack, the highway, or to stand still and be admired, these cars continue to inspire awe. In a world where cars often feel increasingly alike, Japan’s finest continue to remind us what driving excitement really means. *** [EKA [080513][27042021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DIH | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 03052013]

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