Extras - ��ɬ is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

��ɬ's 12 Days of Partsmas!

2022-12-19T19:21:49+00:00

For the Holiday season to end 2022, ��ɬ was feeling extra festive!

As you may know, we've unboxed a ton of great products over the course of our Tuning 365 TV show, and surprisingly enough, we didn't steal all of those products for our own builds! We have a bunch of products that we want YOU to install, so we put together ��ɬ's 12 Days of Partsmas to get some of these products into the hands of guys who are looking to install new gear. We released a video every day for 12 days and offered viewers the chance to register to potentially receive some gifts to install for us!

If you're reading this, there is still a good chance some of these are up for grabs!

The products up for grabs are listed below:

Day 1.
SPC Performance Suspension Package for Infiniti G37/Nissan 370Z

Fitment: Infiniti G37 / Nissan 370Z

Day 2.
iBeam Vehicle Safety Systems Kit

Fitment: Universal

Day 3.
Advanced Clutch Technology Mod-Twin Clutch for Evo X

Fitment: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Day 4.
Momento M6 Dashcam

Fitment: Universal

Day 5.
Kicker TRTP Loaded Down-Firing Enclosure

Fitment: Universal

Day 6.
ISC Suspension Subaru Suspension Package

Fitment: Numerous Subaru models

Day 7.
JVC KV-DR305W Dash Cam

Fitment: Universal

Day 8.
Aunex 1100.5D Amplifier

Fitment: Universal

Day 9.
Clutch Masters FX350 Clutch & Flywheel Kit for 2017 Honda Civic 1.5L

Fitment: 2017 Honda Civic 1.5L

Day 10.
Rockford Fosgate Audio System (Rockford Fosgate Power T1650 Speakers, Punch P3D2-12 R2 Subwoofer and Amplifiers)

Fitment: Universal

Day 11.
ST Suspensions ST-XTA Plus3 Coilovers for Honda Civic FC Type R

Fitment: FC Generation Honda Civic Type R

Day 12.
DeatschWerks 8th/9th Gen Honda Civic K-Series Fuel System

Fitment: 8th/9th Generation Honda Civic K-Series

��ɬ Reader's Choice Awards

2018-02-06T16:56:40+00:00

S30.world Launches "The Masterpieces" - Celebrating Nissan's S30 Platform

2025-09-30T15:42:37+00:00

S30.world has announced a project that takes a focused approach to the preservation of the Datsun 240Z and its Fairlady Z counterpart. The initiative, called The Masterpieces, focuses on limited-run, factory-correct restorations of the S30 chassis cars, with the first example set to cross the auction block on October 23, 2025, on Bring a Trailer in the United States.

Unlike modernized restomods or personalized builds, the Masterpieces program is designed to return each car to the precise condition it left the factory in more than five decades ago. The restorations adhere strictly to the original specifications, from drivetrain and interior to the smallest factory fasteners and clips. Each car retains its original color inside and out, and every component is either restored or remanufactured to factory standards.

"No expense or effort will be spared to achieve this peak level of quality," says Chris Visscher, founder of S30.world. A particular emphasis is placed on bodywork. Each shell is brought back to its original form with no visible trace of repair, welding, or modification, even under detailed inspection. Spot welds are recreated with the same pattern and method used at Nissan’s facilities during the original production run.

The work has already drawn recognition from those closest to the car’s origins. In October 2024, Takeo Miyazaki - part of Nissan’s original S30 development team - personally evaluated three completed cars. After driving them, he remarked that the restorations "truly brought him back in time and that he was amazed with the perfection in details."

The inaugural auction will be hosted on Bring a Trailer, timed deliberately to align with both the S30’s history and Nissan’s broader heritage. October 23, 2025, marks 56 years since the model’s debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1969. The date also connects to Nissan’s longstanding association with the number 23, which carries a phonetic link in Japanese - “ni” for two and “san” for three, together forming “ni-san.” The number has since become a symbol for the brand, especially in motorsport.

"The commitment to quality and accuracy exhibited in these restorations is unsurpassed. I am excited to partner with S30.world and bring these special 240Z's to market," says Adam Eisenhauer of Garage 44, the U.S.-based firm coordinating the sales.

With The Masterpieces, S30.world is positioning the 240Z not just as a classic car to be preserved, but as a cultural landmark to be experienced as it was in period. The auction will open the first of these cars to collectors and enthusiasts who value accuracy over interpretation.

Chopping Block: Lexus LS

2025-09-26T19:25:53+00:00

Here we go again. Another week, another sedan gets retired. Sometimes the car receives a send-off with a limited production final edition model (Lexus RC), but usually a press release confirming end of production (Acura TLX, Audi A7 and S7) is all we get.

In the case of the flagship LS sedan, Lexus is opting for the former. The big Lexus will receive a special send-off with a limited production model to commemorate a car that began the Lexus brand. The LS, along with the mid-size ES, were the two cars that launched Lexus in 1989 as 1990 models.

Through five generations, the LS has often served as a technology carrier for Lexus, while also serving as the brand’s standard bearer for design, craftsmanship, and driving dynamics. It was the original “relentless pursuit of perfection” model, as those of us old enough to remember witnessed during many of its 1990s TV ad campaigns.

But after 36 years, declining sales have forced Lexus parent company Toyota’s hand. While the LS reliably sold 20,000 units or more in the U.S. through 2008, the last 17 years have seen steady decline. The 10,000-unit mark hasn’t been hit since 2013, and sales have dropped significantly since the Covid pandemic. Just 2,163 LS units were sold in the U.S. in 2024, and only 691 have left dealership lots this year through Q2 (June 30).

So, the handwriting, as they say, was on the wall. With that in mind, the LS will bow out in 2026 with a Heritage Edition limited production model. Just 250 units will make it to the U.S., with another five headed to Canada.

Scroll down for the official statement from Lexus USA, which includes product details and pricing. Of note, pricing for Canada has not been released. The 2026 LS goes on sale there next year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

PLANO, Texas (Sep. 26, 2025) – Over the past 36 years, the Lexus LS has defined what a flagship luxury sedan should be: the perfect balance of performance, innovation, and timeless comfort. For 2026, the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition arrives as a thoughtfully curated, mono spec model with elevated style and substance. Limited to just 250 units, this serves as a tribute to a model that has defined luxury for over three decades—combining timeless design, innovative technology, and unparalleled craftsmanship into one exceptional automotive icon. This special edition is a statement to the LS’s remarkable journey, celebrating the craftsmanship, innovation, and passion that have defined it from day one.

The 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition will have a starting MSRP* of $99,280 with units expected to arrive in dealerships this fall.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the features, please refer to the LS Specifications.

*Includes Delivery, Processing and Handling fee of $1,450

Honoring the Original

For 2026, the Lexus LS 500 is only offered as the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition with only 250 units set to be produced. Starting with the exterior, Lexus introduces a striking new color, Ninety Noir, which offers a deep sophisticated black that effortlessly complements dark exterior moldings and garnishes. Further setting this limited edition apart are its 20-inch split-20-spoke alloy wheels featuring a richer Dark Gray Metallic finish, enhancing the sedan’s commanding presence while still incorporating noise-reduction technology for a quieter ride.

Inside, the Heritage Edition unveils an LS-first Rioja Red interior, enveloping occupants in rich, vibrant luxury. Along with this bold new cabin finish, an etched Lexus LS Heritage Edition emblem adorns the center console. Featuring an elegant silhouette of the LS, this design addition is echoed and embroidered on the headrests, adding a refined touch of exclusivity and a subtle nod to this model’s illustrious lineage.

Standard features on the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition include a panorama glass roof that bathes the cabin in natural light and a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for enhancing both visibility and safety. The interior’s Laser Special Black premium wood trim is refreshed with a new pattern, complementing the Ultrasuede® -trimmed headliner and sun visors for an elevated tactile experience.

Additional luxury and convenience features include heated rear seats, a power lift-up buckle, and a Mark Levinson® 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Reference Surround Sound system with QuantumLogic® Immersion.

Advanced Park is also standard on the Heritage Edition model.

Impressive Power

The 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine on the LS 500 offers the output one would expect in a flagship sedan: 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine features a lip shape on the piston top to help realize low emissions and quiet operation when the engine is cold. The wastegate control on the twin-turbo engine provides stable opening and closing of the valve to enhance performance efficiency. The 10-speed automatic transmission aids in keeping the engine in a more responsive area of its power band.

The LS 500 can deliver a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds. The driver can tailor powertrain response and feel by choosing from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S, or Sport S+ modes. The AWD system features a Torsen® limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction, and cornering stability.

Technology and Convenience Features

Lexus Interface with standard 12.3-inch touchscreen

A standard 12.3-inch, high-definition touchscreen provides easy-to-use controls and clear information to the driver and front-seat passenger. The glass screens utilize a high-adhesion, anti-reflective coating to realize a vivid display. Menu operations are similar to those found on smartphones and tablets.

Cloud Navigation*

With an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, this 100% cloud-capable system integrates with Google points of interest (POI) data to provide faster and more up-to-date search results, more accurate directions, and alternate routes based on current traffic conditions. Offline mode is designed to detect a potential loss of signal and download applicable maps and services in advance.

Intelligent Assistant*

With an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, Intelligent Assistant offers convenience for customers. Designed with dual microphones, enhanced noise cancellation and seat detection capabilities for greater voice-recognition accuracy, by simply saying “Hey Lexus,” available voice commands can operate certain interior amenities, such as navigation, multimedia, and climate control.

Digital Key*

With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, guests can utilize their compatible smartphone as a vehicle key through the Lexus app. Digital Key can allow for the control of door locks and enables additional usability when car sharing, during valet parking or home delivery of packages. The Digital Key can be shared with up to seven additional people, creating a convenient experience for users registered on the Lexus App.

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility

The Lexus LS features standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, which enables users to access many of their favorite apps and control menus via their preferred mobile device ecosystem. The wireless capability allows for up to five Bluetooth®-enabled devices to be registered to the system, with up to two devices connected at any one time.

Safety Connect*

Customers can use their 5-year minimum Lexus Safety Connect trial for access to exceptional service in case of emergency/vehicle theft.

Service Connect*

Available via the Lexus app, the 5-year minimum Service Connect trial can connect a compatible Lexus and dealer to provide detailed maintenance reminders and Vehicle Health Reports.

Head-Up Display

Essential information, such as a speedometer and shift position, and other information, including navigational directions and the information displayed during the use of Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist, can be safely displayed in front of the driver’s field of vision. The display’s positioning can be linked to a driver’s seat position memory function.

*4G network dependent.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

One of the hallmarks of LS’s success is its dependable safety features. LS 500 continues to come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which provides additional features. Included in LSS+ 3.0 are Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beam, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management (DRCC), and Proactive Driving Assist.

Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection – Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian

Detection is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain circumstances. If the driver does not react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking. PCS uses a camera and millimeter-wave radar for enhanced performance and reliability. Features for LSS+ 3.0 include:

Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist – designed to provide additional steering torque during an emergency maneuver initiated by the driver, enhancing vehicle stability and helping prevent lane departure. This steering support function is designed to operate when the Pre-Collision System is turned ON, the turn signal is not being operated, the speed of the vehicle is between 25-50 mph and the relative speed to the detected object is between 25-50 mph.
Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking –designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.

Full-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) – Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control helps maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you, from highway speeds down to a full stop.

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) – When Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is enabled and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) – If the system detects no driver input for some time, audible warnings will alert the driver. If no further inputs are detected, EDSS is designed to bring the vehicle to a gradual stop while keeping it in its lane, and hazard lights are activated to warn other road users. EDSS only operates when driving on expressways with DRCC and LTA activated.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) – When white/yellow lane markings or certain road edge boundary lines are detected at speeds above 30 mph, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system is also designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.

Road Sign Assist (RSA) – Using an intelligent camera, Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).

Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) – When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.

Automatic High Beams – Automatic High Beams can automatically toggle between high and low beams based on the vehicle’s surroundings.

2026 Lexus LS Pricing Chart

Model# Model Name 26MY MSRP*

9126 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition $99,280

*Includes Delivery, Processing and Handling fee of $1,450

Photos courtesy of Lexus USA

Forza Horizon 6 Is Heading to Japan in 2026

2025-09-25T17:46:24+00:00

The wait is over — Forza Horizon 6 is coming in 2026, and this time the series is heading to Japan. The news was revealed during Xbox’s Tokyo Game Show broadcast, along with a teaser trailer.

Why Japan?

Fans have asked for Japan for years, and Playground Games is finally delivering. The country’s mix of car culture, city life, and natural beauty makes it the perfect setting. From neon-lit Tokyo streets to mountain roads and rural towns, the game aims to capture the feel of Japan rather than recreate it one-to-one.

Authentic Touches

A cultural consultant is helping guide the look and atmosphere of the world. Expect details like cherry blossoms in spring, snowy winters, and the unique sounds of Japanese streets to make the experience feel real.

Car Culture

Japan’s influence on car culture is massive, from drifting to street builds. Forza Horizon 6 will celebrate that, bringing a fresh lineup of fan favorites along with local icons.

Release Plans

Forza Horizon 6 will launch in 2026 on Xbox and PC, with a PlayStation 5 version coming later. More details are expected early next year, but fans can already add it to their wishlist on Xbox and Steam.

Chopping Block: Audi A7 and S7

2025-09-18T20:30:32+00:00

Time for yet another entry in Chopping Block, our non-exhaustive journal of discontinued cars. It’s a list that, unfortunately, keeps growing as more nameplates, passenger cars mostly, are retired. Today, it’s Audi’s turn, as it recently confirmed the mid-size A7 and S7 liftback sedans will not return in 2026. However, the RS 7 Performance will return to the lineup for the U.S. and Canada, but its long-term future is unclear.

The current second gen A7 / S7 have been around since 2018, but its sales volume has been shrinking. U.S. sales were just 1,574 units in 2024, which marked a 13 percent decline versus 2023. Its fortunes this year, at least through the end of Q2 (June 30), have been better with 1,094 units sold (48 percent increase). We’ll note Audi of America groups all A7 sales together so we’re not sure what the breakdown is for each model, including the RS 7.

Despite the sales rebound, Audi chose to pull the plug. In a recent press release, it said the following:

“With the upcoming all-new A6 sedan debuting later this year to further represent Audi in the mid-size segment, the 2026 A7 model line will be embodied solely by the RS 7 Performance. The 2026 RS 7 Performance carries over essentially unchanged, except for the addition of available blue painted brake calipers.”

This is great news, as the RS 7 Performance is dripping in go-fastness. Powered by Audi’s venerable 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (shared with the RS 6 Avant Performance) that produces 621 horsepower and 627 pounds-feet of torque, this sleek sedan has a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive, the RS 7 performance comes fully loaded. Base MSRP for 2026 is $132,700 in the U.S., and $161,188 in Canada.

With a new A6 sedan on the horizon, it seems the RS 6 and RS 7 may not be around for much longer. Whether an all-new RS 6 Avant will succeed the current car is uncertain. Same goes for a next gen A7, although if the decision is based in part on current gen sales, we probably shouldn’t get our hopes up. U.S. sales for the outgoing A6 are down 48 percent through Q2.

We’ll also note Audi has not introduced a next gen RS 5 alongside the new A5, which went on sale earlier this year. High-performance variants often trial the debut of core models, however, so we’re not yet giving up hope for a new RS 5.

While the departure of the Audi A7 and S7 is disappointing, the Four Rings remain committed to sedans, at least in the short term, and that’s a good thing. Plus, we still have five RS cars in North America (RS 3, RS 6, RS 7, RS Q8, and RS e-tron GT) and more could arrive in the future. We remain hopeful.

Photos courtesy of Audi of America

2027 Golf R to get 394-hp 5-cylinder turbo?

2025-09-17T20:30:57+00:00

With an output of 328 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque, the Volkswagen Golf R is an objectively powerful small car. And if recent reports are true, it could become even more of a firebreather in the short-term future.

A recent report in Autocar, a U.K.-based magazine, suggests Volkswagen will drop a five-cylinder turbo engine into the Golf R in 2027, coinciding with the hot hatch’s 25^th anniversary. Car and Driver, which also picked up this story, reports the move could be a grand finale for the gas-powered Golf R before Volkswagen’s lineup is fully electrified by the end of the decade.

The five-cylinder turbo in question is already in the Volkswagen family, where it is currently deployed in the Audi RS 3 compact sedan. Output is a blistering 394 horsepower and 369 foot-pounds of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds.

Now, before anyone makes a beeline to their local Volkswagen dealer to lay their money down, there are some hurdles to clear before a five-cylinder Golf R goes from rumor to reality.

As Car and Driver reports, the engine needs to meet new Euro 7 emissions regulations which are set to go into effect in November 2026. This means it will need some updating. Among the required changes are a new particulate filter, new NOx sensors, redesigned injection mapping, and high cell-density catalysts. Audi is committed to making these changes to keep the engine compliant, the magazine says.

This special Golf R could also need suspension bits from the RS 3, along with other upgrades including forged aluminum Warmenau wheels, and wider semi-slick Bridgestone Potenza Race tires, according to Car and Driver. Bigger brakes and a rejiggered 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox would also come with the package, the magazine notes.

The RS 3’s torque-splitting rear differential, which can send all rear axle power to a single rear wheel, could also find its way into a five-cylinder Golf R, Car and Driver says. It also notes a Golf R variant with unique air intakes has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring.

Finally, we should note that in addition to being a rumor, even if a five-cylinder Golf R is coming, it’s not certain it will come to North America. Autocar reports the car will be revealed next year and will go on sale in the U.K. in 2027, but made no mention of other markets, including North America. It could be a Europe-only model.

So, despite our excitement at the prospect of a fire-breathing, five-cylinder turbo Golf R, we best not get our hopes up just yet.

Photos courtesy of Volkswagen of America and Audi of America

Extras - ����ɬ is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

����ɬ's 12 Days of Partsmas!

����ɬ Reader's Choice Awards

S30.world Launches "The Masterpieces" - Celebrating Nissan's S30 Platform

Chopping Block: Lexus LS

Forza Horizon 6 Is Heading to Japan in 2026

Why Japan?

Authentic Touches

Car Culture

Release Plans

Chopping Block: Audi A7 and S7

2027 Golf R to get 394-hp 5-cylinder turbo?

Extras - ��ɬ is the Tuner's Source for Modified Car Culture since 1999

��ɬ's 12 Days of Partsmas!

��ɬ Reader's Choice Awards