Special Feature on Showa Era Cars in OPTION January 2026 Issue: 70s & 80s Heat

OPTION January 2026 - The Showa Era Special

The much-anticipated January 2026 issue of OPTION magazine, published by San-ei Corporation, hits the shelves on November 26, 2025. This edition stands out with its special feature titled 'Showa 100 Years - The 70s & 80s Are Hot!' This comes as Japan celebrates the centennial of the Showa era, making it a perfect time to dive into a nostalgic exploration of car culture.

Reviving the Golden Age of Tuning

The current tuning scene is experiencing an unprecedented neo-classic boom, undoubtedly fueled by the memories and excitement from the 70s and 80s. Our feature taps into this trend, bringing you a variety of tuned vehicles that include machines embodying the latest technologies, as well as those treasured for their vintage appeal. The spotlight can't help but shine brightly on the FL5 Civic Type R, a model that has enthralled car enthusiasts and is featured in a dedicated 48-page booklet.

GR Yaris M Concept Debuts

We’ll also take you behind the scenes of the GR Yaris M Concept, unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025. This car, equipped with a new 2L turbocharged engine, made a stunning debut at the Okayama International Circuit, winning the top checker flag in the ST-Q class during its inaugural race. We’ll delve deep into the intriguing mechanics and developmental journey of this remarkable vehicle.

VeilSide S30 L-Type Twin Cam Takes to the Streets

Spring this year marked the unveiling of the development project for the LZ6, an L-type twin cam engine. Coinciding with the Showa 100 Years theme, the first stage of vehicle production has been completed. The LZ6's installation, settings, and initial test runs have been conducted, after which the car was sent to the USA for a world premiere with renowned designer San Kan.

Neo Classic Hot Tunes

The neo-classic scene is not just about nostalgia; it embraces cutting-edge tuning techniques, producing cars that outshine modern models. We'll showcase three stunning hot-tuned cars: the AE86, Z31, and RX31, illustrating how these classics have been reimagined for the contemporary audience.

Skyline's Enduring Legacy

No discussion of Japanese performance cars is complete without a nod to the Skyline. This vehicle has cemented its place in racing history since the dawn of the era and remains a symbol of classic car fandom even today.

Civic Revolution

When it comes to FF sports cars, the Civic stands proudly. In this issue, we’ll showcase a restomod of the first-gen Civic SB1 and feature tuned versions of the third-gen AT-Wonder Civic and the fourth-gen EF9 Grand Civic. Expect thrilling performance assessments from driver Takemichi Suehiro.

The Evolution of 86/BRZ

Leading the FR sports segment, the 86/BRZ have become the backbone of car culture. The later model ZN6, attractive both in performance and price, is primed to replace the Silvia/180SX as the go-to 'FR Turbo'. We’ll delve into the complete car sales plans involving this specification from Revolver in Okayama, scrutinizing its specifications and future outlook.

Feature on FL5 Civic Type R

The current champ of tuning popularity is undoubtedly the FL5 Civic Type R. This edition includes a thorough examination of 48 pages dedicated to the FL5, covering demo cars from manufacturers and shops, comparative tests on tracks and winding roads, insights on the latest parts, styling techniques, and wheel matching.

1. Special Feature: Showa 100 Years
2. GR Yaris M Concept at the Super Taikyu
3. Neo Classic Hot Tunes: AE86, Z31, RX31
4. Unraveling the Skyline Legacy
5. Civic Revolution: SB1 and Tuned Classics
6. Evolution of the 86/BRZ
7. FL5 Civic Type R Exclusive Booklet

As we continue to celebrate car culture and innovation, OPTION magazine remains committed to delivering rich content for enthusiasts and new audiences alike. Join us in reviving the spirit of these incredible machines and exploring the stories behind them!