Karuizawa Meet in Nagano 2012 (EVENT PHOTOS INSIDE)

[Phatmiata]

Karuizawa Meet in Nagano 2012

This is the first look at Rod's 2 part coverage of the Karuizawa Meet for 2012. :slayer:

Photos and content by Rod Serikaku/AUTOnGRAPHIC
May 27, 2012




Today I went to cover Japan`s largest Roadster gathering, the Karuizawa Meeting in Nagano for MazdaRoadster.net This is the definition of Japan Roadster style. Unlike the trend stateside the past few years of running Miatas super low on extremely deep dish wheels Japan`s take is usually very subtle changes, never lowering a car too much, or rims with too little offset, to not throw the suspension geometry out of order.


Karuizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture about an hour ride from Tokyo via bullet train. It is mostly known as a leisure getaway for those that want to get out into nature and still do some high end shopping at the same time. I, however was not interested in any of that. I was there to see Japan`s biggest Roadster meeting of the year. Before you even get into the main show area you need to walk through the parking lot, which for me was like walking through MX5 heaven.

http://nanotube.msu.edu/nt06/img-var/japan-map.gif
Nagano, Japan

When I arrived I was greeted by this Yellow MX5 Roadster Coupe. I had only seen two of these up until now in my 4 years living here in Japan, but upon entering the lot I saw five of these in the span of a few minutes.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7341354622_fd2b8cf17c_c.jpg
NB Roadster Coupe

This event is BIG, here is a shot from one corner of the lot!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7341354306_9ce1b23362_c.jpg

And from Above
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7172569605_25a131fc6b_c.jpg

A parking lot full of MX5 Roadsters, a wonderful sight for sure!

One of the Roadsters that stood out was this NA with a bunch of carbon fiber trim, Garage 502 Mirrors, M2-1001 front bumper cover, Volk Wheels, KG-Works Rear View Mirror, Custom Rear badge from Club-NA, Stage-21 Fenders, and RS Factory stage exhaust.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7341353896_d9a828de7d_c.jpg
Burnt Orange Miata

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7341353740_7597467648_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7341353656_3870ed7cbf_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7156151839_596a8d7877_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7156151991_f2e268bb16_c.jpg


There was so much to see my brain was on Miata overload! Check out these two TD-1001R NB Roadster's

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7341352510_f85312a9fe_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7341352408_7aba56aa49_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7341352594_b2353f9b16_c.jpg


Another famous conversion, the Pit Crew Racing, this one was running carbs, pretty common to see Roadster owners running carburators instead of ITBS. Gotta love the old school mazdaspeed seats.

Check out those Tires!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8145/7156150217_8d8357aa1b_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7341352064_68963a490b_c.jpg

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7156150587_dfbe0c8bda_c.jpg


Much more to come.......................




http://www.karuizawa-meeting.com/
http://www.MazdaRoadster.net/
http://autongraphic.blogspot.jp/2012/05/roadster-style.html

[Agent☣Orange]

Must have that yellow coupe!

[kung fu jesus]

awesome!

[kung fu jesus]

Must have that yellow coupe!

there is one at Mazda R&D in Irvine.

[Risingsun124]

Can't wait to see more coverage!

[Agent☣Orange]

there is one at Mazda R&D in Irvine.

Do you know if there's any security nearby? :winky:

[I<3flippyheadlights]

So sexy. Its making Yellow all tingly.

[kung fu jesus]

there is one at Mazda R&D in Irvine.


Do you know if there's any security nearby? :winky:


Well, it's not a well-kept secret about their underground storage parking. Miata studies, RX-7s, race vehicles, engineering mules, concept vehicles, etc.

[Phatmiata]

Some more from the parking lot.........

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7341354766_5ca0e608a2_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7156153059_c3c45e0341_c.jpg

Here is an old Bug-Eye Kit
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7156152949_7f0e942224_c.jpg

Here is the "Official" Roadster Club of Japan NC
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7341354052_72fb5ed4ce_c.jpg

Here is a clean Red NA with an RS-Aizawa front bumper and headlight intakes.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7156152701_4c84427270_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7341352874_179252e904_c.jpg

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7156151521_0ce076e4a6_c.jpg

Check out the rear diffuser on this NB
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7156151635_e0a97610aa_c.jpg

Clean Yellow NA with 1028 type Mirrors
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7341351700_a32b5f2048_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7156150001_8b86f0e2a4_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7341351416_aa165a8c44_c.jpg

[Agent☣Orange]

Mmmm mmm mmm,. You know which lil' NA I'm lookin' at...

[Phatmiata]

there was a nice yellow NA for sale on eBay last I checked, low miles too!

[Agent☣Orange]

My car budget right now is barely enough for a Hot Wheels.

[kung fu jesus]

wait til you see thatDguy's new paint...H to the A to the W-T!

[revlimiter]

I am loving every little bit of this. MORE!!!

[Phatmiata]

Continuing on with the coverage we have this black NA with Goda Bankin headlights. Really rare and expensive although I personally prefer Racing Sports Active lights.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7166438681_b1e65b5663_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Parked next to it was this Mazdaspeed NB this is the Mazdaspeed that only came out in Japan before the more well known turbo model which was released in the states. He was running a Nopro front bumper, he also had the very rare Mazdaspeed hardtop.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7166438565_a52292677a_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7351647946_3ebce33d10_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Roadster owners love to tweak their interiors, here you can see the rare Nielex stainless tombstone, and RS Products AC and hazard panel. In addition he has KG works guages with RS refine rings. Oh, and can forget the carbon crash pad.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7166438269_13ca5360b3_c.jpg

And here is the exterior. He has Garage 502 mirrors and Jet Stream turn signal intakes

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7166437979_de9464c2f7_c.jpg


Here is an NC MX5 Roadster, it has the AutoBacs - MonoCraft MH-1 Kit

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7156150741_e4d8499001_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Many owners take the chance to sell their spare parts and you will often find some great deals sitting outside in front of their cars.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7166438127_6478c85852_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

I was surprised to see a few roadsters running the "Project-G" G-String Bikini top, first time I have actually seen one in Japan, and they look great!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7166437859_d51dcfe850_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Very clean NA with Runabout mirrors and TE37V rims. He also had a Maxim header and HKS intake with a Beatrush strutbar.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7351647242_9d1f57dc89_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Here is the first shop car I ran into, the Esqueleto AIRE, I thought Esqueleto only made seats but they apparently make kits as well. The whole kit runs for about $9,500usd! You can find more info here;


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7351647080_ffc7f6efab_c.jpg

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7351650440_b6605a9267_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

I really enjoyed the little stand put up by Tamago Roadster Club. Apparently each one is customizable to make it look like a mini version of your own car and if I recall correctly each order has a two year wait and costs an arm and a leg. They are really cool though!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7351646624_de69c07029_c.jpg

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[etikoner]

Omg I wanna go to this meet atleast once in my life.:cry2:

[KAL]

More! I love this.

[Agent☣Orange]

Damn! I see mine on the table already! want want want

[WASABI]

I see mine too! I would love to get the box of rims as well, because they would über fun to play with.

[KAL]

http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y373/REV9Autosport/Blog/100_16-100_0064.jpg

Got more photos of this?
I can't decide if its awesome or a bit Kardashian.

[Agent☣Orange]

It's Lotus Elan awesome!

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa375/YellowYata/Misc/fe9ee332.jpg

[KAL]

it is! and still it isn't! Or is it. I'm confused.

[George]

Check out Zoom engineering website, they have plenty of pictures ;) http://zoom-eng.com/

[Willywongka]

Japan knows whats up with Roadsters! Thanks for sharing!

[iRoadster]

Okay Mr. Pusherman, you've got a bunch of people hooked now and they're starting to come down.
I need more!!!

[Phatmiata]

Omg I wanna go to this meet at least once in my life.:cry2:

for sure, this is on my bucket list! I did the Tokyo Auto Salon, but this would be way better for Miata nuts like us!!


Japan knows whats up with Roadsters! Thanks for sharing!

Sorry, but I cannot take credit for these photos guys, this is all Rod (see the first post), all I did was pester the hell outta him to go to the event this year becasue it was the 20th Anniversary and I knew it would be bigger than usual! hahhaa



Okay Mr. Pusherman, you've got a bunch of people hooked now and they're starting to come down.
I need more!!!


More on the way, hang on folks!!

[Phatmiata]

People were asking for more pics of the Zoom roadster. A lot of the roadster owners here in Japan like to make their cars look like other European cars, in this case a Elan.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7365235300_9e6d352a0d_c.jpg

Here is the interior! of the same car..... ugh!

Check out the sexy black Nakamae seats and the super cool Zoom center console! Two very nice retro touches!!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7365235164_c8713ff16b_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Here is a NB Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe , customized by Barchetta, and made to look like an Aston Martin.

I would have got better pics but the cars were packed in tight and the crowd was crazy!!


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/7180008041_ff1191d385_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Just for your NC guys...............

On the performace side we have the Nopro NC MX5 with it's Supercharged MZR engine, good for around 290hp!!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7180006323_aba1fb5f82_c.jpg


here is a shot of the engine bay.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/7180006961_2d58da09af_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

My favorite car at the event had to be the Joyfast NC MX5

The last time I saw this Miata it was running the first gen NC front. Isaji-san decided to give the car a facelift.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7365234180_ea468c10cc_c.jpg

This thing oozes sickness with that odula front bumper and Vary hood and sides.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5272/7180006521_8149a0baee_c.jpg

The extra pricey (but very functional) Voltex wing and modded NA Roadster tail lights complete the look.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7365234364_d19b294bb2_c.jpg

If you look at the GREEN "205" sticker on the front quarter panel it reads 205/50/16. This MX5 actually competes in the 205 Cup. A specialty cup race for Roadsters where only the 205 size tire is allowed. There is also a 185 cup. When I asked Isaji-san how it handles with the skinny tires, he replied; "It will teach you how to become a better driver since you must know how to get all of the grip out of the tire size. And helps you learn the appropriate racing lines to take when on the track!"

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7180007187_a30648b076_c.jpg

Here are some shots from the side as well.........

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7180007571_a8cff8e279_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7180007413_bb9e9050c0_c.jpg

[s0verybored]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7351650440_b6605a9267_c.jpg

I remember seeing pictures of a red one. The top is from an FD.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

I can't stop fapping... That NC is so amazing. Its looks so long. Those tailights, the wheels, the front, oh man.

[tetsuyagarage]

I`m glad you guys are liking the pics, some of the cars on this forum would have seriously gotten a lot of attention if we had brought them over.

[Phatmiata]

Here are more pics from Karuizawa.

This is the NoPro Widebody Kit for NB Miata

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7377256534_e8690acd29_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7377256248_d4c873dfed_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7377255970_6802b239ac_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Garage Hundred One brought out two M2 1006s replicas. M2-Corp made only one of these as a concept that was powered the V6 out of a 929, this was M2-Corp's modern day Cobra.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7377257752_c88694b33c_c.jpg

Check out the M2-1028 Hardtop installed.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7377257522_a9052e95c6_c.jpg

they also had on display their exhaust systems with various midpipes

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7377257198_bc18ab1610_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

The Art Works Dewa cars

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/7377257994_5e6b0dbce5_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

The Nielex booth had some good stuff to droll over

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7377256736_2424933e94_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

And the Hirai-Style Zokusha Roadster

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7377256942_70e3901d4e_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Meanwhile........................ at the Garage Vary booth.................

Here you can spy the NC Demo car and the NA with a new GV Fastback!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7401248804_2d21cfdc57_c.jpg

Here is a side shot....................

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5195/7401248472_90daa3c3ac_c.jpg


all about the details............... what do you suppose this front fender lip is for? Aerodynamics?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7401248220_fc5aa86a92_c.jpg

Here is a neat treatment to give the illusion of a slightly wider rear end, notice the lower panel.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7401248054_f5df98039b_c.jpg

[drv2fst]

Hmmm...a GV NA with a factory style front lip !

[iRoadster]

There's a surprise at 1:55 :3:


http://youtu.be/xUx495U4Zbs

[iRoadster]

http://youtu.be/tBF2skWf3Dg

[Phatmiata]

Here are a few more I forgot to upload to flickr. :fp:

More MX5's from the parking lot.................... and more inspiration for some NA owners ......


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7426011698_8990d8a077_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7426011276_58763d475c_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7426011060_303e03a097_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/7426010682_9b918d2623_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/7426010480_aaf1d5390e_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7426010276_bffa5e32d5_c.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/7426010082_49c34d374d_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7426009892_da62d1af2c_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7426009414_4835c886bf_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7426009600_824c7783ab_c.jpg

[concealer404]

Garage Hundred One brought out two M2 1006s replicas. M2-Corp made only one of these as a concept that was powered the V6 out of a 929, this was M2-Corp's modern day Cobra.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7377257752_c88694b33c_c.jpg



A Miata with a JE-ZE SWAP?!?!?!?! MOAR INFO PLZ!!!

[Phatmiata]

A Miata with a JE-ZE SWAP?!?!?!?! MOAR INFO PLZ!!!




Here you go!

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?12

[iRoadster]

Ugghh, that blue NA with the Zoom Eng. bumpers is easy to fap to, and I'm not usually a fan of blue on cars.
Maybe not so much the center console, but that's easily overlooked or fixable.

[concealer404]

Here you go!

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?12

Oh weird... says 929, then mentions the 2.5 V6. 2.5 V6 is the KL, but that was never in the 929, wasn't a RWD motor. The 929/rwd V6 was the JE. HRM.

[Dilly]

Great coverage. Thanks for the share, Randy.

[Phatmiata]

more....................

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7526319054_3b03e36356_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7526318896_4b74b13e64_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7526318514_e31a4f70b2_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Some ITRB goodness here

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7526318342_a852a28e5e_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7526318166_b5b69b946e_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

This one has some Wats and a TRAP front chin spoiler.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7526318740_5a0ea538c5_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7542890422_78a763cb3c_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

MERLOT MICA GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7542888980_9471bfc1a0_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7542888272_dacf7d93af_c.jpg

S2-Racing Front on this one.......

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7542888672_a59d16b9db_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

This gray / black one with Garage Vary front is looking good!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7542889676_f0cfac5668_c.jpg

Engine bay shot............... (i like the baby blue cam cover)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7542889260_3f1734d31c_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/7542890032_626b50bf1c_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

A Mariner Blue crowd pleaser!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7542887558_aa9af49550_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7542887890_fbcb6974d3_c.jpg

[Spinnywhoosh]

WOW, just saw this post.. It was like I was on an emotional roller coaster of happiness.

[f86sabjf]

I now have a new item on the bucket list. Absolutely incredible

[MarcoSTEEZ]

Great photos Randy. I need to experience this at least once in my life. Hopefully soon.

[Phatmiata]

More photos from Rod............

Mazdaspeed C-Spec Roadster


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7647275920_a13dc72d86_c.jpg

Here is the back shot of an NB

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7647275690_893934ef3e_c.jpg

Garage Vary Type III Nose a body kit on this NA, Loving the fixed headlights.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7647275330_b7d26a1d3a_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Nice Yellow NA with Garage Vary Tail Light set up.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/7647275116_285d593704_c.jpg


Here is a black NA with what looks like a NoPro Slim version front?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7647274764_7b6a1cf79d_c.jpg


Some NB Goodness here, looks like he has an air duct running in the lower right of the bumper? Cooling or ram-air?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7647274456_1ee363b05d_c.jpg

[Phatmiata]

Here is that clean 1991 British Racing Green Roadster aka the V-Spec in Japan

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7647273592_01856c6c38_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7647273918_de1d22b92e_c.jpg

Love the retro looking seat here.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7647273188_b695ff61ca_c.jpg

Back side, looks like he is in the Nostalgic Roadsters Club too. see the small sticker on his car back left on the panel

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7647272982_6932159330_c.jpg

[Agent☣Orange]

That Merlot row was pretty cool!

[etikoner]

Love that merlot row. I love that S2 front bumper on there, too.

Ugh Money > Me hahaha

[Jimmy Vee]

Garage Hundred One brought out two M2 1006s replicas. M2-Corp made only one of these as a concept that was powered the V6 out of a 929, this was M2-Corp's modern day Cobra.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7377257752_c88694b33c_c.jpg


These two cars are from Vary, or at least the bodywork is. Link (http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/889/epson001a.jpg)