All the Initial D cars specs in one post
I know, this may sound overkill, but i have lots of free time today so why not, the characters will be in alphabetic order
Atsuro Kawai´s Skyline
Car: Nissan Skyline 25GT Turbo (ER34)
Year: 1998/1999
Plate: 22-936, classification 34
Color: Dark Blue Pearl
Custom Parts: SSR Team Sticker, Fujitsubo Sports Muffler, Custom front bumper, and Panasport G7/C5C2 Wheels
Aikawa´s Evo
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR (CP9A)
Year: 1998
Plate: 12-159, classification 30
Color: Scotia White
Custom Parts: Volk TE37 Rims, Carbon fiber mirrors, HKS muffler, and fog light covers
Bunta Fujiwara´s Impreza
Car: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Coupe Type R Version V (GC8)
Year: 1998
Plate: 13-600, classification 52
Color: Sonic Blue Mica (Anime, Arcade Stage 4, 5, 6 AA, 7 AAX, 8 ∞ and Extreme Stage)/Cool Gray Metallic (Manga, Arcade Stage 1, 2 and 3, Special Stage and Street Stage)
Engine: 2.0 L EJ20 flat-4 turbo
Custom Parts: STI WR Car-type front bumper (different from the limited run 22B STi Version), STI Sports interior trim (red accented), STI Sports Momo steering wheel (black with red accents), Bridgestone Potenza RE-01 tires, Original Sports exhaust
Daiki Ninomiya´s Civic
Car: Honda Civic Type R (EK9)
Year: 1998
Plate: 56-838, classification 50
Color: Sunlight Yellow
Custom Parts: Spoon grille, Spoon wing, EuroR muffler, Spoon mirrors, Volk TE37 Super Lap Black Edition wheels
Go Hojo´s NSX
Car: Honda NSX (NA1)
Plate: 40-298, classification 39
Year: 1994
Color: Formula Red
Custom Parts: Full ADVANCE Flatout GT Parts, BBS LM wheels (gold), 1999 NSX Type-S ABS and drive-by-wire system.
Hideo Minagawa´s Supra
Car: Toyota Supra RZ (JZA80)
Year: 1993
Plate: 81-973, classification 35
Color: Super White
Custom Parts: Bomex Type 2 front lip, Bomex Type 1 side skirts, JZA80 RZ-S rear under spoiler, TRD Muffler, Advan RCII wheels
Hiroya Okuyama´s Silvia
Car: Nissan Silvia Spec R Aero (S15)
Year: 1999
Plate: 16-801, classification 503
Color: Brilliant Blue
Custom Parts: GP Sports Zero-One D1GP Body Kit
Ichijo´s Evo
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR Tommi Makinen Edition (CP9A)
Year: 1999
Plate: 86-502, classification 36
Color: Scotia White
Custom Parts: Spoiler removed, HKS Muffler, Ralliart Header
Koichiro Iketani´s Silvia
Car: Nissan Silvia K’s (S13)
Year: 1988
Plate: 51-745, classification 58
Color: Lime Green Two-tone
Custom Parts: Nissan S13 Silvia K’s Aero body kit, S13 Dia Selection headlamps, BRIDE racing seat, NISMO LM GT4 wheels (anime), SSR Mark II R wheels (manga and Arcade Stage games), Nissan S13 Exhaust, and SpeedStars Sticker
Itsuki´s Levin
Car: Toyota Corolla Levin SR (AE85)
Year: 1984
Plate: 11-009, classification 54
Color: High Tech White
Custom Parts: Toyota Door Visor, Work Ewings Rims, AE86 OEM Aero Grille, TRD Sports Muffler, Momo Steering Wheel, and SpeedStars Sticker
Engine: AE85 1.5 L 8v 3A-U + Bolt-on turbo, tuned to 150 hp
Kai Kogashiwa´s MR2
Car: Toyota MR2 G-Limited (SW20)
Year: 1996
Plate: 37-597, classification 58
Color: Strong Blue Metallic
Custom Parts: TRD muffler and TRD Alumi-K wheels
Kai Kogashiwa´s MR-S
Car: Toyota MR-S S-Edition (ZZW30)
Year: 2001
Plate: 56-824, classification 500
Color: Silver Metallic
Custom Parts: C-ONE full body kit, Techno Pro Spirits-tuned 2ZZ-GE engine swap, Nardi Classic steering wheel, C-ONE Carbon fiber hood, C-ONE GT wing, C-ONE muffler, Toyota Retractable Hard Roof Top, C-ONE Carbon fiber mid-engine hood, C-ONE 6-speed close ratio transmission
Keisuke Takahashi´s RX-7 (First Stage)
Car: Mazda RX-7 Type R (FD3S)
Year: 1991
Color: Competition Yellow Mica
Plate: 63-887 classification 37, 8-301 Classification 33 (New Initial D Movie)
Custom Parts: Mazda painted FRP front lip, Unknown wide rear spoiler, Keisuke-made Rims, Mazdaspeed turbo gauge, Mazdaspeed suspension kit, Mazdaspeed muffler, Recaro bucket racing seats & Mazdaspeed steering wheel
Keisuke Takahashi´s RX-7 (Third-Fourth Stage)
Car: Mazda RX-7 Type R (FD3S)
Year: 1991
Plate: 63-887 classification 37
Color: Competition Yellow Mica
Custom Parts: Mazdaspeed A-Spec Spoiler Type II (2nd-3rd Stage), Mazdaspeed A-Spec Front Bumper Type II (3rd Stage), MS-02 Rims (2nd-3rd Stage)
Keisuke Takahashi´s RX-7 (Pre Fifth-Fifth Stage)
Car: Mazda RX-7 Type R (FD3S)
Year: 1991
Plate: 63-887 classification 37
Color: Competition Yellow Mica
Custom Parts: RE Amemiya GT-AD aero with carbon fiber canards and fixed HID (ducted right side) headlights, RE-Amemiya AD9 Hood (Carbon hood in the finale of 5th Stage), RE-Amemiya GT II spoiler, Apex’i Power FC, HKS lap timer, RE-Amemiya TA dolphin tail muffler, RE-Amemiya Quantum RS coilovers, SSR Type C rims (bronze), RE-Amemiya AD type I side mirrors, Recaro bucket racing seats, Takata 4 point harnesses, RE-Amemiya steering wheel, 1.5 RE-Amemiya turbo gauge (1 bar boost setting) & Custom roll cage
Kenji´s 180SX
Car: Nissan 180SX Type II (RPS13)
Year: 1989
Plate: 11-305, classification 55
Color: White
Custom Parts: Nissan fog lamps and front lip, Nissan 180SX Type III Side Skirts and Rear Spoiler, Kenji-made wheels, Sports muffler, and SpeedStars Sticker
Kenta Nakamura´s Silvia
Car: Nissan Silvia Q’s Aero (S14)
Year: 1995
Plate: 35-918, classification 72
Color: Super Clear Red
Custom Parts: Rear Windshield “Silvia” Banner, Primax 333 wheels, Nissan S14 Exhaust, rally tuned drivetrain, RedSuns Sticker (until 4th Stage)
Kobayakawa´s Evo
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII GSR (CT9A)
Year: 2001
Plate: 25-645, classification 330
Color: Dandelion Yellow
Engine: Engine-tuned 2.0L 4G63 with Aftermarket Turbine
Custom Parts: C-West Front bumper, Creative Sports side step and rear under spoiler, Voltex GT-Wing, Ganador side mirrors, Creative Sports hood, Roll Cage, Bucket Racing Seats, Defi Gauges, Momo Steering Wheel, HKS Turbo, Mine’s Muffler, Ralliart Header & HKS F-Con Pro ECU, Racing Hart rims, and C-West painted carbon trunk
Kyoichi Sudo´s Evo
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III GSR (CE9A)
Year: 1995
Plate: 30-395, classification 58
Color: Pyrenees Black
Engine: Auto Produce Boss 2.0 L 4G63 III 350PS Complete Engine Setup + Aftermarket Turbine
Custom Parts: Ralliart Muffler, Rally-style Anti-Lag “Misfiring System”, Recaro Bucket Seats & Emperor Sticker
Kyoko Iwase´s RX-7
Car: Ẽfini RX-7 Type R (FD3S)
Year: 1993
Plate: 54-369, classification 39
Color: Brilliant Black
Engine: Mazda 13B-REW Single Turbo
Custom Parts: 1998 FD3S Spoiler, One-off Custom Hood and Muffler, Border Aero Kit, Knight Sport Aero Mirrors Type 1, and RE-Amemiya AW-7 Rims
Kōzō Hoshino´s Skyline
Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II Nür (BNR34)
Year: 2002
Plate: 38-274, classification 39
Color: Millennium Jade Metallic
Engine: Rebuilt RB26DETT N1
Custom Parts: Yokohama Super Advan Racing SA3R wheels (silver), Amuse R1 TITAN exhaust system, Apex’i sports catalyser, Nismo front bumper (manga & games), & Brembo racing brakes
Mako Sato´s Sileighty
Car: Nissan Sileighty
Year: 1996
Plate: 37-586 (Extra Stage), 78-547 (Battle/Fifth/Final/Arcade Stage)
Color: Impact Blue
Engine: Nissan S15 Turbocharger (with 208 hp)
Custom Parts: Nissan Silvia K’s Aero front bumper and side skirts, Supermade whale tail rear spoiler, BBS RM wheels, Nissan S13 exhaust, Recaro racing seats (Anime)
Miki´s Celica
Car: Celica GT-Four (ST205)
Year: 1998
Plate: 27-431, classification 74
Color: Super Black V
Custom Parts: C-ONE muffler, C-ONE spoiler, C-ONE hood, unknown 6-spoke wheels (White)
Nobuhiko Akiyama´s Altezza
Car: Toyota Altezza RS200 (SXE10)
Year: 2000
Plate: 17-919, classification 33
Color: Silver Metallic
Engine: TRD 3S-GE N1 Engine
Custom Parts: TRD N1/N-Plus Parts with OEM Tail Light Covers
Rin Hojo´s Skyline
Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR32)
Year: 1994
Plate: 37-564, classification 33
Color: Gun Gray Metallic
Custom Parts: NISMO front bumper, GT wing, roll cage, Large Radius Racing Muffler, 650 HP RB26DETT, OEM GT-R R33 wheels (front only in manga and arcade, both front and rear in anime), Work Meister S1 rear wheels (manga and arcade only)
Ryosuke Takahashi´s RX-7 (First-Fourth Stage)
Car: Savanna RX-7 Infini III (FC3S)
Year: 1990
Plate: 13-137, classification 58. 4-725, classification 53 (New Initial D Movie)
Color: Crystal White
Custom Parts:
-Red Suns Ver. : Cibié T353 Fog Lights, Fujita Engineering Front Lip (2nd Stage-3rd Stage), Custom Single Exhaust (right side in 1st Stage, left side onwards), 2.0 Boost Meter, Custom Silver Rims (Episode 1 of 1st Stage and 2nd Stage), Work Meister S13 Rims (Battle Stage of 1st Series, New Initial D the Movie), RS Watanabe Eight-Spoke F8 Rims (Episode 7 of 2nd Stage-3rd Stage), Ryosuke-Made Side Mirrors, Bucket Racing Seats, Mazdaspeed Steering Wheel and RedSuns Sticker.
-Project D Early Ver. : Cibié T353 Fog Lights, Ryosuke-Made Front Lip, Custom Single Exhaust (left side), 2.0 Boost Meter, Work Meister S13 Rims (Silver) (Manga and Anime), RS Watanabe Eight Spoke F8 Rims (Arcade Stage) Ryosuke-Made Side Mirrors, Bucket Racing Seats and Mazdaspeed Steering Wheel.
Ryosuke Takahashi´s RX-7 (Fifth Stage)
Car: Savanna RX-7 Infini III (FC3S)
Year: 1990
Plate: 13-137, classification 58
Color: Crystal White
Custom Parts: RE Amemiya Kouki Full Cowl SPL Front Bumper with Fixed HID Headlights, Garage Kagotani Carbon Fiber Hood, RE Amemiya Rear Side Step, FreeStyle GT Wing, Custom Single Exhaust (right side), Ryosuke-made side mirrors, SSR Type C Rims (Bronze), Custom Roll Cage, MOMO Steering Wheel.
Ryuji Ikeda´s Fairlady Z
Car: Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33)
Year: 2003
Plate: 69-556, classification 301
Color: Burning Red
Custom Parts: Ings N-Spec Full body kit, Ings bonnet, Ings LX front fenders, Ings rear wing, Ings TS06 Forged Racing wheels (Anime), Ings LX Sport LM VII wheels (Manga and Arcade), Auto Produce Boss twin separate mufflers, Mine’s carbon mirrors (Anime only), Front window sun strip (manga and arcade), Bolt-on turbo kit
Sakamoto´s Cappuccino
Car: Suzuki Cappuccino (EA11R)
Year: 1995
Plate: 35-218, classification 71
Color: Cordoba Red
Custom Parts: Elite SPL Front Bumper, Elite SPL Rear Spoiler, Racing Gauges (180 km/h speedometer and 9500RPM tachometer upgrade), Gold EA11R Rims, Unknown sports muffler
Satoshi Omiya´s Roadster
Car: Mazda Roadster RS (NB8C)
Year: 1999
Plate: 37-125, classification 501
Color: Evolution Orange Mica
Engine: RS Aizawa BP-ZE 1800 cc
Custom Parts: BIM Creative Studio Downhill Special AE031 rims (Black), Garage Vary Type N Aero Kit, Garage Vary 2D GT Wing (High Mount), Momo Steering Wheel, RS Aizawa ITBs, Custom Cat-Back Muffler & Header, Mazda Detachable Hard Roof Top (Black)
Seiji Iwaki´s Evo
Car: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV RS (CN9A)
Year: 1996
Plate: 46-637, classification 78
Color: Scotia White
Engine: 1997cc 4G63T IV Boost-Up Tune
Custom Parts: Rear Spoiler LED brake lights removed (Early arcade games), Evo IV GSR OEM wheels, Brembo 4-pot Calipers, Large Intercooler, Bucket Racing Seats, “Monster” Hood Sticker, Custom Rally Muffler & Emperor Sticker
Shingo Shoji´s Civic
Car: Honda Civic SiR II (EG6)
Year: 1995
Plate: 32-145, classification 59, 46-037 (Extra Stage and Fifth Stage onwards), 6-270 (New Initial D Movie)
Color: Milano Red
Custom Parts: Toda high compression pistons (balanced to the connecting rods), lightweight flywheel, Exhaust manifold; custom muffler; sports computer; Mugen Bucket Seats, Mugen front end, Mugen RNR wheels; OEM Honda door visors; NightKids Sticker (Arcade Stage 4 onwards),
Shinji Inui´s Trueno
Car: Toyota Sprinter Trueno 2door GT-APEX (AE86)
Year: 12-186, classification 57
Plate: 1986 (Kouki)
Color: High-Tech Two-Tone
Custom Parts: Toyota OEM Rear Spoiler, TRD Sports Muffler, RS Watanabe Eight-Spoke F8 wheels, Cusco 7-Point Bolt-On Roll Bar, OEM AE101 Throttle Bodies, Black Valve Cover, TODA Cams (272/272), TRD 0.8mm Gasket, TODA Cam Pulleys, TODA Air Intake, Tomei Pistons, TODA Conn. Rods, TODA Header, FREEDOM ECU, TODA Timing Belt, TRD Plug Wires, TODA Valves, OEM AE111 Forged Crankshaft, & AE92 Kouki Redtop Block.
Smiley Sakai´s Integra
Car: Honda Integra Type R (DC2)
Year: 1998
Plate: 32-094, classification 55
Color: Championship White
Custom Parts: Spoon Carbon Bonnet, SSR Type V wheels (Black), aftermarket turbocharger, Todo School Original Muffler
Takeshi Nakazato´s Skyline
Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR32)
Year: 1994
Plate: 26-037, classification 33, 6-527 classification 37 (New Initial D Movie)
Color: Black Pearl Metallic
Custom Parts: Work Meister S1 3-Piece rims (Manga & Anime), 1989 R32 rims (Battle Stage), Custom front splitter (Manga and Arcade), Nismo front bumper (Anime only), Nakazato-made Flat Tip Muffler, BRIDE racing seat (Anime)
Takumi Fujiwara´s Trueno
Car: Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX (AE86)
Year: 1983 (Zenki)
Plate: 13-954, classification 55 (main series), 2-674, classification 50 (Legend Series)
Color: High Tech Two-Tone
Engine: OEM 1.6L 16v Bluetop 4A-GEU 150 HP(First Stage), TRD Group A AE101 1.6L 20v Silvertop 4A-GELU 240 HP (Second Stage onwards)
Custom Parts: Cibié T353 Fog Lights, RS Watanabe Eight Spoke F8-Type Wheels (Black), TRD 2-Way LSD, TRD Crossed 3 w/ 4.778 Final Drive (Fourth Stage), TRD Crossed 5 w/ 5.375 Final Drive (2nd and 3rd Stage), Fujitsubo MC50 Muffler, OEM Door Visors (Until Fifth Stage), ItalVolanti Admiral Red Trim Steering Wheel, Smiths 12,000 RPM Tachometer, Smiths auxiliary gauges (Oil Pressure/Water Temperature), TRD Sports Seats, Vent Cup Holder, TRD Carbon Fiber Hood + Carbon Fiber Headlights (Fourth-Final Stage), TRD Short Stroke Adjustable Suspension Kit, Cusco Strut Bar and Lightweight FRP Rear Gate with Acrylic Windows (Fifth-Final Stage)
Tomoyuki Taichi´s Civic
Car: Todo School Spoon Civic Type R Demo Car (EK9)
Year: 1998
Plate: 10-547, classification 57
Color: Sunlight Yellow
Engine: Spoon 1.8L 16v B16B 260 HP Complete Engine
Custom Parts: Spoon SW388 Rims, Momo Steering Wheel w/Spoon Horn Button, Spoon Exhaust, Spoon Mirrors, Spoon Carbon Fiber Hood, Spoon Front Bumper, Bucket Racing Seats, Spoon 11,000 RPM Gauge Cluster, Spoon Damper Kit, Spoon Brakes, and Advan Sticker
Toru Suetsugu´s Roadster
Car: Eunos Roadster NA Package (NA6CE)
Year: 1991
Plate: 86-596, classification 55
Color: Classic Red
Engine: 16v B6-ZE + TODA 1.8 L bore kit
Custom Parts: Mazda Roadster 1993 Wheel, Mazda Eunos Roadster Skirt Kit with Mud Guards, Mazda Eunos Roadster Spoiler, Mazda Roadster 1993 Mirrors, Mazda Detachable Hard Roof top, Nardi Classic Steering Wheel, Bucket Racing Seats, RS Aizawa Individual Throttle Bodies
Toshiya Joushima´s S2000
Car: Honda S2000 Type-V (AP1)
Year: 2000
Plate: 71-109, classification 35
Color: Long Beach Blue Pearl
Custom Parts: MPF Front Bumper, Cusco 3D GT Wing, MUGEN MF-10 Wheels, J’s Racing Bonnet, MPF SSP Single Exhaust
Wataru Akiyama´s Levin
Car: Toyota Corolla Levin GT APEX (AE86)
Year: 1985
Plate: 73-212, classification 56
Color: High Tech Two Tone
Custom Parts:
-Second Stage: TRD N2 FRP Spoiler, Toyota OEM Door Visor, HKS Single Turbo and Boost Meter, SSR Dori Dori Mesh wheels, Nardi Classic Steering Wheel, TRD Sports Seat, and a 6-point roll bar
-Fourth Stage: TRD N2 FRP Spoiler, 6-Point Roll Bar, TRD Carbon Fiber Hood, Intercooler Grille, Toyota OEMN Door Visor, AE92 4A-GZE engine swap (Stock supercharged 4A-GE), TRD N2 Aero Kit, Wataru-Made Mesh Rims (Black) (Early Arcade Stage games), Wataru-Made Gravel Rally Rims (White) (Anime and late Arcade Stage games), and ItalVolanti Admiral Red Trim Steering Wheel (Seen while turning on the Wipers against the FD)
Аниме Initial D для фанатов японских спортивных автомобилей
Премьера в Японии — 1998 г.
Автор: Сюити Сигэно
Режиссер: Масами Хата, Noboru Mitsusawa
Сюжет сфокусирован на мире нелегальных японских горных уличных гонок (峠 tōge; тоге). Основное действие происходит на горных склонах региона Канто острова Хонсю.
Начало сюжета:
Главный герой восемнадцатилетний школьник — Такуми Фудзивара, днём он, как и все, посещает колледж, общается с друзьями, ведёт обычную жизнь. Мечтая заработать на свою собственную машину, он помогает своему отцу содержать магазинчик «Fujiwara Tofu Shop» продающий соевый творог тофу.
По ночам он берёт папину Toyota Sprinter Trueno (AE86) и осуществляет доставку тофу в отель на гору Акина.
Такуми приходится доставлять тофу в любое время года при любой погоде, так как он обожает скорость для него сидеть за рулём наслаждение! В результате он оттачивает свой навык езды до высочайшего уровня,
В Акину приезжает гоночная команда «RedSuns» в поисках молодых и горячих парней для состязаний. Для местной команды Akina Speedstars — это состязание важно, как ничто другое. Коичиро Икэтани — лидер команды Akina не может принять участие в гонке из-за аварии, к тому же гонка пройдет в горах, где живёт наш герой. Такуми решает бросить вызов Кейске, дабы выяснить, кто из них самый лучший водитель.
В Initial D большое внимание уделяется технике прохождения поворотов, теории спортивного вождения и техническим особенностям автомобилей относительно гонок. Для повышения достоверности к сюжету привлекался «король дрифта» Кэйити Цутия, который консультировал сценаристов, дал разрешение на показ некоторых эпизодов своей «Библии Дрифта» и озвучил старого друга Бунты Фудзивары, профессионального гонщика (фактически, самого себя)
Initial D
Текущий логотип сериала, используемый в серии Legend
Сюжет сфокусирован на мире нелегальных японских горных уличных гонок (тоге). Основное действие происходит на горных спусках. Основные события серии происходят в японской префектуре Гумма в горах региона Канто и близлежащих городских местностях. Хотя многие названия местности изменены, все события происходят на реальных территориях Японии. В гонках большое внимание уделяется технике прохождения поворотов, теории спортивного вождения и техническим особенностям автомобилей относительно гонок. Для повышения достоверности к сюжету привлекался «король дрифта» Кэйити Цутия, который консультировал сценаристов, дал разрешение на показ некоторых эпизодов своей «Библии Дрифта» и озвучил старого друга Бунты, профессионального гонщика (фактически, самого себя, в 23 серии первого сериала).
Содержание
Краткий обзор и Стадии [ ]
Первая Стадия [ ]
История начинается с того, что уличные гонщики RedSuns вызывают на дружественную гонку местную команду горы Акина SpeedStars. Увидев способности RedSuns, гонщики SpeedStars задумались о том, как быть не униженными на домашней трассе. SpeedStars попали в безвыходное положение, когда их лидер команды и основной водитель скоростного спуска Икэтани попал в аварию во время тренировки.
Икэтани услышал от управляющего автозаправочной станции о том, что быстрейшей на спуске Акины является AE86 владельца магазина тофу. Также он узнал, что владелец магазина, Фудзивара Бунта, был уличным гонщиком с великой репутацией в молодые годы, известным как «Призрак Акины». Икетани попросил старика занять его место в заезде против RedSuns. Когда пришел день состязания, сын Бунты Такуми появился на Trueno отца. Такуми нанёс поражение Такахаси Кэйсукэ и положил конец ряду побед RedSuns.
Несмотря на то, что изначально Такуми был безразличен к гонкам, у него начинает расти интерес, он участвует в других соревнованиях и начинает понимать суть гордости уличного гонщика. Он продолжает побеждать гонщиков на более продвинутых и мощных машинах. Он получает победы при любых условиях, в завершение побеждая Такахаси Рёсукэ. После окончания гонки Рёсукэ признает, что Такуми более хороший водитель, нежели он.
Вторая Стадия [ ]
Ultimate Initial D Cars Guide – Maximum Dorifto!
Enjoy drifting, Eurobeat, and twisty touge routes in the Japanese mountains? You’re undoubtedly going to love Initial D.
Here, you can click on a particular section within this article, otherwise, scroll down as we cover everything there is to know about this incredible series.
Introduction
Our fans have been pointing out that there’s a severe lack of Initial D content here on Drifted. Although anime and manga aren’t for everyone, there’s certainly no denying that Initial D has had a significant impact on the JDM car scene and even drifting, since its initial release in 1995.
Even if you’ve never sat down and watched a full series, or even an episode, those of you that live and breathe drifting, or the JDM car culture, would undoubtedly have heard of Initial D over the years.
Along with The Fast and the Furious, there’s no doubt that they have both had an enormous impact when it comes to bringing Japanese drifting to the forefront of the world’s media attention.
Initial D History
The original manga series was written and illustrated by Shuchi Shigeno for the Weekly Young Magazine from 1995; this would go on to span across 48 tankōbon volumes published by Kodansha Comics before becoming a hit TV show before also being transformed into a real-life action movie.
The first-ever episode began at Season 1, which was named “Initial D: First Stage,” with the episode titled “ACT.1 The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift.”
In the opening episode, viewers get introduced to the soon-to-be infamous Takumi Fujiwara, an average, bored, eighteen-year-old high-school student and his best friend, Itsuki, who both work together at a local gas station.
One night, a friend of theirs, Iketani, tells the two friends to head to Mount Akina so that they can live and breathe the life of a street racer, and see what this unique car culture has to offer.
Iketani happens to be the leader of the ‘Akina Speedstars,’ a local crew, where they’re due to go head-to-head against a rival team named the ‘Akagi RedSuns,’ led by the Takahashi brothers.
At the time, Takumi had no real interest in cars, having been forced initially to learn during middle school so that he could make the deliveries for his fathers’ tofu shop.
Little did Takumi know at the time, but after five years of delivering tofu to a local hotel at 4:00 am each day, his expertise and driving skills, combined with his knowledge of the mountains, had already earned him somewhat legendary status among the locals.
With his reluctant daily practice behind the wheel of his fathers’ 1983 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT Apex AE86 (or Eight-Six), Takumi Fujiwara had already built up impressive experience during the daily tofu runs.
Unknown to Takumi, this had provided the perfect opportunity to hone his driving skills in the morning touge run each day.
Hitting up the touge that night opened up a whole new meaning for the youngster. All of our car journeys started somewhere once upon a time, and it was that incredible night on the touge course that ignited the love of touge racing for Takumi.
Unsurprisingly, he then goes on to live and breathe the street racing culture, and eventually becomes an increasingly talented driver as the volumes progress.
After a while, it’s clear that the main goal for Takumi is to become the number one driver in the Gunma Prefecture.
Despite most of his competitors owning far more impressive cars, it’s Takumi’s skill and driving ability behind the wheel of the lightweight Eight-Six, combined with the tight and technical touge roads, which makes him the driver to beat.
Known for his ability to have mastered the challenging ‘gutter-run’ technique, or mizo-otoshi, utilizing the rain gutters, it gives him the vital upper-hand in most battles.
On top of that, his impressive concentration and ability to memorize and visualize the unique challenges that lay in wait allowed him to master the road ahead, no matter how challenging it may be in the darkness of the night.
After rolling with the Akina Speed Stars initially, Takumi later went on to join the ‘Project D’ crew, with their eventual aim of breaking every course record across Japan.
As the series progresses, Takumi faces the Champion of the ‘Sidewinder’ crew, Shinji Unui. After an intense race, Takumi’s engine blows up, leaving him and his rival spinning out.
With Takumi’s tires locking up, an inevitable spin occurs where Takumi uses his knowledge from a previous killed engine experience to press the clutch and regain control while heading in reverse.
With Inui’s lack of experience, he couldn’t maintain control, ending up in full spin, as Takumi heads over the line backward!
It’s a controversial win, as an engine failure typically means you’ve lost the battle. However, due to the unusual scenario of crossing the line first, Shinji admits defeat, seemingly handing the victory to Takumi.
This is just one of the many thrilling battles that took place on the touge throughout the many episodes, which provide incredible, realistic entertainment throughout.
One of the most infamous names in the Japanese drifting and Toyota 86 scene, “Drift King” Keiichi Tsuchiya, played a significant role as technical director in the early stages of Initial D’s creation.
His primary purpose was ensuring that the technical accuracies were correct, such as the behavior of the cars. We can’t think of many better people for the job!
After his welcome additions to the series, Keiichi would later appear in Episode 23 of Initial D: First Stage. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to see him show off his skills.
Keiichi undoubtedly had a lot of input into the technical aspects that they speak about in the series. This isn’t certainly isn’t your basic cartoon with a fancy AE86 driving up a mountain. The creators were indeed huge touge enthusiasts.
A lot of avid watchers would’ve gained a tremendous amount of knowledge just by watching the anime series, with its profound understanding of technical aspects such as engines, LSD’s and turbos.
Not only that, but they also went in-depth on driving advanced techniques such as oversteer, late braking, and other related in-depth motor-enthusiast knowledge.
It’s this that provides one of many reasons as to why Initial D has managed to capture its genuine drifting/JDM fanbase.
When you compare this to the watered-down equivalents such as The Fast and the Furious, it’s easy to see that one has been crafted for enthusiasts, and the other for churning as much money as possible out of Hollywood sales.
Gone are the neon lights and fake car builds; you’ll only need to bring your best stock, or lightly-modified setup and talent to compete here.
Although the locations mostly using fictional names throughout the series, they’re all based on actual locations in Japan.
It’s touches like this, combined with some incredible cars featured throughout, which have undoubtedly made Initial D even more relatable among its huge Japanese, and even worldwide, fanbase.
If you’re keen to get a taste of Initial D, then make sure you check out this short ‘Night of Fire’ clip for a taste of what to expect.
What is the Car in Initial D?
Those of you that have a keen interest in JDM cars will undoubtedly know that the lead car in Initial D, driven by Takumi, is the legendary Toyota AE86.
Also known as the Hachi-Roku (Japanese for Eight-Six), Toyota initially launched this small, humble lightweight coupe in 1983 as part of the fifth-generation of the Corolla family.
It was, of course, rear-wheel drive, and featured the high-revving 1600cc 4A-GE engine under the hood. It may have only had 128 HP, but Takumi knew how to use every part of this to his advantage.
When part of Project D, from Stage 2 onwards, Takumi would receive engine upgrades, which enabled him to achieve a far more respectable 240 HP by using a TRD Group A 4A-GELU engine.
Here are the specs of Takumi’s AE86 throughout the various stages of its life:
Specs (Stock)
Specs (Fujiwara Tofu Shop Upgrade)
Specs (Project D Upgrade)
We’ve listed some of the best AE86 builds ever featured on Drifted in our 7 Best AE86 Corolla drift builds to blow your mind guide.
If you’re keen to know everything there is to know about Drift King Keiichi Tsuchiya’s AE86, then we’ve also got you covered!
The Best Cars of Initial D
Although Takumi’s AE86 is undoubtedly the first car that comes to mind when you think of Initial D, it’s easy to forget some of the other incredible cars of his friends and rivals, which featured throughout the many episodes.
Nissan Silvia 180SX/200SX
You can’t hit up the touge without coming across a Nissan Silvia. They’ve covered the full range throughout the series with the following:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
With their impressive turbo power combined with a modern AWD drivetrain, the Evo is undoubtedly one of the most respected cars on the touge. Kyoichi Sudo’s Evo III made him the first driver to beat Takumi after his engine blew at Akagi. However, he lost during a rematch in Irohazaka.
Mazda RX-7 FD
Keisuke Takahashi initially declared Takumi his rival before they eventually became team-mates in the Project D crew. Alongside his brother Ryosuke, who specialized in FC’s, known as the ‘Rotary Brothers.’
Mazda RX-7 FC
Keisuke’s brother, Ryosuke, is one of the first to notice Takumi’s talent behind the wheel of his AE86 early-on. Known as ‘Akagi’s White Comet,’ Ryosuke is known for his superior technical knowledge, which helps him get the most out of his FC.
Nissan Skyline GT-R
Yet another legend in the JDM tuning scene, the GT-R (Godzilla) shows up in both R32 and R34 form, but there’s seemingly no love for the R33 here. Kōzō Hoshino mentions that he’s owned an R32, R33, and R34. He states that when he got the R33, he was disappointed, even quoted as saying, “That was a failure.” (Awkward!)
Honda S2000
You may think that the S2K is too new, but it featured in the later episodes, with Dr. Toshiya Joushima behind the wheel. He would go on to overtake Takumi on the downhill, before becoming sick in the process, handing Takumi a technical victory.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza in Initial D is owned by Takumi’s old-school-cool, undefeated former-downhill racing Champion father, Bunta Fujiwara. Bunta was the original owner of Takumi’s infamous AE86. After helping his son master his skills with the daily tofu run, Bunta proved to Takumi that he’s still got what it takes after beating his son. However, Takumi wasn’t aware that it was his father behind the wheel, who was test-driving in Akina before secretly purchasing it without Takumi knowing.
Despite keeping the purchase hidden from Takumi for some time, he later revealed that he was the diver, and handed Takumi the keys. This allowed Takumi to improve his skills with the AWD platform, and modern enhancements, on his morning tofu delivery runs.
Initial D Stages
First Stage (1998)
The very first episodes of Initial D began in 1998, as Takumi Fujiwara becomes an instant hit in Japan.
This series is based on Chapters 1-77, (Volumes 1-7.)
Second Stage (1999-2000)
In this series, Team “Emperor” surfaces, with the ultimate quest of crushing every team in Gunma. Takumi’s 86 struggles to keep up with their AWD Evo’s.
This series is based on Chapters 78-145, (Volumes 8-13.)
Extra Stage (2000)
A two-part story based on the lives of “Impact Blue” SilEighty team drivers Mako and Sayuki.
Third Stage (2001)
This was a 105-minute movie with Takumi preparing for high-school graduation. He requests a rematch with Kyoichi Sudō, leader of team Emperor, and also goes up against street racer whose father once rivaled his dad.
This series is based on Chapters 146-156 and 159-185, (Volumes 14-17.)
Battle Stage (2002)
This series is a recap of all of the previous battles from the first three stages, also featuring a new battle between Keisuke’s FD and Seiji’s Evo IV. Each battle has been freshly reanimated and also features guest commentary from the Drift King, Keiichi Tsuchiya.
Fourth Stage (2004-2006)
Takumi decides to join Ryosuke and Keisuke Takahashi with forming their brand new team, Project D. They have one goal – to defeat all of the best drivers in the Kanto region. This is the beginning of their soon-to-be-legendary status on the touge.
This series is based on Chapters 192-424, (Volumes 17-32.)
Battle Stage 2 (2007)
This is a recap of every race from Fourth Stage, and also includes brand-new battles as Keisuke’s FD goes up against Smiley Sakai’s DC2 Integra and Atsuro Kawai’s ER34.
Extra Stage 2 (2008)
Similarly to Extra Stage, this is an additional OVA, but this time focuses on the relationship between Koichiro Iketani and Mako Sato. Mako decides to become a Pro racer, and after the credits, it’s made clear that Mako and Iketani will never meet again.
Fifth Stage (2012-2013)
Takumi has been falsely accused of taking advantage of a girl, as it becomes clear that there are Project D imposters in Saitama. The series ends without a conclusion in the battle of the AE86’s, between Takumi and Shinji.
This series is based on Chapters 425-667, (Volumes 32-45.)
Final Stage (2014)
The end of an era. Takumi and Shinji’s title fight for the ultimate Eight-Six continues. Spread over four episodes, the series ends with both drivers pushing to their limits before the true meaning of “Project D” is finally revealed.
This series is based on Chapters 668-719, (Volumes 46-48.)
Initial D Movie
Based on the original story, with numerous noticeable differences, the movie was met with a mix reaction from fans and critics alike.
Although it’s not the most mind-blowing movie ever produced, it’s well worth checking out, and can be found on Netflix, and Apple TV.
For those of you that are die-hard fans of the original manga/anime series, it may be best to lower your expectations a little.
Toyota’s Initial D Appreciation
There’s no question that Initial D had a huge part to play in the massive popularity of Toyota’s AE86, and made it one of the most sought-after cars across the world, with hundreds of replicas of the original ‘Panda’ being created.
On the launch of the brand-new Toyota GT86 back in 2012, Toyota paid kudos to Initial D, by creating a manga-inspired GT86 concept.
This goes to prove just how substantial the Initial D impact made on the automotive world, both in Japan and around the globe, to this day.
Initial D Games
SEGA showed their appreciation to the series by creating twelve video games, based on each stage.
With the original ‘Initial D Arcade Stage’ being launched in 2002, the most recent version, ‘Initial D Arcade Stage Zero Ver.2′ was launched in 2019, and there are various guides available online even to show you how to play this on your PC.
If you’re huge fans like we are, you’re going to need to head to Odaiba, Japan, to experience the most magnificent arcade on earth, with the 4th Stage having been recreated with real simulation RX7 and AE86’s, including full OEM interiors. We’re desperate to head out there and experience this!
If you’re keen to get the ultimate Initial D experience a little closer to home, then the best you’ll get is by appreciating the ultimate racing simulator, Assetto Corsa, in VR.
Their Japanese Car Pack features an awesome widebody Eight-Six for you to drift. With the endless realistic modification capabilities of the game, you’ll be able to take it drifting in some of the most stunning Japanese touge roads. It’s time to prove to your friends that you’ve got what it takes to become the next Takumi!
Conclusion
If you’ve not already had the pleasure of appreciating Initial D, and you’re worried that it’s a Japanese cartoon equivalent of The Fast and the Furious, then fear not, as Initial D is in an entire league of its own.
Not only does it feature realistic, intense, racing and drifting, but it dives deep into the JDM street racing scene, and also the car tuning culture.
With the likes of Drift King Keiichi Tsuchiya on-board, the physics are incredibly realistic throughout, and it’ll undoubtedly provide you with all sorts of fascinating knowledge about cars, their modifications, and how to push them to their limits on the road.
Although anime/manga isn’t to everyone’s taste, we highly recommend that you take some time to check out the Initial D series.
Initial D has done a fantastic job of capturing the heart and soul of its fans worldwide, and it has also provided an incredible insight into the Japanese tuning world.
It’s the perfect time to kick back on the sofa, and fully appreciate this legendary series.
But, before you do that, check out this great video of Alexi from noriyaro, as he takes a ride in a replica Initial D AE86 and delivers tofu to the top of Mt Haruna, (or Mount Akina) touge in Japan!
Information and photography credits
We thank the following entities for the use of their information and photography in this article:
Thank you for reading our Initial D Cars guide.
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