TORQUE GT ● BLOG
Inside HKS: Exploring Automotive Excellence
In the heart of automotive excellence, where precision meets passion, lies the HKS factory at the base of Mount Fuji - A realm of innovation and performance, visiting the HKS (Hasegawa Kitagawa Sigma) factory is a dream come true for automotive enthusiasts and those passionate about high-performance aftermarket parts.
As UK dealers of HKS parts, we were lucky enough to be invited to this legendary mecca of Japanese engineering during our recent trip to Japan.
As we step onto the hallowed grounds of the HKS factory, it's impossible to ignore the legacy that precedes it. With over four decades of automotive excellence, HKS has established itself as a pioneer in aftermarket performance parts.
The HKS factory tour showcases the company's greatest hits! We had the chance to explore the evolution of HKS’s vehicles & motorsports involvement, showcasing the racing heritage that inspires their high-performance products, from their early days to the cutting-edge technologies of today.
HKS’s legendary 7-second Nissan R33 GT-R drag car was on display… This represents the era when the RB26 was pushed to new levels. At the time, it was the benchmark car that other Japanese tuners wanted to beat.
Other stars in this area of the tour included some Euro weaponry. This Opel Vectra took part in the Japan Touring Car Championship (JTCC) during the late 1990's. The car runs a 2.0L C20 race engine producing 300 bhp. Honestly, has a Vectra ever looked so damn cool?
The five spoke Enkei wheels still look epic today!
Casually sat next to the Opel, we ogled over HKS’s Mercedes Benz CLK JGTC (Japan Grand Touring Car Championship) racer from 2002, arguably from the golden era of GT racing in Japan.
There’s something very right about a DTM racer that's been injected with some of Japan’s magic! It’s a proper brute with a Merc’s M119 V8, running 500ps, following JGTC GT500 class guidelines of the time.
Then there’s the open wheel stuff… HKS-built formula racing engines are a thing to behold. The F3-spec 2.0L inline four cylinder known as the "HKS 310E" is no exception.
Even outside, HKS’s grounds have cool project cars parked up including Honda S660’s with the GT100R Turbo Kit which is available through Torque Parts. We also saw a HKS spec GR86 with a GT2 Supercharger kit fitted which was intriguing.
Back inside, we continue the tour into the next hall, showcasing HKS’s latest, high tech automotive kit. The infamous 2.5L GT86 Tsukuba Record Breaker was here… This car is an absolute animal, running 760 PS & 651 lbs/ft and we love it!
They also had their GR Yaris Type S Demo Car on display showcasing the Hipermax Suspension Kit and bespoke bodykit.
The GR Yaris has been a big focus for HKS, with plenty of development and exploration to see what is possible when pushed further. Their 475 BHP project car might just be the most angry looking GR Yaris out there! Cosmetically, it’s a mixture of WRC meets the drift world.
Mechanically, HKS wanted to push Toyota’s stock G16E engine as far as it could go. They fettled with the ECU, constantly refining whilst adding further modifications. A prototype HKS bolt-on turbo was added, upping the boost from the original 1.4bar (20.6psi) right up to 2.7bar (39.7psi). To back this up, a prototype intercooler and a modified intercooler spray system and a hard pipe kit was created.. The factory air box was also replaced with a HKS Super Power Flow filter. All this gave the car an extra 100 bhp resulting in a 375 bhp GR Yaris!
However, that wasn’t enough… Another 100 bhp was gained through a 100-shot of nitrous oxide, for a total of 475 bhp - It’s safe to say this is a mental machine and a great example of HKS’s commitment as a company to push the boundaries of what's possible on the road and on the track.
The visit really makes you appreciate the brand and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every HKS product. They truly are a driving force in the world of automotive performance.
