9tro assembled 16 different black JDMs for one massive photoshoot!

Singapore - Remember our All White Out photoshoot two years ago where we rounded up eight all white rear-wheel driven JDMs past and present for a get-together and asked the owners about their rides?

Well, its been a long while since we did anything like that and if we are going to do a follow-up it can only be bigger and better! Thus the planning process went underway earlier last month when we drafted out the requirements for another themed colour shoot.

This time round its the colour black and would be open to all JDMs featuring whichever layout, be it front/rear/all-wheel drive and front or mid-engine, literally anything goes. Now it might sound easy enough at first, but when the colour is black, there’s really not a lot to choose from.

We started off with only three confirmed cars and as the weeks went by our search intensified. We reached out to friends, friend’s friends and so on. By the start of this month we assembled 16 cars and the photoshoot could finally commence!

To fit in with the theme, we even made it a night shoot, which made it that much trickier due to the cars being black, but we always love a good challenge and what made it even more difficult was that during the shoot it was actually pouring cats and dogs. Alas, we couldn’t stop there and the show had to go on.

Thus, we present to you the 9tro Blacked Out Photoshoot featuring cars like the entire Toyota mid-ship family that includes the MR-2; AW11/SW20 and the MR-S. We also got two representatives from Nissan, a 180SX (S13) and a GT-R, a current generation Mazda MX-5, two Subarus - an MY07 ‘Hawkeye’ WRX and a 2008 STI Hatchback.

Representing Mitsubishi are an Evolution 9 and 10. Last but not least we had a really big group of Hondas that formed the bulk actually, they include models from the Civic range like an EG6, EK4, FN2R, FD2R and FK8R plus of course an Accord Euro-R!

After the shoot, we sat down with the owners for an interview session just to find out more about their rides.

1989 Nissan 180SX (S13)

Name: XX

Age: 32

Occupation: Business Advisory

Why did you purchase the car?

It was something that I had dreamed of owning for years. One of the rare iconic Japanese cars that had a FR layout, manual transmission and looked good to me.

What does the colour Black mean to you?

I was going for a clean and slick image that also keeps a low profile.

Favourite exterior part of the car?

Curves of the wide bodykit and the type x wing makes the car look more aggressive.

Favourite interior part of the car?

My gauge cluster and ignition switch panel. Besides fulfilling their practical purposes it gives the cabin a good visual feel that is consistent with how the car feels overall.

Favourite modification?

The Link ECU resolved most of the issues that I initially had with the car and the it runs without a hitch now, delivering good power too!

What do you not like about your car?

Its NVH due to the car setup, it might not be for everybody especially since I drive the car daily, having said that, I’m used to it now.

What's your future plans for your car?

Continue to keep and do up the car, probably make it more daily friendly as well.

What’s your next car?

For some variation, I’m probably looking at something that is continental, more unique, has a V engine or at least 6-cylinders. Maybe a Jaguar F-Type, Porsche 911 or Audi R8?

2015 Mazda Miata MX-5

Name: Marcus

Age: 36

Occupation: Management Consultant

Why did you purchase the car?

This was my dream car as a kid, I was captivated then by the cool pop-up headlights of the NA. I’m not knowledgeable with maintenance, so I decided on the new ND instead of the older models.

What does the colour Black mean to you?

Black to me is basic. Understated.

Favourite exterior part of the car?

Base on its stock form, I like the contours and lights that give the car an aggressive frontal look.

Favourite interior part of the car?

Having headrest speakers!

Favourite modification?

My Enkei 92s from Japan, I like ‘old-skool’ wheels, and returning the car to its original design intent of 16-inches with 195 tyres!

What do you not like about your car?

The model sold in Singapore doesn’t include an interior boot release button.

What's your future plans for your car?

I need Android Auto!

What’s your next car?

This car’s a keeper.

1985 Toyota MR2 AW11

Name: Anton

Age: 22

Occupation: Navy Regular

Why did you purchase the car?

I first saw it on an online used car listing and immediately purchased it. The car was in crap condition, but I had no choice as 80s Japanese performance cars have always been my dream, and this car in particular was a childhood dream. Its pop-up headlamps, mid-engined 4A-GE, 80s boxy styling, its tiny dimensions and manual everything - ticked all my boxes.

What does the colour Black mean to you?

It gets really hot when parked in the sun. *(laughs)

Favourite exterior part of the car?

Definitely the pop-up headlights!

Favourite interior part of the car?

Climate controls. Mechanical auto climate control from 1985 and it still works!

Favourite modification?

The car rides on KYB dampers with RS-R springs!

What do you not like about your car?

There's always something broken! *(laughs)

What are your future plans for your car?

The car is on a 5-year COE, but my application for conversion to a classic plate is already processing.

What’s your next car?

Most likely a Lotus. Any Lotus!

1991 Toyota MR2 SW20 (THE BLACKBIRD)

Name: Zi Sheng

Age: 23

Occupation: Financial Consultant

Why did you purchase the car?

Well, it's been my lifelong dream to own a Japanese car from the golden age (80s - 90s). I've spent fortunes on virtual arcade cars and 1/10 RC cars for the longest time. The day I went viewing for the first time was unforgettable; there was an indescribable feeling of awe and mild, borderline, insanity when I laid eyes on the MR2. Till today, owning it still feels like a dream.

What does the colour Black mean to you?

I'm generally not a black car person. But this colour perfectly complimented the MKII MR2’s legendary status and highlights all of its lines and curves. It looked awesome, so it stayed.

Favourite exterior part of the car?

The pop-up headlights, what else? *(laughs)

Favourite interior part of the car?

I don't have it yet but I'm putting in a Momo Steering Mod. 30 some time soon.

Favourite modification?

So far it's the stripped, Piano Black interior.

What do you not like about your car?

It breaks down all the time. But hey you gain some and lose some when you drive a legendary 27 year-old machine!

What are your future plans for your car?

A lot actually, for one I'm keeping it forever. But the next few major mods are a Toms bumper and a new Bentley Beluga Black paint job along with major lightening of the car!

What’s your next car?

Either a Ferrari 348 or a vintage Porsche 911 for sure!

1993 Honda Civic VTI EG6

Name: Desmond (CC)

Age: 34

Occupation: Finance Consultant

Why did you purchase the car?

It was a passed down to me from my elder brother - to keep the JDM fun going!

What does the colour Black mean to you?

Anything clad in black is usually a sleeper-type character to me. *(laughs)

Favourite exterior part of the car?

The entire look of the car, it is still eye catching to me despite being 25 years old!

Favourite interior part of the car?

The current air-conditioning unit, day or night, it’s super cold.

Favourite modification?

Converting to a five-lug wheel hub and finally being able to put on one of my favourite rim designs.

What do you not like about your car?

Sourcing of parts could be pretty challenging.

What's your future plans for your car?

To continue restoring the missing parts on my car.

What’s your next car?

I currently will be keeping the EG6 though I would probably get another vehicle for daily use with family-oriented space!

2007 Honda Civic Type-R FN2R

Name: Javier Eu

Age: 41

Occupation: Car trade Sales Manager

Why did you purchase the car?

Due to my line of work, it just so happened someone traded in this FN2R and I took over for fun. Then I realised its an interesting car plus I made a couple of good FN2R friends too so I renewed the car’s COE and continued driving it till now.

What does the colour Black mean to you?

The colour doesn’t have any specific meaning, to me its just another colour.

Favourite exterior part of the car?

I love my wheels!

Favourite interior part of the car?

I find the digital speedometer very cool!

Favourite modification?

The exhaust system!

What do you not like about your car?

There’s nothing I don’t like, its perfect in my eyes!

What's your future plans for your car?

I would like to maintain the look and probably change the colour.

What’s your next car?

No plans yet.

2006 Honda Accord Euro R CL7

Name: Ben

Age: NA

Occupation: Sales Manager

Why did you purchase the car?

I wanted to try out a VTEC machine.

What does the colour Black mean to you?

Black to me is stealth.

Favourite exterior part of the car?

My J’s Racing bonnet.

Favourite interior part of the car?

The Recaro seats!

Favourite modification?

None, my car is stock. *(laughs)

What do you not like about your car?

I find the Euro-R a tad too heavy.

What's your future plans for your car?

None for now, I intend to keep it stock.

What’s your next car?

I would love a Mercedes-AMG CLA45.

2007 Toyota MR-S V-Edition (Black Spyder)

Name: Scott

Age: 43

Occupation: Civil Servant

Why did you purchase the car?

I was looking for a RWD car and came across this guy who posted up this MR-S for sale on Facebook. I contacted him and found out that the car is stock to the bone. Tested it and seemed like a fun car. So I decided to purchase it and turn it into a drift car at the same time I have also used it to participate in Autotest and the Supersonic Timeattack series.

What does the colour Black mean to you?

Not much. It came in black, so I decided to keep it black. The previous owner did express intention of buying back the car though.

Favourite exterior part of the car?

Its carbon fibre engine cover.

Favourite interior part of the car?

Its hydraulic handbrake.

Favourite modification?

The hydraulic handbrake and additional rear calipers!

What do you not like about your car?

The side skirts are too low which means I can't go to a lot of places.

What's your future plans for your car?

I might go for hi-cams to increase its power.

What’s your next car?

My daily drive is a Subaru Impreza STI. I might upgrade the MR-S to a Toyota GT86 or Subaru BR-Z and focus more on drifting.