Bangkok auto salon ready to roll

Apart from customised cars and accessories, as well as a large number of “booth babes”, there is another agenda at the show.

This year’s event is being promoted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, which is offering business expansion opportunities for Thai and foreign entrepreneurs.Organiser Wiluck Lohthong says the idea is for the Bangkok International Auto Salon to become a regional car-accessory exhibition representing the Asean region, with Thailand serving as the hub for auto parts and accessories.

“A large number of trade delegates have been invited to visit the show and carry out business negotiations, which highlights another important purpose of the event,” he said.Delegates who have confirmed their participation are from the Japan External Trade Organisation, Nippon Auto Parts After Market Committee (NAPAC), the Japan Automotive Aftermarket Action League, the Pakistan Automobile Spare Parts Importers and Dealers Association and the Singaporean Automotive Trade representative.

“NAPAC will also be bringing along members to exhibit their products at the show,” Wiluck said.Apart from booths belonging to accessory manufacturers from Asia and Europe, the show will also feature booths by major brands in Thailand such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Isuzu, Subaru, BMW, Mitsuoka, Niche Cars (Lamborghini and Lotus), and Yamaha.

There are also different zones including the European Zone, Wheel Zone, Accessory Zone, Option Rev Up Zone, Editor’s Pick Zone, Thailand Motor Sport Zone and the Grand Prix-F1 Zone, which will be set up for the first time featuring replicas of F1 cars along with an F1 Race Simulator.“There is besides a special zone displaying award-winning customized cars from all over Asean,” Wiluck added.

The first and second rounds of the D1 Grand Prix Thailand Series 2013 will also be staged during the event at the Muangthong Thani Lake area.

Furthermore, there will be lots of entertainment. Apart from concerts by Japanese and Thai artistes, visitors will also get to check out the exceptionally large number of booth babes and pretties from both Thailand and overseas, including A-Class Girls Japan, Gravure Idols, Drift Angels, Race Queens, Car Wash Models (Thai and Japan) and FHM, including FHM Girls Next Door.

“The Thailand Auto Salon has evolved into an ‘entertainment car show’ that differs from other auto exhibitions. Apart from innovations in tuning and customising cars, we also have a large number of motorsports activities, car club meetings and car audio competitions. In addition, the entertainment includes shows and concerts from Japan and Thailand that have been designed to appeal to the new generation of car lovers by following the concept of the Tokyo Auto Salon, which is one of the world’s top aftermarket car shows,” Wiluck concluded.

 

Highlights at this year’s Bangkok International Salon

 

TOP SECRET SUPER GT-R 1200

 

TOP SECRET’s modified GT-R R35, with its 1,000hp VR38DETT engine, proudly took part in the Nardo Top Speed Challenge in Italy and recorded a top speed of 377 km/h.Base: Nissan GT-R

Engine: TRUST RX 4.0 Kit, RX1200 turbocharger, HKS cams, 1,200cc fuel injectors, DCT Cooler, TV-PRO Muffler V2, titanium front pipe, sports transmission.

Footwork: Front upper arms, wishbone, camber-adjustable rear arm, tension arms, 400mm brake discs, Endless brake pads, Enkei 20x10in wheels.

 

TOM’s N086V Concept

Long-time Toyota tuner TOM’s has replaced the 4-cylinder boxer engine of the Toyota 86 with a modified 3.5-litre V6 engine from Lexus capable of developing 400hp and 45.9kgm of torque.

Base: Toyota 86

Engine: 2GR-FSE with 400hp, TOM’s clutch, TOM’s Hyper limited slip differential

Exterior: TOM’s styling parts

Interior: TOM’s carbon reclining bucket seat, TOM’s steering wheel

Footwork: Advox high-performance springs, TOM’s IGETA brakes