The 1st Generation Tanaka X-Series (1985-1995)
Tanaka 300X Facelift shown
Since the death of the C30X, fans have been asking for another sports car. With the SFM4 and the Trinity filling that gap, Tanaka just needed a GT. In 1985, the 1st generation Tanaka X-Series. It was a 5-seater GT car. The front suspension was double wishbone with rear double wishbone suspension, the same setup as the SFM4. It uses the same Inline 6 as the 4th generation Tanaka Aventus. The car was beautifully designed. This is also the first Tanaka to have a sunroof, not even the Aventus had one at the time. The X-Series was the spiritual successor to the C30X.
Tanaka 300X shown
This is the 300X, the base model and the only model until 1989. It uses the F30MPEFI-B1 unit making 207HP and 197lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual (or an optional 4-speed automatic) to a mechanical LSD. It has 16-inch rims wrapped around quite thin sport-compound tires (180mm thick to be exact on both sides), 2 piston vented brakes, a semi-clad undertray, premium leather interior with a premium 8-track player, a variable hydraulic power steering, an ABS system and advanced 80s safety. A hydropneumatic suspension is optional. It can do 18.4mpg, 0-60mph in 7.14 seconds and has a top speed of 133mph (only for the manual version without the hydropneumatic suspension).
Tanaka 300X Turbo shown
This is the 300X Turbo, introduced in 1989. People complained about the 300X that it was very underpowered, especially for its weight (which is 1277kg) and its size. The Turbo was here to solve the problem. The engine is now turbocharged (now with the engine code, F30MPEFI-A1 T) which now makes 273HP and 277lb-ft of torque. The rear tires are now wider by 10mm and the suspension is lowered. Other than that, nothing has changed. It can do 23.2mpg (ironically…), 0-60mph in 6.18 seconds and has a top speed of 147mph. However, this spawned another problem, the 300X Turbo will fade its brakes from sporty driving.
1990 Facelift
Tanaka 300X Turbo Facelift shown
At 1990, the X-Series had a facelift. The changes are slightly different headlights, a different bumper, traction control and advanced 90s safety. The engine of the 300X and the turbo version is more powerful, with the 300X making 222HP and 197lb-ft of torque and the 300X Turbo making 274HP and 278lb-ft of torque. The 300X Turbo now has better brakes to stop the brake fade.
These are not the only changes. The facelift also introduced 2 more trims, the 300X L and the 300X TR.
Tanaka 300X L shown
This is the 300X L, the luxurious version. The 4-speed automatic is now standard. The tires are medium compound with a new rim design, the interior is now made of luxury leather and the hydropneumatic suspension is now standard.
Tanaka 300X TR shown
This is the 300X TR, the holy grail of the 1st generation X-Series. The same engine was shared from the Aventus TR, the F30MPEFI-B1 T, which makes 342HP and 298lb-ft of torque. It was only available in 5 colours: Pearl Blue, Metallic Blue, Red Mauve Mica, Tanabe Racing Blue and Tanabe Racing Midnight Purple (all dark colours). The TR may be available from 1990-1995, but only 50 were only made each year, totaling 250 300X TR’s. It has a longer final drive ratio, wider fenders, a different body kit, a big single exhaust, wider sports compound tires (for both front and rear), 17-inch darker Dark Metallic Gray magnesium rims, larger brakes, a fully-clad undertray, removed rear seats, a sports interior with aluminium seats, standard 80s safety, a lowered and sportier suspension. It can do 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 160mph. The TR versions are extremely sought after when compared to other versions.
