OPTION May 2026 Issue Now on Sale! Special Feature: "THE FR. - AE86/ZN6/ZN8 -"
The May 2026 issue of OPTION magazine features a deep dive into the legendary FR (Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive) platforms, covering everything from the classic AE86 to the modern ZN6/ZN8 series. The issue includes the latest tuning information, maintenance tips for the AE86, and a comprehensive look at the latest exhaust systems with audio clips.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 28, 2026 at 00:41
- 🔍 Collected: March 28, 2026 at 21:59 (21h 18m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 03:09 (413h 9m after Collected)
OPTION May 2026 Issue
Special Feature: "THE FR. - AE86/ZN6/ZN8 -"
Release Date: March 26, 2026
144 full-color pages
List Price: 1,200 yen (tax included)
https://shop.san-ei-corp.co.jp/shop/g/g0022212605/
San-Ei Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Kenji Suzuki) will release the "OPTION May 2026 Issue" on March 26, 2026.
With its lightweight, compact body, excellent handling FR layout, abundant aftermarket parts, and accessible pricing, the 86 has remained a faithful ally to performance car enthusiasts across generations. This month's special feature thoroughly introduces how to enjoy these successive models. We deliver a wealth of the latest customization information, from the maintenance of the ever-evolving AE86 to tuning the ZN6, which is now a prime target for purchase on the used market, and the building of the ZN8, which is active on the circuit.
Furthermore, the second special feature covers the latest muffler information. Along with Tarzan Yamada's impressions, you can enjoy the sound of the mufflers in video format. The lineup includes the Blitz GR Yaris, Rosso Modello Civic Type R, and Fujitsubo Hachiroku & GR86.
AE86 Notable Topics
The cylinder block and cylinder head for the "4A-GE," the heart of the AE86, have been long-awaited and reissued by GAZOO Racing. We explore the details of these parts, updated with modern technology. We also examine the current level of completion of the attention-grabbing pipe frame specification being produced by Ishikawa Body.
New and Old Hachiroku Crossover
We pick up topics and tuning parts common to the successive generations of the Hachiroku, from the AE86 to the ZN6/8. Experts in Hachiroku tuning, such as TOM'S, Techno Pro Spirits, and OS Giken, make appearances.
SUPER N2 Machine Capability Check
Three cars competing in the "Super N2" class, fought with super-tuned AE86s—RS Watanabe's Levin-converted-Trueno, Crystal Body Yokohama's Sprinter Trueno, and privateer Mr. Mori's Corolla Levin—gathered at Fuji Speedway. We introduce the specifications of each.
Initial D Rivals
From the rivals who appeared in the popular manga "Initial D," we pick up the RX-7, NSX, Cappuccino, MR-S, and Impreza WRX. Defeat Takumi Fujiwara & Project D with the latest tuning specifications!!
Recommendation for FA20 Power Tuning
The previous generation 86/BRZ (ZN6) is gaining appeal as a tuning base due to accessible used car prices. Revolver in Okayama Prefecture proposes three engine tunes—4-throttle NA spec, supercharger spec, and turbocharger spec—and we look at the charm of each, along with target horsepower and budget.
Sound Available!! Latest Exhaust Selection Meeting
The three major criteria for choosing a muffler are visuals, performance, and sound. In this muffler feature, you can check visuals with photos, performance with Tarzan Yamada's impressions, and sound with videos. Read carefully, watch, listen, and enjoy the latest exhausts!
CONTENTS
19 Special Feature: THE FR. AE86/ZN6/ZN8
20 AE86 Notable Topics: GR Heritage Parts Project 4A-GE Reissue, Ishikawa Body TUBE FRAME TRUENO
28 New and Old Hachiroku Crossover: TOM'S Style, Techno PRO Spirit (Dream 2-car system), OS GIKEN Improved Super Lock LSD
38 SUPER N2 Machine Capability Check
44 AE86 Latest PARTS Information: Restoparts.com, Tein, Exedy
48 AE86 Owner White Paper & HOT TUNED: motorFIX / INAZUMA WORX / Tec-Art's
60 Initial D Rivals: RS Pantera RX-7 / Advance NSX / Timely Cappuccino / Trial MR-S / Marche Impreza WRX typeR Sti Version V
70 Breaking the Spell of the 4A-GE!! Racing House Sakai
74 SHOP INFORMATION: Agent
76 FA20 Power Tuning Recommendation: Revolver
80 FA20/24 Closed Deck Processing: ARM
82 ZN8 Tuning Parts News: Kuhl Japan OUTROAD GR86, Blitz B-MCB / RS Pantera Aero
88 Enjoying Sports Driving with the ZN8: Tuning Guide by Part by Auto Garage M
92 GR86 Circuit Lightweight Specification: Trial
96 86/BRZ @ Attack TSUKUBA: HKS / Screen / Top Fuel / OTHERS
Special
12 OPT 45th Anniversary Special Archives
108 Attack Tsukuba 2026
114 HKS Racing Performer FL550R
116 Test on Street / HKS HIPERMAX S
122 Sound Available!! Latest Exhaust Selection Meeting: Blitz/Nur-Spec Custom Edition, Rosso Modello/Colbasso ZEEK Ti, Fujitsubo/Authorise & Legalis EPU
134 EXHAUST SPECIALIST: Kakimoto Racing Class KR
Column
105 Hiromune Sano "Turning Point - The Automotive Industry Today -"
107 Tatsuya Tanaka "German Car Lifestyle: The Choice of Imported Cars"
Regular
112 660GT WORLD
129 THE NEWEST WHEEL
132 Echigoya's Room
136 BEST SHOT JDM
About San-Ei Co., Ltd.
In its history of over 70 years, San-Ei has continued to publish magazines primarily related to automobiles and racing. Leveraging the various resources, diverse networks inside and outside the industry, highly specialized knowledge, and archives accumulated through these activities, the company has expanded its scope into various genres such as sports, fashion, and outdoor activities. Through magazines, events, and more, the company enhances its brand power and widely develops content across web and video platforms.
Representative Director: Kenji Suzuki
Founded: October 1947
Established: September 17, 1952
Capital: 98 million yen
Employees: 141
Shinjuku Square Tower 26F, 6-22-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1126
San-Ei Official Website: https://san-ei-corp.co.jp/
March 26, 2026
San-Ei Co., Ltd.
Special Feature: "THE FR. - AE86/ZN6/ZN8 -"
Release Date: March 26, 2026
144 full-color pages
List Price: 1,200 yen (tax included)
https://shop.san-ei-corp.co.jp/shop/g/g0022212605/
San-Ei Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Kenji Suzuki) will release the "OPTION May 2026 Issue" on March 26, 2026.
With its lightweight, compact body, excellent handling FR layout, abundant aftermarket parts, and accessible pricing, the 86 has remained a faithful ally to performance car enthusiasts across generations. This month's special feature thoroughly introduces how to enjoy these successive models. We deliver a wealth of the latest customization information, from the maintenance of the ever-evolving AE86 to tuning the ZN6, which is now a prime target for purchase on the used market, and the building of the ZN8, which is active on the circuit.
Furthermore, the second special feature covers the latest muffler information. Along with Tarzan Yamada's impressions, you can enjoy the sound of the mufflers in video format. The lineup includes the Blitz GR Yaris, Rosso Modello Civic Type R, and Fujitsubo Hachiroku & GR86.
AE86 Notable Topics
The cylinder block and cylinder head for the "4A-GE," the heart of the AE86, have been long-awaited and reissued by GAZOO Racing. We explore the details of these parts, updated with modern technology. We also examine the current level of completion of the attention-grabbing pipe frame specification being produced by Ishikawa Body.
New and Old Hachiroku Crossover
We pick up topics and tuning parts common to the successive generations of the Hachiroku, from the AE86 to the ZN6/8. Experts in Hachiroku tuning, such as TOM'S, Techno Pro Spirits, and OS Giken, make appearances.
SUPER N2 Machine Capability Check
Three cars competing in the "Super N2" class, fought with super-tuned AE86s—RS Watanabe's Levin-converted-Trueno, Crystal Body Yokohama's Sprinter Trueno, and privateer Mr. Mori's Corolla Levin—gathered at Fuji Speedway. We introduce the specifications of each.
Initial D Rivals
From the rivals who appeared in the popular manga "Initial D," we pick up the RX-7, NSX, Cappuccino, MR-S, and Impreza WRX. Defeat Takumi Fujiwara & Project D with the latest tuning specifications!!
Recommendation for FA20 Power Tuning
The previous generation 86/BRZ (ZN6) is gaining appeal as a tuning base due to accessible used car prices. Revolver in Okayama Prefecture proposes three engine tunes—4-throttle NA spec, supercharger spec, and turbocharger spec—and we look at the charm of each, along with target horsepower and budget.
Sound Available!! Latest Exhaust Selection Meeting
The three major criteria for choosing a muffler are visuals, performance, and sound. In this muffler feature, you can check visuals with photos, performance with Tarzan Yamada's impressions, and sound with videos. Read carefully, watch, listen, and enjoy the latest exhausts!
CONTENTS
19 Special Feature: THE FR. AE86/ZN6/ZN8
20 AE86 Notable Topics: GR Heritage Parts Project 4A-GE Reissue, Ishikawa Body TUBE FRAME TRUENO
28 New and Old Hachiroku Crossover: TOM'S Style, Techno PRO Spirit (Dream 2-car system), OS GIKEN Improved Super Lock LSD
38 SUPER N2 Machine Capability Check
44 AE86 Latest PARTS Information: Restoparts.com, Tein, Exedy
48 AE86 Owner White Paper & HOT TUNED: motorFIX / INAZUMA WORX / Tec-Art's
60 Initial D Rivals: RS Pantera RX-7 / Advance NSX / Timely Cappuccino / Trial MR-S / Marche Impreza WRX typeR Sti Version V
70 Breaking the Spell of the 4A-GE!! Racing House Sakai
74 SHOP INFORMATION: Agent
76 FA20 Power Tuning Recommendation: Revolver
80 FA20/24 Closed Deck Processing: ARM
82 ZN8 Tuning Parts News: Kuhl Japan OUTROAD GR86, Blitz B-MCB / RS Pantera Aero
88 Enjoying Sports Driving with the ZN8: Tuning Guide by Part by Auto Garage M
92 GR86 Circuit Lightweight Specification: Trial
96 86/BRZ @ Attack TSUKUBA: HKS / Screen / Top Fuel / OTHERS
Special
12 OPT 45th Anniversary Special Archives
108 Attack Tsukuba 2026
114 HKS Racing Performer FL550R
116 Test on Street / HKS HIPERMAX S
122 Sound Available!! Latest Exhaust Selection Meeting: Blitz/Nur-Spec Custom Edition, Rosso Modello/Colbasso ZEEK Ti, Fujitsubo/Authorise & Legalis EPU
134 EXHAUST SPECIALIST: Kakimoto Racing Class KR
Column
105 Hiromune Sano "Turning Point - The Automotive Industry Today -"
107 Tatsuya Tanaka "German Car Lifestyle: The Choice of Imported Cars"
Regular
112 660GT WORLD
129 THE NEWEST WHEEL
132 Echigoya's Room
136 BEST SHOT JDM
About San-Ei Co., Ltd.
In its history of over 70 years, San-Ei has continued to publish magazines primarily related to automobiles and racing. Leveraging the various resources, diverse networks inside and outside the industry, highly specialized knowledge, and archives accumulated through these activities, the company has expanded its scope into various genres such as sports, fashion, and outdoor activities. Through magazines, events, and more, the company enhances its brand power and widely develops content across web and video platforms.
Representative Director: Kenji Suzuki
Founded: October 1947
Established: September 17, 1952
Capital: 98 million yen
Employees: 141
Shinjuku Square Tower 26F, 6-22-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1126
San-Ei Official Website: https://san-ei-corp.co.jp/
March 26, 2026
San-Ei Co., Ltd.