Between 12-cylinder Volkswagens and 900-hp Toyota Supras: the crazy GERMAN VS JDM 2026 car meet returns to Gorizia (Italy)
29-09-2026 12:08 -
The showdown between German cars and Japanese-made machines is back in Villesse (Gorizia – Italy), with participants also arriving at Tiare Shopping centre from Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Last year, among the award-winning cars was an incredible 12-cylinder VW Lupo, with a 5,600 cc engine and more than 500 hp. Admission is free, starting October 3 at 2:00 pm
Last year, no fewer than 450 cars turned up at Tiare Shopping for GERMAN VS JDM, the automotive gathering that brings four-wheel enthusiasts from all across Northern Italy to Villesse (Gorizia). This year, with the event’s reputation now extending beyond Italy’s borders, the meeting organized by the Gorizia-based Lowered Garage association in collaboration with Terre di Moto Srl and Kustom World magazine is aiming to do even better, renewing its early-autumn appointment with a must-attend meeting for all fans of cars and tuning.
The date to mark on the calendar is October 3, while the venue is the well-established south parking area of the Tiare Shopping centre (coordinates: https://rb.gy/iau4l4), with the event starting at 2:00 pm and the awards ceremony at 6:00 pm. A 100-octane afternoon of automotive passion is in store, with two distinct “sides” facing off in a technical and aesthetic challenge: on one side, Audi RS, BMW M, Mercedes AMG, refined Porsches and the hottest Volkswagens; on the other, Japanese machines such as Honda NSX, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline and Toyota Supra, some modified to exceed 900 HP. Once again, the focus is on the comparison between two different philosophies of conceiving and building sports cars — the German and Japanese approaches — two schools of thought that over the years have produced some of the most iconic models in the automotive world.
Founded in 2015, GERMAN VS JDM has become a reference point over the years for petrolheads from Austria, Slovenia and Croatia as well. Last year, it was two Croatian enthusiasts who took home some of the event’s most coveted awards, the Best of Show and Best German. The former went to Davor Zgrablić from Umag and his heavily modified BMW 335 Coupé, while the latter was awarded to Pula-based Petar Biočić and his genuine “monster” in disguise. Despite its small city-car appearance, the VW Lupo ‘Bimoto’ by Biox Performance hides not one, but two 2.8-litre VR6 engines, both supercharged with nitrous oxide, for a total of 12 cylinders, 5,600 cc and more than 500 HP. Most incredibly, the car is fully road-legal. Other award-winning cars last year included Filippo Baruzzi’s rare Datsun 240Z (Best JDM) as well as a stunning 964 Turbo, the legendary Porsche youngtimer.
Only German or Japanese cars are eligible for the gathering, with power exceeding 250 HP, or historic vehicles at least 25 years old. Exceptions may be made for special vehicles that are in keeping with the spirit of the event. The full regulations are available on the official website or on the event’s dedicated Facebook page.
There will also be areas dedicated to food, drinks, products and services for car enthusiasts. Admission is free both for visitors and for those taking part with their own cars. The latter will receive a welcome bag upon arrival.
