Zenshi Axia CT400 Coupe GTourer (EGC) '88
After the EFC Axia Coupe ended production in 1986, Zenshi had no hesitation when it came to releasing the EGC Axia Coupe.
Renamed the Axia CT400 Coupe (CT stands for Class Tourer), the EGC series came to be in 1987, sold as an exclusive car to Zenshi's Tokyo and Yokohama dealerships as the manufacturer's flagship grand touring coupe. Compared to it's previous generation, the EFC, which was plauged with electrical and mechanical issues, leading to it's downfall, Zenshi kept this mistake in mind, devoting more time of R&D for the EGC, and as a result, ended up becoming a considerable success in the luxury competition, being as luxurious as cars from the likes of Weiss Kraft, Bruder, and even Ferrero, but more accessible, affordable, and reliable to the consumer.
There were only two trims for the Axia CT400 Coupe: The relaxed and comfortable SLine, and the taut and powerful GTourer. When it comes to sports driving, the GTourer comes to mind, with fine-tuned suspension, remade bodywork, and the option to have a 5-speed manual. Despite the high price for the car at the time (3,562,400 yen, or about $29,500 in 1987), the car was highly praised by some for it's balance of hardcore sports performance and luxurious elegance.
The Axia CT400 Coupe GTourer was powered by the SA40DCT, a turbocharged 4.0L V8, which carried the restricted 276 HP, but boasted a great amount of torque, rating in at about 363 lb-ft. When the TCS was switched off, the engine allowed the car to slide with ease, making the CT400 Coupe popular for drifters.
In the early 90s, the popularity of the car started fading out by the time the Grandea GT-R came back in 1989. However, popularity piked up in the late 90s thanks to it's appearance and victories in many motorsports events, a used '87 Gtourer daily-turned-racing machine driven by Genki Team Racing's (G.T.R.) Kiel Larsson.
The EGC-series ended production in 1994, making room for it's successor, the EHC.
