Neglect the big-boosting Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and wide-bodied Lamborghini Miuras – what we actually need is more unusual kei automobiles.
There’s one thing irresistibly enjoyable about tiny automobiles designed to appear like supercars. They’re assured to place a smile in your face each time.
Particularly, I’m speaking about wild kei automotive creations like this Honda Immediately from 1988, which has gull-wing doorways and a 12A rotary engine swap, constructed by RE Amemiya and Bomex. I’m undecided why we don’t see extra one-of-a-kind kei initiatives alongside these traces – maybe one thing on account of price.
However, in Japan, you possibly can nonetheless discover some fairly cool little automobiles remodeled into alter egos of themselves. Listed below are my high three kei builds from Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.
First up are these two lifted micro machines, which I’m grouping collectively as a result of I couldn’t determine which one I preferred extra.
The primary is a Mitsubishi EK Cross EV. Whereas it’s nonetheless only a front-wheel-drive electrical kei automotive, the excessive raise and the art work depicting the Osaka Fort alongside the Tokyo Skytree greater than offset any powertrain deficiencies.
A number of cubicles over I discovered one other EK Cross, this time with an much more excessive raise equipment. You have got a commanding driving place on this factor, though I’m undecided how properly it’s going to sort out boulders with that low-slung electrical motor between the axles. Nonetheless, it will get high marks for ambition.
Subsequent, we have now the ‘NS660,’ essentially the most reasonably priced NSX on the market. Because the identify suggests, it’s based mostly on the Honda 660.
My neighbour has one and just lately fitted it with an NC1 NSX-style entrance bumper, however seeing one wearing an entire physique equipment that mirrors the unique NA1/2 NSX takes it to a different degree.
Lastly, the ‘Coperche’ 811 GT-Ok – and what a reputation! This Daihatsu Copen dressed up as a Porsche 911 GT3 by StanceMagic is a murals. The Copen was solely out there as a gentle high, so seeing it remodeled right into a fantastically crafted hardtop coupe is sensible. The widened arches and real Porsche lights full the look completely.
The unique 660cc engine has been swapped for a 1.3L NA unit from one other Daihatsu, giving it some further energy in addition. The white licence plates signify its transfer out of the yellow plate kei class.
As a bonus, and to return full circle from the 1988 RE Amemiya Honda Immediately, this Mazda Carol remains to be underneath development. With its wide-body conversion and rotary swap, it’s wanting extremely promising.
Toby Thyer
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