Overlook the big-boosting Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and wide-bodied Lamborghini Miuras – what we actually need is more strange kei vehicles.
There’s one thing irresistibly enjoyable about tiny automobiles designed to seem like supercars. They’re assured to place a smile in your face each time.
Particularly, I’m speaking about wild kei automobile creations like this Honda In the present day from 1988, which has gull-wing doorways and a 12A rotary engine swap, constructed by RE Amemiya and Bomex. I’m unsure why we don’t see extra one-of-a-kind kei initiatives alongside these strains – maybe one thing resulting from price.
However, in Japan, you may nonetheless discover some fairly cool little vehicles reworked into alter egos of themselves. Listed here are my prime 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 resolve which one I preferred extra.
The primary is a Mitsubishi EK Cross EV. Whereas it’s nonetheless only a front-wheel-drive electrical kei automobile, the excessive raise and the paintings depicting the Osaka Fortress alongside the Tokyo Skytree greater than offset any powertrain deficiencies.
Just a few cubicles over I discovered one other EK Cross, this time with an much more excessive raise equipment. You’ve a commanding driving place on this factor, though I’m unsure how nicely it can sort out boulders with that low-slung electrical motor between the axles. Nonetheless, it will get prime marks for ambition.
Subsequent, we’ve the ‘NS660,’ probably 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 not too long ago 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 stage.
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 delicate prime, so seeing it reworked right into a superbly 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 additional energy besides. 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 In the present day, this Mazda Carol continues to be beneath development. With its wide-body conversion and rotary swap, it’s trying extremely promising.
Toby Thyer
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