Overlook the big-boosting Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and wide-bodied Lamborghini Miuras – what we actually need is more unusual 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 At the moment 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 traces – maybe one thing on account of price.
Nonetheless, in Japan, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover some fairly cool little vehicles remodeled 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 appreciated extra.
The primary is a Mitsubishi EK Cross EV. Whereas it’s nonetheless only a front-wheel-drive electrical kei automobile, the excessive carry and the paintings depicting the Osaka Fort 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 carry 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 now have the ‘NS660,’ essentially the most inexpensive NSX on the market. Because the title suggests, it’s primarily based on the Honda 660.
My neighbour has one and just lately fitted it with an NC1 NSX-style entrance bumper, however seeing one wearing a whole physique equipment that mirrors the unique NA1/2 NSX takes it to a different stage.
Lastly, the ‘Coperche’ 811 GT-Okay – and what a reputation! This Daihatsu Copen dressed up as a Porsche 911 GT3 by StanceMagic is a murals. The Copen was solely accessible as a tender prime, so seeing it remodeled right into a fantastically crafted hardtop coupe is good. 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 come back full circle from the 1988 RE Amemiya Honda At the moment, this Mazda Carol continues to be beneath development. With its wide-body conversion and rotary swap, it’s wanting extremely promising.
Toby Thyer
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