Overlook the big-boosting Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and wide-bodied Lamborghini Miuras – what we actually need is weirder kei vehicles.
There’s one thing irresistibly enjoyable about tiny autos designed to appear to be 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 Right this 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 tasks alongside these strains – maybe one thing because of value.
However, in Japan, you may nonetheless discover some fairly cool little vehicles reworked into alter egos of themselves. Listed below 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 determine 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 Citadel 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 carry equipment. You may have a commanding driving place on this factor, though I’m unsure how nicely it can deal with boulders with that low-slung electrical motor between the axles. Nonetheless, it will get prime marks for ambition.
Subsequent, we’ve got the ‘NS660,’ probably the most inexpensive NSX on the market. Because the identify suggests, it’s based mostly on the Honda 660.
My neighbour has one and 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 degree.
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 out there as a smooth prime, so seeing it reworked 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 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 Right this moment, this Mazda Carol remains to be below building. With its wide-body conversion and rotary swap, it’s trying extremely promising.
Toby Thyer
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