Forget the big-block Nissan Skyline GT-R and wide-body Lamborghini Miura – what we really want is a little more exoticism kei Cars.
There’s something irresistibly fun about small vehicles designed to look like supercars. They are guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time.
Specifically, I’m talking about wilderness kei Car creations like the 1988 Honda Today, which has gullwing doors and a 12A rotary motor shifter, were made by RE Amemiya and Bomex. Not sure why we don’t see more unique products kei Projects along these lines – perhaps something because of the cost.
However, in Japan, you can still find some cool little cars that have been turned into alter egos for themselves. Here are my top three kei Based on the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon.
First, there are these two little levitating machines, which I put together because I couldn’t decide which one I liked better.
The first is the Mitsubishi EK Cross EV. While it is still just a front-wheel drive electric car kei The car’s high lift and artwork depicting Osaka Castle along with the Tokyo Sky Tree more than make up for any powertrain shortcomings.
A few stalls away I found another EK Cross, this time with a more extreme lift kit. You have a commanding driving position in this thing, although I’m not sure how well it handles rocks with this low electric motor between the axles. However, it gets top marks for ambition.
Next, we have the ‘NS660’, which is the least expensive NSX ever. As the name suggests, it is based on the Honda 660.
My neighbor owns one and recently fitted it with an NC1 NSX style front bumper, but seeing one wearing a full body kit that mirrors the original NA1/2 NSX takes it to another level.
And finally, the “Coperche” 811 GT-K – what a name! This Daihatsu Copen dressed as a Porsche 911 GT3 from StanceMagic is a work of art. The Copen was only available as a soft top, so seeing it transformed into a beautifully crafted hardtop coupe is great. The wide arches and original Porsche lights complete the look perfectly.
The original 660cc engine has been replaced with a 1.3-litre NA unit from another Daihatsu, giving it some extra power to boot. White license plates indicate a departure from the yellow plate kei season.
As a bonus, and to come full circle to this 1988 RE Amemiya Honda Today, this Mazda Carol is still under construction. Thanks to a widebody conversion and rotary swap, it looks incredibly promising.
Toby Thayer
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