Overlook big-boost Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and wide-body Lamborghini Miuras – what we actually need is extra outlandish rock vehicles.

There’s one thing irresistibly cool about small automobiles designed to appear like supercars. They’re assured to place a smile in your face each time.

Particularly, I am speaking about wildlife rock automotive creations like this 1988 Honda Immediately, which has gull-wing doorways and a 12A rotary engine swap, constructed by RE Amemiya and Bomex. I am undecided why we do not see extra one-of-a-kinds rock initiatives alongside these strains – maybe one thing as a result of price.

However, in Japan you may nonetheless discover some cute little vehicles which have been reworked into alter egos of themselves. Listed here are my high three rock construct from Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.

First up are these two lifted micromachines, which I am grouping collectively as a result of I could not determine which one I appreciated extra.

The primary is a Mitsubishi EK Cross EV. Whereas it is nonetheless solely a front-wheel drive electrical rock automobile, the excessive raise and the art work depicting Osaka Fortress subsequent to the Tokyo Skytree greater than made up for any propulsion deficiencies.

A number of cubicles away I discovered one other EK Cross, this time with an much more excessive raise package. You might have a commanding driving place on this factor, though I am undecided how nicely it should sort out rocks with that low electrical motor between the axles. Nonetheless, it will get high marks for ambition.

Subsequent we’ve got the ‘NS660’, essentially the most reasonably priced NSX on the market. Because the title suggests, it’s based mostly on the Honda 660.

My neighbor has one and not too long ago fitted it with an NC1 NSX type entrance bumper, however to see one wearing a full physique package 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 as a Porsche 911 GT3 by StanceMagic is a murals. The Copen was solely accessible as a comfortable high, so to see it reworked 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 further energy as well. The white license plates point out its transfer from the yellow plate rock class.

As a bonus, and to come back full circle from the 1988 RE Amemiya Honda Immediately, this Mazda Carol continues to be beneath development. With its vast physique conversion and rotary swap, it seems extremely promising.

Toby Thyer
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