FYI: The Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 unveiled some truly extraordinary kei car creations, proving once again that good things come in small packages.
Delve into the world of kei cars at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, where these uniquely compact vehicles steal the spotlight from traditional supercars. While the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Lamborghini Miura are favorites for many car enthusiasts, this event made a strong case for the quirkiness and charm of kei cars.
Kei Car Extravaganza: Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 Highlights
There’s a charming allure to kei cars that mimic the visual bravado of supercars. These pint-sized powerhouses often bring a burst of joy and a big grin to any car lover’s face. Below, we explore some of the standout kei car builds showcased at the event.
RE Amemiya and Bomex 1988 Honda Today
One of the showstoppers was the 1988 Honda Today, reimagined by RE Amemiya and BOMEX. This compact marvel boasts gullwing doors and hosts a 12A rotary engine swap, capturing the imagination of every auto aficionado. Projects like this often remain rare due to their cost, but they enthrall nonetheless.
Lifted Legends: Mitsubishi EK Cross EV
Among the unique creations were two striking lifted micro cars. The Mitsubishi EK Cross EV, despite being a front-wheel-drive electric kei car, dazzled with its high lift and stunning artwork depicting Osaka Castle and the Tokyo Skytree. It’s a reminder that sometimes style outshines power.
The Ambitious Anomaly: Another EK Cross
Spotted at different booths, another EK Cross decked out with an Extreme Lift Kit caught our attention. Although its low-positioned electric motor might struggle with passing over rough terrains, its design ambition deserves a nod.
The Honda NS660: Affordable NSX Alternative
The NS660, modeled on the Honda 660, offers a cost-effective nod to the iconic NSX. Complete with an NSX-style body kit, it embodies the spirit of automotive passion in a more accessible package.
Daihatsu Copen "Coperche" 811 GT-K
Dubbed the “Coperche” 811 GT-K by StanceMagic, this Daihatsu Copen transforms into a Porsche 911 GT3 homage. Enhanced by flared arches and authentic Porsche lighting, this hardtop coupe emanates pure sophistication. Enhancements under the hood with a Daihatsu 1.3L engine add to its prowess, indicating a leap from the traditional kei car class.
Rotary Variants: Mazda Carol’s Evolution
The Mazda Carol, originally from the RE Amemiya Honda lineage of 1988, features a widebody conversion coupled with a rotary swap—a testament to the enduring allure and potential of kei cars.
The Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 brilliantly underscores the inventive zeal in Japan’s automotive culture, where kei cars are not just about function—they’re about the art of expression and exhilarating uniqueness.
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Donald Smith
Editor, Automotive.fyi
