FYI: A groundbreaking entry at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, the Toyota Sera "Twin Dragon" roars with dual engines and a staggering 1,000 horsepower, courtesy of Takuro Watanabe’s pioneering modifications.
The Birth of a Twin-Engine Powerhouse
In a landscape where automotive legends are forged, Takuro Watanabe, renowned for his daring automotive creations, has introduced the Toyota Sera "Twin Dragon." This formidable 1,000-horsepower creation, showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, not only marks the celebration of Circuit & Dreams CLR’s 20th anniversary but also embodies the relentless innovation that defines Watanabe’s career, reminiscent of his earlier quad-turbo Nissan Silvia S14.
Understanding the Original Toyota Sera
Initially produced from 1990 to 1995, the Toyota Sera was exclusive to Japan. It was powered by a 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine, featuring butterfly doors that seamlessly operated within tight spaces, offering a blend of innovation and practicality. These butterfly doors famously inspired the McLaren F1’s dihedral doors, linking the Sera to a legacy of iconic automotive design.
Design and Inspiration
The Sera’s structural aesthetics heavily influenced styles found in the McLaren F1, from its oval shapes and rounded corners to its distinct greenhouse layout. With Watanabe’s touch, the "Twin Dragon" takes this influence further, possibly featuring design cues akin to the McLaren Senna, matching its enlarged track width and accommodating its iconic doors within a remodelled body kit.
Technical Mastery in Dual Engines
Watanabe’s Sera is a technical marvel, integrating twin MoTeC ECUs visible from the dashboard. A robust SR20VET engine from the 2001 X-Trail GT powers the front, producing 540 horsepower. This is complemented by a re-engineered Honda K20A in the rear, generating approximately 490 horsepower. Such integration of Nissan and Honda powertrains affirms Watanabe’s mastery in blending performance across brands.
Pushing Performance Limits
Inspired by Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima’s twin-engine setups, Watanabe crafted a vehicle that redefines the limits of performance and pushes the boundaries in automotive engineering. The Sera’s enhancements include a sophisticated tube frame, a reinforced monocoque chassis, and advanced fuel systems that ensure performance is unhindered by its unique structural challenges.
Conclusion
The "Twin Dragon" Toyota Sera exemplifies the daring spirit of Japanese tuning culture, breaking the conventional confines of automotive design. As Takuro Watanabe continues to explore uncharted territories with chassis like the Sera, his creations are not only awe-inspiring but also illustrative of an imaginative future for automotive enthusiasts.
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By Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
