Category Archives: Tuning

Tuning

A First-Gen Toyota Celica Reimagined as a 700-HP Monster

Bringing back an icon is one thing. Reinventing it with a screaming V12 and modern engineering sorcery? That’s a whole different beast.

While Toyota has been dropping breadcrumbs about reviving the Celica nameplate—potentially with a punchy, turbocharged inline-four—it turns out that the most radical homage to the original Celica has already arrived. And it didn’t come from Aichi, Japan, but from a Florida-based garage with a wild streak and an eye for mechanical artistry.

Meet the first-generation Celica like you’ve never seen it before: a meticulously reworked 1970s coupe that now breathes fire through twelve velocity stacks and revs to 10,000 rpm.

A Classic Reinvented

This outrageous build is the handiwork of Attacking The Clock Racing and its mastermind Shawn Bassett, who initially dreamt of stuffing a Lexus LFA’s V10 into Toyota’s original pony car. When sourcing that powerplant proved unworkable, he pivoted to something even more ambitious: a 5.0-liter 1GZ-FE V12 from a Toyota Century—Japan’s most discreetly regal limousine.

But this isn’t a stock V12. No, this one has been fully built to churn out 700 horsepower (707 PS), capped with stunning dovetailed velocity stacks that pierce through the hood like chromed crown jewels. The engine not only sings to a sky-high 10,000 rpm but is also backed by a transmission setup as wild as the engine itself.

Clutch Pedal Meets Modern Tech

The ZF8HP automatic, widely used in everything from the BMW M2 to the Toyota Supra, is an unlikely pairing for a vintage Celica—especially one with a clutch pedal. Yes, you read that right.

Thanks to clever engineering, the ZF’s internal clutch packs can now be manually engaged via a traditional foot pedal, allowing for clutch kicks, rev holding, and launches usually reserved for manual gearboxes. Yet when the mood strikes, the car can settle into docile cruising—just as easily as any modern GT.

Engineering Artistry, Inside and Out

This build doesn’t just impress under the hood. Peer closer and you’ll see painted and exposed carbon fiber, vintage BBS E55 wheels fitted to custom center-lock hubs, and a bespoke pushrod rear suspension—visible through the rear parcel shelf like a mechanical sculpture.

The cabin? It’s a masterclass in balance—British Racing Green paint on the outside, tan leather and carbon fiber Tillett Racing seats on the inside, accented by custom Speedhut gauges that fuse modern tech with retro aesthetics. It’s track-ready but far from stripped-down—a tasteful homage to both Toyota’s past and a very wild future.

Missed at SEMA, But Not Forgotten

Though this Celica build debuted at SEMA 2024, it somehow slipped under the radar. Now, with the 2025 show season heating up, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of last year’s most audacious creations. Not just a restomod, but a full-blown reinterpretation of what a JDM icon can become when limits are ignored.

As Toyota flirts with a future Celica revival, projects like this serve as a reminder: sometimes the wildest dreams live outside the factory walls—and scream through twelve open stacks.

Source: Attacking The Clock Racing

Tuning

Autotique Drops Aggressive Widebody Kit for the Honda NSX

The original Honda NSX—sold under Acura branding in North America—has long been revered as a benchmark of ‘90s performance engineering. Not only did it fuse everyday usability with exotic car dynamics, it did so with input from none other than Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna. Today, its clean lines, mid-engine layout, and analog driving experience have cemented its place as a modern classic.

That reverence hasn’t stopped tuners from reinterpreting the NSX in bold new ways. One of the latest and most eye-catching takes comes from Autotique, a relatively fresh tuning outfit based in Australia. Their vision? A dramatic redesign of the first-gen NSX that stays true to its soul while turning heads in the modern age.

A Tribute to a Legend, Rebuilt for Today

Unveiled at the Session AU show in Sydney, Autotique debuted two distinct aero kits for the NSX: the Widebody and the more subtle OEM Plus. Both were built on the earlier NSX model years (1990–2001), intentionally bypassing the 2002–2006 facelifted version. The Widebody kit was the star of the show, a collaborative effort involving international design talent.

The initial sketches were created by Piston Zero, a freelance automotive designer based in Norway. From there, Thai builder Mozy took charge of transforming the digital concept into a physical prototype. Autotique then stepped in to refine the design for low-volume production.

The result is a dramatic overhaul of the NSX’s appearance. Most exterior panels have been replaced with bespoke parts. The stock pop-up headlights, doors, hood, and greenhouse are among the few remaining factory components, preserving just enough of the NSX’s original DNA.

Bold, Purposeful, and Distinctly Modern

The front fascia now features a deep front bumper with enlarged intakes, thin LED DRLs, and a race-inspired splitter. Widened fenders and redesigned side skirts give the car an aggressive, planted stance, further accentuated by low-profile tires wrapped around aftermarket alloys. The ride height is substantially lower than stock, enhancing the car’s presence.

Around the rear, Autotique ditches the NSX’s iconic full-width taillight in favor of bespoke LED units with a dark tint and modern graphic signature. The bumper has been reshaped to accommodate the widebody proportions and integrates a large diffuser and dual exhaust outlets. A fixed rear wing extension—now body-colored—adds downforce and visual drama.

Not every detail from the original render made it to the prototype. Notably absent are the Honda badging, vented hood, and aggressive front canards, suggesting future refinements are still possible.

OEM Plus: Subtle, But Sharpened

For purists or collectors who prefer a lighter touch, the NSX OEM Plus kit offers a more restrained makeover. The front bumper gets modestly revised intakes, while the hood is slightly raised for a subtle performance look. Extended side skirts and a revised rear bumper round out the enhancements. It’s a kit that modernizes the NSX without shouting about it.

Performance Left Untouched—For Now

Interestingly, Autotique’s kits are strictly cosmetic. Under the skin, the NSX remains stock, including its legendary 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 with VTEC, delivering 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 210 lb-ft (285 Nm) of torque to the rear wheels. That decision may disappoint those hoping for chassis or powertrain upgrades, but it also ensures the car’s original mechanical balance remains intact.

Treading the Line Between Custom and Collectible

Autotique hasn’t yet revealed pricing or availability for the kits but plans to open orders soon. The big question, though, is whether NSX owners—many of whom now treat the car as an appreciating asset—will be willing to commit to such an extensive transformation. With clean examples of the original NSX climbing in value, modifying one is a bold move.

Still, for those who want to celebrate the NSX’s legacy while adding a modern edge, Autotique’s work offers a compelling new chapter in the story of Japan’s most iconic supercar.

Source: Autotique; Photo: Mozy and Autotique via Facebook

Tuning

This Supercharged Defender Is the Real Off-Road Beast

The new Land Rover Defender Octa might be the talk of the town with its 635-horsepower twin-turbo V8, but for those who value raw character, mechanical purity, and brutal off-road muscle, there’s a more compelling alternative: ECD Automotive Design’s Project Wilder.

Built on the bones of the classic Land Rover Defender, Project Wilder isn’t just a restomod—it’s an off-road statement piece, a bespoke blend of heritage and modern aggression that makes even the Octa feel tame by comparison.

Supercharged Brute Force

Under the hood lies a supercharged GM-sourced V8, a fire-breathing engine that churns out over 700 horsepower. That’s more than enough to leave the Octa in its dust. Power is sent to all four wheels through a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission, offering analog thrills rarely seen in today’s digitized SUV landscape.

To ensure it sounds as wild as it looks, ECD fitted a Borla Sport exhaust system, giving the beast a feral soundtrack to match its outrageous performance.

Built for Battle

ECD didn’t just stuff power into an old chassis. The frame has been stripped and coated with Raptor Liner, a high-strength protective layer known for its resistance to scratches, chemicals, UV rays, and harsh weather. This Defender is built to conquer—and survive—terrain that would terrify most luxury SUVs.

The air suspension and Brembo performance brakes are carefully calibrated for extreme off-road duty, while the 20-inch wheels shod in BFGoodrich all-terrain tires make sure traction is never in short supply. Painted in a refined Eastnor Green with Nara Bronze accents, Project Wilder balances ruggedness with elegance.

A Luxurious Den of Detail

Inside, Project Wilder is a showcase of ECD’s coachbuilding artistry. Buffalo Distressed Cuoio leather with honeycomb stitching wraps nearly every surface, contrasted by Sapele walnut trim, Alcantara headliner, and a hand-finished wood steering wheel. Two Recaro sports seats offer firm support for both spirited driving and long expeditions.

Technology is seamlessly integrated: a modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Focal speakers, panoramic roof, rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, electric windows, and twin subwoofers make sure creature comforts aren’t sacrificed for old-school cool.

Legacy Reimagined

ECD’s Project Wilder is not just a throwback—it’s a defiant vision of what a Defender can be when traditional craftsmanship meets unhinged engineering. While the Defender Octa dazzles with its factory muscle, Project Wilder roars with hand-built ferocity. It’s proof that the most iconic off-roaders are sometimes those reborn with passion, power, and purpose.

Source: ECD Automotive Design

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This Supercharged Defender Is the Real Off-Road Beast