The Tokyo Auto Salon gives Japanese automakers and tuners a place to show off their wildest wares. Suzuki is bringing a tiny, rugged off-road concept called the Super Carry Mountain Trail to the event, and we’re already in love with it.

In a translation of Suzuki’s announcement, the company calls the Mountain Trail concept: “A car for active adults to enjoy the mountains in a stoic manner, it expresses a new worldview of commercial vehicles that can be used not only for business but also for fun.”

Suzuki Super Carry For Tokyo Auto Salon

The Super Carry is an extended cab version of the standard Suzuki Carry. While the company doesn’t yet list all of the modifications for the Mountain Trail, just looking at it shows off many of the revisions. 

The mini truck gains a front skid plate with recovery hooks and a light bar above the windshield. It also looks to have a little winch. The standard doors are gone, with tubular pieces in their place. Inside, there are sport seats with harnesses. An external roll cage includes a storage rack on the roof. There’s only a glimpse of the rear, but a fuel can and spare tire are visible. Plus, the ride height might be a bit taller than stock.

Even if there are no drivetrain changes to the concept, the Super Carry is available with enough equipment to maximize off-road traction. Buyers can get it with a part-time four-wheel drive system with high- and low-gearing settings. There’s also a locking differential in case things get really slippery.

The regular Super Carry is not a particularly powerful machine, though. It comes with a naturally aspirated 658-cc three-cylinder engine making 50 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque. So, while you might be able to go off-road, don’t expect to travel very quickly.

This year’s Tokyo Auto Salon runs from January 12 through 14. We hope to get more info and pictures of the Super Carry Mountain Trail concept then. It’s hauling some gear in the back that we can’t get a good look at. 

There’s plenty of love for the Honda Civic Type R around the world. However, whereas many hot hatch competitors (we’re looking at you, Volkswagen Golf R) offer all-wheel drive, the plucky Civic still sends all its power to the front. Honda engineers are straight-up wizards for making it perform as well as it does, and FWD burnouts can be fun. But we know folks are yearning to sling an all-paw Civic around a track.

Devin Niemela on YouTube got tired of waiting. The video featured here is a 25-minute compilation of a properly enormous 2021 Civic Type R project, converting the car to AWD. And when we say enormous, that’s no exaggeration. Perusing the YouTube channel, there are no less than 65 videos devoted to the build. That doesn’t include dozens of extra clips showing the car in action, out of action, background info, engine builds, transmission builds, and other related tidbits that make this project even more impressive.

Speaking of engine builds, this isn’t just an all-wheel-drive Type R. It’s an 800-horsepower Type R, courtesy of a K24 engine swap that was built, then rebuilt after a failed timing sprocket destroyed the top end. Still, that’s an easy fix considering all the custom fabrication that went into the all-wheel-drive conversion. A Honda CR-V served as the donor vehicle, giving up its front subframe and differential for the procedure. After much cutting and welding, the AWD Civic came to life.

But wait, there’s more.

This is actually the third life for the black Civic. Its first life ended in an unknown collision that left it well and truly thrashed. Devin purchased the car and rebuilt it as a “normal” Type R, meaning it was merely tuned like crazy while still turning the front tires. Before that could happen, crushed metal and twisted frame rails needed mending and that’s never an easy task.

We have nothing but respect for this build. About the only thing left at this point is an LS swap. The world’s first V8-powered AWD Civic Type R? Yeah, that has a pretty good ring to it.

“Mad” Mike Whiddett is a professional drifting competitor with a passion for rotary engines. Beyond just tuning Mazda’s factory offerings, he also builds his own, and his latest creation is possibly the most wild. Whiddett created the world’s first five-rotor powerplant and commissioned a fantastic vehicle to fit around it called the 787D.

To put a five-rotor mill into perspective, a Wankel engine has a roughly triangle-shaped rotor spinning around an eccentric shaft, and each of the three sides goes through the intake, compression, ignition, and exhaust phases of the combustion process during the rotation. Most road-going Mazda models used two-rotor engines, and the Le-Mans-winning 787B had a four-rotor mill. 

“Mad” Mike took things a step further with his five-rotor engine. The engine reportedly displaces 3.3 liters, according to Carvibz. Unfortunately, no details about the power output are available, but we’ve reached out to Whiddett for more details. The video above confirms the powerplant sounds like an absolute monster. The exhaust exits just behind the front tire, meaning there’s a very short run from those spinning rotors to spit out the combustion gases.

The Japanese tuner Rocket Bunny is responsible for the wild body, allegedly based on the fourth-generation (FD) Mazda RX-7. The tube chassis and radically altered engine suggest there’s not much left from the original sports car, though. 

Whiddett premiered the 787D at Mad Mike’s Summer Bash 6 on December 2 in New Zealand. He plans to use it for drifting, but there are no videos showing the ludicrous machine sliding around yet. We look forward to seeing how well “Mad” Mike can kick out the tail and make this beast howl. 

If you want your own 787D, you can, but don’t expect to drive it. Hot Wheels released a tiny version in 2023 that can fit into the palm of your hand. 

It’s worth noting that another builder created an even larger 12-rotor engine by arranging a trio of four-rotor setups in a triangular layout. However, there’s no evidence of this powerplant going into an actual vehicle, unlike Whiddett’s mill.

The Toyota GR Yaris is a fantastic out-of-the-box rally machine, equipped with a high-output turbocharged engine and a trick all-wheel drive system. But if the stock Toyota components just aren’t up to the task, the folks at Dytko Sport can make it even better.

The Poland-based speed shop specializes in upgrading cars for rally duty, and its latest creation is especially impressive. According to Engine Swap Depot, this red widebody Yaris “Proto” was built for rally driver Kuba Greguła, and features an entirely upgraded drivetrain.

Under the hood sits an upgraded version of the stock turbocharged inline-three, paired to a six-speed sequential transmission built by Drenth. It sends power to Drenth differentials on either axle. There’s no word on power output, though it’s safe to estimate this Yaris is making a bit more than the 268 hp it’s rated for from the factory.

Inside you’ll find a full FIA-spec roll cage, OMP racing seats, harnesses, carbon fiber door panels, and a fire suppression system. There’s also an incredibly cool-looking shifter mechanism, a digital gauge cluster screen, and a new steering wheel. Despite all of the additions, Dytko Sport has retained most of the interior trim, too.

While it’s not clear what Greguła plans to do with this widebody Yaris, Dytko Sport’s Facebook page is covered in videos of its cars competing in various forms of motorsport events throughout Europe. Something tells us this car will live a very exciting life.

UPDATE: This article, originally published December 5th, 2023, has been updated with more detailed drivetrain specifics. 

We’re accustomed to seeing some wild creations from the folks at Manhart, but this custom Mercedes-Benz V-Class isn’t one of them. Say hello to the Manhart V 350, a seven-seat minivan that adds some external fizz with a body kit, lowered suspension, and a bit more punch under the hood. And no, you can’t buy it in America.

What does Manhart do to this V-Class, specifically? You’ll first notice an AMG aesthetic on the outside. That’s due to the body kit from TopCar Design that includes a new lower fascia with large corner intakes. It seems to borrow heavily from team AMG, but there are plenty of small details that add to the makeover. The hood is new, replacing the largely flat panel with a double-domed lid. There’s a very subtle lip spoiler on the fascia, and upgraded LED lights.

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Moving rearward you’ll find side skirts and fender extensions that give the van a more aggressive stance. There’s a diffuser in the updated rear fascia, and sticking with the AMG theme you’ll find quad exhaust tips exiting the rear. And because we’re talking about Manhart, all of the add-ons are made from carbon fiber.

One might think aesthetic upgrades are enough for a custom minivan, but there are mechanical changes to this people mover, too The body kit contributes to its lowered look, but it’s also lower for real – one inch to be specific, courtesy of H&R springs. It rides on 20-inch double-spoke wheels, and there’s a bit more power going to them.

Manhart installs a tune to the van’s modest twin-turbocharged diesel engine, bumping output to 280 horsepower and 431 pound-feet of torque. It won’t set the Autobahn on fire, but we reckon it’s enough to comfortably cruise down unrestricted stretches at speeds easily above 100 mph.

Manhart doesn’t mention pricing for such an upgrade, but in a world full of decked-out SUVs, we’re just happy to see a van getting some love in the aftermarket world.

Audi was a significant player in the Group B era of the World Rally Championship in the 1980s, and the company has been celebrating that success in its marketing ever since. The builder of this one-off R8 took a page out of the brand’s past by converting it into an off-road capable racer. The odd conversion is now available for auction on Bring a Trailer.

This R8’s conversion into a rally-capable machine happened in 2023. The revisions include a 2.0-inch suspension lift and a set of Bilstein coilovers with reinforced strut towers. Skid plates protect much of the underbody against damage from sharp rocks and other debris.

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Revisions for the 4.2-liter V8 include an upgraded intake, exhaust, and an ECU tune. The engine’s original output is 430 horsepower and 317 pound-feet, though it’s probably making a bit more than that now thanks to the mods. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive system.

Aesthetic tweaks to this safari R8 include a brush bar with four LED lights on the nose. A roof rack provides extra storage space. The car rides on white 18-inch beadlock wheels with red rims. T rear fascia has been deleted entirely, exposing the shiny mufflers and portions of the suspension. The exterior features a white hood, sides, and rear deck with some strategically placed Adrenalin Industries graphics. The rest of the body is dark blue.

The interior doesn’t have any significant revisions over stock. The seats are black leather with red stitching. An auxiliary switch panel sits next to the steering column and presumably controls the extra lights on the nose. The odometer shows 55,909 miles, 3,000 of which are from the current owner, according to the auction listing.

The R8 looks like it would be lots of fun for a blast down a dirt road. You could maybe even use it for rallycross competition. Bidding stands at at $20,147 as of this story’s publication. The sale ends Wednesday, December 13, at 2:34 PM EDT.

Today, the R8 is about to retire. If a successor happens, there are rumors it would be a fully electric supercar rather than packing a V8 or V10 engine like the previous generations. So if you’re looking for a unique way to experience Audi’s dying supercar, this rally-ready version could be just the thing.

The new BMW 7 Series is anything but subtle. The latest iteration of the luxury sedan is arguably the most polarizing 7er in history – together with the E65 generation. But that isn’t stopping Mansory.

Instead of releasing a full-body kit, however, Mansory only opted for a set of new alloy wheels. This is a conservative approach from a company known for it its overly aggressive aerodynamic upgrades. For the new 7 Series though, Mansory decided all the vehicle needed was 22-inch forged wheels with an almost completely enclosed design.

The rims remind us a little bit of Maybach, but the design is slightly sportier thanks to those little 15 spokes at the wheel’s outer ring. The fully forged wheels are 9.0 inches wide at the front and 10.5 inches at the rear. This makes them suitable for massive 265/30 front and 295/25 rear tires. Mansory recommends using Falken Azenis FK510 rubber, as well as 10-millimeter spacers to give the new 7 Series an even wider stance.

The luxury sedan isn’t the only vehicle that can be upgraded with the FD.15 wheels – the same upgrade can also be added to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes-AMG G63, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, and others.

For the 7 Series, Mansory proposes the wheels with a silver finish and black accents. We’ve seen plenty of other color options for this set – including an all-black finish – and it’s probably safe to assume the 7 Series will also be available with those other colors. For now, there’s no word on whether the new wheels will also fit the i7 as there’s only a single rendering with the new wheels available so far.

Ford announced it’s Megazilla crate engine almost exactly one year ago, and now it’s finally ready to sell it. Based on the tamer Godzilla engine available in some of the Blue Oval’s heavy-duty pickups, the Megazilla produces 615 horsepower and 638 pound-feet of torque from 7.3 liters. It does so without any help from forced induction, but despite the lack of a supercharger or turbocharger, it still costs a pretty penny: $22,995. If you’re looking for something a little more complete, a new Maverick pickup costs $25,640.

Ford’s engine is a long block with many of the parts you need to get it running, but it doesn’t come with vital accessories like a starter. In other words, you’re gonna have to shell out a fair amount more cash to actually get the engine going in whatever you decide to put it in. That’s not the end of the world for your average hot rodder, but a new shop truck instead? That could be pretty enticing. 

The Megazilla is very impressive, though. It produces 84 horsepower per liter using two valves per cylinder and pushrods, which makes it more powerful and volumetrically efficient than General Motor’s venerable LS7, which produced about 72 horsepower per liter and 505 horsepower total. It is likely considerably heavier, though. The LS7 was all aluminum, while the Megazilla has an iron block and aluminum heads. It shares its block, wiring harness, and steel crankshaft with the stock Godzilla. The pistons and connecting rods are forged, however, and bespoke to the aftermarket engine. 

Is it all worth the money, though? Despite headlines about EVs taking over the world, the Big Three still sell a number of crate motors. A 807-hp, 6.2-liter Redeye long block out of Dodge’s Direct Connection catalog costs just $12,995, for instance. Likewise, a supercharged LT4 crate engine from GM can be had for around $18,000. 

Ford guys probably won’t install those in their Mustangs, though. If you want one of the latest and greatest crate motors from Ford, you’re gonna have to cough up the cash.

Lamborghini is currently working on a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Urus, but we stumbled upon a very different kind of hybrid Urus. This one doesn’t have any electrification, instead it combines a twin-turbo V8 with a six-wheel layout.

This beast has been showing up briefly online over the last few weeks and a new short video on YouTube finally gives us a closer look at the project. It’s a heavily modified Urus with three axles and six wheels. The weirdest part is that there’s no open cargo bed like a truck but a fully enclosed area with a rear hatch. The build looks almost completely finished at this point, aside from a few visible touches that could probably be painted.

But that’s not just an elongated Urus with six wheels. Many exterior components are exclusive to the SUV, including that brutal rear diffuser, the additional lip spoiler on the roof, and the extended wheel arches. Those wheels aren’t stock either.

The big question here is: Who built it? Credits go to a company called South Florida Jeeps, which is responsible for the six-wheeled behemoth. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, this company also makes Wranglers and Broncos with six wheels (see the related links above) under its Apocalypse Manufacturing brand. We reached out to the aftermarket studio and got some juicy details.

The company confirmed that the wheels at the back are actually motorized. Apocalypse Manufacturing confirmed the second and third axles work in tandem, making the Urus an even more capable machine. The company told us no tweaks were made as the stock 4.0-liter V8 as it was potent enough with its 641 horsepower.

The short-lived 912 was Porsche’s entry point in the lineup. It had a four-cylinder engine instead of the 911’s larger six-cylinder, and was sold from 1965 and 1969 as Zuffenhausen’s cheapest sports car, serving as a direct successor to the 356. However, this custom 912c is anything but affordable – it costs €400,000 ($437,000).

Built by KAMM in Hungary, the Porsche 912c has a full carbon fiber body kit to shave off more than 661 pounds (300 kilograms) of fat. The restomod now tips the scales at a remarkably low 1,541 lbs (699 kg) and can be had with an exposed weave or a painted body. This draconian diet brings another benefit as weight distribution is now at nearly 50:50.

If you happen to have a Porsche 912 in the garage, KAMM will only charge you €360,000 ($393,000) for the build. That’s still a lot of dough for the “poor man’s 911” but the Hungarian 911 specialist does a complete overhaul of the car. It installs a larger 2.0-liter engine that revs to 7,200 rpm and boasts electronic fuel injection as well as throttle bodies. The air-cooled four-pot produces 190 hp, more than doubling the original output of the smaller 1.6-liter mill inherited from the 356 SC.

New for 2024 are aerodynamic tweaks, improved air conditioning, better audio and phone connectivity, and new seat options.

The 912c is also available in a semi-carbon configuration that weighs 750 kg (1,653 lbs). It costs €360,000 ($393,000) or €320,000 ($350,000) if you supply the donor car. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in early 2024, and KAMM promises there won’t be two identical cars.

Porsche built nearly 30,000 coupes and around 2,500 Targas during the 912’s five-year run but it’s unclear how many have survived in the 60 years that have passed.