Toyota 2000GT Replica Based on Nissan 240Z with GT-R Engine

At last weekend's Tokyo Salon 2009, Mr. Makoto Kobayash and his company Road Star Garage from Aichi, Japan, launched their latest Toyota 2000GT replica, this time based on the 1970's Datsun Fairlady Z S30 - known in most markets as the 240Z and later as 260Z and 280Z. Whereas the original 1965 Toyota 2000GT used a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, straight six producing around 150HP, Road Star Garage fitted the replica with a Nissan Skyline GT-R derived and NISMO prepped, twin-turbocharged RB26 N1 six-cylinder unit.

The Japanese firm hasn't published any performance or output figures, but understandably, this replica holds a mighty punch under its hood. As some might remember, Road Star Garage also produces a Toyota 2000GT convertible based on the underpinnings of the Mazda MX-5 / Miata - see here.

Carscoop thanks Mr. Makoto Kobayash for the Tokyo Show Photos

Link: Road Star Garage

W3 Triposto: Custom Made Sports Car Based on Porsche 911

This weird looking sports car is the W3 Triposto and it's the work of Canadian engineer Clyde Kwok and his son Hugh, a race car driver. Their company, Wingho Auto, builds the W3 Triposto using a Porsche 911 as a donor car. Clyde and Hugh prefer early 1990's 911s modifying the 3.6-liter boxer engine to produce 300HP, but the Canadian duo can work with more modern 911s as well. According to the company, the three-seater (the driver sits in the centre) can achieve a top speed in excess of 300km/h (187 mph).

And the price for this one-of-a-kind custom made sports car? As everything else in this life, exclusivity comes at a cost with the W3 Triposto selling for approximately $250,000 US - and that does not include the price of the donor car. A complete turnkey model starts at around $300,000 US.

Via: Jalopnik

Russians Build Volga GAZ-21 Replica Based on Porsche Cayenne SUV

Even if you do not like any of Cardi's proposals, you have to admit that the crew working at the Russian design and tuning firm have more imagination than a hundred Hollywood producers combined. Aptly named 'Volga Cayenne', the car is essentially a replica of the 1960's Volga GAZ-21 based on a modified Porsche Cayenne chassis. Bypassing the Stalin graphics and the red-star alloy wheels on the outside, the 5.1 meter long (roughly the same size as a Mercedes-S-Class) "Volga Cayenne" uses the same 450HP 4.5-liter turbocharged V8 engine as the pre-facelift Cayenne Turbo. Power is channeled to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

If we are to believe Cardi, the Stalinmobile 'Volgarized' Cayenne can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

From Russia with Love: Cardi Body II Roadster Based on BMW 325i

Is it a Thunderbird? Is it an Alfa? No, it's the Body II: a two-seater roadster made by Russian design and tuning firm, Cardi and it was shown to the public for the first time back in 2003 at the Moscow International Auto Show. The Body II rides on a BMW 3-Series platform (most likely the E36) and it's equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 196HP. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. As you can see in the pictures after the jump, the Body II's interior uses many bits and pieces from the 325i including the instrument panel, the switchgear and the front seats.

Cardi claims that roadster weighs in at 1,470 kg (3,241 lbs) and that it can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6,6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The custom-made roadster's design brings to mind the basic shape of the retro-styled Ford Thunderbird sprinkled with Alfa Romeo details especially in what concerns the front-end of the vehicle. Stud or dud? We'll you be the judge of that.