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The Unexpected All-Stars of the JDM Show Circuit
The automotive world is a vast and diverse landscape, with each region offering its own unique flavor and approach to car culture. While many events tend to stick to a familiar formula of exotic cars, muscle machines, and luxury cruisers, one of the most exciting and refreshing scenes can be found within the JDM community. For decades, the Honda marque has been synonymous with reliability, innovation, and performance, and its loyal following has transformed the humble family car into a canvas for automotive art and engineering.
In recent years, the Wekfest North America tour has established itself as a premier destination for JDM enthusiasts, drawing builders from across the globe to showcase their creations. This year’s stop in Edison, New Jersey, marked a significant shift in the show’s offerings. While the traditional favorites were still present, it was clear that Honda was the undisputed star of the event. For every Toyota, Nissan, or Porsche on display, there seemed to be several Hondas, each one showcasing the depth and variety of the brand’s tuning scene.
For a lifelong Honda enthusiast, this show was a familiar territory. Below is a look at some of the standout examples that captured the attention of the attendees and me at Wekfest USA 2025, each representing the passion and precision that continue to define this event.
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The Lone NSX: King Among Hondas
The NSX is a legendary name in the automotive world, and its presence at Wekfest 2025 was a reminder of what happens when a company dares to challenge the status quo. This 1992 Acura NSX, owned by Marby Enriquez since 2014, exemplifies the evolution of Honda’s iconic mid-engine sports car into a purpose-built time attack machine. After initially experiencing the NSX in its factory form, Enriquez undertook a comprehensive transformation aimed at enhancing both performance and presence. The car now wears a striking blue wrap and features a classic Comptech Whipple supercharger, Walbro 255 fuel pump, and a snorkel intake inspired by the Japan-exclusive NSX-R GT. A carbon-fiber hood and functional scoop immediately draw attention, channeling cool air directly into the engine bay.
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The engine is paired with a Precision Turbo unit, and the car is running on e85. It produced a verified 380 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque at the wheels, supported by KW Clubsport coil-overs, titanium chassis bracing, Volk Racing TE37 wheels, Toyo Proxes R888R tires, and StopTech brakes with Hawk pads. A large Voltex Type 4/5 GT wing ensures high-speed stability on track.
Although the car has evolved further since its 2020 magazine feature (now sporting white wheels and a subtler front spoiler), Enriquez’s NSX is a striking build that serves as a showcase for the miraculous amount of precision and craftsmanship that go into creating these amazing vehicles. The NSX is a testament to what can happen when innovation meets performance, and its presence at Wekfest 2025 was a reminder of its enduring legacy in the automotive world.
wekfestnj2026 NBox 1 SideProfile
N-BOX, An Unexpected Star
The Honda N-BOX represents one of the many kei cars the brand has produced over the years—small, efficient vehicles designed to meet strict, Japanese-mandated size and engine regulations. Even the largest kei cars remain smaller than a Mazda Miata, with displacement capped at approximately 660cc.
This particular N-BOX fully embraces its minivan-inspired form, offering a distinctive blend of practicality and character. Finished in the sportier Custom trim, it features an assertive front fascia and a boxy silhouette reminiscent of Honda’s earlier Element. A standout detail is its license plate reading “K24 NA.” Whether or not the owner truly managed to stuff a version of Honda’s 2.4-liter K24 inline-four engine, one nearly four times larger than the stock N-BOX powertrain, under its hood remains unknown, but the car stood out as a uniquely Japanese creation showcased on American soil.
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Vehicles like this N-BOX highlight the diversity and creativity that defines Wekfest. Alongside the kei car were other unexpected builds, including a lowered Element with a blue interior and an oversized rear speaker, as well as a pair of modified Acura MDXs, rare sights that underscored the broad range of modified models on display.
The S2000: Precision and Purpose
The S2000 is a modern icon, known for its high-revving engine, perfect 50/50 weight distribution, and driving purity. Among the many S2000s on display at Wekfest 2025, this example stood out as the most complete and cohesive build, a machine that would feel equally at home on a Tokyo Auto Salon display stand as it would be carving up a circuit.
Under the hood, its F22 engine is enhanced with a curated selection of components from Mugen, ASM, and HKS, crowned by a distinctive Jun valve cover. The meticulous approach continues beyond the engine bay. The car rides on Advan wheels and features Renegade brakes, a Voltex rear wing, and an ASM steering wheel, each element chosen to balance performance and aesthetics.
This build represents the pinnacle of S2000 modification, a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of its owner. Among the many S2000s on display, this example stood out as the most complete and cohesive build, a machine that would feel equally at home on a Tokyo Auto Salon display stand as it would be carving up a circuit.
Other visual highlights included scale model cars displayed in front of their full-size counterparts and a liveried-up Motocompacto electric scooter parked beside a sixth-generation Civic (that sixth gen came complete with an original 1960s Honda emblem on its rear, the same wide-top “H” design that inspired the brand’s new 0 Series EV logo).
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Civic Hatchback, Prelude Heart
Among all the wild builds and glowing LEDs, one humble silver Civic stood out, not for its looks but for what was under the hood: the only H-series engine we saw at the show. The H-series, often overshadowed by the legendary B-series, was Honda’s torquey workhorse that powered cars like the Prelude Type S and Accord Euro R. Seeing one swapped into a modest EG generation Civic hatchback was rare and refreshing. Not only has the owner of this Civic had this EG for over two decades, but the H22 motor you see has also resided in it for almost the exact amount of time. This build wasn’t trying to be flashy, just pure function instead.
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The Unicorn
And finally, the crown jewel Honda of the show. Positioned near the far end of the Wekfest floor was a pristine FD2 Civic Type R in Championship White, but alongside it sat something even rarer: the Mugen RR.
Regarded as the ultimate Type R, all 300 Mugen RR units sold out within roughly 10 minutes, with 299 remaining in Japan and a single car exported to Malaysia. This example was later imported to the U.S. and features Mugen camshafts, ECU tuning, and an upgraded exhaust, bringing output to 237 hp. Carbon-fiber bumpers, an aluminum hood, and the signature 18-inch Mugen wheels reduce weight and sharpen performance across the board.
The Mugen RR is a true masterpiece, embodying Honda’s engineering passion. Positioned next to the FD2, it becomes clear: While the FD2 may captivate with aesthetics, the Mugen RR represents the essence of Mugen’s performance philosophy.
It would be impossible to capture every standout Honda from Wekfest in a single article, but you can check out a few more exceptional rides that defined this year’s New Jersey event in the gallery.
New Engine Swap Models: A Comprehensive Exploration of 2026 Trends
In 2026, the automotive landscape has witnessed a significant evolution in engine swap trends. From high-performance builds that push the boundaries of what is considered possible to nostalgic restorations that preserve the legacy of iconic vehicles, the dedication of enthusiasts is evident in every detail. The Wekfest USA event, held in Edison, New Jersey, this year provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of the JDM tuning scene, with a notable emphasis on Honda and Acura models.
The Acura NSX: A Fusion of Performance and Modernity
The Acura NSX, a legendary name in the automotive world, continues to hold its own in the era of electrification. This year’s Wekfest showcased a 1992 Acura NSX, owned by Marby Enriquez since 2014, that represents the pinnacle of engine swap engineering. After years of development and refinement, Enriquez’s NSX has transformed into a purpose-built time attack machine that pushes the limits of what is possible.
The car now wears a striking blue wrap and features a classic Comptech Whipple supercharger, Walbro 255 fuel
