This article is based on “Swaps, Rare JDM Models, and a Unicorn: The Hondas of Wekfest New Jersey”, written by Daijiro Davila, and published on October 24, 2025, with photos by Daijiro Davila and Jorge Davila.
Unrivaled Precision: A Reader’s Reckoning of the Top Hondas and Acuras at the Wekfest New Jersey Stop
Two years after my initiation into the Wekfest USA circuit, I made my return to this unparalleled gathering of Japanese performance icons that have become synonymous with this enduring event. Founded by Kenneth Li in 2008, Wekfest has evolved into a cornerstone of the global tuning car community. It is renowned for its strict focus on JDM and import culture, and for consistently showcasing some of the nation’s most exquisite vehicle restorations.
This year’s rendition in Edison, New Jersey, marked a notable evolution in the show’s composition. Hondas unmistakably dominated the exhibition floor. For every Toyota, Nissan, or Porsche on display, there seemed to be several Hondas, with each one symbolizing the breadth and versatility of the brand’s tuning scene.
As a lifelong proponent of Honda vehicles, I found myself in familiar territory. Below is a comprehensive overview of some of the standout examples that captured the attention of the attendees and me at Wekfest USA 2025, each representing the passion and craftsmanship that continue to define this event.
The Singular NSX: The Pinnacle of the Honda Fleet
This 1992 Acura NSX, a property of Marby Enriquez since 2014, exemplifies the evolution of Honda’s iconic mid-engine sports car into a purpose-driven time attack machine. Following an initial introduction to the NSX in its factory configuration, Enriquez embarked on a comprehensive transformation aimed at enhancing both performance and aesthetic presence. The vehicle now wears a striking blue wrap and features a classic Comptech Whipple supercharger, a 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.
A Masterpiece of Performance Tuning
Wekfest USA 2025 showcased an array of automotive marvels, but Enriquez’s NSX was undoubtedly one of the evening’s most impressive demonstrations of precision engineering.
Key Specifications:
Horsepower: 380 hp at the wheels
Torque: 270 lb-ft at the wheels
Suspension: KW Clubsport coil-overs
Wheels: Volk Racing TE37
Tires: Toyo Proxes R888R
Brakes: StopTech with Hawk pads
Aerodynamics: Voltex Type 4/5 GT wing
Although the vehicle has undergone additional modifications since its 2020 feature—now featuring white wheels and a more subtle front spoiler—Enriquez’s NSX remains a striking build. It serves as a testament to the remarkable level of precision and craftsmanship that go into creating these phenomenal vehicles.
N-BOX: The Unexpected Exhibition 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.
A Bold Demonstration of Unique Japanese Design
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.
The S2000: A Salon Exhibit Contender
This S2000 exemplifies precision and purpose, showcasing a build executed with remarkable attention to detail. 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.
A Meticulous Approach to Engineering and Aesthetics
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. Among the many S2000s on display at Wekfest USA 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.
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).
Civic Hatchback with 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.
The Unicorn: A Masterpiece of Performance and Rarity
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.
A Testament to Honda’s Engineering Dedication
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 USA 2025 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.
Wekfest USA 2026: A comprehensive breakdown of the finest automotive creations showcased at the New Jersey stop.
The pilgrimage to Wekfest USA 2026 in Edison, New Jersey, yielded an even more extraordinary spectacle of automotive engineering than its previous incarnation. As a veteran chronicler of the JDM import car show scene, I can attest to the burgeoning intensity of this community. What began years ago as a grassroots phenomenon has solidified into one of the premier exhibitions on the East Coast, attracting an eclectic mix of enthusiast-owned vehicles that push the boundaries of customization, performance tuning, and aesthetic engineering.
The Dominance of Honda and Acura at Wekfest 2026
In a shift that has become increasingly pronounced over the past few years, Honda and Acura models have claimed a commanding presence at the Wekfest USA 2026 event. While enthusiasts of other brands—such as Nissan, Toyota, and Porsche—maintain a dedicated following, the sheer volume and quality of the Honda offerings were undeniable. This trend underscores the growing appeal of Honda’s engineering legacy, often celebrated for its reliability, tunability, and versatile platforms, which can be transformed into anything from track-ready machines to unique showcase vehicles.
A Personal Reflection from an Industry Veteran
For me, as someone who has dedicated over a decade to immersing myself in the import car culture, returning to Wekfest is akin to a homecoming. Each event reinforces the enduring legacy of JDM performance engineering and the dedication of its adherents. In the competitive arena of automotive shows, where tuning trends are constantly evolving, Wekfest remains a benchmark for excellence and innovation.
A Deep Dive into the Showcase: Notable Vehicles at Wekfest 2026
While the entire exhibition floor was a treasure trove of automotive artistry, several specific models captured the attention of both the attendees and myself. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of what can be achieved when passion meets precision, often incorporating high-end performance parts and cutting-edge modification technologies that are the hallmark of a true industry expert
