Top Honda and Acura Highlights from Wekfest New Jersey 2026
Two years removed from my first exposure to the Wekfest USA circuit, I found myself once again immersed in another captivating assembly of Japanese performance legends that have long defined this enduring event. Founded by Kenneth Li in 2008, Wekfest has evolved into a bedrock of the international tuning community, celebrated for its emphasis on JDM and import culture and its consistent showcasing of some of the country’s most exquisite builds. This year’s stop in Edison, New Jersey, signaled a tangible shift in the show’s composition. Hondas clearly dominated the landscape. For every Toyota, Nissan, or Porsche present, there seemed to be several Hondas, each reflecting the breadth and versatility of the brand’s modification scene. As a lifelong Honda devotee, I was in familiar territory. Below is a review of some of the standout examples that commanded the attention of attendees and myself at Wekfest USA 2025, each embodying the passion and precision that continue to characterize this gathering.
The Singular NSX: A Crown Jewel Among Hondas
This 1992 Acura NSX, in the possession of Marby Enriquez since 2014, exemplifies the transformation of Honda’s iconic mid-engine sports car into a purpose-driven time attack machine. Following an initial experience with the NSX in its stock configuration, Enriquez embarked on a comprehensive overhaul focused on enhancing both performance and visual presence. The car now sports 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 the eye, funneling cool air directly into the engine bay.
Performance benchmarks recorded the car at 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 paired with Hawk pads. A substantial Voltex Type 4/5 GT wing ensures high-speed stability on track.
Although the vehicle has undergone further evolution since its feature in a 2020 magazine spread (now clad in white wheels and a subtler front spoiler), Enriquez’s NSX stands as a stunning example of the incredible precision and craftsmanship involved in engineering these remarkable machines. It truly showcases the peak of Acura NSX modifications.
The N-BOX: An Unexpected Contender
The Honda N-BOX represents one of the many kei cars the brand has produced throughout its history—small, efficient vehicles engineered to meet stringent, 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 fusion of practicality and character. Finished in the sportier Custom trim, it features an aggressive front fascia and a boxy silhouette reminiscent of Honda’s earlier Element. A remarkable detail is its license plate, proclaiming “K24 NA.” Whether or not the owner actually managed to transplant a variant of Honda’s 2.4-liter K24 inline-four engine, nearly four times the size of the standard N-BOX powertrain, under its hood remains unverified, but the car stood out as a uniquely Japanese creation showcased on American soil. Vehicles like this N-BOX highlight the diversity and innovation that characterize Wekfest. Alongside the kei car were other unexpected displays, including a lowered Element with a blue interior and an oversized rear speaker, as well as a pair of modified Acura MDX Type S models, rare sights that underscored the broad spectrum of modified vehicles on display.
The Precision Build: A Premier Auto Salon Contender
This S2000 embodies precision and purpose, featuring a build executed with exceptional attention to detail. Under the hood, its F22 engine is enhanced with a carefully curated selection of components from Mugen, ASM, and HKS, crowned by a distinctive Jun valve cover. This meticulous approach extends 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 exhibited at Wekfest 2025, this example stood out as the most complete and cohesive build, a vehicle that would feel equally at home on a Tokyo Auto Salon display stand as it would navigating a race circuit. Other visual highlights included scale model cars displayed alongside their full-size counterparts and a liveried-up Motocompacto electric scooter parked next to a sixth-generation Civic (that sixth-gen also sported an original 1960s Honda emblem on its rear, matching the wide-top “H” design that inspired the brand’s new 0 Series EV logo).
The Civic with a Prelude Heart
Amidst the abundance of dramatic builds and glowing LEDs, one modest silver Civic captured attention not for its appearance but for its engine: the only H-series engine we observed at the show. The H-series, often overshadowed by the legendary B-series, served as Honda’s torquey workhorse powering vehicles such as the Prelude Type S and Accord Euro R. Witnessing one swapped into an EG generation Civic hatchback was a rare and refreshing sight. The owner of this Civic has not only possessed this EG for over two decades but has also had the H22 motor residing in it for nearly the same duration. This build wasn’t intended to be flashy, but rather purely functional.
The Unicorn: A Mugen RR Rarity
And finally, the star Honda of the event. Positioned near the far end of the Wekfest floor was a pristine FD2 Civic Type R in Championship White, but sharing the space with it was something even rarer: the Mugen RR. Regarded as the ultimate Type R, all 300 Mugen RR units sold out within approximately 10 minutes, with 299 remaining in Japan and a single car exported to Malaysia. This particular example was subsequently imported to the U.S. and features Mugen camshafts, ECU tuning, and an upgraded exhaust, boosting output to 237 hp. Carbon-fiber bumpers, an aluminum hood, and the signature 18-inch Mugen wheels reduce weight and enhance performance across the board. The Mugen RR represents a true masterpiece, embodying Honda’s engineering spirit. Displayed beside the FD2, the distinction becomes clear: While the FD2 may impress with its aesthetics, the Mugen RR embodies the very essence of Mugen’s performance philosophy.
It would be impractical to encompass every notable Honda from Wekfest in a single article, but you can explore a few more exceptional rides that defined this year’s New Jersey event in the gallery.
Exploring the Evolution of Japanese Tuning at Wekfest 2026
Wekfest USA, consistently recognized as a premier destination for the enthusiast community, has once again solidified its standing as a crucial stage for Japanese automotive craftsmanship. This year’s event in New Jersey presented a landscape heavily favoring the Honda brand, with a diversity of models and modifications that spanned the spectrum of the tuner world. From high-performance machines like the NSX to unexpected gems such as the N-BOX, the event offered a compelling glimpse into the ingenuity and dedication prevalent in the JDM and import car culture.
Wekfest’s Role in the Tuner Scene
Established in 2008 by Kenneth Li, Wekfest has evolved into more than just a car show; it has become a vital cultural touchpoint for Japanese automotive enthusiasts. Known for attracting a high caliber of builds, the event emphasizes precision engineering, clean execution, and unique expressions of automotive passion. Unlike some shows that prioritize speed and raw power, Wekfest often features builds that showcase meticulous attention to detail, subtle modifications, and high-end components.
This focus on refinement is particularly evident in the JDM tuning community, where a blend of performance and aesthetics is often the ultimate goal. The New Jersey stop of Wekfest consistently draws talent from the east coast tuner scene, offering a platform for builders to showcase their work to a wide audience and earn recognition within the community.
A Deep Dive into the Highlighted Builds
The Iconic Honda NSX: Then and Now
The 1992 Acura NSX owned by Marby Enriquez remains a standout example of how Honda performance has evolved. This particular NSX has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a stock model to a formidable time attack machine. The build includes a striking blue wrap, a Comptech Whipple supercharger, a Walbro 255 fuel pump, and a snorkel intake inspired by the Japan-exclusive NSX-R GT. The carbon-fiber hood and functional scoop are not just aesthetic upgrades; they are engineered to improve airflow to the engine bay.
The car’s performance capabilities were demonstrated at 380 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, supported by high-end suspension, brakes, and tires. The Voltex Type 4/5 GT wing adds not only aesthetic appeal but also crucial downforce for stability at high speeds. While the car has evolved over the years, it continues to represent the pinnacle of what’s possible with an Acura NSX build. The level of precision and craftsmanship involved highlights why the NSX is often considered a legend in the Honda community.
The Unconventional N-BOX: Kei Car Culture on Display
One of the most unexpected highlights of W
