This Hummer Replica Was Built By Merging Two Suzuki Jimnys
The small Japanese crossover never ceases to amaze us.
The Suzuki Jimny, praised for its compact size and off-road capabilities, has become a favorite canvas for tuning companies seeking to create unique and eye-catching designs. Examples include several Jimnys dressed as G-Classes and most recently, two crossovers channeling the spirits of two rally legends from the past. However, a new project has emerged from an unexpected source, showcasing the ingenuity of students from the Nippon Automobile College, or NATS, at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon.
Meet the NATS Shakotan Jimny J1, a distinctive creation that catches the eye with its resemblance to the Toyota Mega Cruiser, often dubbed as Japan's Hummer. What sets this project apart is not its affiliation with a tuning company but rather its origin as a student-built endeavor.
The NATS team took an unconventional approach by combining the chassis of the Suzuki Escudo SUV with the first-generation Suzuki Jimny. More precisely, two first-gen Jimnys. The result is a unique combination that features a low-riding profile and the Escudo's V6 gasoline engine under the hood.
The exterior of the unusual build is particularly intriguing, crafted by seamlessly merging two Jimny units with the accompanying four headlights at the front. The utilization of air suspension ensures the body-dropped chassis hugs the ground. The attention-grabbing aesthetic is further enhanced by Toyo-branded tires and custom wheels from iMLA.
As mentioned, power comes from a 2.5-liter V6 engine and, as far as we know, it’s left unmodified. This means it still generates around 160 horsepower but considering the vehicle’s ride height, power is probably not that important. In terms of interior, the students kept the cabin mostly unchanged but the trunk space has been repurposed to house a powerful sound system from Diecock, featuring a total of 12 speakers and two substantial bass speakers.
Source: J-Auto Show on YouTube via CarBuzz
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Expert Says This Cult-Fave Suzuki Is for ‘Fools’—But That You Should Buy: 'More Character Than Any Car Built In the Last Decade'
‘What Do You Mean?’: Woman Drives Car With Florida SunPass In Peach Pass Lane. Then She Gets A Rude Awakening
The Suzuki Jimny Is Getting One Last Special Edition Before It Dies in Europe
Woman Goes To Fill Her Gas Tank Up At Costco. Then The Pump Won’t Turn Off: 'Overfilling Can Push Liquid Fuel...'
The most incredible SUV: The Suzuki Jimny that wants to be a Renault 5 Turbo
‘I Have No Idea How Fast I’m Going’: Woman Starts Driving Her Mercedes-Benz. Then The Entire Dashboard Disappears
The 5-door Suzuki Jimny debuts