The ladder-frame off-roader inherits the looks of iconic hot hatches from the '80s
Japanese tuner Damd, is known for its Suzuki Jimny conversions inspired by the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes G-Class, but its latest builds for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 add an unexpected retro hot hatch flair to the little off-roader. More specifically, the Jinmy is transformed into crossover versions of the Lancia Delta Integrale and the Renault 5 Turbo, with wide bodykits and OZ Racing alloy wheels.
The theme for Damd’s new modified Jimny is “European Masterpiece”, paying homage to the iconic hot hatches of the ’80s. The Little ?. infuses classic Lancia styling cues into the Jimny although the proportions are way off. Still, the redesigned face with quad round headlights, a chrome grille, and a custom bumper is as close as it gets to the Lancia Delta Integrale.
More: Damd Turns The Suzuki Hustler Into A Tiny Jeep Impersonator
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The profile features wide fender extensions, mimicking the boxy bodykit of the Italian hot hatch. Similarly, the tail inherits Delta’s signature wing for extra downforce, fender-mounted vents, and a body-colored bumper.
The Little 5. kit is similar to the Little ?., but adds R5-inspired headlights and grille, a special blue shade, black bumpers, faux intakes on the rear fenders, and a different roof spoiler. Those are enough to turn it into an R5 Turbo replica that might not fool anyone but will certainly turn heads. Damd also added Non-Turbo decals on the sides, as a humorous nod to Suzuki’s naturally aspirated engine.
Last but not least, both models ride on a new set of alloy wheels developed in collaboration with OZ Racing, making the iconic design compatible with the measurements of the Jimy tires. The wheels are available in either race white with red lettering or in dark graphite with white lettering.
All that extra sportiness is not combined with any modifications to the powertrain or the ladder-frame chassis of the Suzuki Jimny, meaning that the hot hatch crossovers maintain the off-road capabilities of the donor vehicle.
A Defender-Style Toyota Hiace And Tuned Daihatsu Atrai Models
Damd
Besides the Suzuki Jimny hot hatch crossovers, Damd will also bring three other vehicles to Tokyo. Those include the Toyota Hiace “Deface” which adds Land Rover Defender styling cues to the popular van, making it look retro, rugged, and ready for adventure.
Finally, the tuner previewed two new versions of the Daihatsu Atrai kei car – the Fuzz Wagon and Fuzz Deckvan. The former is inspired by classic US wagons, featuring square headlights, wood-style decals, light-colored accents, and an intentionally weathered treatment making it look old. The Deckvan is based on the pickup version of the Atrai and features a similar retro-flavored bodykit.
We are looking forward to live photos and videos of the aforementioned modified vehicles from the Tokyo Auto Salon. As a refresher, the show will take place between January 12 and 14 at Makuhari Messe in Japan.
