Garage Ill Built One Truly Unique Gen 1 R8
Tuned Audi R8s are nothing new, but this Japanese-based build certainly stands out from the pack.
Unique Ride
The Audi R8 has become a popular tuning platform in recent years, and we've seen plenty of interesting examples, from mild to wild. But this wild, JDM-focused R8 built by Akira San, owner and head designer at Garage Ill Custom Works, is truly one of a kind.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
Not Foreign
The concept of building an R8 isn't entirely foreign to Garage Ill, a shop that specializes in Audis. In fact, they've built several over the years, including a wild black widebody with cut-out rear fenders. So when this latest build was complete, Tokyo Tuner jumped at the chance to photograph it.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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Hand Built
Amazingly, it took a mere three months to transform this R8 from stock to Tokyo Auto Salon stunner. That fact is even more amazing when you consider that San and two other staff members constructed this car's one-off bodywork by hand.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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One-Off Construction
This car's front bumper, lip spoiler, front fenders, side panels and steps, canards, rear bumper, and spoiler were all designed by San, then constructed and painted in house.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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Most Unique
The rear spoiler itself is perhaps the most unique such piece we've ever seen. And that's really saying something considering the many wild and crazy wings we've seen over the years.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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Pushing the Envelope
But that spoiler and this entire R8 is just another example of the wild extremes that Japanese builders will go to build unique vehicles. They're always pushing the limits of what's possible and what's been done, and we have to respect them for that.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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Functional Looks
Despite its wild looks, that spoiler wasn't just designed to be an aesthetic piece, either. San says that it's also quite functional, and they're currently testing it to refine the design.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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Standing Out
The interior of this R8 stands out nearly as boldly as the rest of the car, but that's what happens when you stitch the seats, wheel, and dash in bright pink while adding loads of carbon fiber pieces everywhere else.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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Sitting Pretty
Cars like this must have the perfect stance, and this R8 most certainly does. 19" Work wheels wrapped in Nitto rubber hug the wheel wells thanks to a KW HLS hydraulic system.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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Head Turner
Obviously, Garage Ill built this R8 to garner attention via the way it looks. But San isn't afraid to drive it, either, racking up a few miles in the melted snow during this shoot. And we're betting he turned more than a few heads along the way, too.
Photos: Tokyo Tuner
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