A heavily updated version of the cult Japanese sports car has been revived by the engineers and designers behind its original production.
The Tommykaira ZZ, a rare Japanese sports car produced across two separate generations with a lengthy hiatus in between, is back. Originally built from 1996 to 2000 and later revived from 2014 to 2021, the model has now returned in a refreshed form thanks to a designer and engineer formerly involved with its production at GLM. The new interpretation is called the Number Nine Works Sweep 9.
Compared with the second-generation ZZ, the most noticeable changes are found at the front. The large headlights, which now look somewhat dated, have been replaced by compact LED lighting units. The front bumper has also been redesigned with a cleaner, more minimalist appearance. The car’s side profile remains largely unchanged, while the rear has not yet been revealed. It is likely that the back end retains the previous design.
The original first-generation Tommykaira ZZ was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The second-generation model switched to a fully electric drivetrain, and that setup carries over to the new version. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 309 horsepower and 306 lb-ft (415 Nm) of torque. The lightweight roadster weighs roughly 2,200 pounds (about 1,000 kilograms).
Development and assembly of the vehicle were handled by a small team consisting of an engineer, a designer, and several experienced craftsmen. The result is a fully operational car rather than a static concept. Japanese license plates visible on the vehicle confirm that it is street-legal and approved for public-road use.
Despite the successful revival, there are currently no plans for mass production. However, owners of second-generation Tommykaira ZZ models may eventually be offered the opportunity to have their cars converted to the updated specification.
Only around 220 examples of the second-generation Tommykaira ZZ were built. Before developing its own vehicle, Japanese company GLM was primarily known for tuning Nissan and Subaru models.