RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1: The Ultimate Compact Street Racer

Mini Monster - Japan is known for its innovation and creativity in the automotive world, and nowhere is this more evident than in the delightful variety of small, uniquely styled vehicles that roam the streets. Known as 'kei cars,' these compact vehicles are manufactured by nearly every major Japanese brand, including Daihatsu, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota. These small cars have a charm that’s hard to overlook, thanks to their petite size and characteristic designs.

The RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 was rebuilt in 2000, emerging in its final form with a striking white finish. (Picture from: GTSupreme)

In Japan, kei cars are beloved not just for their compact frames but also for their economical engines, typically around 660cc. Despite their small size, kei cars are wildly popular, capturing the hearts of drivers who seek both affordability and practicality. They’re economical to own and operate, making them ideal for Japan’s dense urban environments. Amid the many adorable models in the kei car lineup, there’s one that stands out for its bold styling and surprising performance capabilities.

The RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 originally debuted in a bold red color at the 1996 Tokyo Motor Show, capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts. (Picture from: GTSupreme)

The Autozam AZ-1, produced by Mazda’s Autozam sub-brand with an engine sourced from Suzuki, is one such car that exudes a unique personality. Manufactured in limited numbers between 1992 and 1995, fewer than 5,000 AZ-1s were made, making it a rare find even in Japan. Though small, this kei car has a distinctive design, featuring sporty gullwing doors and an unmistakably edgy aesthetic. However, its compact size hasn’t stopped one of Japan’s renowned coachbuilders from enhancing its appearance and boosting its performance as well, making it even more impressive.

The RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 was showcased on stage at the 1996 Tokyo Motor Show, boasting sporty gullwing doors and a striking supercar aesthetic at the rear that captivated the audience. (Picture from: GTSupreme)

In 1996, RE Amemiya, a respected tuning company known for its expertise in rotary engines, transformed the AZ-1 into a unique creation for the Tokyo Auto Salon. Named the GReddy 6-AZ1, this vehicle is rare not only in its design but also in its legacy. It remains the only GReddy model, apart from the RX-7, to showcase RE Amemiya's mid-engine rotary tuning philosophy.

The Autozam AZ-1, shown here in its 1992 model, stands as the only supercar in the kei car segment, created by Mazda with an engine supplied by Suzuki. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

This custom model, originally painted red, drew inspiration from the 1989 AZ-550 Type-C concept car. It was reimagined with a longer, wider frame and significantly enhanced performance. Influenced by high-performance models like the Yamaha OX99-11 and McLaren F1, its structure features a tubular frame encased in a custom cowl while retaining the AZ-1’s monocoque body for rigidity and stability.

The RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 made a stunning reappearance on stage at the Tokyo Motor Show after its significant rebuild in 2000. (Picture from: GTSupreme)

The original 660cc engine was replaced with a 20B three-rotor Wankel engine boosted by a T78-33D turbo, positioned longitudinally to accommodate a higher power output of 500 horsepower. For optimal balance, the engine was mounted low, allowing the vehicle to maintain a low center of gravity and improve cornering. This power upgrade was complemented by an F40 braking system to help control its intense performance.

The RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 retained the original AZ-1’s gullwing doors, but nearly every other aspect was modified to enhance its performance and appearance. (Picture from: GTSupreme)

Although the original AZ-1’s gullwing doors remained, nearly every other element of the car was modified to elevate its performance and appearance. Inside, the car retains a few elements reminiscent of the original AZ-1, including an air conditioning system and audio features. The interior also includes precision gauges for oil temperature, water temperature, and oil pressure, making it a car that’s as well-equipped as it is powerful.

The interior of the RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 retains several elements reminiscent of the original AZ-1, such as an air conditioning system and audio features, blending modern performance with nostalgic touches. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

The GReddy 6-AZ1 was revisited in 2000, where it received a fresh white paint job, a new wing to replace the original spoiler, and wider tires. The brakes were also upgraded with components from a Ferrari F50, enhancing its stopping power. Eventually, the vehicle was sold to a private collector in Japan, preserving its legacy within a dedicated community of car enthusiasts.

The RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 powered by a 20B three-rotor Wankel engine boosted by a T78-33D turbo, positioned longitudinally to accommodate a higher power output of 500 horsepower. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

This finely tuned machine caught the attention of a professional driver Tarzan Yamada, who had the opportunity to test the GReddy 6-AZ1 on public roads. Despite its extensive modifications, the vehicle retained its street legality, and Yamada was thrilled by its performance, describing it as both “solid” and “direct.” The vehicle’s high rigidity and powerful boost made it feel like a racing car that was also surprisingly manageable on city streets.

The RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 is also equipped with a suspension and transmission system adapted from a Porsche 962 racer, featuring front dampers that deliver an ideal balance of stiffness for both street and track. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

RE Amemiya further enhanced the vehicle by incorporating a suspension and transmission system adapted from a Porsche 962 racer, with front dampers providing the perfect balance of stiffness for both street and track use.

The updated rear view of the RE Amemiya GReddy 6-AZ1 showcases a newly added wing, designed to enhance aerodynamic performance and improve downforce at high speeds. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

Reflecting on the journey of the GReddy 6-AZ1, RE Amemiya shared that the car was initially intended for endurance racing, which required significant investment in both time and resources. However, due to vehicle inspection constraints, including the installation of a 30-liter fuel tank, it was never used for long-distance racing. Yet, its appearance at events like the Tokyo Auto Salon captivated audiences, thanks to its standout design and robust engineering. | peYUBZHf20Q |

The GReddy 6-AZ1 by RE Amemiya remains an icon, a car that has left a lasting impact on enthusiasts who appreciate the art of automotive tuning. From its bold color transformations to its high-octane performance on the track and street alike, it exemplifies the passion and innovation that define Japan’s automotive tuning culture. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RE-AMEMIYA.CO.JP | GTPLANET | GTSUPREME | CARTHROTTLE  | ANYTHINGWHEELED | MOTORTREND ]

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