DragStar F1 Dragon: Roaring Like a Rockstar on the Streets

Unique ONES - When it comes to custom cars, Japan has a long history of standing out with bold, creative, and technically impressive projects. This isn't surprising given the nation's rich talent pool in the automotive industry. The combination of technical expertise and an eye for innovation has led to the creation of unique vehicles that are admired by enthusiasts worldwide. One such creation that caught the attention of many is the DragStar F1 Dragon, a remarkable car that made its debut in 2011. This car is a bold statement of custom automotive design, and its story is one that blends craftsmanship with a vision for something entirely different from the norm, and inspired by Japan’s “bosozoku” car culture.

The DragStar F1 Dragon was a remarkable car that made its debut in 2011 and born from the ambitions of Value Progress. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The DragStar F1 Dragon was born from the ambitions of Value Progress, a custom car manufacturer with a passion for creating distinctive sports cars. They set out to design a long-nose, short-deck vehicle that resembled a drag machine, combining both aesthetics and performance. Interestingly, the DragStar F1 Dragon wasn’t the first iteration of this idea. In 2010, Value Progress had already introduced the DragStar F1 at the Tokyo Auto Salon, where it earned recognition and won the Excellence Award in the Concept Car category. This success laid the groundwork for an even more advanced version—the DragStar F1 Dragon.

Measuring 5,200 mm in length, 2,160 mm in width, and 1,180 mm in height, it commands attention on the road. (Picture from: Piximus)

Using a Toyota MR-S as the base, the team at Value Progress extended the wheelbase by 1,100 mm, dramatically altering the car’s proportions. By reinforcing the structure with a main frame beneath the vehicle, they were able to achieve significant body rigidity. This design decision also resulted in a flat floor, which improved the car's overall aerodynamics. While the predecessor DragStar F1 had already turned heads with its unique design, the Dragon took things even further. Fully armed with aerodynamic enhancements, the DragStar F1 Dragon was designed to be both visually striking and capable of passing vehicle inspections, making it street legal.

Fully armed with aerodynamic enhancements, the DragStar F1 Dragon was designed to be both visually striking and capable of passing vehicle inspections, making it street legal. (Picture from: ValueProgress)

One of the most impressive aspects of the DragStar F1 Dragon is its size and bold exterior design. Measuring 5,200 mm in length, 2,160 mm in width, and 1,180 mm in height, it commands attention on the road. Its striking red color only adds to its aggressive appearance, making it difficult to ignore when spotted on public roads. Beneath the hood, the Dragon is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter "1ZZ-FE" inline 4-cylinder engine, which generates 140 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 17.4 kgm at 4,400 rpm. This powertrain, paired with either a manual or automatic manual transmission, is similar to that of the Toyota MR-S, though the car’s exterior might make you forget its humble origins.

Unless you take a peek at the interior, there's no way you'll be able to recognize the Toyota MR-2 hiding under the striking DragStar F1 Dragon red-armor. (Picture from: Kurama-News.jp)

Customization is a key feature of the DragStar F1 Dragon, with bolt-on parts allowing owners to make the car truly their own. Value Progress designed it with the idea of giving customers the freedom to create a completely original vehicle, building on the foundation of their unique vision. This ability to personalize the car has added to its appeal among automotive enthusiasts who want something truly one-of-a-kind.

The DragStar F1 Dragon features Ferrari Testarossa-like side strakes and a dramatically extended nose, have given it an entirely new identity. (Picture from: Kurama-News.jp)

Despite being based on the Toyota MR-S, the DragStar F1 Dragon is almost unrecognizable compared to its donor car. The massive changes to the exterior, including Ferrari Testarossa-like side strakes and a dramatically extended nose, have given it an entirely new identity. The only hint of the MR-S under all the custom work is when you take a look inside. However, even with all these radical modifications, the Dragon retains the mid-engine layout of the original MR-S, ensuring it maintains a balanced and performance-oriented driving experience.

Despite being based on the Toyota MR-S, the DragStar F1 Dragon is almost unrecognizable compared to its donor car. (Picture from: Piximus)

Public reaction to the DragStar F1 Dragon has been mixed, with some people expressing admiration for its bold design, while others find the drastic styling too much. Comments like "It's cool!" and "It will definitely turn heads" are common, highlighting the car’s ability to make an impression, whether positive or controversial. This divisive reception only adds to the mystique of the DragStar F1 Dragon, as it continues to be a conversation starter among car enthusiasts. | a1_nmh6W6cQ |

At its core, the DragStar F1 Dragon represents the endless possibilities of custom car design. It’s a reminder that creativity and vision can transform even the most familiar platforms into something extraordinary. Whether you view it as a masterpiece or an outlandish creation, there’s no denying that the DragStar F1 Dragon is a bold testament to the world of custom car culture, and it continues to capture the imaginations of those who encounter it on the road. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VALUEPROGGRESS | CARSCOOPS | KURAMA-NEWS.JP | PIXIMUS ]

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