Ultimate Porsche Hack Or Poor Man's Carrera GT
This Doppelganger Does BOTH! - story Go to full screen story Fullscreen

Ultimate Porsche Hack Or Poor Man's Carrera GT This Doppelganger Does BOTH!

This custom bodykit transforms your humble Toyota MR2 into a exotic car look-a-like at a fraction of the price

by Amrit Balraj on June 3, 2024, 23:00

While the Toyota MR2 nameplate goes back decades, the mid-ship MR2 was one of the most exciting sports cars of the early 2000s. The fact that the third-gen (W30) was mid-engined gave it excellent weight distribution. Tipping the scales at a featherlight 2,195 pounds, the 138 horsepower from its 1.8-liter four-cylinder was more than adequate to put a smile on your face. Also, unlike today’s sports cars, this two-seater convertible was available with a five-speed manual. Throw in timeless style and it has the ingredients of an excellent performance car, out of the box. But what if you’re an MR2 owner who wants to spruce things up a bit? The aftermarket presents some options.

Enter, the Avalanche GT kit, a custom body kit for the MR2 made by Turismo UK, that captures the essence of exotic Porsche sports cars. Think Carrera GT and the 918. Based in Great Britain, Turismo builds these kits for the Toyota MR2/MRS models from 1999 to 2006. This conversion kit is designed with simplicity in mind, utilizing as many original factory mounting points as possible to ensure straightforward installation. There’s no need for cutting or major modifications; just remove all existing body panels except for the doors and engine cover, and install the new panels. Most components are bolt-on, with only a few requiring bonding.

The company aims to make the installation process as smooth as possible. The Avalanche GT kit (made up of 10 custom parts) offers MR2 owners the experience of a hassle-free transformation, giving your MR2/MRS a fresh, modern look without extensive modifications or cost. Detailed prices of all the different components are shown in their video and on their website, but to give you an idea, an entire conversion will set you back £4,995.00 ( $6,399 at the time of writing this article). Besides the Toyota MR2, Turismo UK also makes body kits for Porsche, Audi and Range Rover.

For owners seeking a Porsche Boxster 986, the Evolution GT kit offers an easy and efficient upgrade. This conversion kit is designed to use factory mounting points, ensuring a seamless installation process. The kit is specifically designed to enhance any Boxster with minimal effort and maximum impact.

There is also the Porsche 911 GTRS Convertible/Coupe kit based on the Porsche 996. The fully modified car also features a full interior upgrade in luxurious cream leather, complemented by color-coded and carbon-style interior panels. A restyled carbon fiber flat-bottom steering wheel and carbon fiber GT3RS style seats add a sporty, sophisticated touch.

In addition to these conversion kits, Turismo UK also offers comprehensive upgrades to elevate a vehicle’s performance. The new bumper includes carbon fiber canards, vents, and a splitter, while the latest 991 style headlights and LED rear lights modernize the exterior. A custom-built exhaust system with cell 200 racing cats ensures optimal performance. The suspension is equipped with coilovers and an air piston lift system, allowing the car to be raised by 1.57-inches when needed. To complete the transformation, the vehicle is fitted with three-piece split rims, measuring 10x19 at the front and 12x19 at the rear, providing both aesthetic appeal and enhanced handling.

Amrit Balraj

Amrit Balraj

When not reading up or watching videos about obscure and rare automobiles, Amrit spends his free time planning imaginary road trips on some of the best driving roads in the world, preferably in an old truck with a motorcycle strapped to the bed. Read full bio