One thing I noticed while roaming around the Bangkok International Auto Salon and the Thailand capital itself was the sheer number of tuners and enthusiasts driving Hondas. Given the heavy taxes on imports, many cars that we take for granted are ludicrously expensive in Thailand, so most people here just modify what is readily available.
For that reason, I wanted to spotlight two Hondas that stood out to me at last weekend’s show – a VIP-inspired 9th gen Accord (as seen in the lead image), and the JTC Titanium FD Civic pictured below.
Starting with the Civic, you don’t need to look far to see that function has played a big part in the build. Carbon fiber can be found all over, providing a lightweight aero solution for the sedan.
The addition of bolt-on overfenders, canards and a massive GT wing out back sets the tone, while a JTC custom turbo kit attached to the Civic’s built R18A gives the performance a boost.
H.Drive racing dampers provide adjustability for the perfect ride height and stiffness, and behind the spokes of forged RAYS Volk Racing ZE40s in Matte Gunmetal Blue you can see the Endless front brake package.
I’m not sure if this car actually sees track time, but it’s a well-specced machine all the same.
At the other end of the spectrum we have this VIP-inspired Accord, which like the Civic looks like something you would find in Japan.
The Black Pearl bodykit, which is more recognizable on big body sedans like the Lexus GS and Toyota Crown, has been custom modified to fit the smaller Accord.
The kit’s aggressive styling is not going to be for everyone, but the exaggerated fenders, sharp lines and LED lights really transform the Accord into something unique. AccuAir air suspension allows the car to command attention when parked, yet still be functional on the incredibly harsh roads of Bangkok.
Judging from the front-mount intercooler and 6-pot Brembo front brakes hiding behind 19-inch Work Meister M1Rs, there’s some go to match the show too.
As is expected with a VIP build, the interior also received customization to match the exterior, the sum of all its parts making this one of the more radical-looking cars at the show.
Two show Hondas with two different approaches – which is your favorite?
Ron Celestine
Instagram: celestinephotography
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they both are pretty incredible - I just wish Accords were RWD at this point (now's your chance Acura) - but the Civic - still jelly America never got that front end
think of how many accords people would buy if they were just rwd...I would, kind of reminds me of a lexus with that kit.
Yea. Those kits are usually found on Lexus here in Japan so I can definitely see that
Clean custom. That's how you properly mod a Honda.
The turbo Civic looks good with that race car look and the Accord with that VIP stance.
I just wish the V6 in the Accord was DOHC like Camry and Maxima. Overall, I've always loved Hondas, especially Type R, Jade RS, Civic Si, S2000, and NSX. Who ever did this awesome build should be getting attention.
A lot of talent in Thailand! Could really only scrape the tip of the iceberg this go around !
Awsome looking cars! but sad to see that such cars, especially the civic, probably never will hit the track.
Interesting to see someone build up and turbo an R18A powered Civic. I would love to see a shot under the hood of that thing, I didn't know they even made turbo kits for R18.
In Thailand they usually did a turbo tune R18A in Civic mk9 model.
The accord is my fav - not that I'm a Honda fanboy, but I find the 8th & 9th gen accords' body stylings quite attractive. All one needs to do is upgrade (slam) the suspension and pick out some dished wheels to achieve maximum jdm cred
LOOL jdm cred. Niceee
Mehh.. Just more trailer queens. Got 100k? Want to buy parts for a stock ride that will be trailered to events.. ? Might as well call it Bisi-Modding.
Glad to see some Thai coverage! I lived there for many years. One of the best car scenes in the world in my opinion. The interiors on the Thai VIP cars are phenomenal. I'd like to see a high quality Speed hunters feature on one of the many diesel drag utes/pick ups.
i'd like to see some of those too
more details of the turbo r18 please
Accord on tops!
This car has no turbo, the intercooler was there just for looks. trust me on this.
Apparently the Honda Civic has a turbo setup done by JTC Titanium.
Can't find more details on the Accord though.
Link to JTC:
https://web.facebook.com/jtctitanium/photos/a.918911598168789.1073741829.909534275773188/1464512396942037/?type=3&theater
Would be awesome if Speedhunters could visit the Sense Brand workshop in Japan! The premier VIP exhaust manufacturer.