Edit: 9tro has collaborated with Boosted Magazine (one of the most prominent tuning publications in Denmark) to bring our readers awesome cars from all across Europe! In the first story we are sharing from Boosted Magazine, we take a look at Steffen’s incredible Toyota MR2!
Denmark - At home with 29-year-old Steffen from Frederikssund, there is a lot of talk about cars, especially Japanese models that he and his girlfriend, Nini, are debating. She is as crazy about cars as Steffen is. In fact, he proposed to her during this year's show in Elmia. Of course, she said yes to Mister Romantic, who dreams of an NSX.
"I've always had a weakness for Japanese sports models from the 90's. I think their design and driving qualities are sovereign. So the MR2 was an obvious choice, and that's also the car I've had the longest time”, says Steffen.
He bought the MR2 back in 2010, when it was completely stock and on the first day itself Steffen ordered the first freak and he has built it ever since.
"I always get new ideas that I would like to try out the car. This blue version is actually the result of the third major rebuilding of it”, explains Steffen.
- Mazda MX-5 - DAMD Awesome02 Jan 2015Mazda’s best-selling Miata decked in a unique style from bodyworks tuner Damd.
He attained Denmark's Best Car title last year when the car was white. But it was only this year in its current state that there was a bonus. The MR2 landed a distinguished and well deserved second place after Morten Jensen's insanely accomplished Golf.
"I had hoped for a top five position this year, so the second place is just like winning for me - Mortens Golf is a definite winner”, says Steffen.
When it comes to conversion, Steffen himself stands for the vast majority of things.
“I’ve done everything myself. One of the things that I attach the most importance to is that you build your ideas yourself. All fiberglass work is self-made and I have participated in the painting process. The cabin is sewn in the pole, but I have put the cover on myself. I also switched the engine myself and turned it on. When you build something with your own hands the satisfaction is so much greater - even though it might be a bit better with a professional”, says Steffen.
The Toyota MR2 is not Steffen's first project though, he has had 24 cars and something has been done about almost all of them.
"My first big car body was a Mazda 323F with huge plants, skirts and big wheels. I have also built a Mazda MX-5 up from the bottom with homemade skirts in body and with a beige leather cabin”, says Steffen.
Although having reasonable experience in converting cars, Steffen professes he is still learning.
"The hardest thing about this car has been the adaptation. I had to make new hangers for the bumper after I had made the list. It took time. The side skirts too took many hours. They consist of two kinds of skirts that have been built for the car - I liked the top of one type and the bottom of the other and as a result I had to combine the two with fibre”, says Steffen.
Although the car is now officially the second best in the country, Steffen is not finished yet. A fourth conversion is in the works for winter. Until then, Steffen enjoys a cruise in the car, and has plans to display the car at lots of shows at home and abroad this year. The MR2 won’t be transported on a trailer - so do look out for this clean cruiser on the streets!
Steffen’s Toyota MR2 Spec List
PERFORMANCE
165hp and 200Nm
ENGINE
SW20 Rev2 engine imported by Jocks Bilimport
Homemade 2.5-inch exhaust
Megan manifold
Open air-filter
Iridium spark plugs
modified engine control
SUSPENSION
BC Racing adjustable coilovers
Megan camber kit
Eibach camber bolt
BRAKES
Original GTI brakes
WHEELS AND TYRES
8.5 x 18-inch (front)/10 x 18 (rear) Rota Grid Operation
MODIFICATIONS
Custom Border-bodykit,
Toms Air Intake, rebuilt
Scrolled Shields • Closed Side Lists
Seibon Carbon Fiber Housing w/ Wicked Paint Airbrush
OEM look spoiler w/ carbon sword and airbrush
Audi R8 LED Driving Light
Custom diffuser all around
Custom rear diffuser
INTERIOR
Modified doors
Subwoofer in centre console
Leather seats covered with red stitches
Alcantara dashboard and door sides w/ red stitching
SWM snap-off steering wheel
Painted details
TRD mats
Carbon-fibre gear knob
Front luggage compartment rebuilt w/ amplifiers, voltmeter, carbon-fibre plate, etc.
SOUND
Carpower component set. 2 x 6-inch Carpower bass units behind the seats
Alpine 10-inch sub in the middle
Pioneer head unit
2x Carpower 4-channel amplifiers
Voltmeter
PAINT
The painter's home-baked mix - used 24-litres of paint and gloss
