Subbrands are so popular that even tuners are now creating them. Alpine News, which customizes cars in Japan, has announced that its new subbrand, Cal’s Motor, will sell a collection of retromodded vehicles inspired by classic American models. As the name suggests, Cal’s Motor takes inspiration from the beachy aesthetics of California. With palm trees, sunshine, and surfing as its muses, the company is customizing the Suzuki Jimny, the Nissan NV200, and the Toyota HiAce.
The company’s Suzuki Jimny has been turned
into the Beas and the Beas+. The small off-roader gets a new chrome grille and
new LED headlights inspired by the classic square-sealed beam lamps that once
dominated American roads. In combination with the chrome hubcaps and bumpers,
the modified Jimny looks like a mini version of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
Whereas the Beas is based on the Jimny, the Beas+ is based on the higher-trim
Jimny Sierra. Prices for the former start at 2.98 million yen (US$ 20,500), and 3.18 million yen (US$ 21,900) for the
latter.
Cal’s Motors is also adding similar
modifications to the Nissan NV200 van, turning it into what the company calls
the Sonova. It also gets square LED lights, a new grille, bumper, and a front
fascia inspired by classic American models like the Dodge Van and the Chevrolet
Astro. The optional two-tone paint certainly helps make the van more fun.
Available with two or three rows of seats, the Sonova retains the practical
bones of the NV200. Prices start at 4.28 million yen (US$ 29,500) for the
FWD five-seater, 4.43 million yen (US$ 30,500) for the FWD seven-seater,
and 4.53 million yen (US$ 31,100) for the AWD five-seater.
The brand previously launched the Carica
van, based on the Toyota HiAce. Larger than the Sonova, it also gets modified
front and read fascias. Available in either U.S. or Euro style, the former
emphasizes the shiny chrome accents, while the latter uses a black grille, wheels,
and bumper ends to give a more serious look. The modification package can be
applied to either the gas or diesel variants of the van, and it comes with an
optional camping package that turns it into a little motorhome. Prices start at
5.68 million yen (US$ 39,000).
All models will be on display at the Tokyo
Auto Salon 2024, and Cal’s Motors has started accepting orders for the
vehicles. Deliveries are expected to begin in the spring.
