The Tommykaira ZZ One-Off Resembles a Futuristic Porsche 914
Fortmarei
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Back in the '90s, the Tommykaira ZZ was akin to Japan's Lotus Elise: lightweight, straightforward, charming, and exceptionally nimble. The boutique Japanese carmaker and tuner sought to develop the concept over the years and ultimately brought it back with an electric second generation designed to keep the spirit of its predecessor alive with a different type of propulsion. That vehicle reportedly ceased production in 2021, but a new redesign named the Number Nine Works Sweep 9 (try saying that ten times quickly) gives us insight into what a future version might resemble, should it ever be produced.
This design study—thanks to CarScoops for highlighting it—results from a collaboration between Yuji Fujitsuka, who originally designed the second-gen ZZ and now heads Number Nine Works, and Ryuhei Ishimaru, who operates the design firm Fortmarei. Their aim was to modernize the ZZ’s front end while ensuring that all modifications complied with Japan’s passenger car safety regulations.
The traditional triangular-pod headlight style featuring large, round lamps, characteristic of earlier Tommykaira concepts and race cars from three decades ago, has been replaced by slim LED units with two small lamps per side, including turning signals. I find the original ZZ to be a very appealing small sports car—I grew up idolizing the McLaren F1 and Porsche Carrera GT—but it’s undeniable that the updated version seems more marketable, particularly in today’s market.
The second-gen Tommykaira ZZ is on the middle left, with the Number Nine Works Sweep 9 next to it. Fortmarei
If I had to describe the Sweep 9’s front to someone unfamiliar with it, I would say it resembles what you might get if Porsche decided to bring back the 914. There’s a hint of a Cayenne EV and Mission R in its front design, combined with the proportions of a compact mid-engine roadster, even though the ZZ doesn’t consume any fuel.
Ultimately, Number Nine Works and Fortmarei claim this project was designed to be fully homologation-friendly from beginning to end; in their words, “a sophisticated development process, utilizing 3D data for meticulous legal simulations.” While this is commendable, it’s somewhat peculiar since the Sweep 9 is clearly a one-off and not a hint at a ZZ revival.
The remainder of the car, including its electric motor producing 305 horsepower to the rear wheels and a curb weight under 1 ton, was not modified, which might explain why the companies have released seemingly no images of the rear. Nonetheless, Tommykaira and the ZZ do not frequently make headlines, so we like to acknowledge them whenever possible.
Fortmarei
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The Tommykaira ZZ One-Off Resembles a Futuristic Porsche 914
A designer has created a more contemporary front design for the lightweight electric sports car, although it is not intended for production.