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Wekfest New Jersey 2026: A Deep Dive into the Show’s Most Compelling Honda Builds
Wekfest has established itself as the pinnacle of modified vehicle shows in the United States. Since its inception in 2008 by Kenneth Li, the Wekfest USA series has evolved into a premier showcase for the nation’s most meticulously crafted JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) and performance builds. Returning for its twelfth consecutive year, the Wekfest event in New Jersey once again drew the country’s finest automotive innovators, creating a truly unforgettable experience for enthusiasts.
This year’s gathering in New Jersey marked a tangible shift in the event’s direction. Hondas emerged as the undisputed stars of the show. For every Toyota, Nissan, or Porsche that graced the floor, there seemed to be several Hondas, each showcasing the remarkable depth and diversity of the brand’s tuning scene. As a lifelong Honda enthusiast, I felt right at home, navigating the crowded exhibition hall to observe some of the most noteworthy examples that captivated both the crowd and myself at Wekfest USA 2026. Each build served as a testament to the passion and precision that continue to define this iconic event.
The Lone NSX: A Masterpiece of Honda Engineering
One of the most captivating machines on display was a 1992 Acura NSX, meticulously maintained and modified by owner Marby Enriquez since 2014. This NSX has undergone a complete transformation, evolving from a pristine example of Honda’s iconic mid-engine sports car into a purpose-built time attack machine. After initially enjoying the NSX in its stock form, Enriquez embarked on a comprehensive overhaul focused on enhancing both performance and presence. The car now sports a striking blue wrap and features a classic Comptech Whipple supercharger, a Walbro 255 fuel pump, and a unique snorkel intake inspired by the Japan-exclusive NSX-R GT. A carbon-fiber hood with a functional scoop immediately draws attention, channeling cool air directly into the engine bay.
The build was recorded at an impressive 380 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. Supporting this power are KW Clubsport coil-overs for superior suspension control, classic Volk Racing TE37 wheels, high-performance Toyo Proxes R888R tires, and a StopTech brake system equipped with Hawk pads. A substantial Voltex Type 4/5 GT wing provides the necessary high-speed stability for track use.
Although the NSX has undergone further refinement since its magazine feature in 2020—now sporting white wheels and a subtler front spoiler—Enriquez’s build remains a breathtaking example of the precision and craftsmanship that define the modification of these automotive marvels.
The N-BOX: An Unexpected Star of the Show
Among the many exceptional vehicles on display, the Honda N-BOX represented one of the most unusual and intriguing creations. The N-BOX is a prime example of a kei car, a class of microcars that have been a mainstay of the Honda lineup in Japan for decades. These small, fuel-efficient vehicles are designed to meet strict, Japanese government-mandated size and engine regulations. Even the largest kei cars remain significantly smaller than even the most compact modern hatchbacks, with engine displacement capped at approximately 660cc.
This particular N-BOX fully embraces its minivan-inspired form, offering a distinct blend of practicality and character. Finished in the sportier Custom trim, it features an assertive front fascia and a boxy silhouette reminiscent of Honda’s earlier Element. A standout detail is its license plate, which reads “K24 NA.” Whether the owner actually managed to install a version of Honda’s popular 2.4-liter K24 inline-four engine—which is nearly four times larger than the stock N-BOX powertrain—under its hood remains unknown, but the car stood out as a uniquely Japanese creation showcased on American soil.
Vehicles like the N-BOX highlight the remarkable diversity and creativity that define Wekfest. Alongside the kei car were other unexpected builds, including a lowered Element with a striking blue interior and an oversized rear speaker, as well as a pair of modified Acura MDXs, which are rare sights that underscored the broad range of modified Acura and Honda models present at the show.
The Auto Salon Contender
This S2000 exemplifies precision and purpose, showcasing a build executed with remarkable attention to detail. Under the hood, its F22 engine is enhanced with a curated selection of components from Mugen, ASM, and HKS, crowned by a distinctive Jun valve cover. The meticulous approach continues beyond the engine bay. The car rides on Advan wheels and features Renegade brakes, a Voltex rear wing, and an ASM steering wheel, each element chosen to balance performance and aesthetics. Among the many S2000s on display at Wekfest 2025, this example stood out as the most complete and cohesive build, a machine that would feel equally at home on a Tokyo Auto Salon display stand as it would be carving up a circuit.
Other visual highlights included scale model cars displayed in front of their full-size counterparts and a liveried-up Motocompacto electric scooter parked beside a sixth-generation Civic (that sixth generation came complete with an original 1960s Honda emblem on its rear, the same wide-top “H” design that inspired the brand’s new 0 Series EV logo).
Civic Hatchback with a Prelude Heart
Among all the wild builds and glowing LEDs, one humble silver Civic stood out, not for its looks but for what was under the hood: the only H-series engine we saw at the show. The H-series, often overshadowed by the legendary B-series, was Honda’s torquey workhorse that powered cars like the Prelude Type S and Accord Euro R. Seeing one swapped into a modest EG generation Civic hatchback was rare and refreshing. Not only has the owner of this Civic had this EG for over two decades, but the H22 motor you see has also resided in it for almost the exact amount of time. This build wasn’t trying to be flashy, just pure function instead.
The Unicorn: The Legendary Mugen RR
And finally, the crown jewel Honda of the show. Positioned near the far end of the Wekfest floor was a pristine FD2 Civic Type R in Championship White, but alongside it sat something even rarer: the Mugen RR. Regarded as the ultimate Type R, all 300 Mugen RR units sold out within roughly 10 minutes, with 299 remaining in Japan and a single car exported to Malaysia. This example was later imported to the U.S. and features Mugen camshafts, ECU tuning, and an upgraded exhaust, bringing output to 237 hp. Carbon-fiber bumpers, an aluminum hood, and the signature 18-inch Mugen wheels reduce weight and sharpen performance across the board.
The Mugen RR is a true masterpiece, embodying Honda’s engineering passion. Positioned next to the FD2, it becomes clear: While the FD2 may captivate with aesthetics, the Mugen RR represents the essence of Mugen’s performance philosophy.
It would be impossible to capture every standout Honda from Wekfest in a single article, but you can check out a few more exceptional rides that defined this year’s New Jersey event in the gallery.
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