Game-changing designer, art maestro, extraordinaire. These are the words that best describe TRA Kyoto’s Kei Miura. Last July, I had the privilege to meet and talk about design with him. So what’s really in for the Miura-San?

As a graduate of Industrial Design, I must say that he is one of the men that I look up to in the scene. May I explain why? Miura-San can sketch , scan an actual car, edit thru CAD, install a kit all by himself and run a brand that influences numerous shows/race cars today. This also marks my 16th and final entry about my trip to Japan 2014.

On to the cars. Miura-San said that out of all of his designs, the 180sx Silvia kit still remains as his favorite.  He dis-included the rear bumper on V2 which is inspired by the BenSopra model. When he was asked on why he did it, he answered “Bumpers may fall on high speeds.”

Rocket Bunny V2 of the kit is also available for the PS Silvia. I just love how the design progressed since those viral gas station photos way back 08. Gt Rodeo Special! 

Miura-San says that his designs reflect his younger days, as he we was exposed to the bosozoku culture and kanjo runs.

Now the brand has its own drift team, Team Rocket Bunny. This LS2-powered S13 is driven by Michihiro Takatori for Formula D Japan.

They also closely work with Enkei Wheels for their show cars and product needs.

He also accepts one-off kits for customers and customized parts to mix and match. Ever wondered on creating your own design for a specific car? Sure he can. I won’t go into details on how much exactly it costs. Let’s just say it’s a little less than a 458 Liberty Walk.

Miura said that he draws inspiration from the kyusha cars, as he likes to mix retro styling into newer models.

Design process starts from freehand sketching, followed by a full vehicle laser scan. Then the lines are adjusted through CAD before the mold is carved through a CNC machine.  The whole process of scanning, editing and mold making takes up to a month to finish.

How did he perfect his process? Self taught through trial and error.

Miura’s recipe for perfection is how he mixes his design with the actual OEM lines. Call it redundant but look closely at the details (ex. cut of kit), a lot differentiates his designs.

The brand’s reputation is more established as it is one of the most go-to aero manufacturers now. HKS for example commissioned TRA Kyoto for their D1/Formula D race car.

The car is piloted by NOB Taniguchi, just imagine this moment as he stretches out its 500hp supercharged Boxer engine into the mountains.

It may be the easiest or most common way to go widebody, but it does look really good. Quality is on point too.

6666 customs also caters to the designs of brands like Liberty Walk, Sarto Racing, Speedhunters and BenSopra.

Now that they are also catering your wheel needs in a special collaboration with Enkei. Miura-San definitely going back to his roots as he started out by designing wheels for various companies.

Designing a kit for a specific model is not easy as Miura-San said that he is very careful not to tamper the original design flow of the car.

He has done it all from his personal Civic EF to a Scion XB, Kei cars, Silvia’s and a bunch of Italian supercars. Miura’s design will slowly vary from bolt-on fenders to full kits (like the NSX). It’s simply amazing how his signature ducktail can look good on any car.

The guys at TRA Kyoto are satisfied with the impact of his brand but there is more to come. Currently he is finishing touches for the 350z kit and Scion TC. He is also in the pens for another run on the Murcielago, Challenger. Wanna talk rumors? Porsche Cayman, Honda S2000, Lamborghini Huracan.  

Love or hate the brand, Kei Miura and his fleet of bunnies are here to stay.

On to the next Miura-San. 

Instagram: @kevcarlos 

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