Intro To Kei Cars

Also known as "keijidōsha" (Japanese for light motor vehicle), Kei (pronounced kay) is a Japanese classification of small vehicles which encompass a wide range of categories including Sports, Retro-styled, Convertibles, trucks, minivans, mini SUV and hatchback. It was was originally created for low-income people who could barely afford a motorcycle. That’s why engine sizes are limited to 660 cc, which is motorcycle-caliber. Kei cars in Japan have special black and yellow license plates as they previously were originally afforded exemptions from emissions testing, insurance requirements and even parking regulations that required people to show that they own or rent a legal parking space before they can register the vehicle. However these have since been rescinded.

But kei Cars are still extremely popular in Japan for a few reasons. Firstly, substantial insurance and tax savings are given by the government as an incentive to owning these cars. Secondly, due to their compact nature, these cars are a perfect fit for driving in the city as they offer excellent maneuverability and handling. Thirdly, all Kei Cars are incredibly fuel efficient in both city and highway use, getting about 40-60 mpg.

Japanese law limits Kei cars to no more than 64 horsepower. But that restriction hasn’t stopped an aftermarket industry of Kei car hot-rodding equipment from springing up. Kei cars are raced. They are turbocharged, supercharged and nitrous-oxide-charged. The rub is that every two years the cars must pass inspection.
So the tuners either sell them before the inspection takes place, or they have to take the equipment off and put them back afterwards.