Now if only DAMD could do the same thing with the ASEAN-spec Honda WR-V…
For those who have always dreamed of owning a classic Jeep but don’t feel like dealing with the reality of actually owning one, Japanese tuner DAMD might just have the solution for you. Such is as for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, the Japanese tuner has recently revealed to have transformed a Japan-market WR-V (aka the Indian-market Elevate) into a mini Jeep Cherokee XJ lookalike!
Dubbed the DAMD WR-V Reverb, this XJ-aping bodykit brings with it a completely redesigned front end with a six-slot grille and rectangular yellow-tinted headlights that pays homage to the classic Cherokee. It also comes with a new boxier bonnet and a more rugged front bumper, complete with unpainted plastic and faux aluminium accents.
Further adding to the retro Jeep vibe meanwhile are to be a set of Wagoneer-inspired faux wood panelling decals down its side, which is then complemented by a set of black steelies wrapped in a set of BF Goodrich mud-terrain tyres. Do note here however that in spite of its chunky rubber, the WR-V is still very much a front-wheel drive compact crossover, powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-VTEC four pot that is paired to a CVT.
And just as a final finishing flourish on this retro Americana makeover, the DAMD WR-V Reverb could also be had with an interior retrimmed in plaid fabric.
Now for those who have might think the DAMD name may be a tad familiar, it is because that they are the ones typically behind turning Suzuki Jimnys into mini G-Wagons and Ford Broncos.
DAMD however isn’t to be the only ones who are busy turning Japanese cars into retro American lookalikes, with there in fact to be a whole cottage industry over in the land of the rising sun doing just that. The most prominent of which is perhaps Mitsuoka, who had previously turned a Toyota RAV4 into a Chevrolet Blazer, not to mention turn a Honda Civic into a Dodge Challenger.
Aside from the Jeep Cherokee WR-V, DAMD will also be displaying a selection of other equally-interesting creations. Among which includes the Toyota Sienta Stuart, which essentially is a classic Mini face transplant onto the body of a Toyota MPV; as well as the Daihatsu Taft Lucky, which aims to be a modern reinterpretation of the 1990s Daihatsu Rocky F300 off-roader.
