MIAS 2025 - THE ZONE PERFORMANCE

Jonathan Hudon is the proud owner of a 1979 Mini Austin that has undergone many transformations.

At the back of this little wonder is equipped with a 1300cc Suzuki Hayabusa engine, with an impressive power of 200 horsepower.

Sequential 6-speed transmission ensures an exhilarating driving experience.

AERODYNAMIC AND LIGHT WHEELS

The 13-inch aerodynamic carbon fiber Turbofan wheels, fitted with Toyo R888R 185/65ZR13 tyres, provide optimum grip on the track.

The 4-piston Willwood caliper brakes, equipped with StopTech discs and Tilton crankset, offer remarkable braking power.

Fully custom push rod suspension with custom-made Protechshock shocks for flawless handling.

A RACE-FOCUSED INTERIOR

Inside, the cushioned seats of Kirkey aluminum race cushioning fabric provide perfect support during competitions.

The enlarged body was first made of fiberglass by Jonathan and molded in carbon fiber by Custom Carbon. The rear wings, the front single-piece hood, doors, roof and a wing have all passed into the hands of the magicians of Custom Carbon. With a weight of only 1200 pounds, this Mini is ready to dominate while flying over the track.

Jonathan modified this car to participate in races of type “Time Attack”, and since he owns it in 2021, he won several prestigious trophies by exhibiting it, including Best of Show at the Import Expo in Ottawa, Best Euro at the LZ World Tour, Best of Show at ICAR Car on Fire, and Best Mini at Eurokrazy.

Passionate about rare and unique models, Jonathan has transformed his Mini Austin into a true racing car, testifying to his passion for performance and originality. His first "Time Attack" at ICAR was also the first time he could test his Mini once completed, and since then it has been running the clock and the heads and accumulating the awards in exhibition.

Imagine yourself driving downtown Montreal this wide body bright yellow colored 1990 Ferrari 348 TS during the Grand Prix Weekend. This jewel belongs to RWB Boonmee, owner for 2 years. Under the hood, a 3.4-litre V8 engine delivers 300 italian horsepower, combined with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Rotiform TUF-R wheels, fitted with Toyo Proxe R888R tires, coupled with the original 4-piston brakes ensure perfect grip and braking.

SOME ITALIAN RED... INSIDE

Air suspension by Air Dynamiks and red Recaro SR7 seats add comfort and color to the cockpit. The car was built by Machine Eight and Carrosserie Bouthillier.

The purpose of the amendments was aesthetic. This Ferrari 348 features a Liberty Walk wide body kit, unique in yellow among the three world models, the other two being red. The car made a splash on Instagram with more than 2.5 million views on ASMR’s account!

A rare 1961 Renault Dauphine Gordini, in a beautiful polished patina blue was possible to admire at the Zone Performance. This French-Germanic jewel belongs to Frédéric Faveaux, a Renault enthusiast and owner for 3 years.

Under the hood hides a 2499cc air-cooled Volkswagen engine delivering 245 horsepower, coupled with a VW Pro Drag manual transmission.

WHEELS FOR SPORTS USE

The 15-inch BBS E52 Porsche Turbo magnesium wheels are fitted with Toyo Proxes R888 tyres (205/50r15 at the front and 225/50r15 at the rear).

Braking is provided by a 2-piston Wilwood system at the front and rear. The axle beam has been shortened by 14 inches, and the aluminum "Bomber Seats" add a unique touch to the interior.

This car was built by F&F Fabrication for a purely aesthetic purpose. The modified Dauphine is a passion for Volkswagen fans, and with the engine already in the rear position, grafting of a chassis of a modified VW Beetle is a known modification, but this one is pushed to the extreme.

A VERY REVISED DESIGN

The chassis has been significantly modified: the front axle of the VW Beetle is shortened by 14 inches, the length of the chassis reduced by 6 inches, the width of the rear axle reduced by 10 inches, and the height of the chassis raised by 4 inches in the body. The rear of the chassis has been modified to extend the mechanics (engine/transmission) 3 inches more than the chassis.

There have been no awards at the show yet, but we hope to see some this coming summer! The car will retain its original patina and be ready for acceleration races in the summer of 2025.

A PROJECT WITH CRAZY DEADLINES
The project, which began on December 21, 2024, was completed in time for the 2025 auto show.

Just like every year Frédéric tells David, the organizer of the Zone Performance, that he will be ready but they have not started yet at the time!

Frédéric polished the paint on Sunday, 2h00 before the carrier came to pick up the car and bring it to the Palais des Congrès in Montreal.

Discover the second 2025 Zone Performance exciting creation from Frédéric Faveaux from F&F Fabrication, an exceptional tribute to the Porsche 993 GT2 Evo.

Under the hood, this beauty houses a Porsche 3.6-litre Flat 6 biturbo, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. The BBS E29 magnesium wheels, specially designed for the GT2 Evo, add a touch of class and authenticity.

Continental tyres (275/35/18 at the front and 335/30/18 at the back) for the street, and a second set of wheels in Toyo Proxe R888, this Porsche is ready to face all the circuits.

The Porsche Brembo 993 GT2 Evo competition brake system guarantees flawless braking performance, while the Bilstein PSS10 suspension ensures a stable and responsive ride. Recaro GT2/ GT3 seats of a Porsche 996 offer comfort and support, ideal for lap sessions.
 
A REAR SPOILER... CARVED BY THE WIND

This Porsche was built by the F&F Fabrication workshop, where Frédéric has been able to integrate many original parts from a real GT2 Evo. The engine, transmission, brakes and wheels are from Benoît Romac’s GT2 Evo, one of 11 built GT2 Evo. The cherry on the cake, this engine won the second race of the Endurance Racing Legends at the Le Mans Classic in 2023.

The body kit, a house reproduction, was made in collaboration with Nankoo Design from pictures. The car was completed just two days before the opening of the Montreal auto show, and has never been driven in its current state.

Frédéric acquired this wonder following a broken engine at the previous owner. His dedication to the GT2 EVO is reflected in every detail of this Porsche 993 GT2 Evo Tribute.

This blue 1976 Toyota Celica belongs to Kemly Sylvestre, who bought it 25 years ago. After 10 years without working on it, Mike Custom was commissioned to complete the restoration which will last 9 months, from a completely dismantled car.

This restoration meets the original Japanese specifications of the time with mirrors on the front bumpers closer to the bodywork instead of the US specs. Under the hood, there is a 2.4-liter 22R truck engine with original 20R heads.

HARD TO FIND WHEELS FOR A CELICA

The JNC wheels, rare for this model because of their unique screw pattern, are fitted with 8-inch wide Firestone Firehawk tires at the front and 9-inch wide at the rear. Wildwood 4-piston brakes add a sporty feeling, functional touch. The adjustable T3 suspension gives this Celica a mini muscle car look.

The front and rear deflectors were ordered from Thailand, and the factory manual was found in Spain. The dials are from another car, while the original mouldings have been carefully restored.

AN INSPIRED INTERIOR

The custom interior by QCK includes a Sparco sports steering wheel covered with alcantara, Black leather seats with diamond pattern on the seat and back, enhanced with blue thin strips and carbon-fibre imitation self-adhesive sections were installed on the dashboard as well as on the centre console.

The three grids, following the pattern of the original grille, and the modifications to the front indicators so that they are illuminated laterally, show attention to detail.

Finally, the car is painted a metallic dark blue colour, chosen in homage to Lou Gehrig’s ALS, a degenerative disease that the owner contracted. Kimly and his brother decided to finish this restoration so they could enjoy some precious driving time before it was too late.

Let me introduce you to Marco’s sublime Mazda RX-7, a true piece of modified Japanese automobile art!

Under the hood of this 1994 Mazda RX-7 is a 1.3L sequential dual rotor turbo rotary engine, producing between 429 and 482 horsepower, coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission with short gear and a short shifter.

EQUIPPED TO GO FAST ON ROAD RACE CIRCUIT

Custom Motegi Track Lite 18x10 wheels with Toyo Proxes R888R 295/30/18 tires add a touch of performance and style.

The original 4-piston front and 1-piston rear caliper brakes with custom cross drill discs and EBC brake pads ensure powerful and precise braking. The STD "coil-over" suspension, now known as the scale, has been adjusted for the enlarged body kit with a spring ratio of 14 kg at the front and 12 kg at the rear.

A COCKPIT WORTHY OF A JET FIGHTER

Sparco Roadster seats complete the sporty interior of this beauty.

The majority of this car, 90%, was built by Marco himself, with the help of VIP Performance, Derwin Performance (for the engine) and Nankoo Design (for the custom bodywork). Marco bought the car in September 1998 and since then it has gone through several phases of transformation, including 3 color changes and aesthetic and performance improvements.

Despite the many challenges over the years, including an accident at Sanair, Marco rebuilt and improved the car, painting it in Synergy Green with a satin finish. This 1994 Mazda RX-7 has achieved impressive speeds, crossing the 300 km/h mark, and was exhibited at several exhibitions, including the Montreal Auto Show in 2012 and 2025.

This 1994 Mazda RX-7 is not just a well colored sport car, it’s an expression of passion, perseverance and dedication to a car. Marco Lemelin, who has been active in the performance parts business for 20 years, has successfully transformed this car into a legend on wheels, celebrated by enthusiasts and admired everywhere it goes.

The Performance Zone presented another curiosity: the drift beast by Mikael Maillé, a 2009 Nissan 370Z modified to do wonders on the track and offer sensations and strong smells of burnt rubber to its owner!

Under the hood, this Nissan 370Z hides a powerful 3.7-litre 6-cylinder engine delivering 575 horsepower, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission for optimal control.

DRIFTER EQUIPPED

The 19-inch 5-stick wide rims with Falken Azenis FK510 tyres (255/35r19 front and 295/30r19 rear) provide good grip while allowing precise control during glides, essential for drift.

The Akebono/Stoptech braking system with 4-piston calipers guarantees impeccable braking power, while the HSD "coilover" suspension offers precise and responsive handling.

DRIFT 'N DRAG

Sparco racing seats hold the driver firmly in tight turns. Built by Mikael Maillé, owner of Auto Lounge, this car is a real piece of customization art.

The wide carbon fiber kit Hyper Hive, the "short shifter" Coolerworx, and the TIG welded turning cage add a touch of robustness and safety. The Grip Royal steering wheel and Wisefab angle kit, as well as the Parts Shop Max suspension arms complete the drift preparation.

With a nitro system and Akebono dual piston calipers, this Nissan 370Z is ready to ignite the drift tracks. Mikael has owned this gem since 2019, and he was motivated to buy it by the car’s cleanliness and low mileage.

The car has not only proven itself as a powerful drift machine, but also as a symbol of passion and dedication to the art of drift. When Mikael takes the wheel of his 2009 Nissan 370Z, he knows he is ready to take on any challenge and impress spectators with breathtaking performances.

Let me introduce you to the spectacular 2003 Mazda Miata owned by Jaypee Sablay, a true automobile beauty!

Jaypee has always dreamed of owning a lightweight, two-door manual car, and her Miata Yellow Nitro is the culmination.

Under the hood, this little wonder hides a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine delivering 285 horsepower. All this is combined with a 6-speed manual transmission. The original brake calipers, equipped with Hawk pads, guarantee optimal braking performance.

Nankang 205/40/16 tyres road, this Miata is based on wheels of 16x9.5 -15 with expanders, adding a touch of aggressiveness to its look. Airtekk air suspension, with a custom-made trunk configuration, offers exceptional handling and driving comfort. NRG seats, both for the driver and passenger, add a touch of sportiness and comfort to the interior.

RADICAL LOOK, FOR THE EYE

Entirely built by Jaypee himself, this Miata features a Re-GT body kit inspired by the RX-7 Re-Aemiya, made by CarbonMiata, and a Nitro Yellow paint of the Toyota Supra MK5. The car was designed as an exhibition car, although it would be quite capable of shining on the track.

Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaypee completed its project in 2020. He is particularly proud of the turbo engine that he installed with his own hands. His Miata has already made a sensation at other events and won several awards at the Driven/CSCS.

This 2003 Mazda Miata is not only a beautiful car, it is the reflection of Jaypee Sablay’s passion and dedication to his ride.

A real beauty on wheels!

A real rare gem, the 1993 Suzuki Carry is what a friend of the Team Refugee club presented at the Performance Zone exhibition at the Montreal auto show.

Under its hood, this mini-truck is equipped with a 660cc 3-cylinder engine, combined with an improved 6-speed manual transmission for both economical and dynamic driving in the Japanese life style. The brakes and suspension are original, preserving the authentic spirit of the vehicle.
 
FOR A GOOD WALK IN THE SNOW

At the Montreal auto show in January, to be seasonal, the owner replaced all four wheels with a ATV Tatou track kit for optimal mobility in the snow. Usually the vehicle is driven on Fast Wheels (16x8 - 0 offset), with 205/40r16 Falken tyres.

Custom leather interior offers extra comfort and style. Built in collaboration with the RSM Mechanics workshop, this Kei truck is the fruit of a passion shared between the owner and the professionals.

Since 2008, the owner of this Suzuki Carry is proud to be the first in Canada to own a Kei truck, a type of lightweight mini-truck designed for the Japanese market. This rarity was the real reason for this purchase. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a 2-tank nitro kit for increased performance.

This 1993 Suzuki Carry represents the owner’s determination to explore new frontiers and stand out in the world of cutomised vehicles. It is a real polar bear on caterpillars that will not fail to captivate the attention of all automobile lovers.

Meet the 1996 Honda Civic from our friend from Team Refugee, a real gem of tuning culture!

Created by the workshops RSM Mechanics and Nankoo Designs, this customised Honda Civic was inspired by the movie "Fast and the Furious", which gave the owner the desire to own a car of type tuning. Since 2002, it has been improved and modified to become this masterpiece certified by Spoon Sports.

Powered by a JDM B16 engine and equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, this Honda Civic is a perfect example of performance and asian tuning style.
 
READY TO GO FAST

With its three-part 16x9 inch CCW wheels, fitted with Nitto Neo Gen (205/40r16) tires, it provides exceptional grip on the road.

The 4-piston Spoon Sports brakes and HKS "coilovers" suspension ensure perfect handling and optimum braking. Inside, the Low Max Flange seats with Kevlar carbon back support provide comfort and safety.

Some of the parts certified by Spoon Sports are:
    •   Cusco door bars
    •   Top Fuel Rear Abutment Bars
    •   Custom audio system
    •   Custom door panels
    •   Civic Type R interior
    •   Mugen Tank Cap
    •   AEM Rear Brake Upgrade
    •   Independent Butterfly Bodies
    •   Backyard Special Front Bumper
    •   Custom carbon roof
    •   Seeker V2 Rear wing
    •   Alex Fin Booster

With its unique look and impressive performance, this 1996 Honda Civic was built for a great  driving experience.

Every detail has been carefully thought out and built to make this Civic a true jewel of the automotive culture, appreciated by all at exhibitions and meetings of enthusiasts.

Owned by Mike Spina, member of the Team Refugee car club, this 1998 Acura Integra is a real gem for car enthusiasts.

In the cockpit, some Low Max Carbon Kevlar front seats provide unparalleled comfort and stability.

With its B18 DOHC 4-cylinder 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed manual transmission, it’s ready to dominate the road.

RED... COLOUR OF PASSION

Red 17-inch wide 6-spoke Rota Grid wheels are fitted with Nankang 205/40/17 tyres, and 4-piston Rotora brakes ensure safe and efficient driving.

The set offers a great look to the metallic silver painted car.

Tokico suspension with HR springs ensures smooth and robust handling.

Since 2006, Mike has been the proud owner of this dream machine thanks to his unwavering passion for Japanese models from the late 1990s.

The RSM Mechanics workshop contributed to the visual and mechanical perfection of this exceptional vehicle.

He added several quality parts to customize it, including:
    •   a JDM Type R front facia
    •   a complete Mugen body kit
    •   Mugen side strips
    •   JDM Type R interior
    •   bare-painted carbon fiber hood
    •   a Pioneer sound system with four 10-inch subwoofers,
    •   and a 6-point rolling cage.

This 1998 Acura Integra even won an award at the SCP Show, a proof of its impressive quality and looks.

With Mike behind the wheel, this car is a declaration of love for the Japanese automobile of the late 1990s.

Dix Performance, in collaboration with the Team Refugee, proudly presents this sturdy Toyota Tundra TRD Pro 2024 truck.

Featuring a 3.5L twin turbo engine generating 475 horsepower and a torque of 600 lb-ft, this power beast is equipped with an automatic transmission for a smooth and powerful driving.

TYRES TO ALL THE POINT

Forged 20-inch BBS wheels, paired with 37-inch x 12.50R20 Toyo Open Country tires, ensure unmatched grip and strength. Toyota brakes and Fox suspension with external tanks, complemented by a Wescott Designs preload kit offering 4-inch elevation, ensure first-rate stability and performance on all types of terrain.

Inside, TRD Pro camouflage seats provide comfort and virile style. Carefully designed by the RSM Mechanics workshop and its owner, this Tundra TRD Pro is much more than a simple vehicle, it is a real showcase of performance and innovation to be examined during its various participations in events.

EQUIPPED TO PLAY OUTSIDE FOR A LONG TIME

Used as a demonstration vehicle for all sponsors, this Tundra is equipped with high quality products from prestigious brands such as Rigid Industries, Warn Winch, Factor 55, Rhino Rack, Go Rhino, Borla, AFE Power, BrightSource, Airlift, Retrax and Husky.

With such a preparation worthy of the off-road vehicles that is possible to see at SEMA, this Toyota Tundra TRD Pro 2024 is ready to impress on the roads as well as on the trails to go fishing or mountaineering. An eye-popping demonstration of what passion and expertise can accomplish!

Since 2007, the Refugee car club has been driving the Montreal auto scene with passion and dedication. It is reserved for their circle of friends, all passionate creators of high-quality vehicles.

The story of Team Refugee begins in the early 2000s, when they met through their shared love for cars.

At that time, they all belonged to a different club. But the bond the group of friends forged was so strong that they decided to leave their respective clubs and teams and create their own, a refuge for enthusiasts, hence the name "refugee".

Together, they continue to nurture some car passion and share their unique creations with the community. Members are even put a sticker on their vehicle that says "Seal of Approval", demonstrating the passion for car tuning and customisation.

What a memorable edition of the Zone Performance was offered to the visitors by the 2025 Montreal Auto Show!

An explosion of body colors, bold designs and models that have made the tires of imagination screem. The visitors had full eyes and heart in turbo mode.

Imagine a universe full of tuning cars owned by passionate owners, vintage American cars and trucks transformed following the restomod trend, two flamboyant Luxurious Montreal Low Riders in Latin inspiration, a 1970s dagster with the look of hell, Two performance-hungry drifters and fully reworked all-terrain vehicles.

The presence of the Team Refugee was pleasantly highlighted, with no less than 9 vehicles exhibited!

As Bertrand Godin, the spokesperson for the Montreal auto show likes to say, this exhibition area of customised vehicles has brought together the "Picassos" of the automobile tuning and customisation! Bold creations, unique designs were at the rendez-vous, attracting crowds and making car lovers dream.

How exciting and creative this memorable edition of the 2025 Zone Performance !