Toyota HiAce Taxi Van Features Lamborghini-Inspired Body And A 592 HP Twin-Turbo V12

Vans are large motorized boxes used to transport people and goods. No V12 engines in the middle of the car, and no fast driving while looking good. Except, of course, if you're willing to get your hands dirty, as one ambitious South African man did. With a basic Toyota Quantum, he began work on a drastic project inspired by Lamborghinis, which became known as Toyota HiAce in the entire world.

A taxi business owner named James Redelinghuys had the brilliant idea of building a distinctive taxi to function as advertising for his services. As a result of Quantum's popularity as a taxi in South Africa, cities such as Cape Town are plagued by thousands of seemingly identical examples.

A Lamborghini body kit for the HiAce in Japan, however, seemed like the ideal way to make this unique Toyota HiAce stand out from the crowd even more. However, things quickly spiraled out of control from there. Redelinghuys and his brother bought a 5.0-liter 1GZ-FE V12, which even in standard form would have made the van unique and necessitated significant alterations in order to fit, from an old Japanese Toyota Century.

However, a standard-spec engine would have been insufficient for this build. As an alternative, the V12 now boasts two turbochargers, a bespoke air intake, Porsche 911 GT3 injectors, and two large charge coolers, boosting power from 280 hp to a ferocious 592 hp.

TCI Streetfighter three-speed box rated for up to 750 hp and Ford Mustang limited-slip differential take care of this easily. Now that the drivetrain was in order, it was time to add some visual interest to go along with it. The S.A.D ‘Stinger' body kit with an Aventador-inspired design was fitted and painted, while a set of Audi R8 wheels managed to complete the look.

Maybe not quite finished, because the interior still needs work. The only interior features are a steering wheel, bucket seats, and a B&M ratchet shifter. However, it appears that funds or patience ran out before Redelinghuys could complete the task. After all, he's letting the next owner customize the interior.