Toyota Celica does its best Ferrari F12 impression, falls short

Ever since the launch of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta grand tourer in 2012, tuners all around the world have been trying to replicate it on all kinds of chasses. This example from Thailand is on the cheaper side, but it won’t be winning many beauty contests.

The base for the project is a Mk6 Toyota Celica that went into production in 1993 and bowed out in 1999. The front end is arguably the best-looking part with its Faux-rari headlights and bumper. The air intakes in the bumper could use some work to look more like the originals, though, and the badge has no business sitting as high up the hood as it is.

Black decals on the sides salvage the impression somewhat, but you cannot tell us that those tiny mirrors and dual-five-spoke wheels belong on a Ferrari replica, let alone a real Ferrari.

And then there is the rear end, which looks like the person behind the build gave up on it completely and just mashed some random aftermarket parts together. Huge taillights encased in unnecessary black frames, painfully fake-looking center exhaust tips and an inverse-V-shaped diffuser look like they belong on an amateurish concept. The rear wing looks like it doesn’t belong at all.

A peek inside the cabin reveals more red trim than any genuine Ferrari ever has, and lifting the hood exposes the Celica’s original 2.2-liter engine rated at 137 PS (135 hp / 101 kW) when new.

The replica is on sale in Thailand right now for the equivalent of U.S. $6,800. That’s a small fraction of any real Ferrari price, but the question is, would you seriously consider buying one?