Veilside's latest masterpiece, the C5 Combat Evolution, shatters the mold of the standard JZA80 Supra with a radical transformation from fastback to notchback, driven by a 720ps twin-turbo engine and a fully one-off bodywork. This article explores the engineering feats behind this widebody legend.
The C5 Combat Evolution: A Radical Reimagining
In the world of modified JZA80 Supras, few projects command the same level of attention as those coming from Veilside. Under the direction of Hiroshige Yokomaki, the company has built a reputation not just for widebody kits, but for engineering masterpieces that push the boundaries of what a modification can be. The C5 Combat Evolution represents the pinnacle of this philosophy, a machine described as possessing both beauty and madness, an impulsive styling approach that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.
The project is not a simple case of applying a kit to a factory shell. The C5 is a complete re-creation of the exterior, starting from the base of a commercial Combat Aero model but diverging significantly thereafter. Every panel except the front windows and tail lights has been completely replaced. The goal was to create a vehicle that did not just look wider, but felt like a different car entirely, a "heretical" version of the Supra that challenges the original design language while respecting the iconic lines. - afhow
The visual impact is immediate and overwhelming. The project moves the viewer from the standard fastback silhouette found on most Supras to a much more aggressive notchback profile. This change is not merely cosmetic; it fundamentally alters the aerodynamic and visual center of gravity of the machine. The design language is aggressive, utilizing sharp angles and smooth curves that merge into a cohesive whole, a testament to the "madness" mentioned by enthusiasts. It is a vehicle that exists in a gray area between street legality and rugged track weapon, yet it manages to look stunning in both contexts.
This specific iteration, the C5, stands out because it refuses to compromise on the custom nature of the build. While many tuners focus on the engine or the stance, Veilside focused on the entire architecture of the car. The result is a vehicle that feels like a sculpture, a rolling piece of art that prioritizes the driver's experience and the visual drama of the machine. It is a car that demands to be looked at, not just driven, setting the stage for the deep technical work that follows.
Engineering the Width: One-Off Bodywork
The transformation of the C5 Combat Evolution into its final form required extensive fabrication work. Veilside did not simply stretch the existing panels; they created new ones. The body shaping consists entirely of gentle curves, avoiding the sharp, jagged lines that can make widebodies look bulky. This attention to detail is evident in the fender flares and the side skirts, which are designed to flow seamlessly into the rest of the car rather than sticking out as an afterthought.
A key component of this construction is the side sill. The original panels were cut and shortened to accommodate the new width, and the lower panels were welded directly to the side sill, creating a unified structure. This weld-up technique is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the chassis, especially given the significant changes to the body shape. By integrating the panels into the sill, Veilside ensures that the car does not suffer from the flex or weakness that often plagues heavily modified chassis.
The integration of the roof cut is another engineering challenge. By cutting the roof line, the builders had to ensure that the structural rigidity of the car was maintained, if not improved. The combination of the shortened doors and the welded side sills helps to compensate for any potential loss of stiffness. The roof itself, while modified, remains a central structural element that ties the front and rear of the vehicle together, ensuring that the wide stance does not compromise the handling dynamics of the car.
Even the headlights were chosen with care. Veilside opted to use units from the Subaru Alcyone SVX, a choice that was not just about the look but about the engineering specifications. The SVX lights offered the necessary spread and intensity to match the aggressive front end of the C5. This decision highlights the builder's commitment to using high-quality components that match the overall aesthetic and performance goals of the project.
The rear of the car undergoes the most dramatic change. The original fastback profile is completely replaced by a notchback design, creating a distinct separation between the cabin and the trunk area. This change gives the car a more coupe-like appearance, reminiscent of classic European sports cars. The trunk is now an independent space, housing an ATL safety tank, a rare inclusion in a JDM modification that emphasizes safety and performance over pure aesthetics. This detail shows that the builder cares about the car's function as a track machine, not just as a show car.
The Heart of the Beast: Twin-Turbo Power
While the bodywork is a marvel of fabrication, the heart of the C5 Combat Evolution is a testament to the raw power of the Toyota 2JZ-GTE engine. Veilside did not settle for a mild tune; they built a monster. The core of the engine has been bored out to 3065cc, a significant increase from the stock displacement. This is achieved using 87mm forged pistons, which are designed to handle the immense pressures generated by the twin-turbo setup.
The connecting rods are H-section forged rods, chosen for their strength and ability to withstand the high RPM range required for this level of power. The crankshaft is a full counter crank, ensuring smooth rotation and reducing vibration at high speeds. These components work together to create a powertrain that is both reliable and capable of delivering extreme performance.
At the heart of this setup are two RX5 turbochargers. These turbos are paired to deliver a staggering 720 horsepower. This level of output is not just a number; it represents a complete transformation of the car's capabilities. The engine is capable of accelerating the car from zero to sixty in an incredibly short time, and it can sustain high power levels for extended periods. The sound of the engine, with its deep, guttural growl, is a reminder of the raw power lurking beneath the hood.
The engine management system is equally sophisticated. To handle the power and the boost, the engine was equipped with a comprehensive set of gauges. The main speedometer was replaced with a 360km/h scale, allowing the driver to monitor high-speed runs with precision. In addition to the speedometer, the car features boost gauges and fuel pressure gauges, giving the driver full control over the engine's output. This level of instrumentation is essential for a car of this power, ensuring that the driver can push the car to its limits without risking engine damage.
The exhaust system is also custom-built to accommodate the flow of air from the twin turbos. The exhaust exits through dedicated ducts in the engine bay, designed to channel the heat away from the cabin and the mechanical components. This design not only improves the cooling of the engine but also adds to the aggressive look of the car. The exhaust notes are a mix of the turbo whistle and the deep rumble of the 2JZ, a sound that is both intimidating and exhilarating.
Interior: Pure Cockpit
Stepping inside the C5 Combat Evolution, the driver is greeted by a cockpit that is as focused as the exterior is aggressive. The interior is stripped of all unnecessary trim, leaving only the essentials for driving. The seats are Veilside's custom bucket seats, designed to keep the driver firmly in place during high-speed maneuvers. The steering wheel is also a custom piece, a combat steering wheel that provides the driver with precise control over the massive amount of power available.
The instrument cluster is a highlight of the interior. The standard Toyota gauges have been replaced with a 360km/h speedometer, matching the exterior capability. Alongside the speedometer are boost gauges and fuel pressure gauges, ensuring that the driver has all the information needed to manage the car's performance. The gauges are laid out in a way that is easy to read, with large, clear markings that are visible even in bright sunlight.
The dashboard is kept clean and uncluttered, allowing the driver to focus on the road ahead. The materials used are high-quality and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of track use. The door panels are also custom-made, matching the exterior styling and providing a cohesive look throughout the car. The door handles have been smoothed out to match the new door panels, and new handles have been installed at the bottom of the doors for easier access.
The interior is not just about looks; it is about function. Every element has been chosen to enhance the driving experience. The seats are supportive, the steering wheel is responsive, and the gauges are accurate. The result is a cockpit that feels like a cockpit, a place where the driver can push the car to its limits with confidence. The interior is a reflection of the philosophy that the car is a machine for performance, not just a mode of transport.
The combination of the custom seats and the steering wheel creates a sense of immersion. The driver is enveloped by the car, feeling connected to every movement and every rotation of the tires. The interior is a place where the driver can focus on the task at hand, free from distractions. It is a space where the car's potential is realized, where the driver and the machine become one.
The Notchback Philosophy
The transition from fastback to notchback is the defining characteristic of the C5 Combat Evolution. This change is not just a stylistic choice; it is a fundamental rethinking of the car's shape. The notchback design gives the car a more distinct profile, separating the cabin from the trunk and giving the car a more coupe-like appearance. This change is particularly striking when viewed from the rear, where the notchback creates a dramatic break in the line of the roof.
The rear of the car is dominated by the combat wing, a large rear spoiler that adds to the car's aggressive stance. The wing is designed to provide downforce at high speeds, helping to keep the car planted on the track. The rear bumper houses the exhaust pipes, which are custom-made to fit the new body shape. The exhaust tips are integrated into the bumper, giving the car a clean and uncluttered look.
The notchback design also allows for a larger trunk space, which is essential for carrying fuel and spare parts. The trunk is now an independent space, housing an ATL safety tank. This tank is essential for long track sessions, allowing the car to run for extended periods without refueling. The trunk is also lined with high-quality materials, ensuring that the car looks good even when parked.
The change to a notchback also affects the aerodynamics of the car. The new shape helps to channel air over the car, reducing drag and improving stability at high speeds. The notchback design also allows for a larger rear window, giving the driver a better view of the track ahead. The overall effect is a car that looks faster and more aggressive than the original fastback, a car that commands respect on the street and on the track.
The notchback design is a bold statement, a departure from the traditional Supra silhouette. It is a design that challenges the norms of car styling, pushing the boundaries of what a Supra can look like. The result is a car that is both beautiful and functional, a car that is as much a piece of art as it is a machine. The notchback is the signature of the C5, the element that sets it apart from all other modified Supras.
Future: Track Ready
The C5 Combat Evolution is not just a show car; it is a track-ready machine. Veilside has already begun planning for a full attack on the Tsukuba Circuit, a legendary track in Japan known for its challenging corners and high speeds. The car is being tuned with the specific goal of performing well on the track, with a focus on handling, braking, and acceleration.
The engine is being pushed to its limits, with the goal of extracting every ounce of power from the 2JZ-GTE. The suspension has been stiffened to handle the high G-forces of the track, and the brakes have been upgraded to provide reliable stopping power. The tires are chosen for their ability to grip the track surface, providing the driver with the confidence to push the car to its limits.
The driver has been trained on the track, learning the lines and the braking points. The driver is prepared to handle the car's massive power, pushing the car to its limits in a controlled environment. The goal is to set a record time, to prove that the C5 is not just a beautiful car but a fast one.
The future of the C5 is bright, with plans for even more radical modifications. Veilside is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, exploring new technologies and new materials. The C5 is a testament to the company's commitment to excellence, a car that is as much a work of art as it is a machine.
As the car takes to the track, the world will see what it is truly capable of. The C5 Combat Evolution is a car that will be remembered, a car that will inspire a new generation of tuners and enthusiasts. It is a car that will live on in the hearts of those who have seen it, a car that will never be forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the C5 Combat Evolution different from other widebody Supras?
The C5 Combat Evolution is unique because it is not a simple application of a widebody kit. Veilside has completely re-engineered the body, replacing almost every panel except the front windows and tail lights. The transition from a fastback to a notchback silhouette is a major departure from the standard JZA80 design, giving the car a more aggressive and coupe-like appearance. Additionally, the side sills are welded into the body structure to maintain rigidity, a level of engineering detail often overlooked by other tuners. The use of Subaru Alcyone SVX headlights and the custom rear design further set it apart as a true original, rather than a copy of existing styles.
How much horsepower does the 2JZ-GTE engine produce in the C5?
The C5 Combat Evolution is powered by a heavily modified 2JZ-GTE engine that produces 720 horsepower. This output is achieved through a combination of a 3065cc bore, which is an increase from the stock displacement. The engine uses 87mm forged pistons, H-section forged connecting rods, and a full counter crankshaft to handle the immense stress. Two RX5 turbochargers are mounted on the engine, working in tandem to deliver this massive amount of power. This setup is designed for both reliability and performance, allowing the car to handle the power without suffering from common engine failures.
What are the key interior features of the C5?
The interior of the C5 is designed to be a pure cockpit, stripped of all non-essential trim. The seats are custom bucket seats made by Veilside, designed to hold the driver securely during high-speed maneuvers. The steering wheel is a combat steering wheel, providing precise control over the massive power of the engine. The instrument cluster has been replaced with a 360km/h speedometer, along with boost gauges and fuel pressure gauges to monitor the engine's performance. These features ensure that the driver has all the necessary information to manage the car's power and performance.
Is the C5 Combat Evolution intended for street or track use?
While the C5 Combat Evolution is a striking show car, it is also designed for track use. Veilside has announced plans to take the car to the Tsukuba Circuit for a full track attack. The car has been equipped with a safety tank in the trunk to support long track sessions, and the engine has been tuned for high performance. The interior and exterior are designed to withstand the rigors of track driving, with a focus on handling, braking, and acceleration. It is a dual-purpose car that can be driven on the street but is built to perform on the track.
What is the significance of the notchback design in the C5?
The notchback design is the defining characteristic of the C5, transforming the traditional fastback silhouette of the Supra into something more aggressive and distinct. This change separates the cabin from the trunk, giving the car a more coupe-like profile. The notchback also allows for a larger trunk space, housing an ATL safety tank, which is essential for track use. The design is not just cosmetic; it also affects the aerodynamics of the car, helping to channel air over the vehicle for better stability at high speeds. This design choice sets the C5 apart from other modified Supras, making it a true original.
Author Bio
Kenji Kato is a veteran automotive engineer and technical journalist specializing in JDM legends and high-performance modifications. With over 15 years of experience interviewing tuners and analyzing engine builds, he has covered everything from the early days of the Toyota Supra to modern J-tuned concepts. He has personally visited over 40 different tuning shops in Japan and has written extensively on the engineering challenges of building widebodies that balance aesthetics with structural integrity.