The compact cabin had to be modified because RAAZER is so much wider than the Beat on which it’s based. There are wide enclosures running alongside the dashboard and sides of the vehicle, which leads us to wonder if something like a Mazda MX-5 Miata would have been a better donor car. Not only is it wider, but Miatas are in abundance compared to the Beat.
Papke says he added 100 lbs to the curb weight of the Beat. For a car that weighs 1,680 lbs, that’s a substantial increase. At least the air-conditioner remains functional, meaning the vehicle can be driven in relative comfort.
“I drive it to local car shows, where it turns heads and steals attention from even the most expensive exotic cars,” said Papke. “Of course, it’s not meant for speed, and it’s not a grocery-getter, but it’s still fun to take it through the gears.”
It took less than a year to build the car, which is rather impressive considering the breadth of changes. Hopefully, this doesn’t encourage the death of another JDM hero in the future.
