The Toyota 2JZ family of 3.0-liter inline-six engines is well-known for its durability, allowing tuners to achieve incredibly high power levels. Although front-wheel-drive vehicles are not commonly equipped with this engine, a highly modified Toyota Starlet generating over 1,000 horsepower demonstrates that it is feasible, with impressive results.

A quick look reveals significant modifications to both the body and engine of this Starlet. The widened front track and broad fenders accommodate big, slick tires. The 2JZ engine is snugly positioned between the shock towers, with a large turbo directly behind it and a short exhaust protruding from the hood. The car is also equipped with a dogbox transmission, enabling rapid shifting without the use of the clutch.

Owned by Team Ø.G.T from Denmark, this Starlet was transported to Malta to participate in the MDRA Finals. The car displayed remarkable performance during the event, as captured in a video.

Typically, front-wheel-drive vehicles struggle on the drag strip, but this Starlet defies the norm. Team Ø.G.T’s best quarter-mile run in Malta saw the petite Toyota clocking a time of 9.123 seconds at 169.21 mph (refer to the timing slip below). The car also recorded several other runs in the nine-second range.