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The Tommykaira ZZ is Japan's answer to the Tesla Roadster (pictures)

TOKYO -- With a 0 - 60 time of less than four seconds, an $80,000 price tag and no roof, the Tommykaira ZZ is a somewhat more extreme alternative to Tesla's first EV.

Tim Stevens
Tim Stevens got his start writing professionally while still in school in the mid '90s, and since then has covered topics ranging from business process management to video game development to automotive technology.
Tim Stevens
Tommykaira ZZ
1 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

Tommykaira is an icon in the world of Japanese high-performance tuning. In 1996 the company launched its first completely custom car, the ZZ roadster, which has now been reborn as this, the ZZ EV.

Tommykaira ZZ
2 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

This new ZZ offers very impressive performance, including a 0 - 60 time of just 3.9 seconds.

Tommykaira ZZ
3 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

This is one of just 100 to be built, on display at CEATEC in Tokyo, Japan.

Tommykaira ZZ
4 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

Large air intakes in the doors pull power in to the rear-mounted motor and power unit.

Tommykaira ZZ
5 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

A simple cockpit seats just two. Minimalist, to say the least.

Tommykaira ZZ
6 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

Charging requires popping the rear hatch, which exposes the drivetrain.

Tommykaira ZZ
7 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

Bodywork is clean and simple, and no, there is no roof.

Tommykaira ZZ
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2014 Tommykaira ZZ

Pronounced LED tails and the coveted Tommykaira branding.

Tommykaira ZZ
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2014 Tommykaira ZZ

Forged SSR wheels at all four corners.

Tommykaira ZZ
10 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

The car entered production in early 2014. Cost? $80,000.

Tommykaira ZZ
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2014 Tommykaira ZZ

The $80,000 price is comparable to the Tesla Model S, but with a range of about 75 miles the ZZ is decidedly less practical.

Tommykaira ZZ
12 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

Each car is hand-made, and so customization is entirely possible.

Tommykaira ZZ
13 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

Another look at the simple dash and steering wheel. A far cry from the button-laden dashboards on many modern cars.

Tommykaira ZZ
14 of 14 Tim Stevens/CNET

2014 Tommykaira ZZ

The ZZ was a big draw on the show floor, and that metallic blue certainly didn't hurt.

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