Photography by Jacob Ramirez
Jonathan Togans had always considered himself an unbiased lover of all vehicle platforms, but when it came to JDM icons of the 1990s, that is where his heart was. Finding himself totally in love the Nissan’s Skyline, Toyota’s Supra, Acura’s NSX, and Mazda’s RX-7, Japanese car culture became an obsession for him.
Togans joined the Navy, and it wasn’t too long before he was deployed to Atsugi, Japan, where he says the culture shock hit him like a truck. Once he was sent out to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he spent his spare time reading car magazines and browsing forums for inspiration. Soon, the temptation couldn’t be resisted, so he purchased an RX-7 he found on the forums, and had it sent home to his parents’ house back in the states.
Even with the car now owned by him, Togans wasn’t done shopping. He developed a vision for his car, and began ordering parts to go with it while he was still out on deployment. Only when he arrived home on holiday leave periods was he able to start piecing together his build. Taking inspiration from Japanese street cars and car culture, he carefully chose reputable brands with a long-standing history on his platform.
Now completed (at least for now), his RX-7 features a handful of engine modifications, as well as some impressive body work. The stunning RE Amemiya widebody kit has had its rear quarter panels molded thanks to Mike Roacho from Exclusive Customs. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Togans’ friends and family. “I have received support from friends and family members all over the world to be here,” he says, “and I feel very blessed to have come this far.”
With 58% of the Popular Vote, Jonathan Togans was the winner of the Tuner Battlegrounds #TBGLIVE award category competition at Elite Showdown: Las Vegas at Silverton Casino in Las Vegas, NV!
ESSENTIALS
Owner: Jonathan Togans
Vehicle: 1994 Mazda RX-7
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Engine: Mazda 13BTT 1.3L Rotary
Horsepower: 310 (est.)
Torque: 290 (est.)
SOCIAL
Facebook: Jonathan Togans
Instagram: @jonflip29
ENGINE
- Street ported
- GReddy (FMIC, hoses, air intake, Profec boost controller)
- Aeromotive Stealth 340 fuel pump
- NGK spark plugs
- Atkins rotary gaskets
- Banzai Racing (block off plates, oil pan brace)
- A’PEXi Power FC
EXHAUST
- Magnaflow (Ti cat-back, downpipe, racing muffler, cat delete pipe)
DRIVETRAIN
- ACT stage 2 street clutch
WHEELS/TIRES/BRAKES
- Volk F-Zero wheels – 18x9.5 +22 (f/r)
- Bridgestone Potenza tires – 265/40/18 (f/r)
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
- Stance GR+ Pro coilovers
- Mazdaspeed sway bars
- Mazda R1 front strut bar
EXTERIOR
- RE Amemiya GT-AD widebody kit w/ molded rear quarters
- APR GTC 300 spoiler
- HID headlight conversion
- 1999 taillight conversion
- Candy Apple Red paint
INTERIOR
- Top Secret shift knob
- AEM gauges
- A’PEXi gauges
- Defi (gauges, gauge pod)
AUDIO/MOBILE ELECTRONICS
- Alpine head unit
- Pioneer (mid range speakers, tweeters, rear fill)
- JEGS battery relocation kit
SPONSORS
- Autocraft LV, Street Runners Group, Exlcusive Customs Las Vegas, Precision Garage, Eco Tint
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