Drivers in southern California sometimes get a glimpse of cars that are otherwise unobtainium here in the States. That’s because Mexican-market cars can come over the border freely so long as their documentation is up to date. One enthusiast takes full advantage of that to occasionally show off three hot hatches that are otherwise forbidden in the USA.
To be clear, this isn’t a loophole in regards to registering these vehicles in the USA. It simply allows them to be driven on American roads without fear of the NHTSA coming along to crush them unexpectedly. Since southern California is well-known for its rich car culture, it’s one place that Ro Samper enjoys cruising in his rare rides.
We first noticed him over on the GR Corolla Owners Facebook page where he inquired about finding a GR Corolla owner that would like to get some photos of their car in tandem with his GR Yaris. The small two-door hatchback features the same powertrain as the GR Corolla but makes a little less power.
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The GR Yaris is only the latest hot hatch that Samper has added to his garage. He also has a Euro-Spec Ford Focus ST and a Renault Sport Megane ph2. If you’re noting a trend surrounding these cars, that’s by design. “I grew up as a big group A rally fan and a Gran Turismo lover, and those two things have led me into who I am today,” Samper told Carscoops.
That passion has led Samper to start his own automotive engineering companies, RoArt Engineering and Aditiv Revolution. In fact, his Ford served as the first test car for products that he now sells to other Focus ST owners. The product range now also includes other models like the GR Yaris and the Audi TT.
As for what the experience of bringing Mexican-market cars across the border is like, Samper says it’s no big deal. “I’m Mexican and have a home in Tijuana so I have them registered in Mexico… I haven’t faced any challenges driving them in the states as I drive them with all my Mexican documentation (passport, visa, driver’s license, etc).” So if you’re ever in Socal and see one of these hot hatches, you know how they likely got there.
Thanks to Ro Samper for sharing his photos with us!
