- The crew from NHET TV built a convincing Koenigsegg Jesko replica from the ground up.
- The fiberglass body sits on a custom chassis, with power coming from a Toyota engine.
- The replica features inboard suspension and automatic dihedral doors for added realism.
The Koenigsegg Jesko is a hypercar that’s as rare as it is fast, an absolute beast of a machine that’s virtually unattainable for most of us due to its astronomical price tag and limited production. But leave it to a team of Vietnamese builders to turn heads by creating a convincing replica using parts from an old Toyota sedan.
This project comes courtesy of NHET TV, a YouTube channel that has become a go-to for hypercar replica fans. If you think this is their first time attempting such a feat, think again. In 2022, they built a Bugatti Chiron, followed by a La Ferrari in 2023, and a Pagani Huayra in 2024. It’s safe to say they’ve mastered the art of automotive fabrication, proving that practice does indeed make perfect.
More: Vietnamese Builders Create Incredible La Ferrari Replica With Toyota Parts From Scratch
The journey started with little more than a metal tube skeleton, crafted by referencing photos of the Jesko. This skeletal frame became the foundation for a full-size clay model, which was then used to create the fiberglass bodywork that would ultimately bring the hypercar replica to life.
Rather than slap a replica body onto an existing vehicle, the team went all in and built a custom steel chassis. As if that wasn’t enough, they also designed a fully-independent inboard suspension and tested its durability by literally dropping the rolling chassis from a significant height. The result? A replica that stayed true to the proportions of the original Jesko, making it far more believable.
A Toyota Corona Powertrain? Sure, Why Not
The next step was to find a powertrain. The builders turned to the most unlikely of sources: a ninth-generation Toyota Corona (also known as the Carina E), which was reportedly picked up for just $100. While the car’s body was in rough shape, its drivetrain was still in good working order. The team managed to repurpose not just the engine, but also the gearbox and other critical mechanical components.
The Toyota’s naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter engine was mounted in the rear-midship position on the custom chassis. While it’s obviously no match for the 1,600 hp (1,193 kW / 1,622 PS) twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 in the actual Jesko, the Toyota engine is a cheap, reliable solution that keeps things running.
More: $11k Homemade Cybertruck Is Both Hilarious And Impressive
Back to the bodywork of the replica, it was painted in a vibrant red shade, accented with white stripes and black details. To stay as true to the original as possible, the team crafted custom headlights and taillights, while recreating the oversized aero components of the Jesko Attack, which are designed for maximum downforce. They also added fake brake discs with green calipers.
Custom Details, Inside and Out
What’s even more impressive than the cosmetics is that the Vietnamese builders created custom opening parts like the dihedral doors, hood, and rear clamshell. This is one of the toughest aspects of building a vehicle from scratch, especially for those without experience in automotive production.
The final phase involved fitting the interior panels, which stay true to the original design, though with obviously cheaper plastic and dummy screens. The bucket seats feature light blue upholstery with a diamond-shaped pattern, while the center console includes two cup holders.
According to NHET TV, the entire process took a full year, highlighting the dedication of everyone involved. As with their previous replicas, this model wasn’t built for commercial use and isn’t street legal due to missing basic safety features. Still, it’s an impressive project that’s helping the builders hone their skills while generating millions of views on social media—likely their primary source of funding.
If you’re curious about the full process, NHET TV has uploaded a nearly one-hour-long video detailing the build. Check it out below, along with a gallery of screenshots capturing the key moments.
