Some spend half a million modifying a JCW, while others turn a BMW into the only one of its kind in Asia.

October 16–18, 2026 · Foshan Tanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center. What makes a truly “great car”? A thousand enthusiasts will offer a thousand different answers. But on the stage of King Car Appraisal, the verdict will come from the most knowledgeable experts in the field.

We don’t judge by appearance, brand, or price tag. What we value are meticulous craftsmanship, original creativity, and the dedication owners pour into every single screw.

Registrations remain open, and reviews are ongoing. Today, we’ve selected another batch of exceptional builds from hundreds of submissions that stand up to close scrutiny.

Today, we have handpicked five of the most representative modified cars for Phase 3. They boast vastly different styles and price ranges, yet every single one is a love letter its owner wrote to machinery. We will keep releasing follow-up coverage of all outstanding modified cars that signed up.

01

No Following Trends, No Compromises: The Three-Year Evolution of a 992

Car Modding Story: First Encounter & Original Aspiration

This Porsche 992 has been with me for three years, a brand-new car custom-configured by myself. I waited nearly 10 months for delivery, and long before picking it up, I’d done all my homework. The factory options I’d missed—the Aerokit (front and rear SportDesign bumpers, side skirts and a fixed large rear wing) plus a full Capristo exhaust system—were all installed the afternoon I registered the car, making up for all my configuration regrets in one go. My deep dive into car modification started with wheels and lowering springs. I spent three months researching before pulling the trigger on HRE S101SC wheels; their paint finish texture is truly irreplaceable, looking like works of art under sunlight. I went for KW HAS adjustable lowering springs to keep daily driving comfort. I don’t hit the track or tune powertrain performance—only a lowered stance is what I need. The key to car modding is knowing exactly what you want from the start.

Progression & Original Creations Next, I fitted a Techart minor body kit and a double-sided carbon fiber hood. They came with a steep price tag yet boasted perfect panel fitment. For brakes, I chose Endless Mono6 calipers paired with German Carbon Sicom carbon-ceramic rotors, which weigh 30% less than stock. I was among the first in China to independently spec carbon-ceramic rotors for this model. Instead of following the crowd with a GT3-style rear wing, I opted for a replacement wing developed by Topcar for the Turbo S. I adapted it to the factory mounting base via CNC-machined brackets, creating a one-of-a-kind silhouette. For wheels, I modified BMW-spec BBS RT88 rims by converting their 120mm bolt pattern to 130mm, producing the world’s first set of RT88 wheels built for the 992. Inside the cabin, I ditched the factory red-and-black upholstery and pioneered the first Scottish cashmere fabric seats for any 992, accented with blue stitching and a blue gauge cluster for a cohesive look inside and out. This build won awards at the iAcro Five-Way Co-Branded Stance Car Show and Shenzhen Elite Party 2026. I still cherish memories of this balanced, fully refined build.

Ultimate Build & Legacy After taking home those trophies, I set out to craft an even more striking build and resolved to create a 992 styled after the Cup race car. I skipped full genuine Cup racing components—they were exorbitantly priced and required drilling into the chassis—and instead combined OEM Cup front splitter, wheel arches and rear bumper with used OEM fenders and a custom full-carbon giant rear wing. I brought a laser distance meter to the Carrera Cup event site to scan and replicate the rear wing bracket measurements, resulting in the first 992 converted to Cup styling across China and even all of Asia. The current wheels are BBS E29 rims converted from center-lock hubs of a 996 Cup car to a five-bolt pattern, wrapped in the widest possible Pirelli Trofeo R tires, covered in a custom blue-and-white racing livery I designed myself. Looking back on my modding journey, having stumbled through countless pitfalls, my friends and I founded Bonsai Garage, sticking firmly to our core philosophy: be car enthusiasts first, shop owners second. Everyone is welcome to stop by and hang out.

02

Faithful to naturally aspirated engines, sculpted for track aesthetics – BMW E92 M3

Car Enthusiast’s Story: New energy vehicles are growing more prevalent by the day, yet I still stick to my BMW E92 M3. Simply put, I cannot bear to part with the distinctive character of its naturally aspirated large-displacement S65 V8 engine—it’s my way of holding onto the final classics of internal combustion cars.

The stock E92 M3 boasts an excellent base with well-balanced daily drivability, yet it leans toward comfort and domestic practicality, lacking the wild spirit required for track days and aggressive driving. Back in 2022, I entrusted Zhuhai Z1 Garage with a full, precision-focused competition build covering every inch of the vehicle. Every component—exterior, chassis, brakes, drivetrain, exhaust and interior—received targeted refinements. My core goal was straightforward: no cheap, ill-suited aftermarket parts, only genuine competition upgrades that deliver functionality, track capability and striking aesthetics.

I avoided garish cosmetic tweaks for the exterior; every modification prioritized aerodynamic efficiency and real-world track performance.

Up front, I fitted a GT3 carbon fiber front splitter, air curtains and carbon fiber fenders, stripping away the original soft, family-oriented silhouette to instantly craft an aggressive, low-slung racing stance. Paired with a quick-release racing hood, the setup is not only visually striking but also drastically speeds up vehicle inspections during track sessions.

Along the sides, CMST carbon fiber side skirts smooth out the body lines, visually lowering the vehicle and boosting its grounded appearance. The rear end received a comprehensive aerodynamic overhaul: CMST rear bumper corners, rear diffuser fins, a FancyWide underbody diffuser, plus a dry carbon fiber REVOZPORT rear wing.

The most immediate payoff post-modification is rock-solid stability at high speeds with zero rear-end float, and visibly increased aerodynamic downforce. The cohesive dry carbon fiber suite delivers a sleek, professional racing aesthetic with zero superfluous styling—form follows pure competitive function.

The chassis and handling received a full heavy-duty overhaul, transforming the car’s entire driving character.

The factory chassis is softly tuned for everyday comfort, yet suffers excessive body roll and insufficient support during mountain runs, tight corner carving and track laps.

I installed full Bode racing coilovers, delivering fully adjustable firmness and exceptional support. Corners feel tight and composed with crisp road feedback, granting complete command over the car’s every movement.

Genuine TE37SL wheels were selected for unmatched light weight and structural rigidity, effectively cutting unsprung mass. This sharpens front-end responsiveness, delivering crisper acceleration and steering feel.

Braking performance was upgraded to a Brembo GT6 six-piston big brake kit. While factory brakes suffice for casual driving, they quickly succumb to brake fade under sustained aggressive braking, eroding driver confidence. The GT6 kit delivers linear, consistent stopping power with no brake dive under heavy braking, maintaining stable performance through repeated track braking and vastly boosting driver safety.

The drivetrain also underwent critical upgrades: a carbon fiber driveshaft paired with a limited-slip differential (LSD) at the rear axle. The carbon driveshaft enables more direct power transfer with minimal energy loss, creating a far more responsive throttle. The LSD is the heart of rear-wheel-drive dynamics; it eliminates wheel slip through corners and delivers explosive acceleration upon exit, fully unlocking the iconic handling thrills of the M3’s rear-wheel-drive layout.

To unlock the unfiltered, authentic sound of the S65 V8, I installed a full straight-pipe exhaust system and removed the factory’s redundant sound dampening components. At high revs, the exhaust produces a thunderous, unique tone exclusive to large-displacement naturally aspirated engines—loud without harsh, obnoxious street noise, paired with clean, crisp exhaust pops on gear shifts. This mechanical texture is entirely absent from turbocharged vehicles and modern electric cars.

The interior eschews frivolous decorations, prioritizing racing functionality above all else. The driver’s seat was swapped for an authentic Recaro CS racing bucket seat, offering vastly superior side bolstering and torso support compared to the factory seat. It eliminates body sliding during track laps and hard cornering, while its low, race-oriented seating position fosters an immersive, seamless connection between driver and machine.

Every component in this build is authentic, purpose-built competition hardware. Since completing the build in 2022, I have held firm to one core belief: modification is not about stacking countless aftermarket parts, but about targeted upgrades to address weak points and elevate the vehicle’s overall refinement and performance.

The E92 M3 marks the swan song of BMW’s naturally aspirated era, and its S65 V8 engine stands as an irreplaceable classic. To me, this car is far more than mere transportation—it embodies my passion and lifelong automotive sentiment.

In its current state, the car delivers smooth, refined cruising at low speeds, carrying the timeless sophistication of vintage BMW engineering, while unleashing ferocious performance under aggressive driving, bearing the true pedigree of a legitimate performance vehicle.

I remain devoted to naturally aspirated powertrains, refining every detail without losing sight of my original vision. This is what driving and modifying my E92 M3 means to me.

03

From Compact Hot Hatch to Semi-Race Beast: The 500,000-Yuan Evolution of a JCW

Car Modding Story: In early 2023, I suddenly became obsessed with front-wheel-drive hot hatches. After just two days of deliberation, I bought a JCW—the final-generation F56 model. Before this, I barely modified any cars; the most I’d done was replace brake components. But from the very start, I set a clear direction for this build: transform it into an ultra semi-race-spec vehicle that works for daily street driving while holding its own on the track.

Right off the bat, I ordered nearly 200,000 RMB worth of aftermarket parts: an Eventuri air intake, BBS LM wheels (later swapped out for ADVAN GT wheels), Brembo Pista racing brakes, Ohlins DFV suspension, assorted chassis bracing components, plus cosmetic parts from Japanese Mini tuning specialists Duel AG and Giomic. Once the initial modifications were finished, I realized this was an endless rabbit hole—the more parts I installed, the more upgrades I craved. Dissatisfied with the stock cooling system, I fitted a Forge oil cooler and intercooler, and even added a water-methanol injection kit. When understeer became an issue, I revalved the suspension, adjusted camber angles, and ordered a Drexler LSD limited-slip differential, which I believe is a one-of-a-kind fitment in China.

For the interior, I swapped in a vintage gauge cluster, limited-edition Minimax gauge faces, a KMP steering wheel, Recaro RMS full-carbon racing bucket seats, a Par roll cage, 3D Design pedals, and more. Later, I took the car to a dynamometer for a Stage 2+ ECU tune, delivering roughly 270 wheel horsepower. All in all, I’ve spent over 500,000 RMB on this build, a sum far exceeding the car’s original purchase price.

Still, every penny was worth it. The car handles impeccably, and many M Power models struggle to keep up with me on mountain roads. That said, tighter vehicle regulations mean I drive it far less these days; it’s covered less than 5,000 kilometers in over three years. I hope China’s car tuning culture will continue to mature, with more regulated, reasonable relaxations of modification restrictions, so enthusiasts can openly enjoy their passion on public roads without worry.

Tuning & Installation Shops: Shenzhen Autoyard, Shenzhen RHX Ronghongxing, Dongguan BBA

04

不务正业的13代皇冠：
行政车的皮囊，竞技魂的里子

Car Modding Story: My ride is a 2010 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon VIP. I’ve been fond of the 12th-gen Crown since I was a kid. My uncle bought a 12th-gen Crown back in 2006, and he’s still driving it to this day. Later, by sheer luck, my family got hold of this Crown. This car has accompanied me through countless wonderful days and joyful moments, taken me to countless destinations, and left me with countless unforgettable memories. To me, it’s more than just a car—it’s part of the family.

To outsiders, it’s a formal executive sedan, and any modifications should stick to air suspension and chrome deep-dish wheels. But in my eyes, executive elegance and track performance don’t have to be mutually exclusive. I have a long daily commute, so I fitted it with Border S1 coilovers paired with 14K front springs and 10K rear springs, plus Cusco front and rear strut bars to reinforce the chassis. For wheels, I went with a set of 19-inch RAYS TE37 rims. The driver’s seat was swapped out for a racing bucket seat, and the steering wheel was replaced with a Momo Full Speed 348, fitted with a horn button cover from my favorite quirky brand Ghostexpod. The steering wheel control buttons were repurposed from a Lexus IS C, as this car comes factory-equipped with ACC adaptive cruise control, and only the IS C’s steering wheel buttons are fully compatible with the system.

This 13th-gen Crown is far from your typical laid-back executive vehicle. It’s hit the racetrack, carved mountain roads, and even drifted. To me, taking it out to do things most people would never expect from a Crown is exactly what makes it one-of-a-kind.

Thanks to this car, I’ve met so many fellow enthusiasts. I’ve pushed it to achieve feats that seem impossible for its class, and in return, it’s gifted me a lifetime of unerasable experiences.

Zhuhai Z1GARAGE, managed by Jingxiang and Dacheng, opened its doors in 2022. Specializing in full-spectrum JDM modifications, it stands as a premier hub for Japanese performance car enthusiasts across South China.

05

Staying true to its family-friendly essence, never wavering from my driving passion — my G68, the one-of-a-kind model across all of Asia

Car Enthusiast Story: My father’s passion for cars rubbed off on me from childhood. At the age of six, I picked up an old steering wheel I found at a junkyard and mimicked my dad’s driving moves. My journey with BMW began when I turned sixteen and got behind the wheel of real cars in the United States. My first ride was a 2014 BMW 650i, followed by iconic M Power models including the F82 M4 and E92 M3, which helped me grasp the one-of-a-kind romance of engines and machinery.

After returning to China, I purchased a G68 5 Series. Instead of settling for a bland family car after taking delivery, I resolved to seek the familiar thrill of driving that I’d always cherished within this daily driver. I customized its exterior and delved deep into tuning parameters for the chassis, brakes and suspension, gradually transforming it into a one-of-a-kind BMW tailored to my vision.

I’ve always stuck to the philosophy of balancing practical daily usability with sporty performance. I avoid over-the-top, aggressive modifications and focus solely on refining the vehicle’s finer details. I’ve upgraded the suspension from KW to Bilstein, swapped brakes from AP95 to Brembo GTR, and completed full carbon fiber upgrades across the vehicle. Every tweak is designed to deliver both comfort for daily commutes and precise handling for winding mountain roads.

In my spare time, I love cruising through city streets and mountain highways. On mountain passes, crisp responsive handling and a rigid chassis melt away all weariness. The precise road feedback transmitted through the steering wheel and the steady hum of the engine create my personal sanctuary.

For me, loving and modifying cars has never been a flashy status symbol or mindless show-off to keep up with trends. It is a unique passion and emotional anchor amid monotonous daily life. I’ve come to realize that modifying and driving are both ways to communicate with a vehicle. Every minor adjustment and every drive builds a mutual harmony between human and machine.

I feel fortunate to have joined SlowRacinG after coming back to China. The brand principal VK provided exclusive access to rare custom parts and valuable aesthetic guidance for my entire modification plan, saving me countless detours. My modified BMW has garnered plenty of attention, allowing me to quickly immerse myself in China’s local car modification culture and become a member of SRG.

All I aim to create is the most distinctive one across all of Asia…

THE ONE · G68

Event Dates: October 16 – October 18, 2026

Venue: Hall 1, Guangdong Tanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center (GICEC), Foshan

Event Reward Settings: The total prize pool reaches 100,000 RMB! The champion, runner-up, third-place winner and the top 50 participating vehicles nationwide will all receive corresponding cash rewards and exclusive physical gifts.

Exclusive Grand Prize for Champion: 30,000 RMB cash reward + one set of CAMMUS professional racing simulator + one set of AIRMASTER electronic control system

Extra Rewards for Top 10 Participants: one roll of LBFILM automotive film + 6L IGOL high-end racer series motor oil

Core Highlights of the Competition, Setting New Benchmarks of Professionalism – The APA King Car Appraisal Contest Officially Kicks Off! The competition adopts a two-stage selection system: the top 50 entries from online voting will advance to the on-site finals, where a panel of professional judges will score the vehicles to select the top three winners. The online registration channel is now open. Car owners may independently upload their vehicle modification cases to sign up. The top 50 finalists will be invited to the APAxpo venue and receive cash rewards for ranking among the top 50. The top three winners will be selected live at APAxpo by an elite jury consisting of internationally renowned automotive masters and domestic tuning icons, who will pick benchmark modification works through multi-dimensional evaluation criteria. Both paid-entry vehicles and specially invited vehicles will compete on the same stage. Your one-of-a-kind modified ride is poised to become the next legend!

Competition Registration Rules:

Registration Method: All vehicle owners intending to participate in this event must contact the organizer in advance. After information verification, owners shall independently submit personal information, vehicle information and modified case materials online to complete pre-registration. (Direct self-submission without prior contact will not be approved.)
Qualification Review: All registered vehicles and competition information are subject to official review by the organizer. Only those passing the review and receiving the competition notice will obtain official participation eligibility. Vehicles without review or failing the review are prohibited from entering the venue to compete.
Venue Participation Requirements: All officially registered competition vehicles must be stationed uniformly at the designated exhibition area in Hall 1 of Foshan Tanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center throughout the event. Vehicles must remain on-site for judging during the entire exhibition period; any absent vehicle will be deemed an automatic withdrawal from the competition.