Wyvern, Born by the Wind: A Vision of Motion and Art

Windcrafted Elegance - When creativity meets precision engineering, magic tends to happen. In Japan, two names stand out for mastering that delicate balance — MODI and WOW. Though they come from different worlds, one rooted in mechanical craftsmanship and the other in visual artistry, both share a passion for transforming imagination into tangible form. 

The Wyvern, seen from a three-quarter front view, reveals sleek, flowing curves, sharp Italian-inspired lines, and an aggressive stance that merges art with aerodynamic precision. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

MODI, part of the long-established Murakami & Co. Group, has been shaping the future of automotive prototyping since its founding in Ichinoseki City, Iwate, back in 1992. Known for its seamless integration of design, engineering, and production, the company provides complete services — from concept creation to prototype assembly — for clients across the globe. With cutting-edge technologies like dry carbon autoclave processing, metal stamping, and precision milling, MODI has become a benchmark for Japanese craftsmanship in the world of high-end automotive and product design. 

When it first debuted at Tokyo Design Week 2012 in the AXIS Building courtyard, the Wyvern captivated onlookers with its sculptural curves, wind-inspired design, and ethereal presence. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

Meanwhile, WOW is a visual design studio with offices in Tokyo, Sendai, Florence, and London, renowned for turning digital experiences into moments of wonder. Their work spans from motion design and commercial visuals to immersive art installations. For WOW, creativity is not just about what people see — it’s about what they feel. The studio thrives on bringing abstract concepts like light, motion, and air to life through technology and emotion. 

The Wyvern’s front fascia features sleek, aerodynamic headlights with blue-tinted illumination, a low-slung grille, sculpted air intakes, and a sharply contoured hood that emphasizes both elegance and performance. (Picture from: DesignBoom)

When these two forces — MODI’s technical mastery and WOW’s artistic vision — came together, something extraordinary emerged. Their collaboration gave birth to a unique creation called Wyvern “Born by the Wind”. Unlike any conventional car, the Wyvern was never meant for sale or racing. It was conceived purely as an art installation, unveiled during Tokyo Design Week 2012 in the courtyard of the AXIS Building, where visitors were invited to witness how wind could take shape. 

The sketch of the Wyvern highlights its front with sharp, sculpted headlights, a low nose, and defined air intakes, while subtly hinting at the flowing rear lines and compact overhangs. (Picture from: DesignBoom)

The name “Wyvern” itself carries symbolic meaning — it refers to a mythical dragon with wings and two legs, representing power, agility, and freedom. Directed by Hiroshi Yuki Hoshimiya, the project marked MODI’s 20th anniversary and showcased what happens when technology listens to the rhythm of nature. 

The Wyvern’s rear section complements its front with smoothly integrated taillights, a sculpted bumper, subtle diffuser elements, and flowing lines that echo the car’s aerodynamic design. (Picture from: WOW)

Visually, the Wyvern takes cues from classic Italian sports cars, embodying sleekness and sensual curves that feel as if they were sculpted by the air itself. Beneath its stunning form lies the heart of a Lotus-based machine — specifically reminiscent of the Elise, powered by a 1.8-liter supercharged Toyota engine delivering 217 bhp (220 PS). At just 870 kg, with compact dimensions of 3,950 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,110 mm in height, it’s a lightweight sculpture built for balance and fluidity. 

The Wyvern showcases its elegant rear fenders, sculpted diffuser, and tapered roofline that emphasize aerodynamic flow and sporty balance. (Picture from: DesignBoom)

Every surface of the Wyvern’s body was designed through aerodynamic precision processing, ensuring the flow of air enhances not only its speed but also its aesthetic harmony. For MODI, this represented a new level of craftsmanship; for WOW, it was a chance to visualize what’s normally invisible. The studio transformed airflow into an experience — the way the wind moves around the car could be seen through lighting and motion effects. Even the headlights play their part, glowing in soft blue tones before flickering like a heartbeat, hinting that the Wyvern is somehow alive. 

Its rear highlights the three exhaust outlets, smoothly integrated taillights, and flowing body lines that merge performance cues with artistic design. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

In that moment, surrounded by moving light and swirling air, spectators didn’t just see a car — they felt an emotion. It was as if the wind itself had whispered a story into metal and light. The Wyvern wasn’t about horsepower or numbers, but about what happens when creativity breathes into machinery. | sv0TQlBRsXw |

Today, the Wyvern “Born by the Wind” remains a poetic reminder of Japan’s ability to merge art with engineering. It embodies the elegance of motion and the soul of design, standing as proof that innovation doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it simply flows. And in that quiet harmony between air, art, and speed, the Wyvern continues to live up to its name — a dragon born by the wind. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MODI | WOW | DESIGNBOOM | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]

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