Tommykaira ZZ Roadster Debuts Polycarbonate Pillar-less Windscreen
Japanese boutique brand Tommykaira introduces a lightweight, pillar-less polycarbonate windscreen option on its ZZ electric roadster, marking a technical first for production cars.
Tommykaira, the Kyoto-based boutique manufacturer known for its niche performance cars, has introduced a technical first on its ZZ electric roadster: a polycarbonate-resin, pillar-less windscreen. The new option, developed with supplier Teijin, dispenses with the traditional A-pillars, offering a completely transparent surround and a 36 percent weight reduction compared to conventional glass and metal assemblies.
The innovation answers a long-standing challenge in sports car design: how to improve outward visibility and reduce weight without sacrificing structural integrity. While classic race cars sometimes ran with minimal or no pillars, modern safety requirements have made thick A-pillars standard. Teijin's solution is a thick, robust polycarbonate resin structure that meets new Japanese safety standards coming into force from July.
On the ZZ, the new windscreen is available as an option from this autumn. The result is a cabin with a panoramic, almost uninterrupted forward view, which could appeal to drivers seeking a more immersive open-top experience. The reduction in weight also fits with the car's ethos: the ZZ is built around a central aluminium monocoque with subframes and features adjustable double-wishbone suspension at each corner.
Technical details and performance
Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 302hp (225kW) and 415Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed transmission to the rear wheels. The car's lightweight construction and compact dimensions make it a focused sports car in the boutique EV segment, targeting drivers who prioritise agility and directness over everyday usability.
| Power | 302hp (225kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 415Nm |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Chassis | Aluminium monocoque with subframes |
| Suspension | Adjustable double wishbone |
| Windscreen option | Polycarbonate pillar-less (36% lighter) |
Meeting new safety standards
The pillar-less windscreen is not just a design flourish. Tommykaira and Teijin say it complies with the latest Japanese automotive regulations, which become mandatory from July. This approval is crucial for a road-going application, as previous uses of minimal windscreen structures were largely confined to racing or low-volume kit cars, which often sidestepped full homologation.
For buyers, the option means a lighter car and improved visibility, but it also signals that small manufacturers are still able to innovate in areas where larger brands might hesitate due to cost or regulatory complexity. The Tommykaira ZZ joins a handful of specialist EVs pushing the boundaries of lightweight construction and design. For those interested in other boutique electric sports cars, the Exagon Furtive-eGT Electric Sports Caris another example of the segment's diversity.
