Since its introduction to the United States, the Toyota Yaris has been the victim of all sorts of stereotypical cruelty relating to its size, power and styling. The thrifty subcompact was designed to fit the profile for consumers who were striving to stretch their miles per gallon and be comfortable at the same time. Unfortunately in order to keep the Yaris inexpensive and economical, some sacrifices had to be made.

Helping to keep the Yaris a gasoline miser is a 1.5-liter VVT-i four-cylinder engine tucked underneath the hood that propels the thing. One can't have a 1,500cc mill pulling around something the size of a minivan (physics take over), so there were size limitations that also help the micro Yaris remain economical and efficient. And apparently there were some styling compromises that went along with the design as well, because in stock form the Toyota Yaris will give small children nightmares for a week from its less-than-beautiful looks alone.

Slow, small and kind of hideous, the Yaris seems as though it has everything working against it. These were exactly our thoughts before we encountered kamispeed.com's North American version of the Toyota Vitz. Located in Central Florida, Kami Speed has become the go-to guys for high-end Japanese automotive goodies.

Kami Speed's makeover of the Vitz is the first we have seen attempted with this particular chassis to this magnitude. The build is unique to say the least. The Toyota rocks a full complement of C-ONE aero gear, as selected body panels plastered with the company's logo betray. C-ONE outfitted the Yaris with a complete kit that consists of front and rear bumpers, sideskirts, rear wing and a vented carbon-fiber hood. The stylish Japanese aero gear that was fitted to the Yaris really brings out the hidden lines of the Toyota, kind of like a wet T-shirt contest.

The rear wiper that was standard factory issue was deleted and replaced with a C-ONE wiper delete, and just below that the Yaris badging was replaced with that of the JDM fashion, with a Vitz badge that validates its JDM-ness. C-ONE products continue to be scattered all over the car, including the C-ONE wheels and suspension that position the Yaris in a perfect posture. Other suspension components supplied by C-ONE can be found at the top of the strut towers in the form of a pair of front and rear tower bars that make sure there is no auxiliary flexing in the body.

Under the vented carbon-fiber C-ONE bonnet, you'll find even more from C-ONE. C-ONE not only manufactures aero and suspension gear, but also engine aesthetics such as an anodized oil cap that rocks the company's logo across it. Also supplied by C-ONE, a high-pressure radiator cap was incorporated alongside a Braille Auto Development battery setup that works hand in hand with a Sun Auto hyper voltage grounding system that helps to keep the battery efficient when under heavy load.

Upon opening the doors to get inside, you are constantly reminded that this Yaris was built with thriftiness in mind. For example, the manual window levers are located just below the Bride material that is wrapped around the door panel inserts at the top of the doors. You'll also notice the spacious interior as the rear seats were removed and replaced with a custom roll cage that snakes its way throughout the cabin. Stealing the show at the front of the cockpit is a pair of Bride Racing bucket seats that were the source material for the matching door panel inserts. The Bride seats are also outfitted with a pair Takata Racing harnesses and Takata shoulder pads for extra comfort.

This Yaris has proven itself worthy of praise. After seeing www.kamispeed.com's rendition, we're pretty sure people will have a new appreciation for Toyota's latest B-segment darling. Even though the automaker was looking to impress an entirely different customer, Kami Speed proved that with enough imagination and resources, even an ugly, thrifty duckling can grow up to be a beautiful swan.

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