Partner Spotlight: Otsuka Maxwell Design

Otsuka Maxwell Design (OMD) is a globally recognized automotive engineering firm specializing in  engine control units (ECUs), custom wiring solutions, and advanced electronic systems for race, prototype, and elite automotive builds. Based in San Diego and led by engineers Steve Otsuka and Martin Maxwell, OMD combines decades of motorsport experience to deliver unrivaled control, performance, and reliability.

Exclusive ECU Integration: Powered by DTAFast

OMD proudly uses DTAFast ECUs exclusively across all its builds, from competition drift cars to bespoke V12 supercar swaps. This single-supplier approach allows total system cohesion across engine management, drive-by-wire throttle, CAN-bus integration, traction control, and real-time data logging.

Whether it’s a naturally aspirated V12 or a high-boost turbocharged four-cylinder, OMD configures each engine control unit to extract optimal horsepower, torque, and driveability under extreme conditions.

Jaguar XJ200 - #203 Reimagined

The Jaguar XJ220 is one of the most iconic and beautiful cars of its time, a true piece of automotive artwork. At one time the fastest car in the world (217.1mph), and a rightful class winner at Le Mans (by 2 Laps), the XJ220 deserves its place in supercar history right alongside other titans of the late 80s and 90s like the Ferrari F40, Ferrari F50, Porsche 959, McLaren F1 and Bugatti EB110.

Thanks to major advancements in car technology since the early 90s, OMD knew they could not only breathe new life into this amazing machine (car #203), but vastly improve reliability and subsequently usability.

Read about the project here.
Watch the build series here.

Red Bull Drift Car – High-Performance ECU in Action

OMD is the engineering force behind the Red Bull Drift car, where a 600 hp turbocharged engine is fully managed by a custom DTAFast ECU system. OMD designed the full motorsport-spec wiring harness, implemented dynamic boost control, and handled live tuning trackside for maximum competitive consistency.

🎥 Watch the Red Bull Drift car build video

Ferrari 412 V12 Project

Currently, OMD is leading the transformation of a Ferrari 412, integrating a modern Ferrari F140-GA 6.5L V12 with a 599 transaxle and full electronic control using a DTAFast T12 ECU. This build exemplifies how OMD leverages standalone ECU systems to modernize and upgrade legacy platforms, maintaining factory refinement while adding motorsport-level performance and safety.

Watch the Ferrari 412 Progress on Youtube

DeLorean – Innovative Engine Conversion

Among OMD’s unique builds is the Kia Stinger-powered DeLorean, a project that merges modern twin-turbo V6 power with an iconic stainless-steel chassis. OMD replaced the original PRV engine with the 3.3L twin-turbo V6 from the Kia Stinger GT, integrating a DTAFast ECU to control direct injection, twin turbo management, and drive-by-wire throttle.

This build demonstrates OMD’s unmatched ability to adapt modern engine control units into classic platforms, achieving OEM-level refinement with significant power gains. The DTAFast ECU allows precise control of fueling, ignition timing, boost strategies, and CAN-bus communication, ensuring the DeLorean retains the soul of a classic while delivering contemporary performance and reliability.

Watch the DeLorean Twin Turbo V6 Build Diary
Read the DeLorean Twin Turbo Story

What Otsuka Maxwell Design Offers:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) Services:

  • DTAFast ECU sales, configuration and tuning
  • Full engine mapping: ignition, fuel, boost, lambda, DBW
  • Adaptive strategies: cold-start, traction, knock, fail-safes

Design and Fabrication Services:

  • Custom chassis builds
  • Complete design, prototype and manufacture of custom parts
  • CAD, CNC, and much more

Wiring & Electronics:

  • Lightweight, high-reliability motorsport wiring harnesses
  • CAN-bus systems for sensors, dash displays, and PDMs

Performance Engineering:

  • Live ECU tuning and data analysis at track events
  • Custom control systems for throttle, traction, launch
  • Prototype electronics development for OEM and private use

Why Choose Otsuka Maxwell Design?

If you're building a competitive motorsport vehicle, a street-legal race machine, or a fully custom prototype, Otsuka Maxwell Design provides deep technical expertise in engine control units, ECU integration, and system-level performance optimization. Their proven success with DTAFast ECUs makes them the go-to specialists for reliable, high-performance engine management.