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Copen
Well
Almost
one in three cars in Japan is a Kei, a class of vehicle restricted
in dimension and engine size. The new Daihatsu Copen is the first
new Kei sports car in some time and the first to be equipped with
an automatic roof.
The
current version's folding hard top can be opened or stowed in the
boot within 20 seconds, and a detachable fiberglass topped version
will be introduced within months.
Styling
is reminiscent of the Audi TT, but it measures a diminutive 3,395mm
x 1,475mm x 1,245mm. The four round front lights and 'smiley' grille
are mirrored at the tail by the four rear lights and number plate
recess.
Inside, the interior is smart and modern with sporty seats and black
trim and though roomy enough for most Japanese passengers, people
over 170cm will find the cabin a little tight.
The 660cc turbo DOHC engine has a maximum output of 48kW and is
mated to a four speed automatic transmission with electronically
controlled 'super active shift', or a five speed manual. Optional
equipment includes a Momo steering wheel, leather seats, front and
rear skirts, and rear spoiler.
The Copen will sell in Japan for 1,498,000 Yen, and with the Osaka
factory producing only 500 units per month, supply is unlikely to
meet demand. Young buyers who have been waiting for a new Kei sports
car post Cappuccino and Beat are sure to snap up this cute newcomer.
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Go
Figaro
A
Japanese car with an Italian name? A Morris Minor with a factory
CD player? The Nissan Figaro is arguably the oddest car that you
are ever unlikely to see. Chrome, from bumpers to boot hinges, spat
style hub caps and big toggle switches, it's all cute retro and
cool.
Don't
imagine that this is Nissan jumping on the retro bandwagon either.
Long before new Beetles or Minis, the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show saw
Nissan preempt the retro trend by displaying the Figero concept.
Production
began in 1991 with a limited run of 20,000. So popular was the car
that an official raffle was held in order to fairly distribute it
amongst would be Noddys!
The
equipment list is anything but 50s, this car is a 'sleeper' in the
comfort department. Inside you'll find leather seats, electric windows,
power steering, a sliding soft top, climate control air conditioning,
a CD player disguised as a wireless, and an oversized mother-of-pearl
horn.
Similarly to Nissan's earlier od-mobile: the S-Cargo, the Figaro
boasts a 3-speed automatic gearbox. This time however the powerhouse
in front is a 987cc, turbo, 4 cylinder. Sadly, as with most Japanese
cars this model is electronically speed limited to 180Kph.
The
Figaro does have more practical limitations; The interior doesn't
offer much room for rear passengers and it's rear hinged boot limits
luggage...
But
as long as there is enough room for Big Ears and his gumdrop golf
clubs, who cares?
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Tommy's
Supercar
A prototype supercar secretly built in Japan by long time Nissan
GT-R tuners Tommy Kaira? Yeap, the ZZII concept has been around
for some time, but has just been shown in production form with the
odd title of 'Autobacs RS-01'.
The
name may be awkward but performance promises to be anything but...
Mid-engined, with a reverse mounted 400kW version of the GT-R's
RB26DETT feeding all four wheels, the RS-01 should and good for
300kph.
It'll
handle and stop too. In front the RS-01 boasts sophisticated inboard,
coil-over strut suspension and six pot brake calipers. The rear
getting large rotors and with four potters.
The
car isn't all Tommy Kaira. As you might expect, the Nissan GT-R
parts bin has been raided for much of the drive train and numerous
other elements. Surprisingly though, its not all Japanese either...
Kaira borrowing the Audi TT's gear shifter.
Similarly,
the RS-01's styling reflects elements of Lotus Elise and McLaren
F1, but with Kaira's own idiosyncrasies. Counting the duel roof
units, the car sports an air scoop on close to every surface, contributing
to the it's own unique character.
Currently
the RS-01 is only available to buyers of Sony's Gran Turismo 3 video
game. It is estimated however, that the real world production car
will eventually be offered for around $200,000 AUD.
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