A rebirth of an iconic coupe from the Nineteen Nineties to compete with the Mazda MX-5 Miata

In a latest story, I launched the upcoming Toyota S-FR coupe as a possible new competitor to the world’s biggest-selling roadster, the Mazda Miata MX-5. It simply so occurs that there are two different Japanese fashions destined to problem the Hiroshima hero over the subsequent few years, they usually all use the identical {hardware}. On this article we concentrate on Suzuki.

From what we’re listening to from the halls of Finest Automotive, Japan’s biggest-selling automotive journal, Toyota has partnered with Daihatsu and Suzuki on an thrilling trio of compact sports activities automotive initiatives that appears prefer it may see not one, however three sports activities automobiles hitting the bottom operating. market by 2027.

Along with the Toyota S-FR, Daihatsu unveiled a brand new Copen idea on the Japanese Mobility Present final October, whereas Suzuki plans to convey again a considerably up to date model of the early Nineteen Nineties Cappuccino (proven above), a 64-horsepower, 660 Sisi. A turbocharged coupe that went out of manufacturing in 1998 after 8 years of operation.

New mannequin outfitted with a 1.3 liter turbo engine

Solely this time, the all-new coupe can be barely bigger than its predecessor, that includes a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with roughly 150 horsepower. That is roughly two and a half occasions the facility of the unique mannequin.

Against this, the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter MX-5 mannequin, obtainable solely in choose markets together with Japan, makes 158 horsepower, whereas the present U.S.-spec 2.0-liter model produces 181 horsepower.

Packing the identical Toyota-developed powertrain because the S-FR and new Copen, front-engined (non-electrified which means no electrical motor), the rear-wheel-drive Cappuccino is predicted to debut in 2027 utilizing almost an identical dimensions to these of the Mannequin 2027. Mazda Miata. This implies it is about 157 inches lengthy and 68 inches vast, whereas the all-new Suzuki is predicted to tip the scales on the Miata’s — the equal of two,425 kilos.

Design-wise, we will count on the brand new Cappuccino to undertake related proportions to these of the Miata whereas not being too adventurous with the front-end design. Take a look at the artist’s impression above of what the brand new mannequin may seem like. So count on the coupe to get a big rectangular grille with sharp upward-slanted headlights, brief overhangs and a glossy, well-executed inside.

So, given the Miata’s measurement, powertrain, curb weight, front-engine, and rear-wheel-drive structure, we will count on the brand new Cappuccino to ship some sturdy efficiency and nice driving dynamics that can up the ante to the favored Mazda.

Sports activities automotive fanatics can be effectively conscious that Suzuki has not bought automobiles in the USA for a while. However the well timed return of this Miata-rival Cappuccino may very well be simply the medication Suzuki must relaunch its model again in North America.

Extra from Forbes

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