Video++ review Suzuki Cappucino (Ver 2)

NOTE DELETED by blogger previously...  Formerly the 100th post originally posted on November 2008.  Repost on 27 August 2012.  Hence, Version 2.

In this blog entry, I'm posting about Suzuki Cappucino.  The Suzuki Cappuccino is a small 2-door, 2-seater demountable hardtop roadster produced by Suzuki Motor Corporation. The vehicle was designed to meet Kei car specifications for lower tax and insurance in Japan. Weighing just 725 kg (1,598 lb), the Cappuccino is powered by a turbocharged, three-cylinder, 657 cc DOHC engine (just under the 660 cc maximum displacement allowed for a Kei car). Its dimensions also conformed to Kei car regulations on length and width, being 3,295 mm (129.7 in) long and 1,395 mm (54.9 in) wide.

Front-rear weight distribution is claimed to be 50/50% when both seats are occupied. Layout is front mid-engined and rear-wheel drive. The hood, roof, roll bar and lower front guard panels are aluminium.

Three removable roof panels mean that the car can be used as a closed coupé; T-top; targa; or, on retraction of the rear window and roll bar, a full convertible. (Photo combo above). Roof panels stow in the trunk (though it must be said that they will occupy 90 percent of the already modest space), and the rear window/rollcage assembly retracts into the body behind the seats. 

Unlike many convertibles of the time, the rear window is glass and wraparound, with demisting elements.

It was originally equipped with the F6A engine: later models were fitted with a K6A engine which was lighter and had chain-driven, rather than belt-driven camshafts and more torque. Both are DOHC 12-valve, inline 3-cylinder engines that were turbocharged and intercooled. Power output was a claimed 63 hp (47 kW; 64 PS) at 6500 rpm to fit under the maximum power allowed for Kei cars. (below: Engine bay photo).

The Cappuccino featured 4-wheel disc brakes and rear wheel drive. Later versions in Japan had an early production iteration of speed-sensing electric power-assisted steering and aluminium double wishbone suspension. Production began in 1991 and ceased in 1997. The Cappuccino's closest competitor of the time were the Autozam AZ-1, Honda Beat and the Daihatsu Leeza Spyder. (The Autozam AZ-1, Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino were together called the Sporty K-Car's ABC.)

The Suzuki Cappuccino still remains one of the best-handling cars that money can buy. If you are looking for a fun and versatile 2 seater sports car with the classic "front engine, rear-wheel drive" arrangement, pin-sharp chassis and an affordable price tag, the Cappuccino is the ideal entry-level sports car for you!

As an endorsement to this, the popular "Auto Express" Magazine recently reported that the Suzuki Cappuccino had been voted as one of the 50 best cars of all time. It was pitched against the likes of the Porsche 911, Lotus Elise, Ferrari and McLaren - clearly showing that even to this day the Cappuccino has lost none of its leading edge.

The Cappucino also featured in Both Initial-D Anime and Sony GranTurismo Play station games.

Here's some Photos:  INITIAL D SCREENSHOTS.  

AE86 v.s. Cappuccino (Initial D)

GRAN TURISMO SCREENSHOTS:

Here's few reviews of this Baby:

Review 1:

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/41324/suzuki_cappuccino.html

Review 2:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/suzuki/cappuccino/convertible-1993/

Review 3:(Double click to enlarge)

MORE PHOTOS:

Above: Cappucino Front and rear mugshots.  Below: Side profile of the Cappucino (hardtop mode)

 Above and below: Cappucino interiors...

Below: STOCK Cappucino rim...

Without further ado, here's a collection of VIDEOS mostly taken from Youtube for your viewing pleasure:  Enjoy:

1991 Suzuki Cappuccino WalkAround

Cappucino test drive (JAPAN Promotional Video)

Cappuchino top speed (limited to 140km/h @ 5500rpm)

Cappuchino on Gravel

Gymkhana Suzuki cappuchino

Gymkhana 2

Cappuchino 0-140km/h in below 27 secs

ARE you POISONED?  Want to buy this car?  Here's some pointers (UK ONLY)

1) http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/suzuki/cappuccino

2) http://www.cappuccinosport.com/section/showroom/

3) http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-reviews/view/160/suzuki-cappuccino/

REFERENCES:

1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_Cappuccino

2) www.autotrader.co.uk

660th post: Video+ Review Honda Beat 660

In this post entry, I'm blogging about the Honda Beat 660 Kei-Roadster.  This happens to be my 660th post, so I dedicate this post to this "Micro NSX" (it's Nickname).  According to many, this kei-car was the FINAL Honda Approved for production by the Late Soichiro Honda in 1991.



The total number of cars produced was around 33,600. Most of the production (around two-thirds) occurred in the first year, and then production and sales fell drastically. The design of the car originated from Pininfarina, who then sold the design plan to Honda. The Beat was one of many cars designed to take advantage of Japan's tax-efficient kei car class.


It's powered by 656cc SOHC 3cyl 12v.  The 656 cc (40.0 cu in) engine was modified with the MTREC (Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control) system, with individual throttle bodies for each of the three cylinders, to produce 64 PS (63 bhp) at 8100 rpm, (I can't seem to find the torque figures, anyone can help?)  with an electronically limited top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph). Only 5 speed manual transmission was available.

In Malaysia, this is a Very rare car as Kah Motor DID NOT import this car officially.  In Mudah, there's 1 unit 1994 silver for sale at RM48,000 on 1 March 2012 (screenshot below).

 3 months back, the same car, 1996 model sold for RM55,000 in Carlist.  It's so rare that it's Buyer's market.

I, Jeff Lim, spotted a unit back in November 2011 in Petaling Jaya.  A Red one.  Here's the photos: ENJOY:

ABOVE: Redline 8500rpm, Top speed electronically limited to 140km/h.

OTHER PHOTOS (Not taken by me):

VIDEOS (YOUTUBE):

VIDEO 1: Wet DRIFT Demo



VIDEO 2: Honda Beat Manual...

PART 2:


VIDEO 3: Meet the Beat 2010 MEET THE BEAT 2010 parade challenge Guinness record

In the event of MEET THE BEAT was held at Twin Ring Motegi in May 2010, Guinness World Record challenge of the parade run by the largest number of Honda cars have been made.

Mr. Ishikawa under the presence of Guinness World Records certified employee, beat of 569 units will parade two miles of the provisions, has been certified to the Guinness record beautifully.

VIDEO 4: Engine sound and 0-60mph (12 seconds). Check out the REDLINE.

Coincidentally, this car's also starred in GRAN TURISMO 2, PSP, 4 and recently 5.  Here's some screenshot photos:

HERE ARE THE EXTERNAL LINKS:

1) WIKIPEDIA INFO ABOUT HONDA BEAT 660.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Beat

2) Whatcar UK Comparo of Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuchino
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/used-car-lowdown-cute-convertibles/236747

SPECS:
http://www.u-ukhbc.co.uk/SPEC.HTM


THAT'S ALL FOLKS, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.