The original Cappuccino from 1991.
In a recent story, I introduced the upcoming Toyota S-FR coupe as a new potential rival for the world record-holding Mazda Miata MX-5. It just so happens that there are two more Japanese models that are destined to challenge the Hiroshima hero over the next few years, and they all employ the same hardware. In this article we’re focusing on the Suzuki.
From what we are hearing out of the corridors of Japan’s biggest-selling car magazine, Best Car, Toyota has partnered with Daihatsu and Suzuki in an exciting three-way compact sports car project that looks like seeing not one, but three sports cars landing on the market by 2027.
In addition to the Toyota S-FR, Daihatsu unveiled a new Copen concept at the Japan Mobility Show last October, while Suzuki is planning to bring back a heavily updated version of its early 90s Cappuccino (seen above), a tiny 64-hp 660cc turbocharged coupe which went out of production in 1998 after an 8-year run.
New model to get a 1.3-liter turbo
Only this time, the all-new coupe will be a little bigger than its predecessor and boast a 1.3-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out around 150-hp. That’s nearly two and a half times the power of the original model.
By contrast, the MX-5 1.5-liter naturally aspirated model, only available in certain markets including Japan, generates 158-hp, where as the current US-spec 2.0-liter version produces 181-hp.
Packing the same Toyota-developed powertrain as the S-FR and the new Copen, the front engined (non-electrified meaning no electric motor), rear-wheel-drive Cappuccino is expected to debut in 2027 employing dimensions almost identical to that of the Mazda Miata. Translated that means around 157 inches long and 68 inches wide, while the all-new Suzuki is expected to tip the scales at a Miata-equalling 2,425 lbs.
This is an artist’s impression of what the all-new Cappuccino could look like when it launches in … [+]
Design-wise, we can expect the new Cappuccino to adopt similar proportions to that of the Miata while not being too adventurous with front end styling. Check out an artist’s impression above of what the new model could look like. So expect the coupe to get a large rectangular grille with sharp up-slanting headlights, short overhangs and a neat, well-executed interior.
So given the Miata-like size, powertrain, kerb weight and front engine, rear-drive layout, we can expect the new Cappuccino to deliver some potent performance and impressive driving dynamics that will take the challenge right up to the popular Mazda.
Sports car fans will be fully aware that Suzuki has not sold cars in the U.S. for quite some time. But the timely comeback of this Miata-rivaling Cappuccino could be just the medicine that Suzuki needs to re-launch its brand back into North America.