Suzuki Cappuccino (EA11R)

Suzuki Cappuccino is a small 2-door, 2-seater demountable hardtop roadster produced by Suzuki. 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. 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.

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 aluminum 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.)

Specs

 * Engine Name: F6A (EA21R models use a K6A)
 * Engine Type: L3 DOHC
 * Max power: 63 HP/6500 rpm (Sakamoto's Cappuccino is tuned up to 130 HP/9500 rpm)
 * Max torque: 8.7 kgf.m/4000 rpm (Sakamoto's Cappuccino is possibly tuned to 15 kgf.m/5500 rpm)
 * Displacement: 657 cc
 * Drivetrain: FR
 * Aspiration: Turbo
 * Length: 3295 mm
 * Height: 1185 mm
 * Width: 1395 mm
 * Weight: 679 kg
 * Transmission: 5MT
 * Body kit: Elite SPL

Weakness

 * The Cappucino's small size means it is difficult to defend against opponents who are behind you. It also has a weak engine which means it is very slow on straight courses, such as Myogi and Tsuchisaka.