Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus, Mazda
UPDATE: Higher res images added to the gallery and press release added after the jump
Picture if you will, an exotic car that takes a few stylistic cues from the Pagani Zonda and Ferrari Enzo, then distills them into a package the size of a Lotus Exige. Now imagine if it was powered by a tuned 2.3-liter DOHC turbo engine from the Mazdaspeed3 channeled through that car’s six-speed gearbox. And further ponder that the vehicle in question weighs 1,300 pounds less its powertrain donor. That’s right, a 270 hp exotic that weighs just 1,874 lbs. Sound like it’s something you’d like to take a closer look at?
The Surpasse V, an all-new vehicle by Japanese kit car specialist Suzusho, will make its debut at this month’s Tokyo Motor Show, featuring an “aluminum twin-tube monocoque spaceframe” and fiberglass body. Although evocative of many other cars, the design is purposeful and penned by F1 designer Kenji Mimura, and on paper, it sounds like a direct challenger to the 2009 Lotus Exige S260.
Although It would be easy to dismiss the Surpasse V as just another kit car with big power and no handling, Suzusho has plenty of experience building lightweight cars that handle extremely well. The bulk of their business is in Lotus 7 replicas, and while we’re not sure it will truly compete head-to-head with the Hethel hauler, it looks promising.
Pricing is expected to be in the Exige-like $50,000-$80,000 range too when the Suzusho Supasse V goes on sale in the middle of 2010.
Gallery: 2010 Suzusho Supasse V
[Source: Suzusho via WorldCarFans]
Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Mazdaspeed3-powered Supasse V supercar
Tokyo Preview: Mazdaspeed3-powered Supasse V supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
I wish my doors opened like that
The design is flawless. You should check out the website.
I was searching all over the internet for this car. Thanks for posting!