2010 Suzusho Supasse V
“Kit car.” It’s a phrase met with drastically different connotations in the automotive world. Some think of kits from the 70’s and 80’s that sent backyard carbillies to the local scrapyard to lift parts from crushed, rust covered trucks and vans for various important bits to complete the build. Others, more rightly so, think of small, lightweight cars with great power-to-weight ratios and (usually) superb handling and styling. The latter hits the nail on the head for Japan’s new Supasse V, built by Suzusho. With their extensive background in Lotus 7 replicas, you can bet this car will perform exquisitely.
The cute little thing will be powered by a turbocharged 2.3L version of Mazda’s MVR I4 with VVT (variable valve timing) and its relatively new DISI (direct injection spark ignition) technology. You might already be familiar with the engine, as it currently has homes in the Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6. In those applications, it produces 260 HP and 280 ft-lbs. In the Supasse V, it will be tuned up a tad to 270 hp. Now, I’ll do the math for you. That’s 117.4 horsepower per liter. By comparison, GM’s revolutionary LS9 V8 produces 102.9 hp/liter. The engine is quite a revolutionary one. Why we haven’t heard more about it before is unknown to me. I’ll do it justice by giving it its own blog soon. ;)
The Supasse V weighs in at a featherweight 1,874 pounds. That’s over 600 pounds lighter than a Miata. It accomplishes this with its aluminum twin-tube monocoque spaceframe construction and fiberglass body. With a Mazda sourced 6 speed gearbox, that you get to operate, you can bet that there will be no shortage of fun. Styling wise, I’m largely undecided. The front looks not entirely unlike a bubbly Ferrari. It’s hood gills even look akin to those from a Ferrari FXX or Enzo. (see picture links below) The rear looks stylish, although I’m quite tired of the Mclaren F1-esque dual taillights that everyone seems to copy these days. (see picture links below) Other than the “Lambo doors,” I don’t really have any other gripes about the exterior. It seems to be an overall acceptable design, and I expect it will be a thrill to drive.
FXX hood gills: http://www.carmaster.com.mx/FerrariFXX.jpg
F1 tailights: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/McLaren/mf1_rear.jpg
