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Concept
The automobile as a tool is evolving as it responds to the need to become more rational from the perspectives of safety, environment and the conservation of natural resources. But it remains a fact that people everywhere still want cars for the freedom and pleasure they bring.
Light cars impose less burden on the environment and resources, and it was felt that an important task for manufacturers of small cars was to make better sports models. prompted us to develop the KOPEN, a lightweight, two-seater sports car with the size and unit of a light car. As long as the car gives the driver the required type of sporty driving experience, its small size and light weight will only enhance the pleasure and exhilaration it gives on the road.
Design
The KOPEN's cabin-forward design is the key to its fresh, elegant two-seater silhouette. The electrically-operated hard top reflects the realities of Japan's richly varied climate, keeping the occupants dry during the rainy season and warm in the midst of the snows of winter. It is a design that never looks out of place, whatever the setting.
Packaging
The KOPEN has an overall length of 3,395 mm, a width of 1,475 mm and a height of 1,240 mm. The short wheelbase of 2,180 mm is a result of a design focus on nimble maneuverability. With the compact engine mounted transversely at the front, the driver sits at the center of the wheelbase, enhancing the feeling of unity with the car.
Machanism
The engine is a 660cc twin-cam four-cylinder 16-valve turbo-charged unit with an inter-cooler. Transmission is four-speed fully automatic. A sports shift allows the gear changes without taking the hands off the wheel. Suspension is double wishbones all round. All four wheels have 14-inch disk brakes, 15-inch low-profile tires and aluminum wheels. In a word, the KOPEN is fully equipped for its sports car role. The KOPEN has more safety by using the independent roll bars and a crash-safety body <TAF>.
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