A Cappuccino To Wake You Up

As a final spotlight from this year’s idlers Games at Tsukuba Circuit, it’s something small and accessible that I wan’t to focus on.

I’m doing this post to snap you out of the daydream and remind you that you really don’t need to blow a ton of money to have fun. Fun is attainable at any price point, and the Suzuki Cappuccino – at least in Japan – is a great example of how to get out there and enjoy driving.

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I think kei sports cars are some of the best examples of what a fun car should be: compact, light, simple and not really taking itself too seriously. The kei segment is the most exciting of the Japanese domestic market, and I put this down to manufacturers not having much fear of trying something different. The Cappuccino is the grandaddy of them all, and with the right sort of mods a potential hoot around the track.

Add an adjustable suspension kit, some cool wheels – in this case RS Watanabes – and some sticky rubber, and you’ve instantly created a foolproof setup for a tight and fun track like Tsukuba. Even a set of Yokohama Advan A050 semi-slicks in 13- or 14-inch sizing are pretty affordable.

The generous offset of the Watanabe wheels has been contained by some color-matched flares which add a touch of purposefulness to the little Suzuki.

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A quick peek into the cockpit reveals a bolt-in cage and the usual must-have upgrades like a nice Nardi wheel, boost gauge, and a JDM cup holder to hold your canned brew at hand’s reach.

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The stock seats have received some harnesses, a must for most track days at Tsukuba.

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I’m not usually a fan of covers that change the design of headlights and taillights, but the ones used on this Suzuki actually achieve a decent result with the twin round setup. Of course, the last thing you’d need on a kei car like a Cappuccino is aero, but who cares?! The trunk spoiler and aftermarket rear bumper give it a fresh look.

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The diminutive 12-valve twin cam F6A may look like it belongs within the frame of a motorcycle rather than the engine bay of a car, but there is actually a lot you can do with these little three-cylinder mills. That also goes for the lighter K6A that was used in the kouki Cappuccino models.

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Simple modifications to the intake and exhaust along with a small increase in boost can net you an easy 20hp, and that’s the route the owner has gone for here. With an aftermarket turbo you can push total output well over the 100-110hp mark, but that’s when you’ll have to invest in stuff like a metal head gasket, cams and pistons.

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With the additional rigidity the roll cage and strut braces add, plus coilovers to fine tuning the handling, this thing was looking like a blast around the track, staying nice and flat through all the corners. In fact, I think the driver hardly used the brakes at all.

It probably wouldn’t get your palms sweating, but this little Cappuccino would be a ton of fun nonetheless.

Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: speedhunters_dino
dino@speedhunters.com

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1

How wide are those tires?

2
Jay Soh Tsu Chung

Looks like 185 width.

3

Wake up? Now that's a STRONG one.

4

The want is strong !

5

the lightness and fun nature of the car is felt through the screen, awesome article, thank you

Author6
Dino Dalle Carbonare

Good to hear some people like these :)

7

shame that those are expensive as hell in Germany. Took a look at one that was sandwiched in an accident, guy wanted 3000€ for it. would have had to replace the whole front and rear section of the car

Author8
Dino Dalle Carbonare

Prices are on the rise here but this is an example of they go for in Japan (currently 184 examples for sale): http://www.carsensor.net/usedcar/index.html?STID=CS210610&AR=&BRDC=&CARC=SZ_S023&NINTEI=&CSHOSHO=

[for the prices add 4x zeros to what you see, so if it says 55 ==>> 550,000 Yen

9

Speaking of Kei cars, I desperately want a Suzuki Alto Works RSR..

Author10
Dino Dalle Carbonare

Import one!

11

I would love a Cappucino, but I'd have to sit in one to see if i even fit lol.

12

I fit in one pretty comfortably (180cm) and Matt Farah does too so that might give you an idea… getting in and out requires a bit of technique though

Author13
Dino Dalle Carbonare

There are always aftermarket seats & seat rails ...

14

I have always had a Soft spot, for these little Suzuki Cappuccino guys (sort of remind me of a baby Dodge Viper). I think they so need a bike engine a Suzuki Hayabusa within, or a tuneable car 4 cylinder engine, as a Swift one (longitudal mouted of course), or a 4age/2zzge etc, or even the newer Lexus 2.0 turbo engine 8AR-FTS etc.

Author15
Dino Dalle Carbonare

I like how you think!

16

Check out the Z cars Cappuccino

17

I have seen Cappuccino with a rotary stomp out GTR's in Japan

Author18
Dino Dalle Carbonare

You mean the AZ1 Amemiya built?

19

The only problem with any Kei cars is that it would be too much expensive to import and it's a RHD. Still hoping it will break the borders and go worldwide (it already started in a shy way so let's hope the best)
.
Do you think the "round tail lamp" affected you judgement Dino? we all know your soft spot (kidding don't take it seriously)

Author20
Dino Dalle Carbonare

They are still affordable in Japan

21
Brennan McKissick

I've always seen photos of these little cars and finally looked into them a few weeks ago when Matt Farah had one on The Smoking Tire. I'm not going to lie, I've always loved the Miata but if someone offered me one of these at the same price you can get a decent Miata for I'd have a tough time choosing. This would be such a fun little daily with the basic light mods you can do to them.

Can you guys do some features on more kei cars like this? I'd love to see some more examples since we don't get them in America. More Autozams and Cappuccinos please!

22

Wan't

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