#Autozam AZ-1

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Mazda AZ-1, 1994. For sale in the UK, an Autozam AZ-1 M2-1015 spec kei car which has travelled 77,000 miles and has a full service history. It is offered for £29,999

ebay listing

#Mazda #Mazda AZ-1 #Autozam AZ-1 #Mazdaspeed #1994 #gullwing doors #kei car #cars for sale #mid-engine #JDM

[things-about-cars-in-posts]

Suzuki Cappuccino :) or other baby roadsters

Oh, I had a post in the chamber about exactly that! :D

So, Japan is pretty densely populated. Let's put it this way: one reason the Tokyo metro area couldn't do a huge and extremely weird cultural exchange where every citizen trades place with someone from Australia, Belgium or Slovenia, is there aren't enough Australians, Belgians and Slovenians combined to do that. So you can imagine it would be pretty advantageous to public life for people to drive small cars - hence the popularity of kei cars, a car class with huge tax benefits and tiny engine and dimensions limits. Those limits, positively minuscule when they were introduced to push bike makers to use their parts to make small cars, eventually increased to a 0.66L engine size and the dimensions below...

...and in the late 80s there was a "gentleman's agreement" whereby no one would make a kei car more powerful than 64hp, similar to the other gentleman's agreement whereby they agreed not to make cars with more than 276hp - which they cleverly addressed by equipping more powerful cars, like the Skyline GT-Rs, with unusual little devices called lies.

But now it's the 1990s -contrary to popular misconceptions- and Japanese businesses and customers have a problem: what the fuck do we do with all this money?

To truly convey the desperation with which cash was being thrown around like primate feces, Mazda created FIVE sub-brands (Amati, Autozam, ɛ̃fini, Xedos, and Eunos, brand under which they sold the Miata as Eunos Roadster) AND gave the SIXTH sub-brand M2 separate headquarters - these headquarters. In Tokyo.

M2 only ever made parts and some fringe prototypes, the most it produced were three Eunos Roadster-based limited versions - they cost twice as much as the original (and for good reason - one of them used leather deemed too expensive by the only other automaker to ever use it, Rolls Royce), but because economic bubble, they were so sought after they had to set up a lottery, Andrea was telling us, and as he got to the uber-limited production numbers (a combined 780), he explained that, since of course they were only sold in Japan, there were only five in the whole of Europe. He then raised his finger and, in one of the greatest flexes I have ever witnessed, pointed it around his huge, Miata-packed shed, counting "one, two, three, four, five".

S'yah, it turns out the world's biggest Miata collection is just owned by Some Guy in the middle of Italy, and if your kid ever gets dumped it is a wonderful place to take him to cheer him back up. Thanks, dad.

So clearly, this was a point in time where even people with no need nor wish nor space for a large second car, or a large car at all, could still be interested in a sportscar, thus spawning some briefly-lived but oh-so-brightly-burning kei sportscars, nicknamed ABC.

One of them being, indeed, the Suzuki Cappuccino.

Please remember, this car is positively lilliputian. It's 3.30m long. For the yankees in the audience, that's just 0.03 football fields. Here are some fun size comparisons.

The engine was front-mid and turbocharged...

...the roof was a fun puzzle that allowed you to have a T-Top coupe (with just the sides off), a targa (with the top part of the roof removed but the rear pillar of the roof still in place) or a spider (by folding the rear pillar and window down)...

...and it was NOT exclusive to Japan, with 12% of units being sold in the UK!

But since this was clearly asked by someone quite familiar with its generalities, some less-known quirks for the geeks:

It was the first kei car ever with double wishbones all around

The indicators changed between JDM and UK versions so if you've got the latter finding spares is 10 times harder

The hood release is in the glovebox and the fuel release is in the center console storage - the latter locks with a different key than the ignition uses, so if you hand just the latter to the valet you can keep them from siphoning your gas, but I'm yet to hear whether that also goes for the glovebox, so stay tuned for updates on whether you can also keep them from siphoning your washer fluid

Air gets to the engine (well, to the turbo) through the frame. Like, it gets into the frame, it travels inside the frame, and then gets out and is filtered. Now, you may ask yourself why they would do that.

While most cars had front disc brakes at the time, the less effective but cheaper drum brakes were usually used on the rear, which was fine since when a car brakes weight transfers to the front so the front wheels are the ones that get more grip and can thus brake harder anyway - so not only do you not need the rear wheels to have the same stopping power, you don't even want them to, because then the rear wheels would lock up before the front ones even got to their full braking potential. So when the Cappuccino got four wheel disc brakes, like every other car with four wheel disc brakes, it didn't put four discs of the same size all around. Unlike every other car with four wheel disc brakes, however, they put the bigger ones at the rear. A friend who owns one called the brakes "not amazing".

Then again, let's cut them some slack, it was the second kei car ever with four wheel disc brakes! Second, yes, because the Cappuccino was not the first kei-sized sportscar.

So, remember how with Ferrari, the last car to be signed off by its founder was a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, manual, record-setting, no frills two-seater sportscar? Well, the Japanese being famous overachievers, that goes for Soichiro Honda's last two.

Supposedly, Honda decided that its F1 engines hadn't kicked Ferrari's ass enough, so they set out to build a car as approachable, reliable and daily-life-friendly as a Honda yet faster through both straights and corners than a Ferrari. Or a Lamborghini. Or a Porsche- you get the idea. Thus, the NSX, seen here next to it is its test driver, tuning consultant and enthusiastic owner Ayrton Senna, best known for driving the car on the left into three championship wins, a bunch of "Greatest Of All Time" debates, and a wall that killed him.

But if your second-to-last car is a two seat, mid-engined, rear wheel drive sportscar with Pininfarina design, a 40mm short-throw manual, and a redline past 8000RPM, what do you do for your last one? Easy! Another!

This little bowl of pint-sized cuteness is the Honda Beat, and yes, that interior is not just factory, but was the only pattern available. Still, if you think the interior is the most outlandish part of this car, you haven't heard it.

Again, this engine was outsized by two Coke cans and the car it's in is no bigger than the Cappuccino, and you already know how... ah, screw it, let's show you a size comparison anyway.

Some geek facts:

It was the first mid-engine monocoque (as in not body-on-frame, not un-shark-like, you pervs) spider ever made! There were some targas before, but never a full-on spider

The stereo was custom to fit in the super-narrow center console between the two asymmetrical cabin spaces so the cassette slot has the same cute little Beat logo as the "Open Air Motoring!" branded floormats!

Gathers celebrated its 20th anniversary with a new touchscreen radio for it that is now uber-rare and uber-expensive

It had two trunks, which is lovely, except that the rear one had the battery and optional CD changer conspiring against you and the front was literally inside the spare tire, so it's good that you could also get a rear rack!

The rear rims are bigger than the front!

With how much cooler this is than the Cappuccino (sorry, friend who owns one) it's quite the shame Suzuki decided not to go forward with the mid-engine layout their kei sportscar development started with. At least, Mazda sure thought as much, asking Suzuki to please keep working on that idea and make a mid-engined kei sportscar for them to sell under their brand for the youth, Autozam. And thus we have the ABC - C for Cappuccino, B for Beat...

...and A for AZ-1. Think of how cool life was in Japan back in the day that this was a car for the youth.

Fun facts:

IT HAS GULLWING FUCKING DOORS

The spare tire was mounted in the front compartment but it jammed the steering wheel in your chest so they sent owners a little bag and asked them to please put that tire behind the seats

GULLWING FUCKING DOORS

Suzuki sold a few of them themselves as the Cara

G U L L W I N G D O O R S

Sadly, it joined the party (JapaneseEconomicBoomfest, that is) just when it was ending. Hell, the Beat was sold for six years ('91 through '96) and two thirds of Beats sold are 1991s. That's how hard recession hit Japan right when the AZ-1 came out, which indeed sold a fraction of the other two.

But fear not: after decades, Honda blew the dust off the kei sportscar idea in 2015 with the gloriously sexy S660.

It did cease production last year, but at least it left the Japanese used market a kei sportscar with the modern amenities we (and by we I mean you spoiled pussies) cannot do without, like steering wheel controls and *squints* HDMI.

Oh by the way, remember how I said I was going to post about the Cappuccino? Well, it was because someone posted a picture of one with aftermarket taillights.

Guess what car was next to it when this picture was taken. Guess.

WRONG.

"What? Where was this?" At a Fiat 500 meeting, of course. And then people wonder why I love Japan so much.

Links in blue are posts of mine explaining the words in question - if you liked this post, you might like those!

#fun fact about ayrton senna: when he was 25 he started dating a 15 year old! #what else can be expected from the man behind the quote “if you don't go for a gap that exists you are no longer a racing driver” #kei cars #M2 #miataland #suzuki cappuccino #honda NSX #honda beat #autozam az-1 #suzuki cara #honda S660

[hirocimacruiser]

MAD HOUSE CARA-R

If professionals set their minds to it, the impossible becomes possible.

It's cool if you do it like this, and if you do it like this, it will be more fun. However, the reality is that it is almost impossible for us amateurs to realize everything. But pros are different. Embody what you have imagined. Let's take a glimpse of the ultimate professional skill. Photographed by Hitoshi Naito Ito Editorial Department

MAD HOUSE 0550-75-3368/ART GARAGE 20561-85-6676

ART GARAGE COSMO 13B TURBO

#Suzuki Cara #Autozam AZ-1 #mazda az 1 #Mazda Cosmo #Cosmo Sport #JDM #Kei car

[untouchvbles]

Autozam AZ-1 (PG6SA) at Waukesha Cars & Coffee (2023) - Meet 3 in Waukesha, WI.  

#stance #stanced #jdm #japan #tokyo #autozam #az1 #az-1 #eunos #mazda #mazdaspeed #rx7 #rx-7 #rx8 #rx-8 #fb #fc #fc3s #fd #fd3s #miata #roadster #cosmo #na #nb #nc #nd #mx5 #mx-5 #mx-6

[carsonfilm]

M2 1015 @ Sodegaura Forest Raceway

#carsonfilm #mazda #jdm #autozam #az-1 #wangan #japan #nikon 28Ti

[nsdclassic]

Autozam AZ-1

#autozam #az-1 #mazda #suzuki #lane motor museum #nashville

[awildsalem]

source: https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1993-mazda-autozam-az-1

#shameless autozam posting #mazda #autozam #az-1 #kei car #weird car tumblr

[mooseings]

Mazda Autozam AZ-1

#Mazda Autozam AZ-1

[luckyknightjp]

Working on the ABC series, first one is the Autozam AZ-1!!

#anime #manga #anime stickers #bosozoku #shakotan #animeart #honda #az 1 #autozam #mazdaclub #mazda #jdm cars #car art

[autoclub56]

(со страницы Autozam AZ-1 Tapestry by AutoClub)

#findyourthing #redbubble #Mazda Autozam AZ-1 #mazda #autozam #az1 #autozamaz1

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Autozam AZ-1 "F40," 2024, by Liberty Walk. For this year's Tokyo Auto Salon the Japanese Tuner have revealed a bodykit for the Mazda/Autozam AZ-1 that takes inspiration from the Ferrari F40. The kit costs $22,660, and the wheels are an additional $14,300 and of course you need an AZ-1 donor car.

#Liberty Walk #Autozam AZ-1 #Mazda AZ-1 #F40 #Liberty Walk F40 #kei car #gullwing doors #tribute car #replica #Ferrari F40 #Autozam F40 #Tokyo Auto Salon #2024 #bodykit #Tokyo Auto Salon 2024

[is-this-yuri]

Is the Autozam AZ-1 yuri?

This is a car with only two seats, nessecitating that only two people sit in it. You could easily imagine those two people would be girls. It's a car for romantic dates, the driver gushing about the smooth ride and the purr of the engine while the passenger admires her passion.

Conclusion: This is yuri.

#Miyazawan yuri #asks #perish

[junk-thunder]

Trick or treat!

YOU GET: autozam az-1 (the only valid car)

#quinnpost

[hirocimacruiser]

Secret technique!! Transmission from the master

First set your direction!!:

The modified machines and aero parts created by Mr. Sugiyama of Madhouse are all so cool that they make people groan.

Not only is it stylish, but it's functional as well. How do you build such a machine?

Photography: Takahito Naito Editorial Department

There is a factory called Madhouse in one corner of the Fuji race village. In the world of racing and other parts of the automobile industry (they also work on show models for motor shows), the factory is famous for its FRP body molding technique and its eccentric ideas. Its representative is Satoshi Sugiyama, commonly known as Mad Sugiyama. He seems to have a job as a hobby.) He has released many modified machines to the world. In the past, it was a mid that was created based on the original CR-X.

There is MidShip Sports' "Bummuhle", and as the latest work there is a Grp5 machine created based on a Cara "Cara-R ". “Modification is different for each car and each target, so it’s hard to say how to make it cool. So, I am doing modifications in pursuit of speed.

It is a machine that has the potential to aim for the top in light car endurance races (which I participate in as a hobby), maximum speed, Zeroyon, Tsukuba Attack, etc. At first, we basically made a normal car based on the AZ-1, but we soon saw the limits. In that case, I decided to thoroughly modify the car using the same method as forming a group, and here it is. Even with aero parts, I thought about how to make the air flow efficiently.

The shape of the rear hood was also determined by that. The light that acts as a resistance is also embedded in the front spoiler because it is for endurance racing. So it's a completely different car, including the body. But, since it's based on the Cara, I deliberately left in the part that it's the same as driving on a public road. Considering only the aerodynamics, it would be better if the line between the front and rear over fenders, that is, the door part, was on the same side as the fenders, but if you do that, it will lose its character. The door is a very characteristic part of the Cara, so I have to leave it alone. That's why I dared to make it the same shape as the normal one (the door is also molded with FRP for weight reduction). And the keyhole of the door is purposefully pasted with a dummy.”

While pursuing functionality, we do not forget that it is a modification only for the base machine. Finally, let's hear some points about modding.

"First of all, the person who wants to do it

It is better to clarify the orientation and image.

Racing for Caras to run fast

I made it because it's a joke, so it's like this

rice field. in that direction

how to match

think about what to do

naturally if you go

where, how

if you defy

I can see if it's good

I think

If there is a part of the normal that goes against the overall flow, smoothing it out is one of the fine mods.

The Cara's gull wing door is daringly left normal because it is the part that represents the Cara itself. It is proof that the Cara is the basis.

This part was actually a window, but now it is part of the cowl. But in order not to break the line of the window, I painted it like a window.

The rear cowl was created with the theme of how to circulate the air. These function-oriented parts are tied to coolness.

This bodykit will be on sale next year.

(1, 4) When the rear hood is opened, it is clearly different from normal. The engine and transmission are placed vertically, and the frame and suspension pipes are installed functionally and intricately. (2,7) Box-shaped fender that protrudes greatly to correspond to the expanded tread. Also, using the overhang, the radiator and intercooler are arranged on the body side. (3,6,8)The cockpit has a roll cage, and the safety tank has been replaced where the passenger seat used to be. ⑤ The tires are Yokohama slicks, but they are hard to find in Japan.

This Cara - R was created with the aim of winning the kei car endurance race, which is just a hobby, and setting the K car fastest record in the zeroyon and Tsukuba attack. The car-making method is reminiscent of the old Grp5. Needless to say, the exterior looks exactly like the Grp5 with its large box-shaped over fenders and front and rear spoilers. But what's surprising is what's inside. Only the monocoque of the cockpit part is based on normal

However, the front and rear are remade with a tube frame.

In addition, the suspension is equipped with a completely different thing with a vibe.

It is Furthermore, the engine and mission

After changing the horizontal position of the normal to the vertical position,

Over 180PS with max.

I'm letting It's such a monster machine.

Fortunately, the contents are normal, but the appearance is

Almost the same complete car (of course Roadgoing) will appear next year.

#Madhouse Cara-R #Suzuki Cara #Kei car #mazda az 1 #Autozam AZ-1 #JDM

[audiwolf86]

1998 Suzuki Wagon R (Wolfgang's Garage #2)

[Drawn: September,6th,2023 // Progress: September,2nd - September,6th,2023]

The Suzuki Wagon R is the name of a japanese kei car that has been manufactured by Suzuki since 1993. The gen 1 Wagon R was produced from 1993 until 1998 and was also sold under the rebadged names Mazda AZ Wagon and Autozam AZ Wagon.

It is based on the Wagon R+, a 5-door Wagon R produced from 1997 until 2000. This version is larger than a standard Wagon R aside from spotting a roof rack and a different grille and vent design. It was an attempt at drawing a kei car. Its later 2nd generation would achieve notoriety through the video game series Gran Turismo. It has been the current best-selling vehicle in the japanese market for 20 years.

In my universe, it is a vehicle owned by Wolfgang. This used Wagon R is noted for not having one of the best handlings due to its small wheels, has a lower adherence, mediocre braking and an average acceleration. Due to the fact that it's a kei car, there is a chance of a fatal collision, mainly if driving in an intense high speed but does maintain an ok durability. However, there is a mild-to-moderate possibility of overturning due to its boxy appearance.

At least, it is not as slower than any city car he has owned and in terms of production quality.

The kanji on its custom paint job means speed in japanese.

#suzuki #suzuki wagon r #1990s #cars #kei #jdm #city car #artwork #art #2023 art

[burntoutclutch]

The Unicorn Triple Rotor AZ-1 by RE Amemiya and GReddy.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 1996, RE Amemiya showed this one of a kind, heavily modified kei car. Most people know RE Amemiya from their work with Mazdas and rotary engines but Autozam technically was a Mazda. During their economic boom in the 90’s Mazda developed a handful of brands that served different purposes and Autozam was their kei car line.

This little compact kei was not to be messed with though, weighing just under 2,500 lbs, the car was powered by a 20b triple rotor engine pushing 400 hp. The car utilized brakes from a Ferrari F40, transmission from a Porsche 962C, and Bilstein parts throughout. The only original parts from the AZ-1 were the iconic gullwing doors. Only one of these cars was ever made, originally painted red before it was sold and repainted white by the new owner.

#autozamaz1 #autozam #greddy #greddyperformance #mazda #reamemiya #rotary #jdm #az1 #mazdaspeed #porsche962 #f40 #ferrarif40 #oneofone #unicorn #car #japanese #tuner #show #tokyoautosalon #keicar #kei #archive #carchived #scans #burntoutclutch