It appears that classic Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars are lining up for a revival! The Suzuki Cappuccino, a two-seater sports car that was wildly popular in Japan from 1991 to 1998, is poised to make a comeback in a brand new form. This time, the returning Cappuccino will no longer be a lightweight car but will be upgraded to a larger passenger car. The new Cappuccino will feature a 1.3-liter three-cylinder turbo engine from Toyota, targeting the Mazda MX-5 as its main competitor.
Suzuki executives have previously hinted at the importance of the Cappuccino to the brand and have not denied rumors of its revival. According to reports from Japanese media, this car will return to the market through a collaboration between Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki, with an expected official release in 2027.
In terms of design, the new Cappuccino is likely to draw inspiration from the Misano Concept, which Suzuki unveiled in 2021. This concept car garnered significant attention with its futuristic lines and convertible design. The production model is expected to have a body length of 4,000mm and a width between 1,700mm and 1,730mm.
Regarding its powertrain, the new Cappuccino will leverage its partnership with Toyota to equip a 1.3L three-cylinder turbo engine capable of producing a maximum output of 150 horsepower. The car will offer both a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring ample performance while achieving excellent fuel efficiency.
Reflecting on the past, the Suzuki Cappuccino used a longitudinal engine layout paired with turbo power. Despite being a lightweight car, its compact size, extremely light weight, and excellent acceleration made its driving performance comparable to that of sports cars. However, due to the economic bubble burst and a sudden drop in demand for sports cars at the time, it eventually left the market. Now, with changing market demands and advancements in technology, the revival of the Cappuccino will bring new excitement to sports car enthusiasts.
