Picture if you will, an exotic car that takes a few stylistic cues from the Pagani Zonda and Ferrari Enzo, then distills them into a package the size of a Lotus Exige. Now imagine if it was powered by a tuned 2.3-liter DOHC turbo engine from the Mazdaspeed3 channeled through that car's six-speed gearbox. And further ponder that the vehicle in question weighs 1,300 pounds less its powertrain donor. That's right, a 270 hp exotic that weighs just 1,874 lbs. Sound like it's something you'd like to take a closer look at?

The Surpasse V, an all-new vehicle by Japanese kit car specialist Suzusho, will make its debut at this month's Tokyo Motor Show, featuring an "aluminum twin-tube monocoque spaceframe" and fiberglass body. Although evocative of many other cars, the design is purposeful and penned by F1 designer Kenji Mimura, and on paper, it sounds like a direct challenger to the 2009 Lotus Exige S260.

Although It would be easy to dismiss the Surpasse V as just another kit car with big power and no handling, Suzusho has plenty of experience building lightweight cars that handle extremely well. The bulk of their business is in Lotus 7 replicas, and while we're not sure it will truly compete head-to-head with the Hethel hauler, it looks promising.

Pricing is expected to be in the Exige-like $50,000-$80,000 range too when the Suzusho Supasse V goes on sale in the middle of 2010.
















Tokyo Preview: Mazdaspeed3-powered Supasse V supercar — Autoblog

 

For some reason, it reminds me of a baby dinosaur, and not in a good way.

If it was a bit sleeker, they're really have a winner on their hands. I'm sure it'll be a fantastic car to drive but it's just a shame it doesn't have the looks to back it up, imo.

 

The backend looks like a pedal-car enzo from RufMD's garage!

 

^

 

Oh hell yea. Finally an auto designer pulled their head out of their @ss and are building a car that it's as heavy as a tank! I really hope this spurs a future line from porsche and others to create a super light, high powered sports car.