Car Lust--Mazda AZ-1 Autozam
A few weeks ago, I featured the Toyota Sera and promised to give some forthcoming attention to the Japanese Kei car segment. Well, here's our first true Kei car. From that post, a description of Kei cars:
"Not to be confused with the Chrysler K-car economy car platform that underpinned virtually every Mopar offering in the 1980s and 1990s, Kei-cars are Japan's microcar class. Limited to 660-cc engines (.66 liters, smaller than some motorcycles) and regulated to an official (though often flouted) maximum of 64 horsepower, Kei cars are impossibly small, extraordinarily efficient, and, in the effort to make them quick and cool, eye-poppingly complex and exotic in specification. Just over 15 years ago, all-wheel drive, supercharging, twin-turbocharging, and more technical goodies began appearing on Kei cars, making them credible performers despite their diminutive engines."
The Mazda AZ-1 Autozam is one of the definitive classic Kei cars, with all of the exotic hardware and crazy styling typical of the breed, with a bonus--a simply fantastic name. Autozam!
Just look at it. With styling seemingly inspired by Transformers--I'm guessing it's a Dust Buster caught in the middle of its transformation into a Ferrari Testarossa--and an array of spoilers, gullwing doors, side strakes, and intake vents on its diminuitive body, the Autozam is the definition of a tempest in a teapot. It's the automotive equivalent of a tiny, over-aggressive piranha swimming among sharks.
A turbocharged and intercooled, four-valve-per-cylinder, .66-liter three-cylinder engine sits amidships and gives the Autozam a 64-horsepower punch--which is more potent than it sounds.
For one thing, Kei cars are legally limited to 64 horsepower--which means that many Kei cars generate much more but underreport their power. For another, even 64 horsepower out of only .66 liters makes for stratospheric specific output. The real advantage, though, is the fact that the Autozam weighs less than 1,600 pounds--half of what most cars today, making it an agile and racy little sportster that still gets 40+ mpg.
I don't lust after the Autozam with the same passion as I do for the Sera, but I'd still love to have one--it's so toylike that it's irresistible.
These photos are of a red AZ-1 sold by Terra 2 Imports, an importer of Japanese Domestic Market oddities into Canada. The video below actually has nothing to do with the AZ-1 Autozam, but is a thoroughly puzzling ad for another tiny car in the Autozam line. I'm including it here because it is so hilariously odd--I like the passenger's contribution.
--Chris H.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on May 14, 2008 at 12:57 PM
It looks like a toy poodle that's been genetically enhanced with Rottweiler DNA. Cute, but deadly. I want one.
mochi mochi on May 14, 2008 at 01:17 PM
So you know I want one of these right? You just post these things to torture me. To put me into a complete car lust mode. To make me start searching to see if I can pick one up.
Seriously - more than 64hp - they had to UNDER-REPORT it - from 660ccs. Then you wrap it in a tiny little package that says speed and cute all at once. Then it's name - AUTOZAM. Auto-ZAM. Now that's just fun with a capital ZAM!
I think this also reminds me a little of the Gen1 MR2. In any case it sound like a lot of fun. Definitely got transformer styling going on.
Since we are on the topic of Japan and cars... racy fun little transformer cars... and some recent racing topics, I wanted to let everyone know that hulu.com is showing full episodes of the Original Speed Racer (so much better than the new movie). The quality is great, brings back memories.
http://www.hulu.com/speed-racer
Terra2 Imports on May 14, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Thanks for the picture credits!
For more information on the Mazda AZ-1 like how to import one from Japan to Canada, visit:
http://www.terra2imports.ca/mazda/az-1/
Rob the SVX guy on May 14, 2008 at 10:24 PM
More split window hotness. What's next? You've already covered the SVX, the Toyota Sera, the McLaren, and now this.
You have an infatuation, Chris. :)
Kevin S on June 01, 2008 at 10:53 AM
seems the timing is now ripe in the US for manufacturers to start exploring this kei car aspect more. I would just love a "hi performance" 660 cc screamer for the US market.
Graham on October 18, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Just saw a AZ-1 in a local importers show room,beautiful car! The gull wing doors are quite an attention getter, but boy this car is incredibly cramped inside. Because of the mid engine placement the seats do not recline and the headroom is non existent and combined with the tiny split windows its quite claustrophobic! That being said I still want one!
Collin on October 23, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Dude,I would kill for one of those.Too bad the stupid Environmentalists have to cry about smog and wusses like nader whine about safety.
shopa on October 25, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Please see my website www.safersmallcars.com for my invention which will allow Kei cars to be driven in the U.S.
shopa on October 28, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Many Americans want low cost, fuel efficient cars.
Kei cars are a special class of cars in Japan. They are limited to an engine size of 660cc and have vehicle size, but not weight, restrictions. They are made by many different Japanese car companies and they are mature designs that are reliable, and get up to 60 mpg. They can cost less than $10,000.
If these cars were converted to hybrids, they might get 100 mpg.
However, they can't be driven in the U.S. because they can't meet U.S. crash test requirements.
I believe that adding my crumple box invention to a Kei car will allow it to pass U.S. safety requirements. Then it could be driven in the U.S.
Some American auto companies have ties to Kei car manufacture. They could make these cars.
Please help me promote this idea.
See my website www.safersmallcars.com