Suzuki Alto Works
It has been some time since we last featured a Kei car, so why not go with a definitive example of the breed? Boxy, tall, and tiny, the Alto Works boasts surprising interior space despite its minuscule footprint. Yet, like the most interesting Kei cars, the Alto Works makes its biggest splash with its glitzy high-performance hardware and tempest-in-a-teapot aggressiveness.
Like all Kei cars--not to be confused with the ubiquitous Chrysler K-cars of the 1980s--the Alto Works was limited to its tiny exterior dimensions, a 660cc engine, and a maximum of 64 horsepower. On the surface, perhaps, this doesn't sound like a formula for a particularly interesting performance car--until you work light weight into the formula.
rkAs we've discussed in this space before, weight is the enemy of every automotive function; weight smothers acceleration, deadens handling, slows a car's reflexes, hurts fuel economy, and creates more harmful emissions. Even worse, a heavy car requires a larger engine, which in turn necessitates a more robust suspension and brake package--which adds yet more weight. Most family sedans today weigh 3,000 pounds or more, often much more. Even the Honda Fit, which most Americans consider to be embarrassingly small, tips the scales at 2,500 pounds.
The Alto Works? It weighs less than 1,400 pounds--about one-third of a typical American family sedan. This means that 64 horsepower can accelerate the Alto Works with the same alacrity as a V-6 family sedan. That is at least respectable straight-line speed, melded with the hair-trigger go-kart reflexes that only a car that light can offer. The Alto Works isn't burdened with the layers of fat and mass that deaden the reflexes of more substantial cars. I wouldn't recommend driving one into a brick wall, but a tight autocross course could be a lot of fun.
While 64 horsepower isn't a particularly dizzying figure in this era of breathless horsepower inflation, just consider how it's generated. The Alto Works' engine displaces only .66 liter--smaller than many motorcycle engines, making the Geo Metro's 1.3-liter engine look like a big-block V-8 in comparison. Thanks to the magic of turbocharging and intercooling, the Alto Works generates nearly 100 horsepower per liter--an impressive figure. In fact, since 64 horsepower is the legal limit for Kei cars, there's a good chance the Alto Works' horsepower figure is on the conservative side. Add in a close-shifting five-speed and all-wheel drive, and you have a dangerous urban warrior in the cloak of a clown car.
Still not enough power? A publicly available kit pumps the engine up to an amazing 120 horsepower--nearly 200 horsepower per liter. That doesn't sound like much, but it gives the Alto Works a power-to-weight ratio in line with a twin-turbo BMW 335i or a V-8 Ford Mustang GT. I'll take mine in black, please.
The Alto Works commercial campaign in Japan included American animated characters Popeye and Olive Oyl, who, oddly enough, speak English in the commerical. I don't really understand their inclusion, but if you're going to include Popeye and Olive Oyl, where are the usual Popeye plot elements? Is Bluto waiting to ambush them in a Toyota? If Popeye eats spinach, does his Alto Works turn into a Nissan Skyline or something?
The top photo is from Wikipedia; the second is courtesy of Flickr user cozymax.org.
--Chris H.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on October 02, 2008 at 01:20 PM
I used to have a first-gen CRX that had 76 HP motivating 1,800 pounds. It was hardly a fire-breathing terror of the dragstrip, but the acceleration was adequate and the car felt faster than it was. 64HP in 1,400 pounds would probably zip along quite nicely.
The 120HP aftermarket turbo version? As long as I can fit in the front seat, I want it. Badly.
Big Chris on October 02, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Are these street legal in the USA?
Chris Hafner on October 02, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Big Chris: "Are these street legal in the USA?"
Not yet. The Alto Works was not certified for the U.S., but happily there is a loophole that allows uncertified cars to be imported after a certain time period. The delay in the U.S. is 25 years, which since the Alto Works was a late 1980s/early 1990s car, is coming up in a few years. Happily, Canada allows in uncertified cars after only 15 years, so the Alto Works is available from places like Japanoid.
Mochi Mochi on October 02, 2008 at 03:59 PM
I LOVE THIS CAR!! A superpowerful-nano-hatch! What could be better. As long as I can fit inside this car I'd be happy. If I can't I know about 18000 close personal friends who could fit into it and would buy one in an instant. UTTER BRILLIANCE! The hatch and completely useless spoiler is perfect !!! nice completely odd and awkward lines. love it.
SwedishMetal on October 02, 2008 at 04:45 PM
front end kinda reminds me of a fiat - can't remember which one - probably the punto?
BTW, did you say AWD? on a car that light?
Jeff on October 02, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Cool little car. They sound nice and frantic, too. I looked for one of these when I moved to Japan, as (like most second-hand goods in Japan) I noticed that the ones I saw on the road were generally well cared-for, and quite a few had additions like deep sport seats or aftermarket wheels. The Alto would have been an absolute riot on the narrow backroads, but maybe not so fun in the snowy winter. I picked up a Pulsar GTI instead.
Jeff on October 02, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Also, SwedishMetal- believe it! AWD is a really popular feature and I'm sure there would have been no second thought about making the effort to squeeze it into the Works. Loads of Kei-cars are AWD, as well as lots of models that we see as FWD-only in other markets (the Japanese Honda Civic comes to mind).
Sillypickle on October 02, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Yeah, it does remind me of a Fiat Punto, half size...
I love these little cars. Has anyone seen the Smart car (I believe they call it Diablo) with a turbo Hayabusa engine in it? Imagine what it could do in one of these, with AWD no less!
Rob the SVX guy on October 03, 2008 at 09:44 AM
I wish subaru made something like this, and then made a WRC version. :)
Shawn on October 03, 2008 at 04:09 PM
@Rob: Sounds like they came pretty close with the Vivio. Hell, McRae drove one!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Vivio
Bryan on October 05, 2008 at 07:47 PM
I am an american sailor living in japan and I have a '98 Works Alto RS-Z (4WD/5spd/DOHC). The article is spot on. 50 mpg and You can still drive in the fast lane on the highway. Converts from typical K-car to holy-terror @4500rpm. This car embarasses a lot of far more powerful cars on the back mountain roads. Only another 15yrs until I can take it back to the states...
Oh yeah and it can carry 4 full size americans... Though the performance gets a bit sluggish. After all 800lbs is over half the weight of the car!
Steaming Pile on October 06, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Surely there is a place for a car like that in America, where driving simply isn't optional in most places. Can't the DOT create a class for these cars where you can drive them anywhere except on the Interstate? Surely having to have it moved for you when you move (it ought to fit nicely in the van) is a small price to pay for 50 MPG and no weird tech.
Bryan on October 06, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Why not let them on the highway? The ECU limits the car to 135km/hr (83mph) to comply with Japanese law, the car does that in 4th gear with the A/C on and three passengers no problem. That electronic restriction is easily removed...
Big Chris on October 06, 2008 at 09:55 PM
The state of South Dakota legalized 4-wheelers (yes, the ATV from Honda/Yamaha/Polaris etc.) for street use, so why not these cars too? I'd feel a lot safer in this than on one of those next to a big truck!
Rob the SVX guy on October 07, 2008 at 09:01 AM
I really don't get the whole car safety thing.... motorcycles are more dangerous than any car, even ones like these... so why bother with the regulations?
Sillypickle on October 10, 2008 at 04:24 PM
I hear you on that one. I guess the government has arbitrarily decided that anyone crazy enough to ride a motorcycle is willing to put their life in their own hands, but people who drive cars automatically need the protection of safety testing and regulations (which really don't mean much, as we discussed awhile back).
Also, it surprises me that ATVs cannot be made street-legal in most states, but dirt bikes come in street-legal versions that you can ride in any state. The only theory I can come up with for this is that a 4-wheeled vehicle that light might be more prone to tipping over unexpectedly in high speed turns than a car, and people wouldn't expect to need to lean into turns on a 4-wheeler. It seems like a warning sticker would be sufficient though...
Graham on October 12, 2008 at 04:18 AM
I have a 92 RSX Works Alto that I picked up from Japanoid here in Vancouver,BC , Canada.
Amazing car! Incredibly fun to drive, it will cruise at 120 kms on the highway ,wicked gas mileage,and an engine that sounds fantastic when it comes up on boost. Parts are a concern here in North America,I just pray that nothing major goes wrong. Driving a right hand drive car is also a bit of a challenge, with left hand intersection turns one has to be very careful.
Lee_bro on October 20, 2008 at 02:12 PM
hi,
i've run my works alto for a while but now i've blown the cylinder head and wish to sell as is. Cylinder head is available from my friend locally. enjoyed it but would like someone else to enjoy it now. great cars
Kenny Heggem on October 22, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Reminds me of my Suzuki made 87 Turbo Sprint. 1600 lbs and 70 hp. Granted, I think some people have discovered closer to 100 hp on the Dyno.
I would buy the Works in a heartbeat.
So many boring over weight cars out nowadays.
Curtis on February 01, 2009 at 01:19 PM
I would have to agree with you Graham. I have a 93 RSR AWD i picked up a few months ago for a winter beater down here in Alberta. They are great cars, fun to drive. But parts are quite tricky to track down compared to some of the other kei cars, as Japanoid no longer sells Alto's and no longer stocks new parts for them either.
I have a Honda Beat as well, and even though there are even less of those around then Alto's, it still seems like its quite easy to find or even match parts..
Although, i still do not regret buying my Alto.. Its crazy fun. Not really heavily modified, but i have the basic mods (straight pipe exhaust, intake, and tuned for a bit higher boost) and it is actually quite quick.. I was running with some of the top times with the Alto at a winter autoX i was at a couple weeks ago and there were a few Subaru's and other AWD cars there as well..
Here's a few pictures of my Alto..
First 2 pics are fairly recently (with my winter rims and tires on and the front lip and skirts removed).. Last pic of when the car was still in Japan (with my set of summer deep dish wheels On)
http://i40.tinypic.com/24p9ssg.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/35j9tw9.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/os8h75.jpg
Graham on February 25, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Wow! Curtis, your Alto is wicked looking, that body kit really suits the lines of the car. I've found my alto is quite limited in the snow due to the lack of ground clearance, hence I can see why you would want to remove skirts etc for a winter rally!
When I was buying my car I test drove RSR AWD, a bit slower accelerating than the RSX but the car cornered like it was on rails. The two wheel drive tends to spin it wheels exiting tight corners under full throttle ( wheel hop like crazy, hard on the very expensive cv joints!)
It's fun owning a car that people have never seen before, you can see them staring at you when you fly by, going " what the $#@% is that!"
Barkri on June 23, 2009 at 03:28 AM
2007 Suzuzki LT R450 Powered by a , fuel-injected 450 cc four-stroke engine, based on the race proven RM-Z450 four-stroke engine, this ATV is designed to deliver broad, smooth power.
bullet on August 29, 2009 at 07:37 AM
Can you import a later model Suzuki Sport Limited version? the reason i ask is because that has airbags, and all of the other stuf on new US cars
Dave Webb on December 28, 2009 at 02:26 AM
Nice article. I've had my '93 Alto Works RS/X for about 4 months now and it's fun when it's on the road. Had no luck with recently and over the new year am being forced to do a headgasket swap. Once that's done it will hopefully be the end of my problems for a while and I can really enjoy it.
Have heard of some people putting a Hayabusa engine into a Cappuccino which is based on the same F6A engine. Would love to see an Alto with that in.
Ben on October 21, 2010 at 03:55 AM
i know this is an old post but hope i get a response, i have a 88 suzuki alto works rsr fitted with the 6fa 660 dohc engine and im chasing the turbo kit mentioned above, any help would be appreciated, please email me kebe_2007@hotmail.com