Unrealized Daihatsu X-021: The Miata-esque Sports Car That Could Have Been by Mazda
In 1991, Daihatsu unveiled the X-021, a Japanese roadster concept designed to outperform contemporaries like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, offering an intriguing alternative to the lightweight British roadster formula[1]. Unlike Daihatsu's usual lineup of affordable, sub-compact cars, the X-021 represented a bold departure into the realm of innovative, lightweight sports cars.
### A Pioneering Design
The X-021 boasted an aluminum spaceframe chassis and a body made entirely of glass-reinforced plastic, contributing to its minimal weight of approximately 1,545 pounds (701 kg)[1]. This was significantly lighter than the lightest Mazda MX-5 NA model, which weighed around 2,160 pounds (980 kg)[1].
The engine, a 1.6-liter, normally aspirated, DOHC, inline-four, positioned behind the front axle, gave the X-021 a front mid-engine layout. The engine produced 140 horsepower, providing adequate power for a lightweight sports car, emphasizing agility rather than brute force[1].
### A Compelling Comparison
| Feature | Daihatsu X-021 | Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Year developed | 1991 | Released 1989 | | Curb Weight | Approx. 1,545 lbs (701 kg) | Approx. 2,160 lbs (980 kg) | | Chassis | Aluminum spaceframe | Steel unibody | | Body Material | Glass-reinforced plastic | Steel | | Focus | Extreme lightness and agility | Lightweight, balanced roadster | | Commercial Availability | Concept, never produced | Mass-produced, successful |
The X-021 was lighter and theoretically more agile than the MX-5 Miata of its time, demonstrating Daihatsu's ambition to innovate beyond their typical market segment. The MX-5, however, became an iconic production car praised for perfecting the lightweight British roadster formula in a Japanese context, which contributed to its long-standing success. The X-021 remained a concept and never reached production, making it a fascinating "what could have been" in the history of Japanese sports cars[1].
### A Glimpse into the Past
No additional information was found linking the Daihatsu X-021 to later concepts or production models, and it remains a noteworthy example of Daihatsu's engineering ambitions distinct from their usual offerings. The closest thing to the Daihatsu X-021 that was produced was the Daihatsu Copen, which was never offered in the US.
The X-021 project was abandoned due to Daihatsu focusing on models with more mass-appeal, leaving the compact sports car segment with limited representation in the market. Affordable, lightweight sports cars are not strongly represented in the market today, and the future of the compact sports car segment isn't looking great.
Dimitar Angelov, an expert in automotive matters, has a particular interest in Japanese brands and performance cars. Mazda's new rotary sports car will compete in a higher performance segment with a corresponding price premium, potentially reviving the segment, but not with the affordability of the Mazda MX-5 or the Daihatsu X-021.
[1] Source: Car and Driver, Road & Track, Motor Trend, and various online resources.
- The Daihatsu X-021, despite not making it to production, showcased potential for innovation in the automotive industry, as it targeted the compact sports car segment that the Mazda MX-5 Miata had established a strong presence in, presenting a unique finance opportunity for investors interested in the transportation sector.
- The X-021's lightweight construction and focus on agility in the automotive industry offer a contrast to the MX-5 Miata's lightweight, balanced roadster formula, suggesting possibilities for further advancements in the finance and transportation sectors, particularly in the realm of lightweight, high-performance sports cars.
