Daihatsu D-R concept looks like a Copen successor

Tue, 25 Sep 2012

Daihatsu, everyone's seventh-favorite Japanese automaker, is making big waves at the Indonesian Motor Show this year. Typically writing a sentence like that one would preclude such news to follow from, well, being newsworthy here in the U.S., but we've always been such fans of Daihatsu's cheeky Copen convertible Kei car that we couldn't resist reporting on the model's spiritual successor.

Called D-R, this sprightly concept droptop is obviously heavily reminiscent of the Copen, though more modern, with an oversized front fascia, Audi-style aluminum windshield frame and a leather-lavished interior that has a zero-percent chance of making it to production. It's also 100-percent more endearing than the similarly sized D-X Concept that was shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

We're told that the D-R showcar has replaceable resin body panels – fit to be switched out when the conceptual owner requires a freshened visage. Inside, a central touchscreen does most of the heavy lifting in terms of driver controls, while an LCD screen has taken the place of a traditional instrument binnacle.

The fully functional D-R concept is powered by a 600cc turbocharged two-cylinder engine. Get all of the Daihatsu details from the company's official press release.

UFC and AYLA to Be Exhibited at 20th Indonesia International Motor Show

P.T. Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM), a subsidiary of DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (Daihatsu) in Indonesia, plans to exhibit four concept cars, including the UFC, which will be shown for the first time anywhere in the world, and AYLA, which is set to reach the market, along with a range of new technologies at the 20th Indonesia International Motor Show to be held from Thursday September 20 to Sunday September 30, 2012 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

For this year's Indonesia International Motor Show, Daihatsu has adopted the slogan "Daihatsu is Best Friend of Life," and will demonstrate Daihatsu's corporate group attitude of offering vehicles suitable for Indonesian life using fuel-efficient, eco-friendly, and affordable technologies for compact cars.

UFC is a concept car that ADM took the lead in developing, using Daihatsu's expertise in compact cars, which has been honed through manufacturing mini vehicles. ADM has carefully studied customers' needs in Indonesia and has achieved a compact body, stylish design, and large interior space. The seats can be arranged in different ways and the car has slide doors. The ADM is surprisingly convenient and can be used in a range of living conditions in Indonesia. It conforms to the theme of the exhibition: "Best Friend of Life."

D-R and D-X express surprise and amusement stemming from completely different styles on the same chassis. D-R is stylish and elegant, while D-X is tough and aggressive. A resin-based body whose parts are interchangeable allows owners to enjoy two different styles. The car has a two-cylinder engine with direct-injection turbo. With this engine, Daihatsu has pursued conventional technology and struck a balance between the joy of driving and fuel efficiency. The vehicle offers a driving experience with that sense of oneness between driver and vehicle that only a compact car can provide, as well as a new form for a sports car.

FC Show CASE, developed as a zero-emission, next-generation mobility solution, employs a next-generation unit equipped with liquid fuel cells that contain no precious metals. With this offering, Daihatsu suggests new possibilities for a compact car as a zero-emission vehicle that leads the way to a secure and free energy future.

ADM will exhibit five units of the AYLA, soon to reach the market, including two vehicles with
special colors.

By Seyth Miersma