Jump to content

Jiotto Caspita: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
m Changed production years to represent when the prototypes were finished & added concept car to class.
 
(35 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox automobile
{{Infobox automobile
|name= DOME Jiotto Caspita
| name = Jiotto Caspita
|image= JIOTTO CASPITA.JPG
| image = Jiotto caspita 1st f.jpg
| caption = 1989 Jiotto Caspita (Mk I) on display
| caption = 1989 Jiotto Caspita (Mk. I) on display
|manufacturer=[[Dome (constructor)|DOME Co. Ltd.]]
| manufacturer = [[Dome (constructor)|Dome Co. Ltd.]]
| production = 1989 (Mk. I)<br>1990 (Mk. II)
| model_years = 1989&ndash;1993
| assembly = Japan: [[Maihara]]
| production = 1989&ndash;1993
| designer = Kunihisa Ito
|class= [[Sports car]] ([[S-segment|S]])
| assembly = [[Maihara]], [[Japan]]
| class = [[Concept car]]<br>[[Sports car]] ([[S-segment|S]])
|body_style=2-door [[coupe]]
| body_style = 2-door [[coupé]]
| layout = [[Longitudinal engine|Longitudinal]] [[Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout|rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive]]
| designer = [[Dome (constructor)|Jiotto Design Studio]] under Minoru Hayashi
| engine = {{unbulleted list
| layout = [[Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout|RMR layout]]
| engine = 3.5 L ''[[Motori Moderni#Subaru|Motori Moderni 1235]]'' [[Flat-twelve engine|F12]] (Mk I)<br>3.5 L ''[[Judd (engine)#GV|Judd GV]]'' 72-degree [[V10 engine|V10]] (Mk II)
|3.5 L ''[[Motori Moderni#Subaru|Motori Moderni 1235]]'' [[Flat-twelve engine|F12]] (Mk. I)
|3.5 L ''[[Judd (engine)#GV|Judd GV]]'' 72-degree [[V10 engine|V10]] (Mk. II)
}}
| transmission = 6-speed ''[[Wiesmann]]'' [[manual transmission|manual]]
| transmission = 6-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2700|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2700|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{cvt|4534|mm|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{cvt|4595|mm|1|abbr=on}} (Mk II)
| length = {{cvt|4534|mm|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{cvt|4595|mm|1|abbr=on}} (Mk II)
Line 18: Line 20:
| height = {{cvt|1135|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| height = {{cvt|1135|mm|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{cvt|2425|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}<br>{{cvt|2734|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} (Mk II)
| weight = {{cvt|2425|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}<br>{{cvt|2734|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} (Mk II)
| doors = 2
| predecessor = [[Dome Zero]]
}}
}}
The '''Jiotto Caspita''' is a prototype [[Mid-engine design|mid-engine]] [[sports car]] designed and manufactured by [[Dome (constructor)|Dome]] in 1989. The car was billed as the "''F1 on the Road''." The original design of the car was done by Kunihisa Ito, who was the vice-president and chief designer of Jiotto Design Incorporated.
The '''Jiotto Caspita''' is a [[prototype]] [[Mid-engine design|mid-engine]] [[sports car]] designed and manufactured by [[Dome (constructor)|Dome]] in 1989. The car was billed as the "[[Formula One|F1]] on the Road." The original design of the car was done by Kunihisa Ito, who was the vice president and chief designer of Jiotto Design Incorporated.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=[EXCLUSIVE] - Jiotto Caspita - FULL STORY|url=https://www.allcarindex.com/blog/jiotto-caspita-full-story/|access-date=2020-05-22|website=ACI|language=en}}</ref> Its name is derived from the [[Italian language|Italian]] exclamation "[[wikt:caspita|caspita]]".


== History ==
The first car was powered by a [[Motori Moderni]] [[Flat-twelve engine]], a detuned [[Formula One]] engine originally built for [[Subaru]], and then in 1990 was stripped and then rebuilt with a [[Judd (engine)#GV|Judd GV]] [[V10 engine]], new twin circular taillights, and more traditionally styled side mirrors as [[Subaru]] took the engine to use in its Formula-one car for the 1990 season. Both engines were [[Longitudinal engine|longitudinally]] mounted, and powered through a [[Transmission (mechanics)|6-speed gearbox]] built by [[Wiesmann]]. The car first made its debut at the [[Tokyo Motor Show]] in the same year, but the project would die out in 1993 due to the global recession which meant lack of demands for supercars. With the Judd engine, the Caspita is capable of 577 [[horsepower]] (430 [[kilowatt|kW]]) at 10,750 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] and 283 [[foot-pound force|ft·lbf]] (384 [[newton metre|N·m]]) of torque at 10,500 rpm. This, along with a [[curb weight]] of 2734&nbsp;lb (1240&nbsp;kg), gives the Caspita a 0-60&nbsp;mph acceleration time of approximately 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 199 miles per hour (320&nbsp;km/h).
The Caspita was the brainchild of [[Wacoal]] president Yoshikata Tsukamoto and Dome president Minoru Hayashi.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Padeanu|first=Adrian|title=Concept We Forgot: Jiotto Caspita|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/60976/concept-we-forgot-jiotto-caspita/|access-date=2020-05-22|website=Motor1.com|language=en}}</ref> A joint venture between the two companies was formed in July 1988 by the name of Jiotto Inc. (60% held by Wacoal and 40% held by DOME) to design and build the car. The engineering was entrusted to Dome, while the newly incorporated Jiotto Design studio was tasked with designing the car.<ref name=":0" />


The Caspita was displayed at the 28th [[Tokyo Motor Show]] in 1989. In light of positive reception, a limited production run of 30 units was considered, but never came to fruition. The project would die out in 1993 due to the [[Lost Decades|collapse]] of the [[Japanese asset price bubble]], which resulted in a lack of demand for sports cars.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Jiotto Caspita, Japan's original supercar|url=https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1028509_jiotto-caspita-japans-original-supercar|access-date=2020-05-22|website=Motor Authority|language=en}}</ref>
==Specifications (1989 Mk I Caspita) <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=8250|title= Jiotto Caspita Mk I specifications|accessdate= 5 February 2018}}</ref>==

The Mk. I Caspita is currently on display at the [[Motorcar Museum of Japan]] in [[Komatsu, Ishikawa|Komatsu]], whilst the Mk. II remains in possession of [[Dome (constructor)|Dome]] and sits in their museum below the wind tunnel at their headquarters.

=== Design ===
The car had a sleek and aerodynamic body design inspired by [[Group C]] race cars.<ref name=":0" /> Design mockups of 1/5 scale were made for wind tunnel testing. Later, full-size models were made and tested at Dome's own [[wind tunnel]] as well as the [[:ja:日本自動車研究所|JARI]] (Japan Automobile Research Institute) wind tunnel for aerodynamic refinement. Jiotto Design selected three design proposals out of the initially proposed 200 for final development. Out of the three, a design having an integrated [[Spoiler (car)|rear wing]] and large side air intakes was fully developed.<ref name=":0" />

The Mk. II Caspita was partially restyled with new twin circular taillights, circular headlights, and more traditionally styled [[Side-view mirror|side-view mirrors]].

==== Powertrain ====
The Mk. I Caspita was built with a detuned [[Subaru 1235]] [[flat-twelve engine]], a [[Formula One]] engine originally built by [[Motori Moderni]] for [[Subaru]] and rated at {{Convert|450|hp|kW PS|abbr=on|0}} and {{Convert|363|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}};<ref name=":3">{{cite web|last=Orlove|first=Raphael|date=June 27, 2017|title=The Jiotto Caspita Was One Of The Greatest Supercars That Never Was|url=https://jalopnik.com/the-jiotto-caspita-was-one-of-the-greatest-supercars-th-1796452206|publisher=[[Gizmodo Media Group|Jalopnik]]|accessdate=May 22, 2020}}</ref> it could accelerate the car to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.7 seconds.<ref name=":2" /> After the failure of Subaru's F1 effort, the 1235 was abandoned, leaving Jiotto without an engine supplier.<ref name=":1" />

The Mk. II used a [[Judd (engine)#GV|Judd GV]] [[V10 engine]], with which it was capable of {{Convert|585|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 10,500 rpm and {{convert|276|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} of torque at 10,500 rpm.<ref name=":3" /> This, combined with a curb weight of between {{Convert|1240|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1" /> and {{Convert|1260|kg|lb|abbr=on}},<ref name=":3" /> gave the Caspita a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds.<ref name=":3" />

Both engines were [[Longitudinal engine|longitudinally]] mounted and coupled to a 6-speed gearbox built by Weismann.<ref name=":0" />

==== Chassis ====
The Caspita had a bonded [[aluminium]] and [[Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers|carbon fibre]] [[monocoque]] chassis made by [[Mitsubishi Rayon|Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.]] The construction technique involved sandwiching aluminium between layers of carbon fibre and curing them in an [[autoclave]] to create a rigid structure. The process was repeated 15 times over a span of more than 2 months.<ref name=":0" /> This technique resulted in a [[kerb weight]] of {{cvt|1100|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} for the Mk. I Caspita.

Accessed via two [[Gull-wing door|gull-wing doors]], the Caspita's red-and-black interior was driver-focused and spartan in nature, with no [[air conditioning]], [[cruise control]], or other such driver amenities.

Like its Tokyo Motor Show contemporaries the [[Mitsubishi HSR|Mitsubishi HSR-II]] and [[Isuzu 4200R]], the Caspita employed advanced technology for the time, such as an electronically retractable rear wing and an electronically controlled adjustable suspension system which could raise the car by {{Convert|2.3|in|mm|abbr=on|1}}.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

[[File:Jiotto caspita 1st r.jpg|thumb|1989 Jiotto Caspita (Mk. I) rear]]

== Specifications (1989 Mk. I Caspita) ==


===Dimensions===
===Dimensions===
{| class="wikitable"
*Wheelbase: {{Convert|2700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|Wheelbase
*Track - front: {{Convert|1630|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
*Track - rear: {{Convert|1600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|{{Cvt|2700|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
*Length: {{Convert|4534|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|Front track
*Width: {{Convert|1996|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
*Height: {{Convert|1135|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|{{Cvt|1630|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
*Length-to-wheelbase ratio: 1.68
|Rear track
*Kerb weight: {{Convert|1100|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
|{{Cvt|1600|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
*Weight distribution: 40/60
|-
*Fuel capacity: {{convert|100|L|1|abbr=on}}
|Length
|{{Cvt|4534|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Width
|{{Cvt|1996|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Height
|{{Cvt|1135|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Kerb weight
|{{Cvt|1100|kg|lb|0|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Weight distribution (F/R)
|40/60
|-
|Fuel tank capacity
|{{Cvt|100|L|USgal impgal|0|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Wheel sizes
|9JJ x 17 (front), 13JJ x 17 (rear)
|-
|Tyre sizes
|245/40 ZR17 (front), 335/35 ZR17 (rear)
|-
|Brake size
|{{Cvt|332|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|}


===Engine===
===Powertrain===
{| class="wikitable"
*Manufacturer: Motori Moderni
|Manufacturer
*Type: DOHC flat-12
|Motori Moderni
*Total valves: 60 (5 per cylinder)
|-
*Main bearings: Standard
|Configuration
*Bore x stroke: {{Convert|84.00|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} x {{Convert|52.60|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|Flat-12
*Bore x stroke ratio: 1.6
|-
*Displacement: 3497 cc (213 in³)
|Valve type
*Unitary capacity: 291 cc/cylinder
|DOHC 5-valve
*Fuel system: EFi
|-
*Aspiration: Natural
|Bore
*Compressor type: N/A
|{{Cvt|84|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
*Intercooler: None
|-
*Catalytic converter: Standard
|Stroke
*Max. output: {{Convert|456|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} @ 10,000 rpm
|{{Cvt|52.6|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
*Max. torque: {{Convert|362|Nm|lb·ft|abbr=on}} (36.9 [[kgf]]·m) @ 6,000 rpm
|-
*Coolant water: Standard
|Total displacement
*Specific output: {{Convert|128.7|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} per litre (2.11&nbsp;bhp/in³, 96.0&nbsp;kW/L)
|{{Cvt|3497|cc|cuin|1|abbr=unit}}
*Specific torque: 103.5 N·m/L
|-
|Specific displacement
|{{Cvt|291.4|cc|cuin|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Aspiration
|Natural aspiration
|-
|Fuel system
|Electronic fuel injection
|-
|Maximum power
|{{Cvt|456|PS|kW hp|1|abbr=unit}} @ 10,000 rpm
|-
|Maximum torque
|{{Cvt|362|Nm|lbft|abbr=unit}} @ 6,000 rpm
|-
|Specific power output
|{{Cvt|130|PS|kW hp|1|abbr=unit}} per litre
|-
|Specific torque output
|{{Cvt|103.5|Nm|lbft|abbr=unit}} per litre
|}


===Performance===
===Performance===
{| class="wikitable"
* 0–62 mph (100 km/h): 4.7s
|0-{{Cvt|100|km/h|mph|abbr=unit}}
* Top speed: 199 mph (320 km/h)
|4.7 seconds
* Power-to-weight ratio: 409&nbsp;bhp per [[metric ton]] (305&nbsp;kW/t)
|-
|Top speed
|{{Cvt|320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Power-to-weight ratio
|{{Cvt|415|PS|kW hp|1|abbr=unit}} per metric ton
|}


===Other===
===Other===
{| class="wikitable"
* Engine layout: Mid-engine
|Suspension type
* Alignment: Longitudinal
|Independent coil-sprung double-wishbone with anti-roll bars (front and rear)
* Steering type: Rack and pinion
|-
* Suspension: independent double-wishbone coil-spring with anti-roll bars (Front and rear)
|Brake type
* Wheels: 9JJ x 17 (F), 13JJ x 17 (R)
|Ventilated disc
* Tyres: 245/40 ZR 17 (F), 335/35 ZR 17 (R)
|-
* Brakes: ventilated discs
|Steering type
* Brake size: 332 mm
|Rack and pinion
* Transmission: 6-speed
|-
* Drivetrain: [[Rear-wheel drive]]
|Transmission type
* Top-gear ratio: 1.00
|6-speed manual
* Final drive ratio: 3.75
|-
|Top gear ratio
|1.00
|-
|Final drive ratio
|3.75
|}
[[File:Osaka Auto Messe 2014 (66) JIOTTO CASPITA.JPG|thumb|1990 Jiotto Caspita (Mk. II) front]]
[[File:Osaka Auto Messe 2014 (67) JIOTTO CASPITA.JPG|thumb|1990 Jiotto Caspita (Mk. II) rear]]


==Specifications (Mk II Caspita)==
== Specifications (1990 Mk. II Caspita) ==


===Dimensions===
=== Dimensions ===
{| class="wikitable"
*Wheelbase: {{Convert|2700|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|Wheelbase
*Track - front: {{Convert|1630|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
*Track - rear: {{Convert|1600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|{{Cvt|2700|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
*Length: {{Convert|4595|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|Front track
*Width: {{Convert|1996|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
*Height: {{Convert|1135|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|{{Cvt|1630|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
*Length-to-wheelbase ratio: 1.7
|Rear track
*Kerb weight: {{Convert|2734|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
|{{Cvt|1600|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
*Weight distribution: 40/60
|-
*Fuel capacity: {{convert|100|L|1|abbr=on}}
|Length
|{{Cvt|4595|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Width
|{{Cvt|1996|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Height
|{{Cvt|1135|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Kerb weight
|unknown; between {{Convert|1240|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|1260|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|-
|Weight distribution (F/R)
|40/60
|-
|Fuel tank capacity
|{{Cvt|100|L|USgal impgal|0|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Wheel sizes
|9JJ x 17 (front), 13JJ x 17 (rear)
|-
|Tyre sizes
|245/40 ZR17 (front), 335/35 ZR17 (rear)
|-
|Brake size
|{{Cvt|332|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
|}


===Engine===
===Engine===
{| class="wikitable"
*Manufacturer: Judd
|Manufacturer
*Type: 72-degree DOHC V10
|Judd
*Total valves: 40 (4 per cylinder)
|-
*Main bearings: Standard
|Configuration
*Bore x stroke: {{Convert|92.00|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} x {{Convert|52.60|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|72-degree V10
*Bore x stroke ratio: 1.75
|-
*Displacement: 3497 cc (213 in³)
|Valve type
*Unitary capacity: 349.7 cc/cylinder
|DOHC 4-valve
*Fuel system: EFi
|-
*Aspiration: Natural
|Bore
*Compressor type: N/A
|{{Cvt|92|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
*Intercooler: None
|-
*Catalytic converter: Standard
|Stroke
*Max. output: {{Convert|585|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} @ 10,750 rpm
|{{Cvt|52.6|mm|in|1|abbr=unit}}
*Max. torque: {{Convert|385|Nm|lb·ft|abbr=on}} (36.9 [[kgf]]·m) @ 10,500 rpm
|-
*Coolant water: Standard
|Total displacement
*Specific output: {{Convert|165|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} per litre (2.7&nbsp;bhp/in³, 96.0&nbsp;kW/L)
|{{Cvt|3497|cc|cuin|1|abbr=unit}}
*Specific torque: 110.09 N·m/L
|-
|Specific displacement
|{{Cvt|349.7|cc|cuin|1|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Aspiration
|Natural aspiration
|-
|Fuel system
|Electronic fuel injection
|-
|Maximum power
|{{Cvt|585|PS|kW hp|1|abbr=unit}} @ 10,750 rpm
|-
|Maximum torque
|{{Cvt|385|Nm|lbft|abbr=unit}} @ 10,500 rpm
|-
|Specific power output
|{{Cvt|167|PS|kW hp|1|abbr=unit}} per litre
|-
|Specific torque output
|{{Cvt|110.1|Nm|lbft|abbr=unit}} per litre
|}


===Performance===
===Performance===
{| class="wikitable"
* 0–62 mph (100 km/h): 4.7s
|0-{{Cvt|100|km/h|mph|abbr=unit}}
* Top speed: 199 mph (320 km/h)
|3.4 seconds (claimed)
* Power-to-weight ratio: 409&nbsp;bhp per [[metric ton]] (305&nbsp;kW/t)
|-
|Top speed
|{{Cvt|320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=unit}}
|-
|Power-to-weight ratio
|{{Cvt|415|PS|kW hp|1|abbr=unit}} per metric ton
|}


===Other===
===Other===
{| class="wikitable"
* Engine layout: Mid-engine
|Suspension type
* Alignment: Longitudinal
|Independent coil-sprung double-wishbone with anti-roll bars (front and rear)
* Steering type: Rack and pinion
|-
* Suspension: independent double-wishbone coil-spring with anti-roll bars (Front and rear)
|Brake type
* Wheels: 9JJ x 17 (F), 13JJ x 17 (R)
|Ventilated disc
* Tyres: 245/40 ZR 17 (F), 335/35 ZR 17 (R)
|-
* Brakes: ventilated discs
|Steering type
* Brake size: 332 mm
|Rack and pinion
* Transmission: 6-speed
|-
* Drivetrain: [[Rear-wheel drive]]
|Transmission type
* Top-gear ratio: 1.00
|6-speed manual
* Final drive ratio: 3.75
|-
|Top gear ratio
|1.00
|-
|Final drive ratio
|3.75
|}


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Dome Zero]]
*[[Yamaha OX99-11]]
*[[Yamaha OX99-11]]
*[[Aspark Owl]]
*[[McLaren F1]]
*[[McLaren F1]]
*[[Cizeta-Moroder V16T]]
*[[Cizeta-Moroder V16T]]
*[[Bugatti EB110]]
*[[Bugatti EB 110]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
*[http://www.weismann.net/caspita.html Weismann]
*[https://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=348865 Jiotto Caspita Mk II specifications]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051216234530/http://www.weismann.net/caspita.html Weismann]
*[http://www.dome.co.jp/e/museum/car_m/car_m22a.html Official Dome's Caspita page]
*[http://www.dome.co.jp/e/museum/car_m/car_m22a.html Official Dome's Caspita page]
*[http://www.allcarindex.com/blog/Jiotto-Caspita-FULL-STORY/ Jiotto Caspita - Full Story]
*[http://www.allcarindex.com/blog/Jiotto-Caspita-FULL-STORY/ Jiotto Caspita - Full Story]


[[Category:Automobiles powered by boxer engines]]
[[Category:Cars powered by boxer engines]]
[[Category:Automobiles with gull-wing doors]]
[[Category:Automobiles with gull-wing doors]]
[[Category:Cars of Japan]]
[[Category:Dome vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 01:02, 25 November 2024

Jiotto Caspita
1989 Jiotto Caspita (Mk. I) on display
Overview
ManufacturerDome Co. Ltd.
Production1989 (Mk. I)
1990 (Mk. II)
AssemblyJapan: Maihara
DesignerKunihisa Ito
Body and chassis
ClassConcept car
Sports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutLongitudinal rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Doors2
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,534 mm (178.5 in)
4,595 mm (180.9 in) (Mk II)
Width1,996 mm (78.6 in)
Height1,135 mm (44.7 in)
Curb weight2,425 lb (1,100 kg)
2,734 lb (1,240 kg) (Mk II)
Chronology
PredecessorDome Zero

The Jiotto Caspita is a prototype mid-engine sports car designed and manufactured by Dome in 1989. The car was billed as the "F1 on the Road." The original design of the car was done by Kunihisa Ito, who was the vice president and chief designer of Jiotto Design Incorporated.[1] Its name is derived from the Italian exclamation "caspita".

History

[edit]

The Caspita was the brainchild of Wacoal president Yoshikata Tsukamoto and Dome president Minoru Hayashi.[2] A joint venture between the two companies was formed in July 1988 by the name of Jiotto Inc. (60% held by Wacoal and 40% held by DOME) to design and build the car. The engineering was entrusted to Dome, while the newly incorporated Jiotto Design studio was tasked with designing the car.[1]

The Caspita was displayed at the 28th Tokyo Motor Show in 1989. In light of positive reception, a limited production run of 30 units was considered, but never came to fruition. The project would die out in 1993 due to the collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble, which resulted in a lack of demand for sports cars.[3]

The Mk. I Caspita is currently on display at the Motorcar Museum of Japan in Komatsu, whilst the Mk. II remains in possession of Dome and sits in their museum below the wind tunnel at their headquarters.

Design

[edit]

The car had a sleek and aerodynamic body design inspired by Group C race cars.[1] Design mockups of 1/5 scale were made for wind tunnel testing. Later, full-size models were made and tested at Dome's own wind tunnel as well as the JARI (Japan Automobile Research Institute) wind tunnel for aerodynamic refinement. Jiotto Design selected three design proposals out of the initially proposed 200 for final development. Out of the three, a design having an integrated rear wing and large side air intakes was fully developed.[1]

The Mk. II Caspita was partially restyled with new twin circular taillights, circular headlights, and more traditionally styled side-view mirrors.

Powertrain

[edit]

The Mk. I Caspita was built with a detuned Subaru 1235 flat-twelve engine, a Formula One engine originally built by Motori Moderni for Subaru and rated at 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS) and 363 N⋅m (268 lb⋅ft);[4] it could accelerate the car to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.7 seconds.[3] After the failure of Subaru's F1 effort, the 1235 was abandoned, leaving Jiotto without an engine supplier.[2]

The Mk. II used a Judd GV V10 engine, with which it was capable of 585 hp (436 kW) at 10,500 rpm and 374 N⋅m (276 lb⋅ft) of torque at 10,500 rpm.[4] This, combined with a curb weight of between 1,240 kg (2,730 lb)[2] and 1,260 kg (2,780 lb),[4] gave the Caspita a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds.[4]

Both engines were longitudinally mounted and coupled to a 6-speed gearbox built by Weismann.[1]

Chassis

[edit]

The Caspita had a bonded aluminium and carbon fibre monocoque chassis made by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. The construction technique involved sandwiching aluminium between layers of carbon fibre and curing them in an autoclave to create a rigid structure. The process was repeated 15 times over a span of more than 2 months.[1] This technique resulted in a kerb weight of 1,100 kg (2,425 lb) for the Mk. I Caspita.

Accessed via two gull-wing doors, the Caspita's red-and-black interior was driver-focused and spartan in nature, with no air conditioning, cruise control, or other such driver amenities.

Like its Tokyo Motor Show contemporaries the Mitsubishi HSR-II and Isuzu 4200R, the Caspita employed advanced technology for the time, such as an electronically retractable rear wing and an electronically controlled adjustable suspension system which could raise the car by 2.3 in (58.4 mm).[1][2]

1989 Jiotto Caspita (Mk. I) rear

Specifications (1989 Mk. I Caspita)

[edit]

Dimensions

[edit]
Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Front track 1,630 mm (64.2 in)
Rear track 1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Length 4,534 mm (178.5 in)
Width 1,996 mm (78.6 in)
Height 1,135 mm (44.7 in)
Kerb weight 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
Weight distribution (F/R) 40/60
Fuel tank capacity 100 L (26 US gal; 22 imp gal)
Wheel sizes 9JJ x 17 (front), 13JJ x 17 (rear)
Tyre sizes 245/40 ZR17 (front), 335/35 ZR17 (rear)
Brake size 332 mm (13.1 in)

Powertrain

[edit]
Manufacturer Motori Moderni
Configuration Flat-12
Valve type DOHC 5-valve
Bore 84 mm (3.3 in)
Stroke 52.6 mm (2.1 in)
Total displacement 3,497 cc (213.4 cu in)
Specific displacement 291.4 cc (17.8 cu in)
Aspiration Natural aspiration
Fuel system Electronic fuel injection
Maximum power 456 PS (335.4 kW; 449.8 hp) @ 10,000 rpm
Maximum torque 362 N⋅m (267 lb⋅ft) @ 6,000 rpm
Specific power output 130 PS (95.6 kW; 128.2 hp) per litre
Specific torque output 103.5 N⋅m (76.3 lb⋅ft) per litre

Performance

[edit]
0-100 km/h (62 mph) 4.7 seconds
Top speed 320 km/h (199 mph)
Power-to-weight ratio 415 PS (305.2 kW; 409.3 hp) per metric ton

Other

[edit]
Suspension type Independent coil-sprung double-wishbone with anti-roll bars (front and rear)
Brake type Ventilated disc
Steering type Rack and pinion
Transmission type 6-speed manual
Top gear ratio 1.00
Final drive ratio 3.75
1990 Jiotto Caspita (Mk. II) front
1990 Jiotto Caspita (Mk. II) rear

Specifications (1990 Mk. II Caspita)

[edit]

Dimensions

[edit]
Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Front track 1,630 mm (64.2 in)
Rear track 1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Length 4,595 mm (180.9 in)
Width 1,996 mm (78.6 in)
Height 1,135 mm (44.7 in)
Kerb weight unknown; between 1,240 kg (2,730 lb) and 1,260 kg (2,780 lb)
Weight distribution (F/R) 40/60
Fuel tank capacity 100 L (26 US gal; 22 imp gal)
Wheel sizes 9JJ x 17 (front), 13JJ x 17 (rear)
Tyre sizes 245/40 ZR17 (front), 335/35 ZR17 (rear)
Brake size 332 mm (13.1 in)

Engine

[edit]
Manufacturer Judd
Configuration 72-degree V10
Valve type DOHC 4-valve
Bore 92 mm (3.6 in)
Stroke 52.6 mm (2.1 in)
Total displacement 3,497 cc (213.4 cu in)
Specific displacement 349.7 cc (21.3 cu in)
Aspiration Natural aspiration
Fuel system Electronic fuel injection
Maximum power 585 PS (430.3 kW; 577.0 hp) @ 10,750 rpm
Maximum torque 385 N⋅m (284 lb⋅ft) @ 10,500 rpm
Specific power output 167 PS (122.8 kW; 164.7 hp) per litre
Specific torque output 110.1 N⋅m (81.2 lb⋅ft) per litre

Performance

[edit]
0-100 km/h (62 mph) 3.4 seconds (claimed)
Top speed 320 km/h (199 mph)
Power-to-weight ratio 415 PS (305.2 kW; 409.3 hp) per metric ton

Other

[edit]
Suspension type Independent coil-sprung double-wishbone with anti-roll bars (front and rear)
Brake type Ventilated disc
Steering type Rack and pinion
Transmission type 6-speed manual
Top gear ratio 1.00
Final drive ratio 3.75

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "[EXCLUSIVE] - Jiotto Caspita - FULL STORY". ACI. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
  2. ^ a b c d Padeanu, Adrian. "Concept We Forgot: Jiotto Caspita". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
  3. ^ a b "Jiotto Caspita, Japan's original supercar". Motor Authority. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
  4. ^ a b c d Orlove, Raphael (June 27, 2017). "The Jiotto Caspita Was One Of The Greatest Supercars That Never Was". Jalopnik. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Jiotto_Caspita&oldid=1259414676"