Last week I bought something so rare and unusual, it makes my old Lotus look like a Camry.



For those unaware (which seems to be most people) this is an Autozam AZ-1. This was made by Mazda in 1992 and has a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine from Suzuki. It has a 5-speed transmission and best of all, gullwing doors. It weighs just under 1600lbs and quite literally handles like a go-kart. You almost forget you're driving on the right hand side, its so small.



As of right now there are maybe 5 other AZ-1s in the country, give or take. Oh and for those curious, I still own the Tommi Mak. It is trying to pass smog right now, so I needed something to get me around town.

 

That thing is pure awesome.
Is it FWD, AWD, or RWD?

 

RWD mid-engine. Feels like it has a pretty decent weight balance, too.

 

put a Hyabusa Turbo engine, with transmission in it, now that is a sleeper .

 

This would be cool to see in person. Just saw you're up in Bellevue... you plan on taking it out to any local events?

 

Awesome car.

Comment on chassis stiffness/flexibility?

 

Dyno chart?

 

I'm taking it to Exotics@RTC in Redmond this Saturday 9-11am.

Now as for power, I'd say its pushing out about 70hp. That said, I don't care about the numbers, its just too much fun as is! Oh and the car has a roll cage behind the seats, so it's pretty damn stiff. Very comparable to my Lotus, just a lot smaller.

 

what size are the wheels/tires? you should autocross that thing, it'd prolly do awesome being so tiny

 

I've lived here almost six years and still haven't made it up there for that. Gonna be busy all weekend so won't be able to which sucks.

 

Tires are 155/55/14's but I'd like to see if I can get some 165/60/14's on there for a little beefier sidewall.

 

haha, dude, where do you even buy tires for that? tirerack doesn't have anything in either of those sizes?

 

I actually managed to find a set of tires in eBay for $160 shipped, whole set!



Took a a pic with the GTR for size comparison.

 

Anything sticky? Or are you just excited to find any tire in that size?

 

haha nice