Courtesy of Cappucino Sport
Renaissance: the re-birth of two very exciting Cappuccino models
The Suzuki Cappuccino still remains one of the best-handling cars that money can buy. If you are looking for a fun and versatile 2 seater sports car with the classic "front engine, rear-wheel drive" arrangement, pin-sharp chassis and an affordable price tag, the Cappuccino is the ideal entry-level sports car for you!
As an endorsement to this, the popular "Auto Express" Magazine recently reported that the Suzuki Cappuccino had been voted as one of the 50 best cars of all time. It was pitched against the likes of the Porsche 911, Lotus Elise, Ferrari and McLaren - clearly showing that even to this day the Cappuccino has lost none of its leading edge.
However, the first generation Cappuccinos are now starting to approach their teens and a few are slightly past their best. Despite Suzuki and the owners club - SCORE - continually helping the enthusiasts to care for their cars, diehards still yearn for an original but there are increasingly few mint examples available. Until now!
CappuccinoSPORT and a participating Suzuki dealer have recently got together and introduced a program called Renaissance to breathe life back into the original Cappuccino, and we’re not talking about a simple facelift.
In an unprecedented step, CappuccinoSPORT is also buying old cars and completely restoring them from the ground up including engine, paint and interior and exterior trims. These cars are then being offered for re-sale in "as-good-as new" condition.
For those of you feeling particularly adventurous, there’s even a list of performance upgrades from the experts at CappuccinoSPORT.
Renaissance is the brainchild of CappuccinoSPORT’s founder, which is offering two different packages: Classique and Sport, depending on how far you want to go with the overhaul.
The Classique starts from £7500* and involves the engine and carpets being removed so everything gets a fresh lick of paint inside and out. The whole body gets the Waxoyl treatment and a new Stainless Steel exhaust system is installed. The chassis is stiffened with second generation welding, the suspension is upgraded with new shocks and springs, while the brake discs are enhanced.
Lift the bonnet on a rejuvenated Cappuccino and you will see a new reconditioned engine, all-new cooling pipes and a CappuccinoSPORT strut brace. On the inside everything that needs replacing is replaced and you also gain a stylish new leather interior with new door pockets, an additional set of speakers on the head restraints and central door looking with micro-wave alarm.
On top of all that, you can also opt for a range of CappuccinoSPORT add-ons which include an air filter, induction system (£140), sports springs and suspension (£800), limited slip (£600), Stainless steel Roll over bars (£360), Carbon fiber bonnet (£800), tinted glass roof panel or carbon fiber. (£550)
The Sport gives a real performance boost! You get the full Classique specification plus a works-built CappuccinoSPORT engine which includes Metal Head Gasket 68mm, Forged Piston Kit 67mm (698cc), Crank Shaft Bearing and a complete Turbo upgrade with new larger intercooler. Power increases from the standard 63 bhp engine up to 120bhp (0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds). You will have to pay slightly more for the privilege of owning a Sport - from £12900*. For those who want to have the speed of a Super Car,
CappuccinoSPORT is working on a Hayabusa engine upgrade with an aluminium frame and all carbon fibre body panels. This will catapult the little CappuccinoSPORT to a staggering 172.5 bhp and a 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.2 seconds.
There are around £4900 of extras to be added on top of this for people who really want to dress their cars to thrill, mainly to enhance the style of the Cappuccino with a wide choice of spoilers, over fenders, light kits and other body stylish accessories.