DownloadIt’s safe to say that this is not a car you will come across too often, or perhaps ever, as only one example was ever produced for the entire world population. This is the mysterious and highly-intriguing 1987 Daihatsu TA-X80, a unique concept from Japanese automobile manufacturer, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (ダイハツ工業株式会社). In recent times, Daihatsu has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Toyota Motor Corporation since 2016, however, long ago, the company was producing oddities such as this car, the TA-X80. The name itself derives from ‘Technology Advanced eXperimental’ & also the fact that the concept celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Daihatsu company. Some of the most notable & unique design features on this aerodynamically- focused concept are the use of large doors that have a sliding function, similar to what’s seen today on modern mini-vans, and also the ‘bubble top’ roof covered in glass paneling that allowed for the driver & passenger of the two-seater to get a view of the sky as they drive along. The TA-X80 was debuted with 3-dimensional ‘teardrop’ styling and a low slung body in order to substantiate reduce wind resistance. Another unique element of the TA-X80 was it’s 4WD system, which employed an auto-control coupling (ACC) unit in order to transfer variable torque to each of the four wheels. On the interior, Daihatsu equipped the TA-X80 with a comprehensive navigation system called ‘Daihatsu LADYNET’ which integrates diagnostics, TV reception, and other telecommunications equipment in order to help technologically benefit the driver. While Daihatsu is best known for their wide range of ‘Kei’ vehicles (or keijidōsha 軽自動車), which is the Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars, this model perfectly demonstrates the companies creativeness especially during such a long time ago.
How many made? 1 of 1.
Engine: turbocharged 1.0- liter twin-cam 24-valve turbo V6 producing approximately 128hp at reportedly 9,000rpm
Debut: 1987 Tokyo Motor Show
Top Speed: 155mph (declared by factory)
0-60mph: 5.5 seconds (claimed)
Photo Credit: http://www.motorshowphotos.co.uk, @motorshowphotos.co.uk
Research: @rarecarsonly
1987 Daihatsu TA-X80
11.12.2024
Daihatsu