1991 Daihatsu X-021

The Daihatsu X-021, introduced at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show, was a proposal for a lightweight, two-seat sports car to rival the Mazda MX-5. The Daihatsu X-021 was an advanced vehicle that displayed some promising tech and specifications. It featured an aluminum space frame chassis, plastic bodywork, and race-derived inboard suspension.

Powering the X-021 was 1.6 liter. 16 valve, inline four-cylinder engine which produced 140 horsepower. In such a diminutive vehicle, which weighed just 700 kgs (1,543 lbs), this drivetrain gave the X-021 a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). The X-021 is one of those 'what could have been' cars. It's so unfortunate that rather than developing this little firecracker of a roadster, Daihatsu decided to go ahead and produce the Copen instead.

Source: http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/daihatsu_x-021.html

Images: Mario Buonocunto Concept Cars Page