What is LA400 Copen?
History
LA400K is the model code for the second-generation Daihatsu Copen, while LA400A refers to the Toyota GR Sport Copen. LA400 had four body designs - Robe, Xplay, Cero, and GR Sport, with three driving grades - Standard, S, and GR. Let’s review the history and variations.
June 2014
Copen Robe
November 2014
Copen Xplay
December 2014
Copen Robe S
June 2015
Copen Cero
June 2015
Copen Xplay S
December 2015
Copen Cero S
January 2019
Cero Coupe
October 2019
GR Sport
September 2022
20th Anniversary Edition
Design
The passion embodied in the first-generation COPEN has been carried over to the second-generation COPEN, resulting in distinctive styles such as the XPLAY.
The COPEN's design was born from the highly rigid "D-Frame," a frame that enables the exterior panels to be made of resin. This allows for an aerodynamic shape that extends all the way to the rear of the vehicle, achieving both aerodynamic performance and beauty. Only resin materials can offer reflections on the body surface with 1/100mm precision.
The Robe features a "double sweep silhouette" with a continuous three-dimensional arc from the front fender to the body side. The rear end of the vehicle has a ducktail shape that significantly reduces the air force (lift) that tries to lift the vehicle at high speeds, contributing to driving stability.
The Cero's silhouette evokes the image of a teardrop leaning forward and moving briskly. From the front to the rear spoiler, the rich curves have been meticulously crafted in pursuit of beautiful reflections. The LED rear combination lamps feature Sparkle Reflection, creating a gorgeous, kaleidoscope-like shimmer.
The concept of the Copen Xplay is "tough and aggressive." This concept is expressed through a dynamic exterior design that adds crossover-like elements while sharing the same framework and suspension. While the Loeb has a rounded design, the Xplay has a distinctive, powerful design with an angular body, dedicated front and rear bumpers, fenders, and a hood.
In addition to broad and low-style front and rear bumpers, the GR SPORT also features special LED headlights, LED rear combination lamps, and LED fog lamps, enhancing aerodynamic performance and enhancing the sporty spirit. GR is a sports car brand that TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, which participates in motorsports around the world, generously pours in the technology and passion it has cultivated under extreme conditions.
Body Colours
The Copen is available in a wide range of ten body colours, consisting of five standard colours and five factory options. By combining body styles and body colours, owners can create a vehicle that suits their individual personalities.
Black Mica Metallic
Bright Silver Metallic
British Green Mica
Clear Blue Crystal Metallic (Op)
Jorne Yellow
Liquid Silver Metallic (Op)
Matador Red Pearl (Op)
Pearl White III (Op)
Tonico Orange Metallic
Off Beat Khaki Metallic (Op)
Alloy Wheel Variations
Standard
Option
S-Series BBS
GR Sport BBS
Starndard
The Robe and Cero come standard with a beige interior, but black and red interiors are also available as factory options. However, the Robe and Cero feature different dashboard garnish and meter panel designs.
All models feature sports seats with integrated headrests. The protruding side supports provide firm support. Standard seat heaters warm the seat and back, making open-top driving more comfortable in cold weather.
Interior
Robe S, Cero S, and Xplay S
The Robe S, Cero S, and Xplay S come equipped with a genuine MOMO leather-wrapped steering wheel and Recaro suede-like sports seats. These seats feature built-in support wires around the shoulders, offering firm support against strong lateral G-forces. Additionally, the non-slip, high-quality suede-like fabric is available in three colours to complement the interior design.
GR Sport
The GR Sport features a premium interior with exclusive elements, including piano black accents and self-illuminating triple-meter gauges. The car is equipped with a GR SPORT-exclusive MOMO genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and Recaro sports seats (featuring a suede-like design) in a black-based colour scheme exclusive to the GR SPORT, featuring an embroidered GR logo on the backrest.
Performance
D-Frame: A sports car framework that expands design and driving performance.
The highly rigid "D-Frame" was specially developed as the basic framework that supports the authentic driving performance of the COPEN, an open-top sports car. Careful body tuning has been implemented to deliver a COPEN that is enjoyable for everyone, allowing you to experience the joy of driving a sports car.
The vehicle demonstrates excellent responsiveness, quickly transmitting steering input to the tyres for cornering. Solid road contact even when heavy loads are applied in corners. Solid straight-line stability even at high speeds. And it combines sporty performance with a comfortable ride. All of these outstanding basic performance of the COPEN stems from its high body rigidity.
The "D-Frame" also makes it possible to use resin exterior panels, greatly expanding design freedom. The three designs of the Robe, Cero, and GR SPORT are born from a single framework, and the diverse individuality of the COPEN further expands the enjoyment of sports cars.
The front, side, and rear floors are seamlessly connected, achieving high bending and torsional rigidity. It also significantly contributes to the vehicle's driving qualities and quietness.
TOPAZ NEO: Lightweight 3-cylinder 12- Valve DOHC Turbo Intercooler Engine
LA400 Copen is equipped with a lightweight 3-cylinder DOHC inter-cooler turbo engine. By incorporating Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT), which adjusts the intake valve timing based on driving conditions, the engine's torque characteristics are enhanced at low RPMs. This results in powerful and smooth acceleration.
OUTOPUT(NET): 47kW(64PS)/6,400rpm
TORQUE(NET): 92Nm(9.4kgfm)/3,200rpm
F/C RATE(CVT): 15.4km/L-20.6km/L
F/C RATE(5MT): 14.3km/L-20.3km/L
CO2 EMISSIONS(CVT): 121g/km
CO2 EMISSIONS(5MT): 125g/km
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed CVT and 5-speed manual transmission
7-Speed CVT with Super Active Shift provides seamless acceleration in D mode. From there, flip the lever to the right to switch to stepped automatic transmission with a linear, step-like feel, for a sports-car feel.
Furthermore, the "+" and "-" positions allow you to enjoy the thrill of manual shifting, delivering direct and quick shifts with high-precision control.
The system also features "blipping control" for smooth, shock-free downshifts.
The 5-Speed Manual Transmission is improved with double cone synchronizers in 1st and 2nd gears, and a cable-operated shifter provides improved shift feel.
SUPER LSD
A compact and lightweight Super LSD.
Standard equipment on 5-speed manual transmission vehicles.
Appropriately distributes drive force to the left and right front wheels depending on cornering conditions. This enables smooth cornering and sharp exits from turns.
Acoustic Tuned Exhaust
Because this is an open-top car, we've paid particular attention to the sound we create.
Our unique tuning allows you to fully enjoy the sound,
producing a sporty sound that's powerful at low RPMs and pleasant at high RPMs.
Aerodynamics
Improved aerodynamic performance enhances driving performance and fuel economy. Lift is reduced by decreasing the force of airflow on the vehicle and minimising air resistance. This enhances handling stability.
Bilstein Suspension for S-SERIES
The suspension is equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers. The gas-filled single-tube system provides stable damping even during intense sporty driving with intense acceleration and deceleration. Additionally, the inverted front suspension increases suspension rigidity and ensures a smooth stroke, contributing to the improved handling characteristics of the S grade.
The driving performance minimises roll during cornering and maximises tyre grip. This allows the suspension to adhere firmly even at higher speeds, achieving excellent handling stability. Enjoy winding roads and attack the circuit. Enjoy sporty driving with aggressive throttle work and a direct control feel that allows the tyres to grip the road firmly.
Refined Body Rigidity, Aerodynamics, and Suspension for GR SPORT
The COPEN GR SPORT is a grade developed by Daihatsu in cooperation with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, leveraging the expertise of both parties. The bodywork and aerodynamic performance, utilising motorsports know-how, along with the suspension's excellent road grip, bring a new level of driving experience to the COPEN.
The body is reinforced with a front brace and centre brace, improving steering responsiveness. You can enjoy the precise and satisfying handling you expect.
The shape of the front and rear bumpers also improves aerodynamic performance. In particular, the front not only improves airflow streamlining to the left and right sides but also features air vents (front bumper air outlets) on the back of the bumper, which, in combination with underfloor spats, generate downforce. At high speeds, the car closely follows the road surface, enhancing handling stability.
Furthermore, the supple suspension, made possible by the high-rigidity body, maintains a flat vehicle posture. Additionally, the specially tuned electric power steering delivers high responsiveness and a precise steering feel. It combines easy manoeuvrability with high-speed stability, creating a sense of unity between steering and vehicle behaviour. Comfort on long-distance drives is also one of the GR SPORT's attractions. It turns precisely in proportion to steering input. It drives by drawing sharply the line you imagine. Our goal was to create a sports car that anyone can drive comfortably on winding roads at will. The driving performance of the GR SPORT further expands the world of COPEN.
Safety
VSC & TRC
The solid rigidity and excellent control performance provided by the D-Frame directly translate to a high level of security. A high level of collision safety performance has also been pursued in case of an emergency. VSC automatically controls the brakes and engine output to ensure vehicle stability if skidding occurs during sudden steering or cornering on slippery roads. TRC reduces tyre spin when starting and accelerating, making accelerator operation easier.
LED Headlamps
Emitting bright light while consuming little power, they offer increased safety when driving at night. Robe, Robe S, and GR SPORT feature low beam LEDs. Cero and Cero S feature Bi-Angle LED headlamps, a first for kei cars*, that allow switching between high and low beams with a single light source.
Auto Lights
The headlights automatically turn on and off depending on the ambient light.
LED Rear Combination Lamps
Highly visible to following vehicles, these lights enhance safety when braking or driving at night.
Emergency Stop Signal
When you apply the brakes hard while driving at speeds above 60 km/h, the brake lights and hazard lights automatically flash rapidly to alert following vehicles.
Rugged Collision-Safe Body - TAF
TAF stands for Total Advanced Function Body, meaning a body with comprehensively evolved collision safety functions.
The COPEN not only easily meets Japanese and European collision safety standards, but also ensures ample survival space in crash tests incorporating rigorous testing methods used around the world.
Dual SRS airbags
In the event of a strong frontal impact, these airbags instantly inflate and deflate, reducing serious head and chest injuries to the driver and front passenger.
Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Body
In consideration of the unlikely event of a personal injury accident, impact mitigation devices and absorption spaces are installed in various locations, including the hood and wiper pivot. This further enhances pedestrian protection.
Comfort
Active Top
Enjoy open-air or closed-air driving at will. Bathe in the sunlight, feel the breeze, and be enveloped in the refreshing aroma. The roof can be fully opened in about 20 seconds without leaving the cockpit, allowing you to easily enjoy the open feeling unique to an open sports car. You can also close the roof at will to adapt to changing weather or road conditions. Quickly ensure a highly airtight and comfortable interior.
LA400 Copen Active Top Video
Functional Boot - perfect for hobbies and travel
When the roof is closed, the trunk can accommodate a golf bag*1 or a suitcase, and even when the roof is open, a handbag*2 can be accommodated. The trunk lid's easy-close function automatically closes fully with a light push.
Notes: The golf bag in the photo is 9 inches. Depending on the type of golf bag or luggage, it may not fit.
Keyless System with immobiliser (J-MOLITT approved) and Request Switches
With an electronic key card, you can lock and unlock the doors simply by pressing the driver's or passenger's seat switch, and open the trunk by pressing the request switch on the trunk.
The trunk can also be opened by pressing and holding the electronic key card switch, and the system includes an immobiliser function to help prevent theft.
Tilt Steering Wheel
The steering wheel height can be adjusted within a range of ±15mm to suit your body size, providing a comfortable driving position.
16cm Speaker Tweeter
The tweeter is located inside the front pillar, near ear height, delivering clear high-frequency sound even when driving with the top down.
