Daihatsu Revives Copen as Kei‑Sized RWD K‑Open at Japan Mobility Show

Overview

• The K‑Open concept returns the Copen to kei‑car dimensions and confirms a front‑engine, rear‑wheel‑drive layout with an internal combustion powertrain.
• Daihatsu displayed a converted Mk2 Copen prototype with a low‑mounted engine, prop shaft and an underbody differential to prove the packaging works.
• Toyota CEO Koji Sato called the compact RWD packaging a significant engineering challenge, highlighting the lowered engine and careful pedal and driveline routing.
• Akio Toyoda has been named Daihatsu’s master driver for the project, with a hands‑on role in development and validation.
• Daihatsu has dropped the larger Vision Copen direction, set the current second‑generation Copen to end production in August 2026, and has not announced a launch date for the next model.