- Mira e:S receives Copen-sourced turbo engine and manual gearbox.
- Turbocharged 660cc engine pairs with a five-speed manual setup.
- Kei car includes limited-slip differential and front disc brakes.
This year’s Tokyo Auto Salon brought a flood of new reveals, but tucked among the flashier debuts was a curious little gem that almost slipped by. In collaboration with D-Sport Racing, Daihatsu quietly unveiled a modified Mira e:S that blends low-key styling with track-ready upgrades, including a turbo engine, manual gearbox, limited-slip differential, and a factory-installed roll cage.
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Rather than dressing it up in aggressive styling, this version of the Mira e:S takes the opposite approach. It skips the bodykits, skips the alloys, and skips the Gazoo Racing badges. Instead, it’s built on the base model, complete with humble halogen headlights and black 14-inch steel wheels that give off an unassuming, almost invisible presence on the street.
Roll-Cage for Four
The interior is also pretty basic, but hides two surprises. First, the kei car comes equipped with a standard six-point roll cage that reveals it’s track-focused nature without affecting its ability to carry four passengers. The second is a five-speed manual gearbox, replacing the production model’s uninspiring CVT with something far more engaging.
Copen Power
Under the hood sits the familiar 660 cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the Daihatsu Copen. It puts out 64 hp (48 kW / 65 PS) and 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) of torque. While those figures may not leap off the page, the Mira e:S is genuinely lightweight, tipping the scales at just 650 to 740 kg (1,433–1,631 lbs). That power-to-weight ratio makes things considerably more interesting.
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As a finishing touch, D-Sport Racing threw in a limited-slip differential and ventilated disc brakes on the front axle.
From Club Racer to Commuter
The best part of the story is that the special Mira e:S isn’t a one-off. The model was developed using data from SPK and D-Sport’s participation in 10-hour endurance events. In fact, a full racing version, complete with adjustable suspension, different wheels, uprated brake pads, a boost meter, and a racing livery, was displayed right next to it at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
Daihatsu says this special edition Mira e:S is slated for public sale through SPK as a complete, road-going vehicle. While they haven’t announced pricing yet, the base model starts at just ¥992,200 ($6,500 / €6,000).
Even after factoring in the added cost of the turbo swap, manual transmission, and safety gear, it’s still expected to land in accessible territory. That tracks with the car’s original aim in bringing the joy of driving to as many people as possible.
