Introduction and some specifications
As a indicator of future design philosphies and engineering, the Kaizen Class 4 has always been considered the defining vehicle of the company. With over 50 years of engineering excellence, sublime design, and cultural significance and reflection under its belt, it has been a hallmark of the compact executive segment and has bestowed Kaizen with a reputation few can hope to match.
Released in 2004, the 6th generation Class 4 is considered a pivotal point in company history. Adopting a streamlined yet serious design, it put more emphasis on comfort, safety, efficiency, and size, an approach that still has major influence to this day. Meticulously developed to navigate a increasingly unforgiving framework of market desires and regulations, the K406 draws a fine line between simple tradition and the power of modern technology.
For 2005, the TU1 revision was released, which made a navigation system available for all trims and introduced Kaizen’s first ever turbocharged production car, the FC32. Heeding calls for more performance for normal variants, Kaizen reportedly investigated the use of a V8, before concluding that turbocharging the top line 3.0L inline 6 was a more efficient option. Furthermore, the forced induction experience of Sora (a mid-size manufacturer that works exclusively on Kaizens and has extensive relations with Kaizen) indicated that the latest advancements in turbochargers, electronic controls, and direct fuel injection could offer a broad, consistent powerband and significantly less lag. In the end, a single twin-scroll setup was chosen for its optimal blend of dependability, power delivery, and efficiency. Transmission options are a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed ZF 6HP automatic.
Compared to the sedan, the coupe features a slightly sportier suspension tune with larger anti-roll bars.
VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
$40,000
ENGINE TYPE
NST 30B4R1
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve I6, ALSI block and head, direct fuel injection, 90 AKI
Displacement
3.0L, 2994cc
Power
320 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque
300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
PERFORMANCE
Zero to 62 mph: 5.5 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined: 30 US mpg
