Dome Zero: Japan’s Iconic Supercar That Redefined the 1970s

Forgotten BEAST - In the realm of automotive innovation, Japan has long been a surprising pioneer. The 1970s, in particular, marked a notable moment when Japan introduced the Dome Zero (童夢-零 pronounced 'dohmu zero'), a wedge-shaped prototype that turned heads at the 48th Geneva Auto Show in 1978. This sleek, high-performance vehicle was the result of the Dome Project, an ambitious initiative led by Minoru Hayashi.

The Dome Zero P1, a Japanese-made wedge-shaped first prototype that turned heads at the 48th Geneva Auto Show in 1978. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The Dome Project, which began in 1975, sought to leverage racing expertise to craft small-volume sports cars. Hayashi envisioned the Dome Zero as the first of these limited-production marvels. The initial design phase of the Zero kicked off in 1976, during which Hayashi set his sights on competing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Funding such an endeavor was crucial, and the success of the Zero in the market would be pivotal in securing the necessary resources.

The 1978 Dome Zero P1 prototype at the 2018 Japanese Automotive Invitational, Pebble Beach, California. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Under the hood of the Dome Zero was a Nissan L28E inline-six engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This engine, also found in the Nissan 280Z, delivered a modest 143 horsepower through a 12-valve SOHC setup. Despite its simplicity, this engine helped the lightweight Dome Zero achieve a power-to-weight ratio comparable to that of contemporary Porsche models. 

The Dome Zero P2 (second prototype), owned by Dome, was exhibited in Japan alongside its sibling, the P1. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

However, the ambitious project faced a significant setback when bureaucratic hurdles prevented Dome from securing the necessary homogenization from the Japanese Ministry of Transport. Undeterred, Dome redirected its efforts towards the U.S. market, creating Dome USA and developing the Zero P2 Concept.

To free up additional cockpit space, the Zero P2’s steel semi-monocoque chassis had its wheelbase extended from 2,400 mm to 2,450 mm, while the track was widened by 45 mm at the front and 55 mm at the rear. (Picture from: SupercarNostalgia)

This American version of the Zero featured enhanced front and rear bumpers and additional structural reinforcements to meet U.S. safety standards. Alongside this, Hayashi aimed to boost the Dome Zero's profile by venturing into motorsport with the Dome Zero RL. 

The Dome Zero P2 was designed specifically for export, complying with North American regulations and undergoing the necessary certification, as required by Japanese authorities. (Picture from: SupercarNostalgia)

Unfortunately, the RL’s racing career was short-lived, with lackluster performances at the 1979 and 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans, leading to its withdrawal from both road and race projects by 1986.

The Dome Zero RL was Hayashi's effort to elevate the Dome Zero's profile by competing in major motorsport events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

Yet, Dome's journey did not end with the Zeros. In the 1980s, the company collaborated with Jiotto Design Co., culminating in the Jiotto Caspita. Unveiled to the public at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, the Caspita represented the next step in Dome's evolution, blending innovative design with advanced engineering. This new venture signified Dome's enduring spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design.

From its groundbreaking introduction to its subsequent ventures, the Dome Zero remains a testament to Japan's bold forays into automotive innovation. Its legacy is a reminder of the risks and rewards inherent in the pursuit of automotive excellence, reflecting a unique chapter in the history of sports cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FABWHEELSDIGEST | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | STORY-CARS ]

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