Dome Zero
| Dome Zero | |
|---|---|
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|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | DOME Co. Ltd |
| Production | 1975–1986 |
| Designer | Minoru Hayashi |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Nissan L28E L6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,980 mm (156.7 in) |
| Width | 1,770 mm (69.7 in) |
| Height | 980 mm (38.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 920 kg (2,028.3 lb) |
The Dome Zero (童夢-零 dohmu zero?) was a prototype sportscar from DOME Co. Ltd that was exhibited at the 48th Geneva Auto Show. The 'Dome Project', started by Minoru Hayashi in 1975, had the goal of producing small volume sports cars using knowledge gained from his racing exploits. The Dome Zero was the first of such low volume sportscars, and after failed attempts at getting Japanese domestic homologation their efforts were concentrated on overseas homologation. The project would never be completed.
The initial design of the Zero started in 1976 with most of the work done on the prototype done by the end of the following year. It was at this time that Hayashi first had the idea to be able to compete at 24 hours of Le Mans, a prospect that had full support from his employees. Getting funds to be able to compete at Le Mans became a top priority, and being able to sell some low volume sportscars would help, too.
The Dome Zero prototype was completed in time for the 48th Geneva Auto Show in 1978 where it was the hit of the show and had received a lot of attention from various investors and interested buyers, but as mentioned earlier, Japanese homologation was discouraged. This led to more energy being committed to a second prototype road car and the Le Mans endeavour, which began the following year from 1979 until 1986.
It is not entirely clear exactly why the Dome Zero (structurally) failed to achieve Japanese homologation for such a successful concept car, but what is clear is that homologation rules were very strict at that time in Japan, and DOME did not have the funds to go through with the costly homologation procedure - which Japanese mainstream auto makers with their giant budgets had no trouble doing.
Failure to achieve Japanese homologation led to the development of the Dome Zero P2, a car made specifically for the international market.
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