GENEVA — Building on last year's Quaranta concept, Italdesign Giugiaro has created an even wilder showcar for the 2009 Geneva Auto Show . The Namir — the name is Arabic for "tiger" — was jointly developed with Frazer Nash, a British firm that traces its roots to 1923, and is billed by the manufacturer as "the fastest hybrid car in the world."
In terms of its edgy exterior styling, the two-seat coupe picks up pretty much where the Quaranta left off. The body is constructed of carbon fiber and aluminum, on a carbon-honeycomb monocoque, with scissors-style doors that open rearward. Solar panels in the roof provide power for the car's air-conditioning system, while the orange-and-black paint scheme underscores the tiger theme.
The Namir employs a double-wishbone suspension and Brembo brakes, and rides on 20-inch OZ rims with Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta rubber — 245/40R20 in front and 275/40R20 in the rear.
Frazer Nash has jointly developed a fairly radical hybrid system, built around a small Wankel rotary engine displacing only 814cc and four electric motors, with a pair at each end. The powertrain pumps out a combined 362 horsepower, good enough to provide a top speed of 187 mph and 0-60-mph acceleration in less than 3.5 seconds. The Namir features lithium-polymer batteries and is projected to deliver fuel economy of around 90 mpg.
The minimalist cockpit sports leather-and-tweed seats, with brushed steel and plexiglass accents. Three touchscreen monitors behind the hexagonal steering wheel provide displays and controls for most major functions, from climate to infotainment.
Inside Line says: Could they have picked a lamer name? — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »