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Obvio 828 and 012
British automotive engineering
consultancy, Lotus Engineering,
has been selected by Obvio!
Automotoveiculos, based in Rio
de Janeiro, to develop two 'trybrid'
high-performance microsports
cars for markets across the
globe, in a deal potentially
worth over £70 million.
The lightweight urban
microsports cars, designated 828
and 012, are the first products
from the new Brazilian OEM.
The full engineering programme
will include the development of
an advanced vehicle safety
structure based on aerospace
technology, the integration of 'trybrid'
engines that will run on
gasoline, bio-ethanol or natural
gas, and other powertrain
variants.
Lotus boss Mike Kimberley said:
"I am delighted that Lotus
Engineering has been selected by
Obvio! to deliver the entire
design and development programme
for these ground-breaking cars.
Lotus Engineering has a very
strong heritage in developing
innovative solutions for clients
and we look forward to working
with Obvio! in what we believe
will be a radical new approach
from a dynamic new automotive
player."
Target weight for the 012 is
750kgs and for the 828 is
600kgs. This will enable the
vehicles to feature
exceptionally good performance
characteristics while also
running with highly efficient
and economical power plants.
Obvio! said it's committed to
ensuring its highly distinctive
and innovative new models are
fun to drive and are practical
for everyday use. They are
configured with the driver and
two passengers sitting
three-abreast and also feature
scissor-opening doors to aid
access and parking in tight
spaces.
Initially, power will come from
a 1.6-litre unit produced by
Brazilian engine manufacturer
Tritec Motors. Lotus Engineering
will develop a new engine
management unit, which will give
the engine "trybrid"
capabilities, running
automatically on natural gas,
bio-ethanol or gasoline.
Electrically-powered variants of
both cars are expected to follow
shortly after the trybrid
models.
Obvio! has already signed a
contract to supply a total of
50,000 units per annum, spread
between the 012 and 828 models,
to its exclusive North American
distributor, California-based
ZAP - Zero Air Pollution.
The two vehicles will be built
in Brazil, with production
expected to start late in 2008.
For the full story, visit
www.pistonheads.com
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