Yamaha in collaboration with renowned designer of Formula 1 cars and the Mclaren F1 road car, Gordon Murray unveiled a two-seater concept vehicle completely constructed using the economical iStream production process. It is called the Motiv.e city car. This car will feature many different powerplants. One of them appears to be based on the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine which is destined for Yamaha’s next-generation big-bore motorcycles. In motorcycle form, the engine will produce over 180 HP and upon modification, the power band is broadened to propel the car weighing 730 kgs.
The Yamaha Motiv.e is a light weight car featuring plastic body panels. This vehicle is provided with an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery which powers an electric motor that develops a peak output of 34 HP and a staggering 896 Nm of torque. This enables an acceleration of 0-100 km/hr in under 15 seconds. The Motiv.e can reach a top speed of 105 km/hr and has a travel range of 160 kms in just a single charge. When completely depleted, it can be fully recharged in approximately 1 hour with a quick charger and in 3 hours with a regular household outlet. The vehicle’s dimensions are 2690 mm in length, 1470 mm in width and 1480 mm in height.
Yamaha says that the car features many of the attributes one would expect from a company that specialises in fun-oriented vehicles. The car comprises of a light-weight chassis and body, high rigidity and thorough engineering including rear-mounted drivetrain and independent suspension on all four wheels. The revolutionary iStream manufacturing technology incorporates Formula One composite technology to deliver new levels of lightweight, safety, vehicle dynamics and manufacturing flexibility, as well as a low environment impact. The Motiv.e may be launched sometime in 2016 and will be aimed specifically at the European market.
