Is Yamaha getting ready to become a real Japanese car maker?

"El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First!" (lightningzone) 11/27/2013 at 12:01 • Filed to: None

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!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Yamaha’s general manager of innovation, Masato Suzuki, confirmed different body styles were possible, while Murray said all body styles shown in the image could in theory be based on his platform.

“The manufacturing system allows for a longer vehicle, a wider vehicle and many other modifications, without significant additional costs,” said Suzuki. “The first step is to consider if the reaction is positive enough to put the car into production, but it is my hope and goal that it will be. I am pushing hard for that. After that decision is made, we must consider the body styles.”

Suzuki also confirmed that Yamaha would not have pursued a mainstream road car project unless it allowed it to demonstrate engineering innovation. “Gordon Murray is the perfect partner because he thinks in new ways, and that embodies the Yamaha way,” he said. “We would not enter the car market to build a car in the same way as everyone else. Yamaha does not think like that, and nor does Murray.”

Maybe Kawasaki should remember the time when they built a race car, and start doing it again.

And I know exactly how it should look.

Party-vi > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 11/27/2013 at 12:03

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YES YES YES!!!! Damn they've made some awesome engines I'd love to see a Yamaha car! Please? With a V6 or V8?

Mikeado > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 11/27/2013 at 12:10

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Well, there is this. I'm so glad Gordon Murray's iStream car is making production, although it's a shame that it's only a 2-seater with normal doors. They could probably put a little bike engine in this and sell it as both a regular car and an EV.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor…

phenotyp > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 11/27/2013 at 12:11

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They love to get people's hope up like every 20 years or so. Maybe the yen won't crash next year and crush it.

Party-vi > Mikeado 11/27/2013 at 12:14

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Boo and hiss.

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > Party-vi 11/27/2013 at 12:16

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At lest we know that it will sound excellent.

Also, just for trivia, it isn't the first time, Yamaha tries it's hand with a car.

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > Mikeado 11/27/2013 at 12:17

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Yeah, that's just the first piece of the puzzle, you don't think that Yamaha would take the gamble of entering the car business, just for a small city car, right ?

Mikeado > Party-vi 11/27/2013 at 12:20

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At what are boos and hisses directed?

F40LM > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 11/27/2013 at 12:20

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not gonna happen - but i wish it did

505Turbeaux > Party-vi 11/27/2013 at 12:25

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1st gen SHO v6 was a brilliant engine, so is the V8 in the XC90

Party-vi > Mikeado 11/27/2013 at 12:25

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Teeny tiny $20,000 city car bought by people who don't know the Nissan Sentra exists.

Party-vi > 505Turbeaux 11/27/2013 at 12:26

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Exactly the engines I was thinking of.

KnowsAboutCars > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 11/27/2013 at 12:27

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As I love Group 7 racers I'd be very interested to know what that green/white thing is.

AMC/Renauledge > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 11/27/2013 at 12:31

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I sure hope so.

Since we no longer get Suzuki, since Honda has lost its way, and since they've already shown a city car concept that isn't hideous (iQ) or stupid (smart), I can't wait to see what the motorcycle maker can do with four wheels.

Mikeado > Party-vi 11/27/2013 at 12:32

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This is cleverer and more interesting than a Nissan Sentra. It's not just the car itself, it's the whole process from production to destruction. This needs to be successful so that the idea will catch on and make the automotive manufacturing process far more efficient and economical than it currently is.

Plus, cars like this can be fun in their natural habitat!

Party-vi > Mikeado 11/27/2013 at 12:33

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*grumble grumble*

*shuffles off to Mitsubishi Mirage review*

Mikeado > Party-vi 11/27/2013 at 12:38

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Also Murray's original car would've cost just £6995 in EV form (not sure if battery rental was included), or £5995 with a kei car engine in the back.

So it would be priced to undercut the Mitsubishi Mirage :-P

In fact the petrol one would tie with the Dacia Sandero as the cheapest new car in Britain at that price.

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > KnowsAboutCars 11/27/2013 at 12:38

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Long story, see here .

911e46z06 > El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! 11/28/2013 at 02:46

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They can make the hell out of an outboard motor. If their car engines are as good, they'll do fine.

Louis Subearth > AMC/Renauledge 11/29/2013 at 05:51

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A Yamaha-Toyota collaboration could happen any moment soon. They could make an off road vehicle to succeed the 4 Runner. Nor that thing they have now. Gosh that's ugly.