VirtualGathis
This vehicle has an interesting controversy surrounding it in addition to its looks. The company is using an new kind of engine that is virtually identical to one that has a 10+ year old patent on it. http://pesn.com/2011/04/23/9501814_Russian_firm_claims_MYT_engine_design_its_own/
Depending on how that legal battle goes it may be banned in US markets.
sstvp
The sliding-door model shown is a show-only concept, not representative of the models the company has proposed for development & production. There seem to be some weaknesses there, too - although I love the concept of a $10,000 awd simple car with a hybrid regenerative braking system.
The design is based around a 2km electric range on a capacitor bank. Really? That alone would be a huge technical leap. I hope it happens, but I think Mazda will be first.
Dual-fuel natural gas operation is already in use on millions of vehicles around the world, and highly desirable in the Russian climate. The initially-planned rotary vane engine looked great as a concept, but since it only functioned as a generator, the system was probably capable of retro-fitting with a conventional piston engine anyway.
Natural gas fuels a diesel-operation engine just as well as a spark-ignition one - maybe better. A petrol ICE with variable displacement and valve timing can approach a diesel's efficiency by running without throttling losses. With either one, wouldn't it make sense to connect the engine to the wheels through a simple CVT [no kick-down, ratio related only to road speed] , and improve regenerative braking in doing so?
Drive by one electric motor on each axle would allow differentials to be done without, but I can't help wondering if one motor per wheel would be better for ABS and stability control purposes.
The 5 door hatchback model looks like the intended volume model - but for the target market and price, a smaller hatch opening would be better for rigidity and crash testing. The van model's over-long rear overhang would subject the rear-suspension to an excess laden/unladen weight variation, severely affecting its stability. It would be a much more serious proposition with an extended wheelbase, and a monocoque designed to fit that - and build a taxi and minivan. The coupe's huge hatchback to a tiny interior looks like an expensive mistake, excessive rake generating lift and turbulence; a more vertical rear window and tapering sides would be roomier, lighter and better aerodynamically.
Even with the limit of 2km electric range... I wish the Volt was more like this.
Badger Watkins
You have to roll down the windows every time you open the door?? Stupid design. :(
Bill Bennett
Spot on VirualGathis
Thery
http://translate.google.com/translate?ie=UTF8&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ru&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B9_%D0%B4%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C_%D0%92%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0
Look this link
BombR76
Interesting, but didn't Dodge have a viable entry in 2008 with the Zeo? http://www.gizmag.com/chrysler-battery-electric-dodge-zeo-muscle-car/9121/
Gargamoth
This is an original looking car. Go ahead Russia show Japan they're not the only ones who can build weird. Still, I like the doors. It's a shame no matter who builds a concept, the concepts are never built. It looks like a spacious honda civic sized car sort of.
Charlie Nudelman
VirtualGathis:
yes, and MYT engine is is virtually identical to these:
http://www.douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/POWER/unusualICeng/toroidalIC/toroidalIC.htm
(please... plagiarism? sure? but to who...? )
grtbluyonder
This Russian car should run on vodka thereby suggesting a better name.
My name is Vod Cah (Boston accent is applicable). A Vod Cah would essentially run on potatoes/spuds. Environmentally friendly green energy and imagine the great headlines. Another benefit, Russians would have to drink less or not be able make it home. Fewer DUI's.
YukonJack
@grtbluyonder, Great idea since a cheap gallon of vodka may be bought for less money than a gallon of gasoline in the USA. A back yard distiller could be the new addition to my home.