Geneva 2009: Frazer-Nash Namir by Giugiaro
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 3rd 2009 at 1:58PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Namir by Giugiaro
If you're at all familiar with the name Frazer-Nash, it probably isn't in the context of modern drivetrain technology like hybrid systems. Nonetheless, the brand that was long ago a famous British car maker is still around, albeit no longer building cars. In fact, hybrid drive systems is exactly what Frazer Nash is developing today and the company has collaborated with Italdesign Giugiaro to create a concept called the Namir.
Frazer Nash has developed a series hybrid drivetrain (like the Voltec drivetrain in the Chevy Volt) that uses an 814cc rotary engine driving a generator. The generator charges a 400V lithium polymer battery pack that feeds electrons to a pair of electric motors at each axle with a cumulative output of 362 hp. The system is claimed to give the Namir a top speed of 187 mph, 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds while still managing 91.7 mpg (US)! Not too shabby.
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
zamafir 2:04PM (3/03/2009)
Nice, build it, clean up the insides, carve a nice niche for hybrid performance cars.
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Jrejre 2:04PM (3/03/2009)
Well the interior looks like my grandma's couch but the outside is cool. . .
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dinkar.varma 2:05PM (3/03/2009)
Wow.. that is sexy.
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Vik 2:09PM (3/03/2009)
"187 mph, 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds while still managing 91.7 mpg (US)! "
:o
Greener than a prius, light for the pocket, faster than a Ferrari...this is the Uber-Car!!!
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Kyle 2:37PM (3/03/2009)
Vik: You mean light as in polly-pocket or light as in wallet? I didnt see an estimated price tage on this baby.
Second on the interior, looks like the murdered a hundred college professors and stole their jackets for the fabric.
Vik 7:48PM (3/03/2009)
ahahah, yes the interiors have a particular charme...
btw, I meant wallet, sorry, I'm not a native speaker. I guess this car is not going to be produced, but if it will, probably it's gonna cost (way) more than $100k. However, the result in terms of mileage are impressive, I wish I could drive a car with this mileage (or a better one, reducing performances) in 5 years, maybe I'm a bit overoptimistic...
MikeofLA 2:25PM (3/03/2009)
Is that a tweed dash? WTF? My dad had a jacket in the 80's made out of the same fabric. Please, at least leather or alcantara.
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RITmusic2k 2:26PM (3/03/2009)
Wow. This is exactly what Lamborghinis are going to look like in 15 years.
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Salman Anjum 2:27PM (3/03/2009)
i actually like the herringbone/tweed interior. is that a bad thing? i guess its just a subtle reference to frazer-nash's history.
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tump 3:23PM (3/03/2009)
I'm with you on the interior. I think it's different enough to be cool.
PJ 3:48PM (3/03/2009)
Interesting that they'd use a rotary engine in a concept specifically designed to maximize fuel economy. Is it just for the sake of engineering novelty, or is there an advantage in this generator application that I'm unaware of? Lousy mileage has always been one of the rotary's weaknesses.
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robgilbertSTL 6:27PM (3/03/2009)
When running at only at peak efficiency, a rotary can be more efficient than a piston engine ... or so I've been told.
Dave 2:44PM (3/03/2009)
About time someone made a good looking HiPo hybrid car. Would love to have one and clean up the interior a bit.
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LBuzzer 2:50PM (3/03/2009)
Huh,
So THAT'S where I left my high school algebra notebook...
Come on... I was sketching stuff like this in the early 90's.
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BosGav 2:47PM (3/03/2009)
Front view is cool and I like the novel window graphics.
Does anyone understand why the rear has no windows? The pics of the drivetrain look like it sits low, so I don't understand why there would be no attempt to provide some visibility.
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Miguel 3:10PM (3/03/2009)
Because the only person who can see through a giant battery pack and engine is Superman?
Farris 3:35PM (3/03/2009)
Miguel: Superman wouldn't be able to see through the batteries if they were lead-acid. :D
Kattleox 2:56PM (3/03/2009)
Reminds me of the GTbyCitroen. Not that thats a BAD thing...
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BoxerFanatic 3:18PM (3/03/2009)
Nice widow's peak, there Pugsley.
Not horrible, but that is a huge triangle motif.
Rotary engine powering a generator=good.
small gas turbine engine powering a generator/APU=BETTER.
Bring on the jet age for cars. :D
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BoxerFanatic 3:46PM (3/03/2009)
Sorry, it is Eddie Munster with the huge widow's peak, not Pugsley Addams... wrong reference. :D