Frankfurt 2009: Marussia B2 breaks cover, B1 Hybrid shown in new colors
Marussia B2 and B1 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
When we hear the phrase "Russian Supercar" we initially think of either a turbocharged tank or something made from wallpaper, powered by fictional hubris yet somehow still finished in mirrored chrome. Any of which would come with his and hers full length mink coats. However, the two Marussia models present something of a dilemma to this way of thinking. They are not awful. In fact, viewed from a distance, there's much to like. Sure, up close they're a tad rough (check out the exposed screws, lumpen metal over the door hinges and Pep Boys reflectors), but they're really not bad. Which is good, if you can pardon our Orwellian wording.
Our real gripe, besides not knowing bupkis about what's under the hood (some sort of Renault/Nissan V6 coupled to electronic components from... somewhere), is that the designs are a bit derivative. Aggressive as all get out, certainly, but we've seen them before. The B1 has the stance of a Pagani Zonda, while the B2 is a mix of Apollo Gumpert and Aston Martin Rapide with a smattering of Lamborghini Reventon tossed in for flavor. But as Woody Allen said, "Always be original. But if you must steal, steal from the best." Marussia is (predictably) a little mum on the details, but we can assume the same mystery motor in the B1 powers the B2. Now, about those panel gaps...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Nicolas 11:32AM (9/16/2009)
Exposed screws? That's simply MiG fighter jet build technology
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Will 11:20PM (9/16/2009)
Then you can expect a cabrio version.
http://englishrussia.com/?p=3524
vespid82 11:34AM (9/16/2009)
Gumpert called. They want their UGLY front end back. Ok, and seriously, who painted and rubbed this thing? Stevie Wonder?! That finish is atrocious!! http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/05-marussia-live.jpg
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jinsei888 11:48AM (9/16/2009)
Aside from the poor craftsmanship--namely the panel fitment, parting-line tolerances, lack-luster plastics and materials, and terrible orange-peel paint--the Russians just might have designed their FIRST nice looking car...it took them how many years?
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zamafir 12:07PM (9/16/2009)
i dunno, i like the b1 a lot better than the b2.
PiCASSO 1:22PM (9/16/2009)
Indeed... I actually like this blue Marussia... very good looking.
Mike 1:37PM (9/16/2009)
So you'er saying "It looks good from far, but it's far from good"
Level 2:18PM (9/16/2009)
I can't knock them for the orange-peel paint my E-class Merc came like that from the factory pretty much all of them even Lexus.BMWs come with orange peel paint these days...I have to chuck it to "more environmental friendly paint" lol then the typical Foose paint jobs lol....
abaxter84 11:56AM (9/16/2009)
Their logo reminds me of Voltron or PowerRangers.. So I guess they didnt take Woody Allen's advice on everything.
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Brex 12:14PM (9/16/2009)
I'm so embarrassed for them I won't say anything mean.
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ckm 12:20PM (9/16/2009)
And the autoblog gallery is still just as crappy. 5+ minutes to load on a 6meg connection...... Why is it necessary to load all 20+ images before you can look at the first one? And has anyone at AB ever heard of RESIZING images?
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Benfolio 1:11PM (9/16/2009)
I'm sure it's not AB's fault. I'm on shared DSL at work (5meg if I'm lucky and no one else is surfing pron) at the pics loaded in less than 10 seconds.
ckm 1:20PM (9/16/2009)
Well, I'm the only one on a 6meg business DSL line with a high-spec SLA and very low latency (I use it for work). It takes upwards of 3 minutes for the gallery to load and has since they changed it. And I'm not the only one. Last time I mentioned this, a dozen people replied with the same issues.
However, I am tripling bandwidth by adding another provider (hopefully) this afternoon, we'll see if that changes things.
Commander Cool 12:23PM (9/16/2009)
Well it's not the worst looking car in the world and compared to what the Russians have churned out before it's downright startling.
I do think I know why they aren't talking about what's under the hood though.....
Fiero kit car FTW!!!!!
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Shiftright 12:28PM (9/16/2009)
Build quality and finish aside, I like them both. The red and white one reminds me of the Rebel Fighter liveries from Star Wars...
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MikeofLA 12:29PM (9/16/2009)
Ok, I hate the center dials on Scions and Saturns, but on a supercar it's just plain Stupid. Information like RPMs, Oil Temp/Pressure, Gear... all need to be in line of sight.
Also, these cars look like caricatures of super cars.
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Js 12:33PM (9/16/2009)
I'm going to stick my neck out there and say that I like both of them. Despite the designs being a little bit derivative I do like them, and they are unique looking machines. (But honestly, who's designs today arent even a little derivative; sometimes I think the term "heritage" is applied as an excuse for the inability of coming up with something new) The exposed screws are on purpose..and I kind of like the look. Today we are all so focused on "clean" and "hidden", we forget the raw material things are made out of. Yes, the gaps between the panels make the cars look unfinished and hopefully the company will make an effort to rectify that. I'm not to fond of the B2's side window.. perhaps making the edge of the glass line up with the top of the windshield will make it look like it fits better. Other than that I'm mostly interested in how these things drive, and what lies under the body work.
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cool_ozzyfromkalush 8:06PM (9/16/2009)
I agree, not sure about the B1, but B2 looks fantastic... gaps between the body panels are QUITE wide, but hey, its not a LADA.
LBuzzer 12:53PM (9/16/2009)
I like the B2. Sure, it's not polished, but the basics are excellent. Paint the door window surround black again and you're aces!!
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action3500 12:58PM (9/16/2009)
Original car comes with Nissan V6 3.5 Engine mated to 5-speed auto Aisin tranny. Most of the remaining components are borrowed from Renault Vel Satis. There's no mystery there, however this info was taken from Russian publication.
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