Autoblog

Marussia launches KERS-equipped MR02

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:29:00 EST

This is the penultimate car launch of the 2013 season, the Marussia MR02. The fourth car built by the team that was known as Virgin in its first two Formula One seasons is said to be a "comprehensive evolution" of last year's car. Produced under the eye of Pat Symonds, he of The Renault Affair at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008, the chassis is a product of CFD and wind tunnel work through a technical partnership with McLaren, and its Cosworth engine is aided by a two-year-old Kinetic Energy Recovery System purchased from Williams. It's the first time the team has used KERS on one of its cars.

Out back is a Coanda exhaust, otherwise there's nothing exotic about a car just looking to score the team's first Constructor's points. With no major change in regulations, the car probably won't have the usual early-season opportunities to take advantage of big-team misfortunes, but the MR01 was quite a reliable runner, so the addition of KERS could make the difference this year between one point and none among the backmarkers.

Continue reading Marussia launches KERS-equipped MR02

Marussia launches KERS-equipped MR02 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maria de Villota home from hospital, Marussia to conclude accident caused by "mistakes"

Zach Bowman — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Safety, Racing

Spanish Formula One driver Maria de Villota has been released from the hospital following treatment for injuries sustained from a crash with a support truck during testing early last month. Doctors at La Paz University Hospital in Madrid found de Villota hadn't suffered any neurological damage in the Marussia MR-01 crash and will not require brain surgery. Even so, physicians will continue to monitor her injuries, and the driver is expected to undergo plastic surgery in the near future to address "the serious injuries to her face." Earlier reports indicate de Villota lost an eye in the impact and she spent 17 days in the hospital following the crash.

The BBC reports it's unclear whether or not the driver will return to Formula One. The FIA, which oversees the sport, does not grant international racing licenses for five years after a driver loses an eye. Physicians say that period of time is the minimum required for the brain to grow accustomed to the loss.

Marussia, meanwhile, has said it will announce the unfortunate collision was the result of a "chain of unfortunate circumstances and mistakes" that eventually caused her helmet to strike a loading ramp on the truck. Reports indicate de Villota may have struggled to find the clutch lever as she entered the temporary pits because the steering wheel was still turned outside of its standard position. In addition, German publication Auto Und Sport has indicated de Villota may have forgotten to push the neutral button.

Maria de Villota home from hospital, Marussia to conclude accident caused by "mistakes" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marussia rules out mechanical fault in de Villota F1 tragedy

Zach Bowman — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Celebrities, Racing

Marussia has concluded there was no mechanical failure in the accident that saw Formula One driver Maria de Villota collide with a service truck during testing earlier this month. According to CNN, the F1 race team conducted thorough tests alongside an external forensic company and the UK's Health and Safety Executive and found there was no fault with the MR-01 car itself. De Villota was testing the platform for the first time when the freak accident occurred. de Villota lost an eye due to the collision. Marussia team principal John Booth said in a statement that the team has concluded the investigatory work and can now focus on the priority of supporting De Villota and her family.

The 34-year-old Spanish driver was one of just two female drivers contracted to compete in F1 this season. She also became the first female driver in F1 since 1992, though before signing on with Marussia, de Villota tested with Renault and campaigned in Spanish F3 and the Daytona 24 Hours.

Marussia rules out mechanical fault in de Villota F1 tragedy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F1 driver Maria de Villota loses eye after crash

Michael Harley — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Safety

Marussia, the Formula One team of Spanish race car driver Maria de Villota, is reporting that its 32-year-old driver has lost her right eye and remains hospitalized following a bizarre accident at a test event earlier this week. Teammates have described her condition as critical but stable.

After joining the team in March, De Villota was behind the wheel of the team's racing car for the first time on Tuesday, conducting straight-line test runs at Duxford Airfield in Cambridgeshire, north of London. The Spaniard apparently crashed into a team vehicle (reported as racecar transport truck) at the end of a run at low speeds, but her head took the brunt of the impact - explaining the serious injuries to her head and face.

Maria de Villota is the F1's first full-time female driver since 1992. The team principal, John Booth, has already announced that a comprehensive investigation is under way to determine why her car suddenly accelerated as she was slowing to complete the test.

Scroll down to read Marussia's official medical update on De Villota.

Continue reading F1 driver Maria de Villota loses eye after crash

F1 driver Maria de Villota loses eye after crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F1 test driver Maria de Villota in life-threatening crash

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Europe, Safety, Racing

The Washington Post reports Formula One test driver Maria de Villota has been hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after an incident during testing. The 32-year-old Spaniard apparently collided with a team vehicle while testing her Marussia MR-01 at an airfield north of London. It was her first time in the new car, though Police say de Villota was involved in a "low speed accident" during a straight-line evaluation. Paramedics treated her on the scene before transporting her to a local major trauma center at Addenbrookes Hospital. Marussia has released a statement saying de Villota is conscious and that medical assessments are currently ongoing.

Drivers from Jenson Button to Fernando Alonso all expressed their sympathy for de Villota and her family. De Villota joined Marussia in March of this year, thereby becoming F1's first female driver since 1992. Previously, she tested for Renault and took the wheel in Spanish F3 as well as the Daytona 24 Hours.

F1 test driver Maria de Villota in life-threatening crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valmet working to meet demand for sold-out Marussia B2

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Russia, MISC

By all accounts, Marussia is just another exotic automaker hoping to sell a few supercars but just as likely to disappear into obscurity. Except that it hasn't, and may not for some time.

Having potentially overextended itself by buying the majority of a Formula One racing team from Virgin, the Russian upstart needed its newest product - dubbed the B2 - to be the runaway success that the (relatively) less dramatically-styled B1 wasn't. And so it appears it will be as reports indicate that Marussia has sold out its entire production run of 500 vehicles.

In order to keep up with demand, production is reportedly shifting from Marussia's own facility in Moscow to Valmet in Finland, the same place where the Fisker Karma is built now and the Porsche Boxster and Cayman were before it. Cosworth will then be shipping the 3.5-liter V6 that provides between 300 and 420 horsepower (depending on customer specification) to drive the 2,425-pound lightweight supercar to 60 in as little as 3.2 seconds.

Check out the pair in the fresh image gallery above for a closer look.

Valmet working to meet demand for sold-out Marussia B2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus, Renault and Virgin F1 teams change names for 2012

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus, Renault

What's in a name? More than you might think, particularly in Formula One where two teams have been fighting for use of the Lotus moniker for a couple of years now.

The battle, as you may recall, involves two outfits - neither of them directly owned by Lotus. One is based in Malaysia and licensed the name from Lotus' parent company, Proton, before subsequently "acquiring" the name from a third party that laid claim to it. The issue was further complicated when Lotus itself teamed with the Renault F1 team (which also happens to supply engines to the other Lotus team), resulting in two squads called Lotus-Renault.

The two operations have now reached a compromise. The green-and-yellow Malaysian outfit known until now as Team Lotus be named Caterham in 2012 (having bought that company recently), while the Renault team will be cleared to use the Lotus name.

The move further distances Renault from direct involvement with any particular team, stepping back to a more traditional engine-supply role with teams like Lotus, Caterham, Williams and, of course, the world-champion Red Bull Racing team.

The F1 Commission also approved a name change for Virgin Racing, which will drop the name of Richard Branson's company from its official moniker and adopt that of Marussia, the Russian exotic carmaker that bought into the team last year. All three team name changes will require official ratification from the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA, but that's seen as a pro-forma step that isn't expected to derail any plans.

Lotus, Renault and Virgin F1 teams change names for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marussia Virgin Racing comes back for more with new MVR-02 F1 challenger

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

2011 Marussia Virgin Racing MVR-02 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year, Virgin Racing popped its cherry with the VR-01 that led the team through a lackluster first season, finishing the 2010 Formula One World Championship dead last. The team failed to start one of its cars at two grands prix, retired fifteen times and scored a grand total of zero points in the standings.

Now with backing from Russian automaker Marussia Motors, the team has unveiled its Cosworth-powered 2011 challenger in the form of the MVR-02 in the hopes of a more competitive followup season. The car was unveiled at the BBC Television Centre in London, and followed the debuts from Ferrari, Lotus, Renault, Sauber, Mercedes, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Williams and McLaren, leaving only Force India and HRT to follow suit.

With a similar design to its competitors (but a slightly lower nose cone) reflecting the latest tweaks to the formula, the MVR-02 will be driven again by Germany's former GP2 champion and Toyota F1 driver Timo Glock. Partnering Glock this season is the Belgian former International Formula Master champion and GP2 Asia Series runner-up Jérôme d'Ambrosio, who replaces axed Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi.

Follow the jump for the full press release from Virgin and check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Marussia Virgin Racing MVR02

[Source: Marussia Virgin Racing]

Continue reading Marussia Virgin Racing comes back for more with new MVR-02 F1 challenger

Marussia Virgin Racing comes back for more with new MVR-02 F1 challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Marussia bringing seven new models to Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Rumormill, Russia, MISC

Marussia B2 and B1 Hybrid at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're going to make it in the exotic supercar business, it helps to have two things: a substantial lineup and an F1 team. The Ferrari case, first of all, goes without saying. McLaren has the latter covered, and is in the process of kicking the former into high gear. Spyker bought its own F1 team, and though it subsequently sold it, look at the Dutch automaker now: they own Saab. Lotus is following the same path with not one, but two F1 teams, and an aggressive model rollout plan. Now Marussia looks poised to follow the same path.

The exotic Russian automaker recently bought into the Virgin Racing team, so they've got one aspect covered. All they'll need now is a big ambitious model lineup. Cue the latest news.

According to the rumormill, Marussia Motors is planning on rolling out seven new products at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall. Included in the reported plans are a coupe, SUV, sedan and a city car. If this is all sounding familiar, look no further than Lotus, which set a new precedent with five new concepts at the Paris Motor Show this past autumn.

Along with the new vehicles, Marussia is reportedly hard at work expanding its distribution base, with new showrooms planned for London and Monaco, penetration into the American market in the works and factories slated to open in Germany and Belgium. The plans are nothing if not ambitious, but in this market, that could be exactly what the Doctor Zhivago ordered.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Marussia B2 and B1 Hybrid

[Source: GTspirit.com]

Rumormill: Marussia bringing seven new models to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marussia acquires stake in Virgin Racing F1 team

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Russia

As Red Bull Racing aptly proved this season, you don't need an automaker's backing to rise to the top of the Formula One ladder. Any consumer company with a popular image will do the trick. Virgin has been trying to follow in Red Bull's footsteps with the launch of its own F1 team, but as Richard Branson and company have discovered, it's more than most can chew. So it should come as little surprise that the upstart team has pursued - and secured - an automaker's support for next season and beyond. The surprise is at which company that is.

You may be familiar with Marussia Motors for such quirky creations as the B2 sportscar and the F2 crossover. Now the niche Moscovite automaker has teamed up with Virgin for an undisclosed stake in the F1 team. The long-rumored deal is expected to secure space for the newly christened Marussia Virgin F1 Team for several seasons to come. Since Marussia's road cars are powered by Cosworth-developed engines, that deal is likely to remain unchanged for the F1 team as well.

The partnership is only the latest step in Russia's increased involvement in Formula One, a trend that previously resulted in the Midland F1 team, the signing of Vitaly Petrov at Renault and the upcoming Russian Grand Prix. For its part, Virgin has yet to announce its driver line-up for next season, and with Petrov's seat at Renault still yet to be confirmed, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Russian rookie in red and black next season. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

[Source: Marussia | Image: Shuji Kajiyama/AP]

Continue reading Marussia acquires stake in Virgin Racing F1 team

Marussia acquires stake in Virgin Racing F1 team originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marussia introduces bold new crossover with sliding doors, narrow greenhouse

Zach Bowman — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Police/Emergency, Russia, Design/Style

Marussia F2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Allow us to introduce you to the Marussia F2 - a vehicle that's one part mission control, three parts SUV and a dash of Nissan GT-R. The company that brought us the likes of the B2 supercar recently unveiled its new globe-roaming creation at telecommunications conference. Why would a carmaker decide to pull the sheets off of its latest product outside of the auto show circuit? Because in this case, the F2 is loaded with the company's new multimedia system.

If our Google Translator is to be believed, the fancy new tech will allow you to connect to your handheld via Bluetooth to use Skype, remotely manage your files or catch your favorite episode of Rocky and Bullwinkle.

With the F2's connectivity capabilities and sliding rear doors, Marussia is hoping that the SUV will find a home among Europe's law enforcement and safety offices. The company's announcement leaves us painfully in the dark as to what kind of engine we can expect to find under the hood. As much as we'd love to tell you that the Russian manufacturer found a way to wedge the sinister 420 horsepower Cosworth 3.5-liter V6 from the B1 in front of a similarly robust all-wheel drive system, right now we have no way of knowing.

Gallery: Marussia F2

[Source: Marussia]

Marussia introduces bold new crossover with sliding doors, narrow greenhouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Marussia mashup metes out the musical mirth

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Videos, Russia

Marussia's Ode to Joy - Click above to watch the video after the break

We've been smiling for the past 30 minutes, watching this video over and over again. Y'all remember Marussia? We got a nice, upclose look at both the Russian made B1 and B2 at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. While they looked generally okay (minus some detailing on the B2, like hinge-dents in the sheet metal and lousy-looking reflectors), we were pretty much convinced that they'd never actually move under their own power. Imagine our surprise when we watched this here video showing a B2 supercar and no less than three B1 hybrids driving around a snowy track. They look real good.

But that's not why you should watch the video. Normally when we post car-themed videos, we do so with the following caveat: turn your speakers off. Not so here. In fact, blast this video. Blast it through a pair of McIntosh Mono Blocks hooked into some 15-inch Cerwin Vegas. Without giving too much away, you're about to be treated to a whole host of classic classical music done DJ Z Trip-style.

That's cool, for certain, but the spice that holds it all together is the crazy budget Casio keyboard kick drum and hand clap patch that runs throughout the song. Seriously, it's amazing. Here's what head-cheese-in-chief John Neff had to say after just one listen, "OK, I'm finding this song online somewhere and adding it to my iPod. This is like the best driving song of all time." Also, El Jefe Neff suggested it might be fun to list as many songs as possible that you can recognize in the comments. Or not. So, go ahead and jump to watch the video, but more importantly listen to it.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Marussia B2 and B1 Hybrid

[Source: YouTube via WebRidesTV]

Continue reading Video: Marussia mashup metes out the musical mirth

Video: Marussia mashup metes out the musical mirth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Marussia shows up on the catwalk, in commercials, and in F1 with Virgin Racing

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Russia

Marussia B1 commercials - Click above to watch video

Marussia, which was last seen showing a new car and new colors at the Frankfurt Motor Show, has spent the intervening months being quiet and productive. In addition to putting together promotional packages like commercials and rolling footage, the three-year-old Russian company is now an official partner of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Racing.

The details are scant, but the two parties have signed a multi-year deal with Marussia getting "major on car, driver and team branding." Taking the Virgin step further, Marussia signed up with Cosworth, Virgin's engine supplier, and Cosworth will help the Russian company develop gas and diesel engines and drivetrains.

Follow the jump to check out two vids of all three Marussias on track, and the three Marussia commercials along with the official press release. Be sure to watch how the model has to squeeze herself into the cockpit - it looks tiny in there. Hat tip to Greg!

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Marussia B2 and B1 Hybrid

[Sources: Marussia, YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Marussia shows up on the catwalk, in commercials, and in F1 with Virgin Racing

Video: Marussia shows up on the catwalk, in commercials, and in F1 with Virgin Racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Marussia B2 breaks cover, B1 Hybrid shown in new colors

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Russia

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...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Marussia B2 and B1 Hybrid

Frankfurt 2009: Marussia B2 breaks cover, B1 Hybrid shown in new colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Marussia B2, is that you?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Russia, Luxury

Marussia B2 -- Click above for image gallery

Marussia released two teasers of its new car, the not-so imaginatively-named B2, last week. What the company neglected to do before that was cover up its cars while they were being transported through Moscow. Someone took pictures of them, apparently not even knowing what they were (the blue one is likely the B2, while the red and white number looks like a garden-variety B1).

The source of the photos wrote, "They say the drivers are being commanded not to stop by any means, especially when not in Moscow." Somebody should have told the drivers to cover up. Or get an enclosed trailer. You can check out pics of the Marussia B1 and B2 in the gallery below. Hat tip to Filipp!

Gallery: Marussia B2 and B2 Spy Shots

[Source: English Russia]

Spy Shots: Marussia B2, is that you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marussia, Russia's first supercar headed for international debut at Frankfurt

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Russia

Marussia B2 teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

The hybrid Marussia B1 was unveiled last year, and can now be ordered for €100,000 (about $146,000 USD) while it is being prepared for serial production. Two of them will be on display at next week's the Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the company's latest car, the Marussia B2, being teased in the photo above. We don't know anything about the new model except that it has been "created in the style of a jet fighter."

Feel free to glean all the details you can in the peek-a-boo shots below, and stay tuned for the complete picture next week when we get to Frankfurt. Hat tip to Gregor!

Gallery: Marussia B2 Teasers

Gallery: Marussia B1

[Source: CarDesign.ru (translated)]

Marussia, Russia's first supercar headed for international debut at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian Marussia supercar unveiled

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Green, Supercars, Russia

Click above for image gallery of the Marussia

Nikolay Fomenko, who was probably busy enough being a popular singer, television new anchor and theater actor, also found time to become an FIA N-GT champion. And if that wasn't enough to keep this Russian renaissance man busy, he has just launched his country's first sportscar company, Marussia. To top it off, it's a hybrid, just to make things more difficult. Make the jump for all the details.

Gallery: Marussia sportscar

[Sources: Russia Today, Luxury Version]

Continue reading Russian Marussia supercar unveiled

Russian Marussia supercar unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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