Marussia B2 – The First Russian Supercar Improved!

spanic — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:00:05 +0000

Marussia B2 – Russian Supercar

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.

The real gripe, besides not knowing bupkis about what’s under the hood (some sort of Nissan/Renault 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 Zonda, while the B2 is a mix of the 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.

Marussia B2 Front

Marussia B2 Side

Marussia B2 Wheels

Marussia B2 Back

Marussia B2 Interior

Marussia B1 Upgraded

Marussia B1 Front

Marussia B1 Back

Marussia B1 Backlights

Marussia B1 Muffler

Marussia B1 Wheels

Marussia B1 Interior

Marussia B1 Red - Upgraded

Marussia B1 Design Front

Marussia B1 Front

Marussia B1 Back

Marussia B1 Side

Marussia B1 Side Mirrors

Marussia – The First Russian Supercar

spanic — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:08:34 +0000

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 was not 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.

Fomenko states that he brought a lot of knowledge from his racing career to bear on the Marussia. We see elements of just about every supercar on the market in its appearance, but it manages to still look unique. While he envisions producing a pure electric car sometime down the road, the company’s first project will be a hybrid.

The Marussia is slated to use a 240-hp, 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, most likely from Renault or Nissan, but it’s unclear where the electric drive components will originate from. While much of the car’s parts are expected to be sourced from established companies, approximately 35% of the content will be Russian.

Adding a bit of sizzle to its speed, the Marussia will also have “a host of gadgets,” including a 4G Yota network with 10 Mbps data transfer rates at vehicle speeds of up to 120 km/h. Bluetooth, GPS and video screens all around, plus a 320 GB hard drive to round out the electronics.

The goal for the electric supercar is a 400km range, but Russian winters mean the batteries will need a boost. That’s where nanotechnology comes in. Fomenko thinks the solution might be in a “nanotech project made at one of Russia’s big construction bureaus.” The company foresees a 0-62 mph dash of around five seconds and a Tesla-like price tag of $100,000. Plans call for the first customer cars to be delivered next Fall, with race versions taking part in the 2010 edition of FIA GT championship. Fomenko is clearly nothing if not ambitious.

And…lets top this off with some pictures.

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Marussia B2 – The First Russian Supercar Improved!

Marussia – The First Russian Supercar