Yamaha is obviously well known for its achievements in the world of two-wheeled mobility, but like any successful company it seeks to expand its horizons. One evidence of this among Yamaha’s Tokyo Show properties was Motobot, a robotic rider that Yamaha R&D is developing to pilot a motorcycle at speeds up to about 125 mph. Another, much closer—perhaps—to actual production, is this foray into the world of automobiles, a snappy little two-seat sports car. It’s not Yamaha’s first street-car concept; the company displayed a small two-seat commuter, the MOTIV, at the 2013 Tokyo show. But it’s far more appealing, and far more advanced.
Developed by Gordon Murray Design Limited in Surrey, England, the front-engine, rear-drive chassis is composed of carbon fiber. The company characterizes it as “the first affordable high volume carbon fiber chassis structure, bringing Formula One materials and technology within reach of the everyday motorist.”
When or even whether the Sports Ride will actually become available to everyday motorists is a question Yamaha refrained from addressing at the show. Nor was there any mention of powertrain, although Yamaha has no shortage of potent motorcycle engines that could be suitable. But there were some specifications. The Sports Ride is 153.4 inches long, 67.7 inches wide, and 46.1 inches high—dimensions that are very similar to the new Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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