Yamaha Motiv - A Car From The Tuning Fork Company
According to reports from the Tokyo Motor Show Yamaha has announced preliminary plans to produce the Motiv, a lightweight, two-seater similar to a Smart car. The Motiv is apparently based on Gordon Murray Design‘s T25 and T27 concept cars and will apparently use Murray’s iStream assembly process. Sources say the vehicle is targeted for the European market and will be available in both electric as well as fossil fuel versions.
Murray’s iStream looks to replace stamped metal, spot welded automobile construction with a simplified chassis assembly process where the powertrain, wiring harnesses, brakes, suspension and all major components are fitted onto the chassis prior to the body panels being installed. The pre-painted body panels are then fixed to the completed chassis near the end of the assembly process.
“Forming a partnership with Yamaha is a dream for us,” says Gordon Murray. “Yamaha has completely embraced the principles of iStream, and could not be a more ideal partner. They have huge technical resources, but their team on this project has been tightly-knit, very skilled and very quick-acting.”
“This is Yamaha’s car, not ours,” says Gordon Murray, “and it is up to them to decide whether it goes into production. But they’re fabulous partners, and we are very optimistic for the car’s prospects.”
When it comes to cars Yamaha produced the OX00-11 prototype in the early ’90s and the concept R-Car, both of which never reached production, but is better known for actually producing automotive power plants such as various engines for Toyota and Ford.
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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