Giugiaro and Frazer-Nash Want You to Wankel

When I read in Auto, Motor und Sport about a concept car that looks great, claims 110 mpg (city) and a top speed of 210 mph, I was intrigued. But skeptical too, of course. Since the boffins at the UK’s Frazer-Nash Research (and not just some garage geniuses) are behind the “Namir” Rotary-engine hybrid dream car, I thought it would be worth a call. So, I spoke with company Director, Gordon Dickson. Why Wankel? “A rotary engine is extremely compact and is also extremely energy-efficient at its RPM sweet spot. The Namir is a serial hybrid, meaning there is no mechanical connection between the combustion engine and the four electric motors, so it’s easy to keep the 814cc Wankel engine within its sweet spot. We have already employed this technology in our Metrail system.”

Actually, I read that Fabrizio Giugiaro, the bloke you had design the Namir, is just glad it isn’t equipped with some prosaic Fiat engine. “Well, the Wankel is much more efficient, lighter and smaller than a four-stroke would be. Its compact form also enables a low center of gravity and a smooth underbody. That’s how Fabrizio was able to get 210 mph in the wind tunnel”. Are you another one of these companies that are hopping on to the hybrid wagon? “Actually, we have been working on electric propulsion for the past 20 years. And we are developers and not just system integrators. So we do all the software etc. in-house, something that takes considerable commitment.”

Here’s some technical stuff, for the brightest of the B&B: 397 hp, 4WD, 0-60 in 3.5s, Lithium-Polymer batteries weighing 150 kg, curb weight 1500 kg. Expected date on market: never. This is a show-off piece that intends to demonstrate what can be done. I like it.