Geneva 2009: Frazer-Nash Namir by Giugiaro
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 3rd 2009 at 1:38PM 
Click the Namir by Giugiaro for a high res gallery
Remember Frazer-Nas? The brand that was a famous British car maker long ago is still around, but it's no longer building cars. If you're at all familiar with the name Frazer-Nash, it probably isn't in the context of modern drivetrain technology like hybrid systems. In fact, hybrid drive systems is exactly what Frazer Nash is developing today and the company has collaborated with Italdesign Giugiaro to create a concept called the Namir.
Frazer Nash has developed a series hybrid drivetrain that uses an 814 cc rotary engine driving a generator. The generator charges a 400V lithium polymer battery pack that feeds electrons to a pair of electric motors at each axle with a cumulative output of 362 hp. The system is claimed to give the Namir a top speed of 187 mph, 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds while still managing 91.7 mpg (U.S.)! Not too shabby.
Gallery: Geneva 2009: Giugiaro Namir
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Red 2:09PM (3/03/2009)
Another reason Toyota's excuse of sticking with predictably pedestrian looking and driving mainstream products is inexcusable. There's no rule written that says hybrids need to be boring. I understand that the mainstream doesn't necessarily need zoom-zoom products, but for the most part, that's a load of crap too. You wouldn't really complain if the product was exciting to drive and still did everything you needed it to do...
As a side note, fans of the RX-7 will be quite pleased... :)
Reply
Chris M 7:20PM (3/03/2009)
Toyota had shown off a Giugiaro designed concept hybrid car, the Volta, but never put it into production. I think they missed an opportunity there, it was gorgeous!
win39 2:30PM (3/03/2009)
Oh, please. English? Nash built cars in the US since 1916. It built many innovative cars and was famous for idea of the compact car embodied in the Rambler model. One innovation was the first use of unibody construction in a production car. Financial difficulties mid century caused a merger with Kaiser Frazer another American company founded by Henry J. Kaiser, the aluminum mogul. Eventually it became AMC and became part of Chrysler Corporation.
I don't know how the got on an English company. Probably purchased the name like all the old American electronic company names that belong to Asian marketing conglomerates.
Reply
Al 8:48AM (3/06/2009)
Fraser Nash was a British Automotive firm founded in 1922. You are confusing this company with Nash Motors.
win39 12:40PM (3/06/2009)
Well, live and learn. Thanks for your reply.
gorr 2:50PM (3/03/2009)
Im interrested to buy. I always known that someboby was able to build the king of cheap sport car i wanted to go see on sale near or far to where i live or to see an actual paying(cash) consumer show it on youtube.
Reply
Chris M 5:38PM (3/03/2009)
It's not for sale yet, and as a concept car, it might never go into production or be for sale.
You shouldn't assume it will be "cheap" just because they don't mention a price. Indeed, in most cases where no price is mentioned, it is because "if you have to ask, you can't afford it".
gorr 10:19AM (3/04/2009)
ok, then i'll drive my gas neon for years and i won't change it for a cheap sport green car.
travis 4:11PM (3/03/2009)
Looks like they forgot to hook up the cables and wires to those motors :)
look like pancake AC induction motors that are water cooled.... me like!
Reply
Red 6:05PM (3/03/2009)
I think that the motors are brushless DCs, not AC.
travis 6:14PM (3/03/2009)
touche'
http://www.leftlanenews.com/frazer-nash-namir-by-giugiaro.html
they still didn't hook em up ;)
RAN 6:43PM (3/03/2009)
Just goes to show you don't need a honkin', fuel-suckin' 2.0L supercharged engine to run the generator.
I really don't want to use gas at all in my next car, but I might have to make an exception if this were available ;-).
Reply
leo 7:03AM (3/04/2009)
Those screens which bank the steering wheel on pictures 7 & 8 remind me a bit of kit and knight rider. wonder if that thing barks 'michael, there's somebody following you..' when out on the highway ;)
Reply
oldfrt@gmail.com 2:45PM (3/05/2009)
The driveline is more exciting to me than the exotica. Far & away the best combination of available components. Definitely a KISS car.
Reply
hey 7:20AM (6/16/2009)
love the car
Reply
HELLFIRE114mortal762 7:28AM (6/16/2009)
this car is my style and taste.its has a great body frame.this car saves gas and cash.this car is one of the best frame thats not in production.we need this car out in public now not those damn prius makes the hole country look stupid .this car namir has speed and endurance gas and electric .BEATS A PRIUS SAY IN EVERY ASPECT.i cant stop looking at it .its an eye catcher and for some peeps loike myself its a dream catcher i dont want a fths toyota i want this wake me up before i fall a sleep for ever and everinto eternal
Reply
stupid prius and american cars with guzzlingengine V82late2saveearth 7:36AM (6/16/2009)
NAMIR WOULD MAKE SO MUCH MONEY IF THIS CARGOES INTO MASS PRODUCTION>GREAT CONCEPT ONE OF THE BEST YET>I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW THE PRICE AND YEAR PLEASE I WANT ONE NOW ASAP UNDERSTAND >WANT THIS>AND NEED THIS> RIMS INTERIOR STEERING WHEEL ENGINE FRAME >IT WOULD MAKE A BIG IMPACT IN AMERICA.WE DONT WANT A PRIUS WE WANT NAMIR NOW>>>>>>>>>>DOIT FOR ZGLOBAL WARMING