Lexus’s new IS has got the looks, but falls short due to some uninspiring engines
Caterham Blackbird
The Blackbird used Caterham's standard Superlight chassis (pictured above) and offered near R500 levels of performance for significantly less outlay. Good for 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds, it certainly had the pace, but reliability issues of a motorcycle powertrain in a grippy track car did afflict the Blackbird.
First Drive: Caterham Seven Supersport
On Bing: see pictures of the Caterham Blackbird
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Some time ago I heard of someone who fitted a Honda 750cc motorcycle engine into a mini. The idea was to compete in 750cc class car hill climbing. Well the story goes that he fitted the engine and then fitted a supercharger. When the time came to start the car all seemed ok. That is until the vehicle was put into gear. It appears that motorcycle engines run in the opposite direction to normal car engines. The hill climb car had five reverse gears and one forward gear.
There is an obvious point missed here.
The sheer compact efficiency of a bike engine can also return phenomenal MPG with ample real-world performance and reliability.
Car engine designers could learn a great deal from the bike boys (and visa-vera), but closed minds are doomed to repeat their mistakes.
Peace.
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