Thursday 21st January 2010

Video: Rare Russian Supercars Take To The Track

See the Marussia B1 and B2 in motion

---

A new video has emerged showing four Marussia supercars having a rather restrained and processional hoon around a test track.

PH last reported on the emerging Russian supercar brand back in September, and since then the marque's two hybrid cars (the B1 and B2) have had full reveals at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. We don't go to Russia very often and what we know about the cars is pretty hazy at this point, so we can't really tell you that much about them.

We think that the B1 uses a 3.5-litre Nissan V6 (presumably from the 350Z) putting out somewhere around 300bhp coupled with an electric motor to boost power, and the B2 is thought to have a 3.5-litre Cosworth V6 putting out up to 420hp.

The new video features three B1s and a B2, and is the first opportunity to get a good view of the cars in motion on track (and at the speeds they're going, you really do have time to get a good look).

Highly appropriately for a car apparently styled by combining bits of other supercars (bits of Zonda, Enzo and Reventon are all around), the video is set to a slightly bizarre rock-classical medley full of famous tunes, all stitched together in synthesised brilliance. Ahem.

 

[Dr Imran T]

The cars look rather good albeit odd at the same time. I can't quite put my finger on it though.

Music is err - amusing

[schmooveboy]

I think I have soiled myself laughing at that music so hard.

B2 looks OK, but the B1 looks a bit outdated at the front. Can't put my finger on why though. Really not sure about the duck egg blue and silver paint work on one of them.

For a super car, I would also expect a V8 unless it has a HUGE turbo on it.

Good try though.

[stew-S160]

Zonda/F1/Enzo rip off's. pull it off pretty well too.

[soad]

Do like the shape of these cars. Make a V8-powered one, please.

[MrTappets]

Considering they borrowed quite heavily from other cars, I think the overall effect is pretty good, particularly the B1. Can't help feeling that, although I like the front, there is something wrong with the side profile of the B2. It's not steam punk exactly but there's a certain 'welded together in a shed' look to it - small windows, awkward angles - maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree.

[MrTappets]

PS 1:40 - it does have ABS, doesn't it?

[tommobot]

These look really good imo, the blue one looks a bit like the Speed 12 TVR aswell perhaps

[metalsteve]

The side profile of the B1 reminds me a bit of the Lister Storm GT.

[xj6executive]

Very odd styling, kind of quite like them, would like to see one in the flesh though

[dean_ratpac]

very Russian.

although in soime parts the video has been sped up" have to agree the blue one looks nice from the front.

music is horrendous...

[SimonSaid]

dean_ratpac said:

very Russian.

although in soime parts the video has been sped up" have to agree the blue one looks nice from the front.

music is horrendous...

I agree - the latter part of the video appears artificially sped up to make it look like the cars were moving more quickly!

[Kazlet]

Love the sound track, hooked on classic by the Royal Philharmonic from the early 80's, hillarious.

The cars LOOK good but the Russians are not well known for making good cars.

[DrGP]

MrTappets said:

Considering they borrowed quite heavily from other cars, I think the overall effect is pretty good, particularly the B1. Can't help feeling that, although I like the front, there is something wrong with the side profile of the B2. It's not steam punk exactly but there's a certain 'welded together in a shed' look to it - small windows, awkward angles - maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree.

I agree. B1 looks well resolved enough. B2 has that 'armoured car' look on the side. Its the lack of a sill and the small windows. Doors are always difficult - and they have come unstuck.

[timewatch]

Was that a secondhand piece of the Berlin wall in the background?

Got to say nice cars but who chose the paint job, Justin & Colin ????? Bet they have dado rails inside too!

TW>>>

[JamesAsh]

IN SOVIET RUSSIA, CAR DESIGNER COPIES YOU!

[Papa Hotel]

WTF? The soundtrack is kind of odd... pointing towards emotive but falling into Benny Hill comedy tunage.

Anyway, the cars, I kinda like the look of them. But I can't shake the feeling some guy called Aleksandr has knocked them up in his garage and stuck mighty Ford 1.6 litre 4-pots in them... there is no other explanation for the lack of driving thrills on display.

[golders]

i am liking the rear side bit of the B1 over the back wheel, does look very Enzo. Very nice.

B1 for me please.

[Belfast Boy]

MSTRBKR said:

That dark blue (?) one is stunning.

+1

Would like to see it in another color to see the lines clearer.

I love New Russian car Design, its something to keep an eye on in the Future as these guys are way out there!

[moynesey]

I quite like the B1's quite like an Ascari and theres nothing wrong with a V6, Noble etc although a V8 is always better! I do like the black and orange one, very cool.

As for the soundtrack, I grew up with my parents listening to Hook On Classics so quite enjoyed it in some ways!!!!

Edited by moynesey on Thursday 21st January 15:03

[Mitchmachine]

Showed this video to my wifey. She laughed as the name for the cars 'Marussia' is actually the affectionate term for either a female Russian name Masha or an affectionate term for a cow. So baffled why they would name a car this? Guess Lambo have the bull and Ferrari have a prancing horse......so why not a cow?

-Really random I know-
- wifey is half Russian for those wondering-