We were happily surprised to hear that Yamaha is producing their own electric motor for automotive applications. The long-time Japanese manufacturer just released a video showing their upcoming automotive electric powerplant neatly residing in the mid-engined confines of an Alfa Romeo 4C sportscar that served as a test mule for developmental purposes.
Charge of the Lightweight
The lovable and relatively affordable Italian near-exotic normally carries a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine residing in its midst, one that delivers power to the rear wheels via a dual clutch automatic transmission. The lightweight and carbon fiber chassis of the little Alfa seemed to be the perfect mule for Yamaha to utilize its electric motor developmental needs.
Yamaha did not provide much information on its little motor except to promise an “instant building of torque” and a compact and sporty design. Judging by its looks, and the seemingly ultra-quick acceleration of the 4C propelled by that motor, we don’t doubt those claims whatsoever.
Motorheads
Yamaha has been producing a wide range of products, from musical instruments to outboard engines, ATV’s - and seemingly everything in between - for decades. The company’s expertise in internal combustion engine development is legendary as evidenced by its production of V8, V10 and V12 engines for use in Formula 1 throughout the late 80’s and 90’s. Yamaha also literally engineered and built that granddaddy of all Japanese sports cars, the Toyota 2000GT in the late 1960’s.
The company has also helped with engine building or design for many manufacturers including Ford (Taurus SHO), Volvo (XC-90's V8) Lexus (LF-A) and many others. Yamaha even produced their own novel supercar back in the 1990’s, complete with a normally-aspirated V-12 engine, although the project wasn't ultimately very successful.
The Perfect (Electric) Storm
We can only imagine what one or more compact and lightweight Yamaha electric motor(s) will do when nestled in the engine bay of a modern car or truck. With Yamaha’s expertise and reputation for meticulous and visionary engineering, the sky is the limit.
Sources: Road and Track, Carscoop