01 Sep 05 10:56
Daihatsu is to show two concept cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show: an SUV called D-Compact 4x4 and a lightweight sports car with hybrid powertrain known as the HVS. The D-Compact 4x4 previews the replacement model for the current Terios; it will have a new 1.5-litre petrol engine and, says Daihatsu, will be "more powerful, more dynamic and more handsome", with "nimble acceleration in all speed ranges."
The HVS "reconciles environmentally-friendly performance with the joy of driving at an unprecendented high level", apparently; it combines the 1.5-litre engine with a rear-mounted electric motor and four-wheel drive to give "a powerful and exhilarating drive reminiscent of a 2-litre car but with fuel economy exceeding that of a conventional 1-litre car." The left- and right-hand wheels can be controlled separately to give extra stability under hard cornering.
