The 'Maranello4'
is an innovative new petrol, diesel or electric-powered 'city car' which
is developed and built by the EFFEDI Automotive Group,
Italy's third largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.
The Maranello4 is designed to be driven in the city, giving
the user freedom of movement, and ease of parking.
The suspensions, the tyres and the daily lights have all
been developed to ensure reduced overall power consumption.
Technology, ergonomics and design are combined to give
maximum comfort. The independent suspension provides a
smooth ride, the four disc brakes ensure excellent brake
performance. Great visibility and an ergonomic interior
allow a comfortable drive while the doors are hinged at the rear
to allow easier access. Other key features are the
soundproofed interior and the boot design - spacious enough
to contain a bicycle. The Maranello4 combines technology and safety,
and all models are provided with stainless steel chassis and
rtm body. The low barycentre and four independent McPherson
struts give it an excellent grip on the road, while the
all-wheel disc brakes ensure safety.
The excellent
visual performance of the car is ensured by the ergonomics
of the internal space, the driving and seating position, and the
high visibility windscreen. The vehicle's height, its bright
colours and the third stop-light position guarantee it visibility on the road.
Just 2.64 metres
long it is now branching out of its home Italian market as
the electric version is set to be imported into the UK by
the Sakura Battery Co Ltd. Homologated as a 'quadricycle', it
is 1.44 metres wide and 1.67 metres
high.
Four power options are available for the Italian market with
the Maranello4 models known at the
SCB, SCD, SCE and SGB. The SCG is fitted with a Lombardini
Euro 2 compliant 505cc petrol engine which has a power
output of 15kW, a max speed of 80km/h, and a range of 475km.
This tiny petrol engine is also available on an electric-hybrid version (SCB) which has 8 lead-gelled batteries
and in electric 'mode' offers 4.5kW power and a top speed of
55km/h. Maximum range is 500km. The third version (SCD) has a
505cc Lombardini Euro 2 diesel engine. This has a 4kW power
output, a top speed of 45km/h, and a range of 600km.
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The Maranello4 is designed to be driven in the city, giving
the user freedom of movement, and ease of parking. |
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The 'Maranello4'
is a new petrol, diesel or electric-powered 'city car' which
is developed and built by the EFFEDI Automotive Group,
Italy's third largest commercial vehicle manufacturer. |
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Finally an all-electric option (SCE)
is provoking much interest as city drivers as well as
European Union and national legislators, all search for new
methods of clean,
low emission transportation. This version boasts a 48V, 220 amp lead-acid battery pack which serves to
give it a 4.5kW power output, a top speed of 45km/h, and a
range of 45-100km. With its easy recharging system
all the car's owner requires is access to a standard
domestic
electricity supply socket. Each of the Maranello4's range of powerplants
is coupled up to a
continuously variable gearbox and a four wheel drive system.
The car comes with a choice of seven
paint colour finishes: Sharm Red, Myanmar Yellow, Positano Blue,
Namibia Black, Malaga White, Amazonia Green, Lanzarote Grey,
Linosa Grey.
Two specification levels are available: Star and Superstar.
The Star 'entry-level' model is very basic but includes as standard:
two-speed wipers, rear fog lights, parking lights, locking
petrol cap, adjustable seats and headrests, reading lights
and diagnostic lights. Superstar also includes: clock,
remote control central locking, left- and right-hand door
mirrors, inertia-reel seatbelts, passenger assist handles,
alloy wheels and a rear deck. Additional options available for
both versions include a volumetric anti-theft alarm, spare
wheel, jack, parking sensors, GPS navigator, first aid kit,
smokers kit, radio/CD player, leather upholstery, metallic
paint and a leather- or wood-finished steering wheel.
The Sakura Battery Co Ltd now plans to
import the electric (SCE) version into the UK, spreading
this car's appeal well beyond the major Italian cities.
Sakura Battery Co. Ltd. was established in 1992, they are
the largest supplier of electric bikes in the UK with more
than 150 dealers, and are also major suppliers of
rechargeable batteries.
The Maranello4
SCE is exempt from the London congestion charge and parking
is free in many areas. With the saving on fuel, the
congestion charge, parking in London and zero road tax, the
Maranello4 could almost pay for itself in the first year for
many London buyers. "Due to the demand in Europe delivery
times are typically around six to eight weeks, but our
partners EFFEDI are working to increase production, so we
hope by the end of this year no one will have to wait more
than four weeks," said Sakura Battery Managing Director Dan Hornby. Sakura will
also begin importing the hybrid version from
September. The Maranello4 pricing starts at GBP£9,950
(US$18,770) on the road and includes a 3-year unlimited
mileage warranty and a 2-year warranty on the battery pack.
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