HB Coupe - retro racer with ND underpinnings

[ozbrock]

http://www.carthrottle.com/a-retro-b...olheads-dream/

If you’re in the business of making sports cars, using an MX-5 as a base is a very good place to start. That’s exactly what Huet Brothers is doing with its new car, the HB Coupe.

Its retro cool exterior will be perched atop the new SkyActiv MX-5 chassis, which is due to be released next year. Its overall proportions are distinctly classic, meaning it’s definitely a good looking car. It even comes complete with Bugatti-esque logos.

The brothers have so far taken 21 orders, but they need 40 before they can enter production. There are three models available; Classic, Road Racer and the track-only RACE. All three have a full carbonfibre monocoque structure that helps bring the weight below a tonne, with the RACE model getting a roll cage and fuel cell.

The Classic and Road Racer are available with a choice of two engines. The first is a 168bhp 2.0-litre four-pot that’ll do 0-62mph in under five seconds; that’ll set you back £55,000 ($93,000). The second option is a 2.0-litre Cosworth engine that makes 252bhp, sprinting to 62mph in less than four seconds. The price for this starts from £64,000 ($108,000).

With looks and underpinnings as good as these, we’re truly hoping that this venture comes to fruition – a super-lightweight retro racer is something we will always have time for.

[ozbrock]

I'm loving the rear, but the front looks like a face really saggy cheeks to me.

[— fwdtamiya —]

It's got that ugly jutting bentley butt, (not) flowing into flat rear fenders

and this is not pretty. They copied the only ugly part of a ferarri




The whole thing is an abortion in my opinion.

[— Phatmiata —]

I can dig it !! glad they are using the ND chassis and not the NA

[Cermivelli]

I do like the creativity. But maybe I'm biased, because these are some Dutch guys!

[riefdaddy]

One thing is for certain. They will have to change their logo when Bugatti sues them.

[MEOrdonez73]

There is an old saying: "You can't make a purse out of a Sow's Ear" BEFORE ANYONE COMES DOWN ON MY HEAD I AM NOT IN ANY WAY SAYING NOR BELIEVE THAT A MIATA IS IN ANY WAY A SOW'S EAR.
I am a long time fan of all Ferraris (even a V8 miata does not a knock off Ferrari make). It's one thing (and a good thing) to create a futuristic sports car using the chassis and running gear of a Miata.
Replicas of old sport cars and racers is well and good if the chassis and power plant match the displacement of the vintage car. That makes sense to me.