Suzuki surprises us with the unveiling of the Suzuki Misano, an electric concept car created in collaboration with the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED). The prototype will be on display from May 15 to June 6 at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin, Italy.
The Suzuki Misano is a low-roof, convertible sports car inspired by the Japanese company’s long history with high-performance motorcycles. The Misano aims to “merge the adrenaline on two wheels with the four-wheel driving experience.”
Misano concludes a thesis project for 24 transportation design students at the Istituto Europeo di Design Torino in collaboration with Suzuki. It has a length of 157 inches by 69 inches, roughly the length of a BMW i3 and the width of a VW Polo. However, its height measures only 39 inches, approximately 50 percent shorter than a Toyota Yaris with a rear door.
Like concept cars of yesteryear, the Misano includes a wild idea that has no chance of reaching production. It offers a tandem 1+1 seating position, although it is wide enough for a side-by-side build. One might expect a motorcycle engine mounted on the side, but it actually contains a trunk and a small battery.
Strictly speaking, it is a barchetta because it lacks a mechanism to cover the cabin and barely has a windshield. Instead of a steering wheel, the car is controlled by what the IED statement calls a motorcycle-inspired yoke. Clear openings in the doors provide a road view that only a motorcycle can match.
This is not the first time Suzuki has responded to the question of a four-wheeled motorcycle. In 2001, it showcased the GSX-R/4 concept with a Hayabusa engine, featuring a more traditional seating position.
The Misano has just the right amount of beautiful design and madness that makes you wish for an alternate universe where it goes into production. Unfortunately, we know it will be a miracle if Suzuki manufactures a sports car again. If you’re in Italy and want to see Misano for yourself, it will be on display at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin from Saturday, May 15, to Sunday, June 6, 2021.
