More ‘90s Automobile Flashbacks

Here's more interesting nostalgia by way of Automobile magazine from 1992-1993.

April 1992 (p. 15). Maserati Barchetta. A beautiful racing car.

March 1993 (p. 7). Speculation that Saturn is developing a roadster, either their own version of the front wheel drive Lotus Elan or a rear-wheel drive alternative based on Corvette suspension bits and powered by a 2.7 liter straight-six 175 hp version of their inline 4 cylinder.

May 1993 (p. 7). There are spy shots of a clay model of the upcoming Porsche 996. However, it appears to be a mid-engine layout and bears a striking resemblance to what ultimately became the Cayman, as well as the Boxster.

June 1993 (p. 9). Pininfarina Ethos 2. What a concept. A mid-engine (my favorite layout) sports car with a claimed drag coefficient of 0.19 powered by a two cylinder 800 cc 2 stroke engine. Good for 0-60 mph in 13 seconds, a top speed of 125 mph, and get this: 135 mpg at 56 mph. Regenerative braking and acceleration assist would improve acceleration.

So where are they now? Check out one of 2008’s best designs, the B0 (B Zero). Reminds me of the Pininfarina Ethos 3.