The Minerva J.M. Brabazon

Many of you have probably never heard of a Belgian car manufacturer called Minerva. Well, it’s alive and happening, and they’re coming up with a stunning 4-wheeler. Boasting with a name to remember, the so-called J. M. Brabazon is a brand new supercar which resurrects Minerva’s name.

Founded by Sylvain de Jong, the brand used to be in activity ages ago, between 1902 and 1938, a period during which it used to manufacture bicycles, motorcycles and cars. Unfortunately, Minerva had to go out of business in 1956, due to unwanted economical failures. Some of the cars they’ve produced are quite famous – the Imperia AP 22 CV limo, from 1937, or the AL Rollston Convertible Sedan, back in 1931. Fortunately for the Belgian firm, there are investors nowadays looking forward to resurrecting it. The J. M. Brabazon will reportedly be their first project, with a nomination that reminds of a famous British driver.

In terms of power, the Brabazon will be propelled by a twin-turbo V12 engine and two additional electric motors. In addition, the engines will be mated to a sequential transmission, regenerative brakes and limited slip differential. It will probably feature all-wheel-drive, I reckon. Moreover, Minerva designers and engineers are talking about the J. M. Brabazon being fitted with five different driving modes – Safe, Sport, Economy, Race and Normal. Estimations also tell of maximum speeds in excess of 248 mph (400 km/h).

The carbon Kevlar body will lie upon a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and will sport looks similar to the Audi R8. It’ll also be garnished with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and LED lights.
[via]