Yamaha testing the water again??

[theking]

If Yamaha’s appearance at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Show was any indication, the renown Japanese motorcycle and musical instrument company appears to be getting a bit bored with sports bikes and pianos. Clearly, it’s no longer enough.

With the unveiling of its new concept car at Japan’s 43rd annual international automotive event, it’s all but certain that Yamaha is looking to expand its product offerings, and hopefully moving back into the world of automobiles. Because though it’s often gone unrecognized, this isn’t the first time Yamaha has strayed from its two-wheel comfort zone. Yamaha has been building high-performance engines for automotive manufacturers since 1967 when it partnered with Toyota to build the first Japanese supercar — the 2000GT.








By utilizing dual overhead camshafts, Yamaha was able to transform Toyota’s capable 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder into a seriously potent powerplant. With 150 horsepower, the 1967 2000GT was capable of reaching speeds of up to 140 miles per hour – a world-class top speed for the era.

In the 1980s, Yamaha also worked with Ford to develop an engine for its GN34 concept — a mid-engine sports car designed to compete against the Chevrolet Corvette and Pontiac Fiero. However, the project was put on the back burner as Ford shifted its attention toward the production of its new Explorer and the first SUV boom of the late ’80s and early ’90s. The GN34 was eventually scrapped, but Ford was still obligated to uphold its contract with Yamaha and find a home for the high-revving 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V6. Eventually, it found a home under the hood of the 1989 Ford Taurus SHO, introducing the world to the first true American sport sedan.

[Sifu]

Well they had Gordon Murray at the helm so even if it doesn't sell like hot cakes the car is still undeniably cool.  I like how they are trying to stay more grounded in this effort.  Plus it'll probably be released before the NSX lol.

[Hitokiri]

Makes sense. Yamaha has been making motors for cars for a while but often badged them as other companies. Plus many Japanese companies got their start from first being motorcycle companies.