http://www.roadandtrack.com/go/first-looks/2014-Volkswagen-XL-sport-concept-gets-ducati-v-twin-power?src=soc_fcbks

That looks really really cool.  I want one. 

That a link and a picture is about all I got.  

It's Derby night!

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=69108.0

Quote from: Speeddog on October 07, 2014, 07:37:11 PM
It's Derby night!

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=69108.0

Awwww make the beast with two backs me with a wooden spoon.   

Does anyone else doubt the performance statistics? I mean, multiply the 1199's weight by 5, and still achieve 168 mph? Seems optimistic.

It does look cool though. I've often wondered why no one used a liter bike motor in a lightweight car. Reliability is all I can figure.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg1hAgx-9cs
FJ 1200 engines I think

Quote from: Triple J on October 07, 2014, 08:06:45 PM
Does anyone else doubt the performance statistics? I mean, multiply the 1199's weight by 5, and still achieve 168 mph? Seems optimistic.

It does look cool though. I've often wondered why no one used a liter bike motor in a lightweight car. Reliability is all I can figure.

Nope.  Top speed is affected much more by aerodynamic drag than weight.  My rather chubby Audi with 211 out of the box horsepower is halted at 129 by the computer in the US and 155 in England.  But you do need torque to move a car due to the weight.

Quote from: Skybarney on October 07, 2014, 07:41:56 PM
Awwww make the beast with two backs me with a wooden spoon. 

lol that's a great saying

Quote from: Speeddog on October 07, 2014, 07:37:11 PM
It's Derby night!

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=69108.0

Argh.

Quote from: The Don on October 07, 2014, 10:11:36 PM
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg1hAgx-9cs
FJ 1200 engines I think

Those look like a similar thing to Legends and Dwarf cars here.  The two series I have looked at attempt to level the playing field by using horsepower limits, and run dirt ovals.  I have a hazy recollection that some are run on asphalt, but I think they were still round tracks.

I think the biggest problems for running motorcycle engines in street cars is the difference in emission standards and balancing NVH/safety concerns with the "added lightness" necessary to make the tiny engine feasible. 

I don't really believe that the dinky-engined cars we have now are under-designed from a power perspective... just that automotive design priorities and limitations do not allow the manufacturers to take advantage of the design items used to make power in motorcycle engines.

Plus, can you imagine the public perception of a car that has the teething/break-in issues a new motorcycle has?