In the year 2000, the Sbarro Scorpius, also known as the Bi-Moto, emerged as a revolutionary concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The brainchild of student Riccardo Bertone, the Scorpius aimed to capture the exhilarating experience of a motorcycle while providing a unique driving sensation for a couple anticipating parenthood.
The standout feature of the Scorpius was its ability to lean into turns, similar to a motorcycle, tilting up to 15 degrees towards the inside of the bend. This was achieved by allowing the car's shell to move independently from the front and rear tracks. While leaning in turns is not unprecedented, the Scorpius took this concept to new heights, pushing the boundaries of realism.
Underneath its avant-garde design, the Scorpius harbored a double-engine setup, utilizing two 1000 cm³ four-cylinder engines from Yamaha. This unconventional powertrain, totaling eight cylinders and producing 260 horsepower, delivered an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, with the 500-kilogram Scorpius accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds and achieving speeds of up to 300 km/h.
The mechanical components, including the five-speed sequential gearbox, were directly borrowed from Yamaha motorcycles, providing not only distinctive performance but also rapid gear changes. The unique styling of the Scorpius featured a Formula 1-inspired long snout with a moustache-shaped spoiler and streamlined motorcycle wheels at the rear, separated by a double vertical exhaust tailpipe.
The body construction of the Scorpius followed Sbarro's innovative approach, employing a wire structure covered with polyester. The interior, though spartan, featured two separate cockpits with seats molded directly into the polyester hull. The steering wheel, a departure from traditional motorcycle handlebars, added a touch of familiarity to the otherwise extraordinary vehicle.
In summary, the 2000 Sbarro Scorpius, or Bi-Moto, showcased the unparalleled creativity of Sbarro and his students, challenging conventional norms by merging the thrill of a motorcycle with the practicality of a sports car. This unique concept, with its distinctive design and performance characteristics, underscored Sbarro's philosophy of conceiving automobiles in an unconventional and extraordinary manner.
Source & Images: Sbarro; Dingo; autodiva.fr
