Lobini H1

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Lobini H1
Manufacturer Lobini
Production 2005-present
Class Sports car
Body style(s) 2-door targa
2-door coupé
Layout MR layout
Engine(s) 1.8 L 180 hp (134 kW) turbo I4 20V
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
Related Volkswagen Golf
Audi A3
Volkswagen Fox

The Lobini H1 is a sports car produced by the Brazilian automaker Lobini. It debuted in 2005 and went through a minor redesign in 2007. It has a carbon steel tubular chassis and a fiberglass body shell. It makes use of a Volkswagen 1.8L turbocharged 20V engine, the same used in some versions of both Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.

[edit] Background

The Lobini H1 was idealized by José Orlando Lobo and Fábio Birolini, and is the first car to be produced by Lobini. It was designed by Graham Holmes, former Lotus designer, and was clearly inspired on the Lotus Elise. The car's prototype was first presented to the public in the 22nd São Paulo Motor Show, in 2002, and the first finished unit was sold in 2005. At that time, it was only available in the targa top configuration. In 2006, minor redesigns were announced to take place in the 2007 model. Also, in the 26th São Paulo Motor Show a new coupé model was introduced and a racing model was shown.

Even though it was well received by Brazilian enthusiasts, it is considered too expensive by most in that specific market. In fact, most of its production is directed towards the American and British markets.

[edit] Engine

The H1 comes equipped with an I4, 20V turbocharged 1.8L engine, the same used in the Brazilian Volkswagen Golf GTI, transversally mounted in front of the rear axle. It attains 180 hp (134 kW) at 5700 rpm, and makes the H1 go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6,5 seconds. With it, the car has a maximum speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).