The line of the Challenge is so personal it does not resemble anything known. It is a real tour de force in creating a MPV line, wedge-shaped. So unusual and yet so simple. It completely broke with the usual stereotypes of car production at the time. Even today, the design of the Challenge is still current and innovative The aesthetic is unique to each, I let you appreciate (or not) this fantastic car. Technically, remember that the Cx (coefficient of penetration in the air) is equal to 0.26, making it one of the best of all time. For comparison, a Porsche 928 had a Cx of 0.34, an Opel Calibra, however long cited as an example in this area, "doing" only 0.29! The windshield can "drag" forward and act as a sunroof. The wiper works by rotation, as a propeller blade which would be the brush.
On the roof, behind the windscreen, two retractable wings act as brakes. You may have noticed the absence of mirrors. They were replaced by a camera built into the rear left wing, leaving the body free of anti-ram air. The screens are placed in the doors, can also watch a movie, because the car is equipped with a VHS (almost commonplace today, but we are talking about 1985 !).
The interior is very conventional. Too perhaps when compared with the exterior styling. The seats are fixed and custom built for each owner. The carrier is fully covered with leather Conolly (as in Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin)
The engine came from a Mercedes 500: it is a V8 cylinder, supercharged by two turbochargers IHI and developing 350 horsepower. All four wheels are driven. The automatic transmission comes with a Jeep Cherokee. So powerfully associated with aerodynamic studies to exceed 300 km/h.
In 1986, Sbarro exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show a modified version: the Challenge 2+2. It differs from the previous one by adding two additional seats and a dashboard changed. Technically, the engine is that of a Porsche 930 turbo, namely a 6 cylinder boxer. The car becomes a two-wheel drive.
In 1987, Sbarro sets the last line: the Challenge 3. It differs from the previous version by its engine increased to 3.3 liters and developing 400 horsepower. The sale price was 320,000 Swiss francs. A good tidy sum at the time.
source: http://sbarro.phcalvet.fr/voitures/Chal ... ngegb.html
- Sbarro Challenge 1985-1.jpeg (352.57 KiB) Viewed 667 times
- Sbarro Challenge 1985-2.jpeg (75.57 KiB) Viewed 667 times
- Sbarro Challenge 1985-3.jpeg (131.84 KiB) Viewed 667 times
- Sbarro Challenge 1985-4.jpeg (100.57 KiB) Viewed 667 times
