A small boutique car manufacturer called Funke & Will AG opened its doors 10 years ago and produced its first vehicle, the Yes Roadster, in 1999. The firm sold 200 of the first generation of its scratchbuilt two-seaters before redesigning the car two years ago. Now, Funke & Will AG is making a push to sell its second-generation Yes Roadster in the U.S. through YES North America, Inc.

The Yes Roadster, or Yes! as the company calls it, made its North American debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show on February 6. YES North America plans to announce a deal with a handful of select U.S. dealers by the end of February to begin selling cars in June. The company says it hopes to sell 50 cars in North America in 2008.

Two models will be offered, the Yes Roadster 3.2 and the Yes Roadster 3.2 Turbo. Both will feature Audi-sourced 3.2-liter V6 engines and transmissions feeding power to the rear wheels. The base 3.2 puts out 255 horsepower and is offered with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, also sourced from Audi. The 3.2 Turbo will have 355 horsepower and come only with the six-speed manual.

The company says the base model will get 24 mpg combined city/highway and can accelerate the car from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Turbo model will get a combined 22 mpg and can make the 0-60 sprint in 3.9 seconds. An available $8000 Turbo upgrade package increases horsepower to 415 and decreases 0-60 time to 3.4 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 158 mph for the base model, 174 mph for the Turbo, and 200 mph with the Turbo upgrade package.

On the outside, the Yes Roadster looks like a Lotus mated with a last-generation Audi TT roadster. It features a cloth manual top, and a removable hardtop is optional. Underneath, it has a scratchbuilt aluminum space frame, a double-wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes. The total weight is just 1962 pounds.

Without options, the cars will be light on equipment. Standard features will include cloth upholstery, an alarm, remote keyless entry, power windows, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Turbo model adds a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels. The only safety features will be antilock brakes and a driver airbag.

YES North America's price list shows the following options: Sport suspension with adjustable damping, locking rear differential, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, an audio system, Bluetooth hand-free cell phone link, a navigation system, air conditioning, leather upholstery, heated seats, a dead pedal, stainless steel exhaust, a fire extinguisher, and a suit case—all at sky high prices. Buyers will be able to pick their own interior and exterior colors.

Article key :  Yes Roadster, Yes, New Car, Future Cars, 2009