Python Motors

[Aruna]

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Python Motors

Passionate Spirit. 情熱的な精神.

History & Lore

Python Motors (est. 1960) are a boutique sports car manufacturer based in Japan (Origins from Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano, Japan. Post 2000: Higashihirai, Fujioka, Gunma District new HQ), which produced light-weight sports cars from 1966 until 1991 when they went bankrupt.

Formed by Daisuke Oda & Kōji Oshiro in 1960, their goal was to produce a lightweight sports car that could beat the leaders of the auto industry in Japan at the time, and come 1966 their first car was realised: The Python Type-S.

By 1992 the brand was bought by Kyung-Yeong Motor company. They continued producing the Type-S into the 2000s, before the brand was completely uplifted with a unique look as well as parts and technology from Kyung-Yeong making them a step in front of the competition.

[Aruna]

‎

Python Motors

Passionate Spirit. 情熱的な精神.

Hierarchy

Guidelines:

• Sport {S}
• Sports Premium {P}
• Race Specification (RS)
• Spirit Regulus {SR}
• Archetype Regulus {AR}

Colours

Blueberry
Burning Red
Crisp Orange
Grey Tone
Hokkaido Snow
Sport Red
Sunburst

1960s - 1980s

1966 - 1976 Type-S
1978 - 1986 Muse GT

1980s - 2000s

1988 - 2001 Type-S
2006 Essencia GT
S Concept '08

2010s+

Zennyo Type S '10 & Type SR '11

[Aruna]

‎

Type-S 1966

In 1960, Python Motors began working on their first car, the Type-S; A lightweight sports car with a small DOHC 1.0L inline 6 engine making 102hp at 8,100rpm with a 9,000rpm redline, aluminium heads and triple weber carbs paired to a 4-speed manual gearbox. The Type-S was an extreme featherweight at only 749kg, giving it an impressive top speed of 146mph, and 0-62mph in 8.82s. It may have been underpowered with the competition, but the weight helped make it a pure driver’s car with only sports and racing in mind. In 1967 with the success of the car, a targa top model was produced.

It came with a choice of 2 colours originally in 1966: Sunburst & Hokkaido Snow. With the introduction of the targa model in 1967, Burning Red was offered.

Later in 1976, a one-off colour was produced called Crisp Orange specifically for the final few end of production Type-S models.

Type-S 1972

Later in 1972, the Type-S got revised further, now with mechanical fuel injection, alloy wheels, semi-clad undertray and gas-mono tube suspension. The power of mechanical fuel injection made it more cost-effective as well as better economically and performance wise, with a 7hp boost helping cut 0-62mph down to 7.99s and a 149mph top speed.

Type-S 1976

In 1976, it further got updated with new colours, a boost to performance, fully clad undertray and sportier 15 inch magnesium alloy wheels. It was now able to hit 155mph, and 0-62mph of 7.86s. Additional colours and blacked out wheels were optional for the final Type-S of this generation.

Specifications

Python Type-S '66

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (749.2kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Longitudinal RWD
Gearbox: 4 Gear Manual
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Twin-Tube with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: Cast Iron with Aluminum head 1.0L Inline 6 24-Valve DOHC producing 102hp @ 8,100RPM & 68.7lb-ft 7,200RPM
Economy: 21.9mpg combined (18.0mpg City and 25.8mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 8.82s & 146mph top speed
Wheels: 14 inch Steel rims on radial sports tyres (P205/65R14 96V)
Brakes: 245mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 245mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Basic 2 Seater & Basic AM Radio Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 83,779.00jpy in '66

Python Type-S '72

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (740.7kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Longitudinal RWD
Gearbox: 5 Gear Manual
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Gas Mono-Tube with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: Cast Iron with Aluminum head 1.0L Inline 6 24-Valve DOHC producing 109hp @ 8,400RPM & 71.62b-ft 7,400RPM
Economy: 25.3mpg combined (20.5mpg City and 30.0mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 7.99s & 149mph top speed
Wheels: 15 inch Magnesium rims on radial sports tyres (P215/55R15 94Z)
Brakes: 245mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 245mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Basic 2 Seater & Basic AM Radio Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 85,779.00jpy in '72

Python Type-S '76

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (734.5kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Longitudinal RWD
Gearbox: 5 Gear Manual
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Gas Mono-Tube with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: Cast Iron with Aluminum head 1.0L Inline 6 24-Valve DOHC producing 109hp @ 8,400RPM & 70.63b-ft 7,500RPM
Economy: 27mpg combined (21.7mpg City and 32.2mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 7.99s & 149mph top speed
Wheels: 15 inch Magnesium rims on radial sports tyres (P215/55R15 94Z)
Brakes: 240mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 240mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Basic 2 Seater & Basic AM Radio Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 89,999.00jpy in '76

Additional pictures

[Knightophonix]

I have a mighty need for a Beam export of the '76 facelift.

[Aruna]

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Muse GT 1978

In 1972 the Muse GT project was launched, and in 1978 it released. A fancy new GT model from Python was unexpected, but it helped boost the company vigorously. Using the latest technology of single point electronic fuel injection on their newly developed 4.0L V8 which provided 182hp & 207lb-ft respectively the Muse could hit 159mph and do 0-62mph in 6.66s. The Muse was impressively agile weighing dry at only 1,076kg, on 15 inch magnesium wheels with 60/185 tyres all around. It was available with a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.

It came with a choice of colours: Sunburst, Hokkaido Snow, Burning Red, Blueberry & Grey Tone.

Muse GT 1982

Come 1982, the Muse received an update now with electronic automatic, multi-point injection, variable hydraulic steering and a geared limited-slip differential as well as vented front disks. There was also an array of new flashy, vibrant colours available with it: Burning Red II Metallic, Sunburst II Metallic, and Crisp Orange II Metallic. The revised Muse now came with 193hp from the factory as well as 220lb-fts of torque which helped it reach 162mph and reduce the 0-62 down to 6.07s.

Muse GT 1986

The third and final facelift came in 1986, now with a cassette player, ABS and adaptive dampening. An additional boost to performance was added from now upping the engine to 208hp and 236lb-ft, giving the car a new top speed of 167mph and 0-62mph of 5.82s.

Specifications

Python Muse GT '78

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (1,076kg)
Drivetrain: Front Longitudinal RWD
Gearbox: 5 Gear Manual or 4 Gear Automatic
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Gas Mono-Tube with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: Aluminium 4.0L V8 32-Valve DOHC producing 181.8hp @ 5,700RPM & 206.6b-ft 2,400RPM
Economy: 28.2mpg combined (22.7mpg City and 33.6mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.66s & 159mph top speed
Wheels: 15 inch Magnesium rims on radial sports tyres (P185/60R15 90W)
Brakes: 300mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 300mm SLS Drum rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Premium 4 Seater & Premium 8 Track Radio Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 239,810.00jpy in '78

Python Muse GT '82

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (1,092kg)
Drivetrain: Front Longitudinal RWD
Gearbox: 5 Gear Manual or 4 Gear Automatic
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Gas Mono-Tube with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: Aluminium 4.0L V8 32-Valve DOHC producing 193.2hp @ 5,800RPM & 220.9b-ft 2,500RPM
Economy: 28.1mpg combined (23.3mpg City and 32.9mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.07s & 162mph top speed
Wheels: 15 inch Magnesium rims on radial sports tyres (P185/60R15 90W)
Brakes: 300mm Vented Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 300mm SLS Drum rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Premium 4 Seater & Premium 8 Track Radio Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 245,990.00jpy in '82

Python Muse GT '86

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (1,110kg)
Drivetrain: Front Longitudinal RWD
Gearbox: 5 Gear Manual or 4 Gear Automatic
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Gas Mono-Tube with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: Aluminium 4.0L V8 32-Valve DOHC producing 207.8hp @ 5,900RPM & 236.38b-ft 2,500RPM
Economy: 32mpg combined (26.4mpg City and 37.5mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 5.82s & 167mph top speed
Wheels: 15 inch Magnesium rims on radial sports tyres (P185/60R15 90W)
Brakes: 300mm Vented Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 300mm SLS Drum rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Premium 4 Seater & Premium 8 Track Radio Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 350,000.00jpy in '86

Additional pictures

[abg7]

I can rightfully comment you for adapting what is normally an American car body for the needs and lore of a Far Eastern manufacturer to create the Muse line. The combination of fully independent suspension and an all-alloy, 32-valve quad-cam V8 was unheard of in 1978, and still highly advanced by 1986.

[Aruna]

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Type-S 1988

The second generation Type-S released in 1988, known as the “Type 83” from the development year codename. The new Type-S used the same 1.0L inline 6 as fitted in the first generation, but now using the latest technology of multi-point electronic fuel injection the tiny engine still provided 109hp at 8,320rpm. Newest editions to the car were the geared LSD, 17 inch alloys, cassette player, variable hydraulic steering and ABS. It was able to do 0-62mph in 9.19s and hit a top speed of 146mph.

It came with a choice of colours: Crisp Orange Metallic, Burning Red Metallic, Sport Red, and Sunburst II Metallic

Type-S 1992

In 1992, a new and improved model was revealed, now with a fully clad undertray, traction control and adaptive dampening, it also cut the 0-62mph to 8.10s and was able to hit 150mph. On the verge of bankruptcy in 1991, Kyung-Yeong Motors invested into the company taking half stock ending up helping produce the latest '92 facelift. Later in 1992 the company did become bankrupt and was bought out by the Kyung-Yeong Motors branch in private meetings.

Type-S 2001

Later, 2001 had the final release of this generation Type-S, now facelifted. The rear wing was stock now, and transmission switched to a snazzy 6-speed sequential manual, as well as 17 inch magnesium wheels being used to further aid performance. It now also featured a CD player and ESC, as well as semi-active dampers and sway bars. However, with the rear wing top speed was reduced from 150mph to 147mph.

Specifications

Python Type-S '88

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (891.5kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Transverse RWD
Gearbox: 5 Gear Manual
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Gas Mono-Tube with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: Cast Iron with Aluminum head 1.0L Inline 6 24-Valve DOHC producing 109hp @ 8,320RPM & 70.6b-ft 7,700RPM
Economy: 23.7mpg combined (19.2mpg City and 28.2mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 9.19s & 146mph top speed
Wheels: 17 inch Alloy rims on radial sports tyres (P215 front & P245 rear/40R17 89V)
Brakes: 335mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 335mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Sport 2 Seater & Standard Cassette Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 1,892.800jpy in '88

Python Type-S '92

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (889.4kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Transverse RWD
Gearbox: 5 Gear Manual
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Adaptive Damping with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: Cast Iron with Aluminum head 1.0L Inline 6 24-Valve DOHC producing 116hp @ 8,410RPM & 75.5b-ft 7,300RPM
Economy: 29.1mpg combined (23.3mpg City and 34.9mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 8.10s & 150mph top speed
Wheels: 17 inch Alloy rims on radial sports tyres (P215 front & P245 rear/40R17 86Z)
Brakes: 335mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 335mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Sport 2 Seater & Standard Cassette Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 1,999.999jpy in '92

Python Type-S '01

Chassis: Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels (911.3kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Transverse RWD
Gearbox: 6 Gear Sequential
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / Double Wishbone ( R ) Progressive Semi Active Damping with Semi Active Sway Bars
Engine: Cast Iron with Aluminum head 1.0L Inline 6 24-Valve DOHC producing 119hp @ 8,600RPM & 78.4b-ft 7,400RPM
Economy: 38.6mpg combined (30.4mpg City and 46.7mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.91s & 147mph top speed
Wheels: 17 inch Magnesium rims on radial sports tyres (P215 front & P245 rear/40R17 86V)
Brakes: 335mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper front & 335mm Solid Disk 1 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Sport 2 Seater & Basic CD Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 2,500.000jpy in '01

[Aruna]

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Essencia GT '06

Now under new management and with generous funding from Kyung-Yeong Industries, Python Motors was able to create and unleash their newest luxury GT car: The Essencia V16GT. Featuring a newly developed semi-space frame AWD-optimised chassis and multi-link rear suspension for added comfort paired to a 6-speed DCT gearbox and active suspension providing elegance in motion on it’s beautiful diamond-cut 20 inch magnesium wheels.

It came with a vast choice of colours, old and new: Black Pearlescent, Cotton Candy Iridescent, Crisp Orange III, Midnight Sparkle, Mystic Aura, Plasma Iridescent, Platinum Metallic, Rainforest Iridescent, Solar Flare, Sunset Iridescent, and White Pearlescent.

The interior was completely luxury and has GPS, and on-board internet as well as rear passenger screens for TV or video calls. Performance was achieved with ease as the Essencia could reach 193mph and hit 0-62mph in 4.0s as well as hit over 1.1gs around the skid pan despite attaining a hefty weight of 1,824kg.

Specifications

Python Essencia GT V16 TwinTurbo '06

Chassis: Aluminium Semi Space Frame with Aluminium panels (1824kg)
Drivetrain: Front Longitudinal AWD
Gearbox: 6 Gear DCT
Suspension: Double Wishbone ( F ) / MultiLink ( R ) Active Comfort springs and Semi Active Damping with Passive Sway Bars
Engine: ALSI 6.0L V16 64-Valve DOHC producing 399.2hp @ 6,300RPM & 518.5lb-ft 2,400RPM
Economy: 45mpg combined (34.9mpg City and 54.9mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 4.0s & 193mph top speed
Wheels: 20 inch Magnesium rims on radial sports tyres (P255 front & P255 rear/40R20 96(Y))
Brakes: 420mm Vented Disk 2 Piston Caliper front & 420mm Vented Disk 2 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Luxury 4 Seater & Luxury Infotainment Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 6,500.000jpy in '06

Additional pictures

[Aruna]

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S Concept '08

Present at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show was the Python S Concept. Showcasing a new take on Python’s already experimental design language, it showcased sleek lines and striking styling. The concept came with a tuned up 3.2L Inline 6 from their lineup, but extremely modified using latest technology such as Direct Injection and an experimental electronically controlled turbo.

It attracted quite a large crowed, and attention of the brand grew from it. People were eager to see the road car once revealed.

Specifications

Python S Concept '08

Chassis: Glued Aluminium Monocoque with Aluminium panels (1310kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Transverse RWD
Gearbox: 7 Gear DCT
Suspension: Pushrod ( F ) / Pushrod ( R ) Air Suspension and Adaptive Damping with Active Sway Bars
Engine: ALSI 3.2L I6 24-Valve DOHC producing 407.8hp @ 7,100RPM & 363.3lb-ft 4,200RPM
Economy: 51.7mpg combined (40.9mpg City and 62.5mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 3.4s & 204mph top speed
Wheels: 21 inch Alloy rims on radial sports tyres (P215 front & P255 rear/35F/30R R21 83(Y))
Brakes: 325mm Vented Disk 2 Piston Caliper front & 335mm Vented Disk 2 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Sport 2 Seater & Premium Infotainment Entertainment
Price: N/A

Additional pictures

[abg7]

Both generations of the Python Type-S may not have been the fastest, quickest or most powerful cars of their respective eras, but their light weight and agile chassis ensured that they made optimal use of their tiny engines.

[Aruna]

‎

Zennyo Type-S '10

In 2010 the brand new Type-S was released, rebranded as: The Python Zennyo Type-S. A completely new transverse-midship chassis setup now with a 3.2L inline 6 with VVT providing 403hp @ 6,800RPM mated to a 7-speed DCT and powered through a geared LSD to the rear wheels. The Zennyo was distant from the original Type-S of 1966, but maintained organic roots of light weight, agile and sporty nature. Sports seating was standard, but luxury interior upgrades were available, as well as special iridescent colours & optional carbon-ceramic brakes upgrades. The Zennyo was able to achieve 204mph and 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds with an outstanding 1.27gs of cornering force recorded.

It came with a vast choice of colours, old and new: Black Pearlescent, Cotton Candy Iridescent, Crisp Orange III, Midnight Sparkle, Mystic Aura, Plasma Iridescent, Platinum Metallic, Rainforest Iridescent, Solar Flare, Sunset Iridescent, and White Pearlescent.

Zennyo Type-SR '11

Released later in 2011, the Zennyo Type-SR was released sporting a few aerodynamic fixtures and carbon fibre parts (Aero, Brakes and Wheels.) It had a performance upgrade to the engine close to racing-spec engines: Able to redline at 10,000rpm, and now producing 489hp @ 7,500rpm. The performance increase was notable, now the Type-SR could hit 212mph and 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds as well as an extreme 1.31g cornering force.

Specifications

Python Zennyo Type-S '10

Chassis: Glued Aluminium Monocoque with Aluminium panels (1298kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Transverse RWD
Gearbox: 7 Gear DCT
Suspension: Pushrod ( F ) / Pushrod ( R ) Air suspension and Adaptive Damping with Active Sway Bars
Engine: ALSI 3.2L I6 24-Valve DOHC producing 402.8hp @ 6,800RPM & 372.3lb-ft 4,600RPM
Economy: 53.3mpg combined (42.2mpg City and 64.3mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 3.4s & 204mph top speed
Wheels: 21 inch Magnesium rims on radial sports tyres (P215 front & P245 rear/35R21 86(Y))
Brakes: 325mm Vented Disk 2 Piston Caliper front & 335mm Vented Disk 2 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Sport 2 Seater & Premium Infotainment Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 14,410,000jpy in '10

Python Zennyo Type-SR '11

Chassis: Glued Aluminium Monocoque with Aluminium panels (1292kg)
Drivetrain: Mid Transverse RWD
Gearbox: 7 Gear DCT
Suspension: Pushrod ( F ) / Pushrod ( R ) Air suspension and Adaptive Damping with Active Sway Bars
Engine: ALSI 3.2L I6 24-Valve DOHC producing 488.5hp @ 7,500RPM & 381.0lb-ft 6,200RPM
Economy: 37.9mpg combined (31.0mpg City and 44.7mpg Motorway)
Performance: 0-62mph in 3.2s & 212mph top speed
Wheels: 21 inch Carbon Fibre rims on radial semi slicks (P215 front & P245 rear/35R21 86(Y))
Brakes: 325mm Carbon Ceramic Disk 2 Piston Caliper front & 335mm Carbon Ceramic Disk 2 Piston Caliper rear
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door coupe - Sport 2 Seater & Premium HUD Entertainment
Price: For sale starting at 34,720,000jpy in '11

Additional pictures