Messerschmitt: A legend gets going
COMEBACK Once upon a time, there was a vehicle that marked the beginning of mass motorization in the post-war era. It was unveiled at the 1952 Geneva Motor Show under the name Messerschmitt KR 175, KR meaning cabin scooter. The vehicle (see gallery below center) had three wheels, with the two front wheels being steerable. Its engine was located in the rear of the [...]
The vehicle (see gallery below center) had three wheels, with the two front wheels steerable. Its engine was located in the rear of the vehicle and drove the rear wheel.
The occupants had two seats arranged one behind the other, which were covered by a Plexiglas hood that swiveled to the side and was reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit. Instead of a steering wheel, the driver used a motorcycle handlebar with a twist grip.
Reverse gear was only available at extra cost
The single-cylinder two-stroke engine with a displacement of 173 cubic centimeters produced 9 hp (6.6 kW) at 5250 rpm and accelerated the two-seater, which weighed only 200 kilograms and initially cost 2100 German marks, to 80 km/h (50 mph).
From 1955, its successor was the Messerschmitt KR 200, which produced 10.2 hp (7.5 kW) from 191 cc and was good for 90 km/h. It cost 2395 German marks. It cost 2395 German marks and, like its predecessor, had three pedals for clutch, brake and accelerator as a real car, but no real reverse gear. This was only available at extra cost.
KR 202 and KR-E 5000 go into production
And because its name has not died, it is still alive today, or rather already alive again. This time it's up to date, with a choice of gasoline or electric engine and proud entry-level prices that are still around 13,000 euros for the gasoline-powered KR 202 and 15,700 euros for the electrically powered KR-E 5000.
Single-cylinder gasoline engine or purely electric
The KR 202 is based on a 7.3 hp (5.4 kW) 125-cc single-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, and can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h (90 mph). The car weighs 220 kg and can reportedly travel up to 160 kilometers on a full six-liter tank.
The KR-E 5000 has a similar output of 5 kW (6.7 hp) and also manages 90 kilometers per hour. However, its small 1.4 kW lithium iron phosphate battery, which takes four to six hours to charge, is only enough for 80 kilometers. The electric roadster with single battery weighs less than the gasoline version and carries an estimated ready-to-drive weight of 195 kilograms.
Plexiglas windshield for extra charge
models feature a fiberglass body on a hot-dip galvanized steel and aluminum honeycomb hybrid chassis. A Plexiglas windshield is included, but since the new three-wheel design is based on the original KR Sport open roadster, the dome hardtop is optional.
Hydraulic disc brakes on the two front wheels and the single rear wheel provide stopping power, and springs with adjustable dampers provide some comfort.
Standard USB charging port and storage compartments
Inside the lockable, flip-up entry, each KR is equipped with two seats and a simple cockpit with instruments, steering wheel and handbrake. There's even a USB charging port and storage compartments.
The cult vehicle is manufactured in Malaga, Spain, where German Achim Adlfinger, who played a key role in driving the project forward, reached an agreement with the Messerschmitt Foundation to use the naming rights for his cabin scooter revival.
