4 Stroke Rumen
| Company type | Concept vehicle |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Roumen Antonov |
| Headquarters | Le Mesnil-Amelot , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The 4 Stroke Rumen, a concept vehicle created by Roumen Antonov during the 2000s, is a rebodied Toyota Aygo designed to evoke the aesthetic of the 1938 Bugatti Atlantic. It maintains the original Toyota's 3-cylinder engine delivering 68 hp.
Roumen Antonov
Born in Sofia in 1944, Roumen Antonov was an inventor known for his contributions to both medical science and automotive engineering. With an academic background in Nuclear Physics, he further pursued studies in engineering and design motivated by his passion for automobiles. Antonov is recognized for inventing the direct shift gearbox and contributed to advancements in transmission technology as well as research into atherosclerosis.
Development
The initial design ideas for the Rumen date back to the early 1970s during Antonov’s time in communist Bulgaria. In 1998, he set up a workshop located in Le Mesnil-Amelot, France, where he constructed the prototype model. The vehicle was presented at prominent events such as the 2002 Paris Motor Show and the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was aimed at wealthy female customers primarily in the US and UK markets. France was selected for manufacturing due to its global reputation for elegance and luxury.
Specifications
Inside, the Rumen offers a leather-trimmed cabin, power-operated windows, electrically adjustable seating, and an optional wooden dashboard. Buyers could choose from seven different two-tone paint schemes. In 2007, its price was set at €55,000 (equivalent to US$70,000). The body structure integrates a carbon fibre composite shell mounted on a steel chassis. The car is equipped with a 998cc three-cylinder engine coupled with a five-speed sequential semi-automatic transmission. Additional features include independent suspension, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic stability control.