Lobini H1: The Brazilian Project That Didn't Go Forward

In the 2000s, the Brazilian automobile market experienced the rebirth of a dream: the Lobini H1, a genuinely national sports car. After the peak of the outstanding In the 1970s and 1980s, the scenario changed with the opening of the market to imports, but initiatives like Lobini showed that there was still room for Brazilian creativity and ingenuity. Founded in 1998, Lobini was conceived by entrepreneur Jose Orlando Arrochela Lobo and by the engineer Fabio Birolini, with the aim of creating a national sports car inspired by iconic models such as the Lotus Elise.

The Beginning of the Journey

The development of the Lobini H1 was a real challenge. Several engines were considered, including a 3.0 V6 of Alfa Romeo 164, until, in 2001, it was decided to use the engine 1.8 Turbo 20-valve engine with 180 horsepower and 23 kgfm of torque, borrowed from the VW Golf GTI It's from Audi A3 1.8T. This configuration gave the H1 the performance it needed to stand out.

The car was presented to the public at Sao Paulo Auto Show in 2002 and again in 2004, but the definitive model only began to be manufactured by hand in 2005. During this journey, several adjustments were made to perfect the design and functionality of the vehicle.

Design and Innovation

O Lobini H1 impressed with its futuristic design and unique details, such as the doors in the style scissors. With fiberglass body and weighing just 1030 kg, the H1 stood out for its lightness. The engine in a center-rear and the weight distribution (41% at the front and 59% at the rear) guaranteed excellent dynamic performance.

The compact dimensions contributed to the sporty profile: 3.72 meters long, 1.80 meters wide and only 1.18 meters tall. With this, Lobini achieved 0 to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds and a maximum speed of 230 km/h.

Equipment and Technical Details

The H1 had independent suspension on all four wheels and brakes with ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, ensuring good performance on the tracks. The tires Pirelli PZero completed the set, reinforcing the model's sporty feel.

Inside, the car featured some interesting solutions. Several components were adapted from popular models. For example, the instruments were from VW Golf, while the power window buttons came from the Chevrolet Celta. Despite being simple, the finish reflected the artisanal spirit of the project, with Sparco steering wheel and red start button.

Model Evolution

In 2006, the Brax Automobiles acquired Lobini, bringing significant updates to the H1. The model 2007 presented a new front end, with circular headlights, redesigned wheels and a more aggressive aerodynamic kit. Inside, customers could customize leather seats and include options such as xenon headlights, GPS and carbon fiber applications on the dashboard.

O starting price of R$ 160,000, adjusted for the time, corresponded today to approximately R$ 375,000, considering inflation. The special version H1 White Edition, launched in 2011, cost R$ 170,000 (at the time, about R$ 400,000 current). In this edition, it was possible to increase the engine power to 220 horsepower per R$ 10,000 additional.

The End of Production

Despite its potential, Lobini faced difficulties in consolidating the H1 in the market. Between 2005 and 2012, only around 1,000 models were produced. 70 units. Competition with international brands and the lack of scale made it impossible to continue the project.

Today, the Lobini H1 is a rare and valued classic, with few examples circulating in Brazil. It represents a milestone in the history of national sports cars, being remembered as an example of ingenuity and passion for motorsports.

Conclusion

When remembering the Lobini H1, you understand the power of a dream that took shape in a challenging market. Every detail, from the engine to the design, reflects the dedication of its creators in delivering a unique sports car. Although its production was brief, the H1’s legacy lives on in the memories of car enthusiasts and in the pride of owning a standout Brazilian sports car. Today, if you find a Lobini H1 for sale, be prepared to pay a high price for this rarity – and for a piece of Brazilian automotive history.