Ronn Motors' Scorpion: 450 horses, 40 miles to the gallon
Hydrogen has been touted as a viable fuel source for decades, and seemingly every day, some new or upcoming hydrogen-powered milestone is reached or discussed. However, in nearly every case, hydrogen is being touted as a standalone fuel source. But what about using pure hydrogen mixed with gasoline to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions?
Ronn Motors, of Texas, has built a car it claims will do does just that. Called the Scorpion, the engine is a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder VTEC from Acura, equipped with two turbos and an intercooler to take it from 280 hp to 450 hp. The turbo'd six is connected to an on-demand hydrogen system that breaks down water molecules and holds them in a non-pressurized tank which doesn't necessitate the need for a hydrogen refueling station. The hydrogen is drawn through the intake manifold and between 30 and 40 percent hydrogen is mixed with the gasoline. As less gas is used, Ronn Motors says the Scorpion can do 40 mpg.
DuPont Registry just named the Scorpion a Publisher's Choice as "one of America's first premium eco-exotics." True, the Tesla might be more eco, but to our eyes the Scorpion (rendering) has got the exotic thing properly nailed. But when can you get one? According to Ronn, the car will be out this fall. And when you want to get it off the lot, the 2,100-pound Scorpion will supposedly take you to 60 in no more than 3.5 seconds. Ronn will probably even throw in a full tank of gas... and water. You'll need to provide the take-home money: $150,000. Click the link to get the full story, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.
Gallery: Ronn Motors Scorpion
[Source: Ronn Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Torrent 6:02PM (7/24/2008)
It looks like an overfed Squid...........
I like it.
Reply
Torrent 6:08PM (7/24/2008)
HOLY CRAP DID YOU SAY 40 MPG?
Franz 7:14PM (7/24/2008)
I did a double take too. 40 mpg and 450hp is mighty impressive... I have to admit I'm skeptical though. Converting and storing hydrogen is tricky business. I'd be happy if technology like this really became feasible though.
Randy 10:57PM (7/24/2008)
This car is absolutely beautiful. A to Z
mikomi 8:54AM (7/25/2008)
Please let this be true!
Vintage 9:20AM (7/25/2008)
So? My SVX can achieve 100mpg... when coasting in neutral downhill behind a semi. The way the guy talks about the hydrogen system sounds like it's only 'temporary', it cannot continue or sustain the production.
We'll see though.
ccdoggy 6:07PM (7/24/2008)
umm.... not compressing the hydrogen is fine but how much space will you need to fit enough to do 30-40% hydrogen intake. With as much air as will enter the motor how long will it last...
Seems like they are trying to capitalize on the HHO thing.
Reply
spdracerut 6:10PM (7/24/2008)
Hmm... interesting, so instead of all the added weight of batteries and an electric motor, just produce a little hydrogen from water and burn it.
The tuning is probably a little tricky though.
Reply
stecki 6:14PM (7/24/2008)
i think i will do some computer renderings of a car design, make up some facts about it being a hydrogen or hybrid drivetrain, put some stats and see if i get published as a car manufacturer. if these guys can do it, why can't we all?
Reply
geo.stewart 6:33PM (7/24/2008)
Hey, give the guy a break. He's only just started duping investors as the company went public 2 mos. ago.
MachinaDC5 6:20PM (7/24/2008)
Kind of a shame Acura can't make their own engines as powerful as an eco car.
Reply
Valentino Amoro 7:49PM (7/24/2008)
Doesn't make sense. Here's why:
Water is stable. Breaking (Decomposing) water to hydrogen and oxygen takes more energy that it takes to recombine them (FYI catalysts dont make a difference).
In addition, there are efficiency losses in decomposition like heat.
Doesnt mean people dont product H2 from water for fuel. When it does happen the water is split in a Geothermal plant or some alternative destination (with a net energy loss) and the H2 is then transferred to power a motor etc. This model works because in those cases the energy (at the Geothermal plant etc) is plentiful.
This is vaporware.
cheezwiz 10:07AM (7/25/2008)
it's *literally* vapor ware. This thing claims to run on vaporized water. I guess all my science teachers were wrong.
Purifoy 6:23PM (7/24/2008)
Four hundred fifty horsepower AND 40 miles to the gallon? If that's truly the case, then bring it!!!
Reply
andrew 6:25PM (7/24/2008)
Is it Ronn as in Ronco as in Ron Popeil? Is the car available for three easy payments of 13,333.33? (plus shipping and handling)
Reply
Bungle 7:54PM (7/24/2008)
Yes, they use a modified flavor injector to add hydrogen to the gasoline.
Just set it and forget it!
G-Meister 9:50AM (7/25/2008)
No, this smells more like the late-night workings of Kevin Trudeau. You have to use 2 secret codes to get the water to just turn into H2.
why not the LS2LS7? 6:32PM (7/24/2008)
This guy doesn't know enough to even sound like he knows what he's doing.
Know how much hydrogen you can store at atmospheric pressure? Squat. At least that'll keep the amount of water it needs to carry to make hydrogen, which will keep the weight down.
Besides, breaking down hydrogen takes more energy than you get back burning it. Sheesh, can we at least get some scammers who understand the laws of thermodynamics?
Reply
Bungle 7:57PM (7/24/2008)
Exactly what I was thinking. I can't wait until we're past this transition from fossil fuels... maybe then the scams will thin out a bit.
RIck 6:53PM (7/24/2008)
"on-demand hydrogen system that breaks down water molecules and holds them in a non-pressurized tank"
Has anyone here actually tried the electrolysis experiment in a chemistry or physics class? The amount of 'power in' required to break down hydrogen is enormous compared to the quantity (or lack of) you get out. That test tube full sure goes far (sarcasm). Sure, if humanity had fusion licked and generating obscene amounts of electricity was child's place, then yes, hydrogen would work. But not now. No where close.
Reply