Frankfurt 2009: Electric Trabant nT concept

New Trabant - Click above for high-res image gallery

True to its promise, Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH – a scale model car maker from Germany – brought a concept car to the Frankfurt Motor Show called the New Trabant. We applaud the effort, 'cause is couldn't have been cheap or easy. According to Herpa, the baby blue EV has a 64-horsepower electric motor that's capable of propelling the hatchback to speeds of up to 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) with a range of up to 155 miles (250 kilometers).

A lithium ion battery pack of unknown size sits in between the car's rear axle and transmission tunnel. Of course, all of the development work for this project will be extremely expensive, and if the company has any real hope of putting a car into production by 2012 (its own stated goal), a dedicated investor is needed. Good luck. Click past the break for the official press release.


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[Source: Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH]



PRESS RELEASE:

World Premiere of the "Trabant " at the IAA


FRANKFURT, GERMANY – September 16, 2009: Recognizable as "Trabant" but timely enhanced and modernly interpreted – this is how the concept car "Trabant nT" is presented at the world premiere at this year's IAA in Frankfurt. On September 15, shortly before noon, the initiators Klaus Schindler, Ronald Gerschewski and Nils Poschwatta disclosed the strictly kept secret of the electric car's appearance. It is characterized by a distinctive appearance and pleasing proportions.

No unnecessary beading, edges or conspicuous ornamentation distract from the overall shape. The trapezoidal grill opening downwards, the front and rear lights, the bumper pads as well as the superimposed roof are the fundamental graphic elements. Rated at 45 kW, an asynchronous electric motor powerfully drives the front axles.

It achieves a maximum speed of 130 km/h and is fed by a lithium-ion battery located in the design space between rear axle and the vehicle's transmission tunnel. That allows for a range of max. 160 km. Absolutely sufficient given that the majority of daily rides in Germany are shorter than 50 km.

After driving that distance, the "Trabant nT" can be fully recharged overnight utilizing the regular power network for about 1€ in electricity costs. There is hardly a less expensive way to get around. The trendsetting concept therefore stands for a safe and reliable city- and medium-range vehicle, a second family car, a handy helper for service providers from a wide range of areas. It meets our need for individual mobility, loading space for everyday use and environmentally conscious behavior. The "Trabant nT" is already driving the future today.

Making use of its worldwide cult potential, it offers us the chance to put an automotive alternative on the road suitable for everyday use, and combining environmental and budgetary considerations. For this modern car to be on the road in 2012, the "Trabant nT's" serial production readiness will be aimed for following the IAA. The initiators are capable of accompanying the step from project development to a production company and now offer a dedicated investor the opportunity to join an exciting automobile concept with potential for the future. The "Trabant nT" will be displayed at the IAA in Frankfurt until September 27
.

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