Autoblog

Gordon Murray releases more details about electric Teewave AR1

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST

Gordon Murray Designs' latest creation, the Teewave AR1, not only showcases the firm's engineering capabilities, but also illustrates the point where integrity, lightweighting and electric drive meet.

On the day Project T.32 (the Teewave AR1's codename) was primed for its Tokyo debut, the automotive world came to know a firm by the name of Toray Industries - one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon fiber. Looking around the AR1 reveals plenty of exposed carbon fiber, a visual link with the vehicle's carbon fiber monocoque structure.

Everything - most everything, anyway - was done in-house, including crash testing. The AR1 was digitally designed, with no full-sized clays, says Frank Coppuck, the T.32's engineering director.

A swiped Mitsubishi i-MiEV powertrain sits between the AR1's rear axle and passenger compartment. And although the AR1 only packs a featherweight 63 horsepower and 133 pound-feet torque, its low 1,852-pound curb weight, track-honed double wishbone suspension, ultra quick steering and powerful brakes means it should be an engaging package.

"We could squeeze a lot more out of the engine," says Coppuck, but as it is, the T.32 tops out at 100 miles per hour, has a listed range of 100 miles and recharges in around eight hours. We like what we hear, and think that the Teewave AR1 - screwy name aside - is one spectacular electric machine.

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Gordon Murray releases more details about electric Teewave AR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche, Electric

Ruf Greenster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick trivia question: what automaker was the first to build a hybrid? Did you guess Honda or Toyota? Interestingly, a full 109 years ago, Professor Ferdinand Porsche built a fully functional hybrid automobile, though it was certainly a much different animal compared to the Prius and Insight hatchbacks of 2010. In any case, Porsche is looking to enter the hybrid and electric automobile market in a big way just as soon as battery technology will allow it.

Porsche's opening salvo in the eco-wars will be the full hybrid Cayenne and Panamera models, probably in late 2010 as 2011 models, but there's more to come. Speaking at a press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Michael Macht, Porsche's recently-appointed president and CEO, says:

I am also convinced that one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in its line-up... We are therefore taking the first step in this direction with a full hybrid - in the Cayenne, the Panamera and maybe in the not too distant future also in a racing car or a production 911. Why not?

Recent spy photos indicate that Porsche may already be well into the development phase of its electric 911 program, so this news doesn't exactly come as a shock. Still, while Porsche is just talking about eco-friendly sportscars in press releases at Frankfurt, rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are busy showing off their own factory concepts. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ruf Greenster

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Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Introducing the next eco supercar: the Steenstra Styletto

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Electric, Luxury

Steenstra Styletto - Click above for high-res image gallery

Watch out Tesla - there's another California-based zero-emissions sports car company in the works: Steenstra GCM. Founded by designer and auto industry consultant Cornelis Steenstra, the Styletto isn't just about creating a guilt-free car, but one meant to compete with the Ferraris and Lamborghinis at the top of the heap. And, judging by the images in our gallery below, we're guessing it'll do battle with the Italians with a whole heap of batteries onboard.

Steenstra hasn't released any information on the car yet, but it is being billed as "the first 200-mph-plus super sports car to be built in California." If all goes well and the company can get its financial legs, the Styletto will be formally introduced at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concourse d' Elegance and you'll be able to buy one in 2013. For now, you can read about it in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Steenstra Styletto

[Source: Steenstra]

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Introducing the next eco supercar: the Steenstra Styletto originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Tesla finally drops real images of Roadster Sport

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been seven months since Tesla first announced its intentions to build the Roadster Sport, a higher performing version of its electric sportscar. Seemingly many moons later, the Silicon Valley-based automaker has finally offered up some real high-res images of the EV along with more details explaining what makes the Sport extra special.

First and foremost, the Sport's hand-wound electric motor adds a bit more oomph to the already quick Roadster, taking off two-tenths of a second in the rush to 60 mph (it now checks in at just 3.7 seconds). Also included are bare carbon fiber hood louvers and rear spoiler, a push-button transmission selector to replace the aluminum shift knob and a central touch screen that displays estimated range along with the total number of oil barrels saved over a fossil-fueled automobile. That's worth the $20K price increase itself, don't 'cha think?

Gallery: Tesla Roadster Sport

[Source: Tesla]

Pics Aplenty: Tesla finally drops real images of Roadster Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Green, Technology, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the rumors that have been floating around in recent days - it will build an electrically powered version of its upcoming SLS gullwing coupe. The EV version of the SLS will drive all four wheels by means of an individual motor for each corner. It will not however use wheel hub motors, since those add too much unsprung mass. The motors will be mounted just inboard of the suspension components.

Energy will be stored in a 48 kWh liquid cooled lithium ion battery pack running down the central tunnel. The combined output of the electric drive system is 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft), which compares to 420 kW (563 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb-ft) for the 6.3-liter V8 in the conventional SLS. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 62 mph in four seconds. No range is being quoted at this time, but given that the battery capacity is lower than the Tesla Roadster and the car is larger, it will likely be well under 200 miles. No timeline for the electric version is being quoted, although earlier rumors placed it at 2015.

One of the reasons that Daimler said it was investing $50 million in Tesla Motors was the upstart's ability to move quickly and develop systems faster than could be done at Daimler. Given that, we may well see the electric SLS sooner rather than later. Check out our high-res gallery of (internal combustion) Mercedes SLS prototypes below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Daimler]

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Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BRUSA shows off all-electric Spyder

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Porsche, Volkswagen

BRUSA Spyder - Click above for a high-res image gallery

BRUSA, a Swiss electronics company, recently attended the EVS 24 conference in Stavanger, Norway, with an electric sportscar called the Spyder in tow. Although we aren't sure what chassis lurks underneath, our best guess is that this machine is based on either a rear-engined Volkswagen or possibly a Porsche 914, and it obviously takes styling cues from the classic Porsche 550 Spyder - never a poor route to take as far as we're concerned.

Powered by a couple of 95 kW electric motors - one for each rear wheel - the Spyder is reportedly capable of scooting to 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds. Power comes from a 16 kWh lithium polymer battery pack from Kokam, which is enough juice to provide for a range of 125 kilometers (77 miles) at 80 kilometers per hour (about 50 miles per hour). Of course, the car's actual range is dependent on a number of factors, so BRUSA helpfully provides a chart to figure it all out.

A liquid-cooled charger resides underhood, along with all the rest of the assorted electronic goodies to make it all work, and a full charge reportedly takes four hours when plugged in to a 16-amp, 220-volt outlet. No word on whether or not the car has any chance of production, but even though it has our interest piqued, we're not exactly holding our breath.

Gallery: BRUSA Spyder

[Source: BRUSA, Wired]

BRUSA shows off all-electric Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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P1-E electric sportscar planned by ex-McLaren designer

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green

Click above to enlarge the JJAD P1-E

Remember the P1 project from ex-McLaren F1 designer Jim Dowle? Just about a year ago, JJAD, Dowle's design firm, announced plans to build an inexpensive sportscar that was supposed to be a Lotus Exige challenger. Why mess with something that's already so well established? Instead, Dowle has charted a new, greener course and will now use an electric drivetrain for his upcoming gullwing-doored sportscar, now named the P1-E.

Being green doesn't often come cheap, and adding a lithium-ion battery pack and dual electric motors powering all four wheels has raised the expected price to £55,000, or about $75,000 USD. That sum would theoretically undercut the Tesla Roadster, and Dowle is claiming a run to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds with a range of 230 miles to boot. Working prototypes are scheduled for 2009, after which some additional funding will likely be necessary. Stay tuned.

[Source: JJAD]

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P1-E electric sportscar planned by ex-McLaren designer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC (allegedly) to produce the world's fastest electric supercar

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green, Supercars

Click above for a gallery of high-res images of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT.

Green performance cars are the new darlings of today's small crop of boutique auto builders. From the Tesla Roadster to the Fisker Karma, and now, the new Ultimate Aero EV. The easiest way for the little guys to attract big attention is to make attractive, high performance cars with green credentials. So, it's with a grain of salt that we bring you news of the aforementioned electric hyper coupe from Shelby SuperCars. Considering that the supercar manufacturer claims that its battery will not require a charge "for six years" (should we proclaim them early favorites for McCain's battery prize?), powering dual, five-hundred horsepower electric motors, the whole thing sounds more than a bit fishy. It deserves noting that the battery technology doesn't exist to support those claims and, while five-hundred horsies can indeed be extracted from an electric motor, that would have to be one big honkin' motor... and they plan on using two in their EV. Guiness World Record for the fastest car? Check. Really big EV aspirations? Double Check. And now, it's time for a reality check.

Gallery: SSC Ultimate Aero TT

[Source: Shelby SuperCars]

SSC (allegedly) to produce the world's fastest electric supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive X Prize competitor to come from Hybrid Technologies

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Green, Supercars

Click above more another shot of the Hybrid Technologies supercar

The electric sportscar world, with Tesla as the only major player at the moment, may be getting a little more crowded as Hybrid Technologies is planning to produce a new vehicle with which to attack the Automotive X Prize. Known specifications are very limited so far, but engineers from the project are talking about Corvette ZR1-style performance numbers. According to Popular Mechanics, there are two versions of the electric supercar currently in development, both an extended-range electric-vehicle and a fully electric version.

Fuel mileage numbers from the hybrid are expected to crest 220 miles per gallon, which would be very impressive indeed, although that figure probably doesn't include the cost to charge the batteries. As of right now, we can't confirm any sort of sale date, but the company would be happy to sell you an all electric MINI Cooper for a cool 60 grand or so. With pricing like that, we're not counting on getting a cut-rate electric car from Hybrid Technologies, but sales of a super car like this could help bring more affordable electric vehicles to market, which would be more than welcome.

Gallery: Hybrid Technologies Auto X Prize competitor

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Automotive X Prize competitor to come from Hybrid Technologies originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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