Autoblog

FIM e-Power 2010: Last lap lead change at Mazda Raceway

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Electric, Racing

Michael Czysz at the FIM e-Power International Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

In racing, planning is everything. This point was proven once again as the bright yellow (Flying Banana, if you will) race machine from Lightning Motors held the lead of the e-Power International Championship until the very last few hundred feet. And then ran out of juice.

Sadly, for Lightning Motors at least, this slight miscalculation allowed the Flying Banana to be passed literally just feet ahead of the finish line by Michael Czysz, who took the win mounted on his own MotoCzysz E1pc electric race bike. For those keeping track, Czysz was 6.7 seconds behind at the start of the last lap.

Michael Barnes took second place on the Lightning Motors machine, followed by Thijs de Ridder aboard the Crystalite bike. Our congratulations to all of the riders!

Gallery: e-Power International Championship at Mazda Raceway

FIM e-Power 2010: Last lap lead change at Mazda Raceway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development

Devon Brozek — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Electric

Yamaha Gen-Ryu concept bike

In traditional Yamaha fashion, the company announced a move that may finally allow it to stake a claim as the first big player in the breakout electric motorcycle category. By putting the For Sale Sign on 63.25 million corporate stock shares, the tuning fork company hopes to raise an impressive 812 million dollars that it will dedicate to a highly charged electric and hybrid engine development plan across both their two-wheeled (motorcycle and electric bicycle) as well as aquatic (boat and outboard motor) product lines. We have seen many concepts and indications of Yamaha's intent, but very little follow through up to this point.

The plan seems to be part of a healing process following 2009 in which the company posted losses north of $2.3 billion. Yes folks, we said billion... ouch! Yamaha, a company that traditionally has been eager to carve its own path in the powersports segment, hopes new fuel efficient and electric designs will lead to increased popularity in developing markets that have an ever-growing importance to manufacturers industry wide. We are left holding our breaths as to when these developments will make their way into the U.S. That will, no doubt, be largely dependent upon our buying trends. In addition, the company has also pledged to make all of its offerings more competitive throughout its lineup.

Most importantly, this means we will see some much needed diversity in the development of electric motorcycles. This from the company that brought us the fist modern four-stroke motocross bikes, as well as snowmobiles. We will eagerly look forward to Yamaha's new offerings, and the following jolt that it could mean for the company as a whole. Now, to figure out how to commute in the bicycle lane on our shiny new Yamaha electric motorcycle.

[Source: Reuters]

Writing on the Wall: Yamaha raising funds for alternative engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Electric, Racing

It seems that the promise of recognition through electric motorcycle racing is bringing out an increasing number of unlikely competitors to the racing fray. Add newly-born American motorcycle manufacturer Roehr to that growing list as the company has just announced its intentions to offer both racing and street versions of the eRoehr electric motorcycle.

Roehr's first motorcycle, the 1250sc, offers up 180 horsepower via a modified and supercharged Harley-Davidson Revolution engine. That's plenty of power, but electric motors have a reputation for being major torque-monsters, and the AC induction unit specified for the Roehr eSuperbike is no exception. How does 96 hp and 210 pound-feet of torque sound?

A 10 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack will provide the power for that machine, which Roehr plans to enter in the U.S. TTXGP Series later this year. A second version with a similar motor offering 48 hp and 105 lb-ft paired with a 6kWh battery will reportedly have enough juice to hit 100 miles per hour.

What we don't yet know are expected base prices, the performance expectations of the higher-spec eSuperbike or the range of either machine. In other words, stay tuned, and feel free to read the press release pasted after the break.

*UPDATE: Asphalt & Rubber reports that the higher-spec eSuperbike will cost about $30,000 and the eSupersport is targeted at $15,000.

[Source: Roehr]

Continue reading Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE

Roehr announces electric superbike, plans to contest US TTXGP *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Motorcycle, Electric

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Right on schedule, Mavizen has released its TTX02 electric motorcycle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Well, if you listen to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and the entrepreneur behind this racebike, the TTX02 is a "laptop on wheels." How so? For starters, each machine is fitted with an dash-mounted computer that runs on Linux, comes with its own dedicated IP address, on-board web server and connectivity to wireless networks.

While all of that consumer electronics gadgetry is cool, it's the platform of the TTX02 that interests us the most. As previously rumored, the TTX02 is definitely based on the chassis of KTM's highly acclaimed RC8 superbike, which means it's a proven platform that's capable of solid handling and high speeds... good thing, as the TTX02 is said to be capable of hitting 130 miles per hour.

Twin Agni 95 electric motors push out a total of nearly 100 peak horsepower along with what's surely an admirable torque figure that peaks right off the bat at just about zero RPM. Three lithium ion battery packs will be made available with up to 11 kWh of power, which is reportedly capable of tackling all 38 miles of the TTXGP Isle of Man course. Pricing is not yet announced, but Hussain suggests a competitive machine can be had for around $40,000. Hit the jump to watch a couple videos of the bike's launch at SEMA.

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIM to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Green, Motorcycle

Team Agni Motors at TTXGP - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following up on the success of the world's first zero-emissions motorcycle race at the Isle of Man earlier this month, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has announced plans to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010. As part of the Road Racing Grand Prix Commission, the project will be led by Azhar Hussain, organizer and founder of the TTXGP. Says FIM President Vito Ippolito:

I am very happy to with this new Series, the future of the sport depends on our capacity as well as that of the manufacturers to innovate quickly. We are convinced that very shortly the motorcycle World Championships will be accessible to non-polluting engines as far as gas and sound emissions are concerned. Now that this important decision is taken, we have to work on rules and calendar to be ready to compete in 2010.

Details on possible entrants and regulations are scarce at this time, but we'd expect to see a number of competitors from the TTXGP take part in the FIM series, such as Brammo, Mission Motors, Motoczysz, Electric Motorsport and the race-winning team from Agni Motors. Expect more information to filter out following the upcoming eGrandPrix race at Mid Ohio on July 24-26.

Gallery: Qualifying at TTXGP

[Source: eGrandPrix]

Continue reading FIM to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010

FIM to launch a new electric motorcycle racing series in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motoczysz releases pics of E1pc electric superbike, complete with iPhone gauges!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Videos, Motorcycle

Motoczysz E1pc - Click above for high-res image gallery

Finally, speculation on the appearance of the Motoczysz E1pc can end as the fledgling American motorcycle maker has released official pictures of the machine that will take on the rest of the field at the upcoming TTXGP zero-emission eGrandPrix motorcycle race at the Isle of Man. Things are shaping up largely as we expected, with the E1pc sharing its basic layout and look - including the innovative front suspension design - with Michael Czysz's earlier race bike, the C1, which never actually made it to a MotoGP race.

Such a fate appears highly unlikely for the E1pc, and Czysz is understandably excited to see one of his two-wheelers hit the track in actual competition. In a post on Motoczysz's official blog, Czysz says, "In less than 24 hours I leave to go to the biggest race of my life, not because it is the largest, not because it is the fastest but because it will be the first time a MotoCzysz motorcycle will compete in an FIM sanctioned event."

As far as we're concerned, he has a right to be proud of his team's accomplishment. Looking over the pictures of the E1pc, we can see that there are three motors (one spins backwards) and 10 battery modules that appear to be swappable in relatively easy fashion. Perhaps the geekiest (in a good way, of course) bit is the iPhone mounted directly in front of the rider, which acts as the electric bike's instrument panel. Check out the photo gallery below for more, and be sure to click past the break for a short video of the bike in action.

Gallery: Motoczysz electric motorcycle

[Source: Motoczysz]

Continue reading Motoczysz releases pics of E1pc electric superbike, complete with iPhone gauges!

Motoczysz releases pics of E1pc electric superbike, complete with iPhone gauges! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy official sponsor for Brammo Enertia TTXGP race team

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Green, Motorcycle

Brammo Enertia TTR race bike - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Best Buy has hopped on as an official sponsor of the Brammo Enertia race team, which will be campaigning a pair of electric motorcycles at the world's first zero-emissions motorcycle race on June 12th at the Isle of Man. The news of Best Buy's involvement doesn't come as too much of a surprise since the Big Box retailer had earlier invested a large chunk of cash in Brammo and plans to begin selling the road-going Enertia in West Coast stores on a trial basis this summer. Plus, Best Buy already sponsors a race team that competes in NASCAR competition.

Brammo's TTR race bike is based on the chassis used in the standard Enertia, but everything has been appropriately beefed-up to handle the output of the enlarged electric motor and 100-volt, 8kWh lithium polymer battery pack. Top speed is listed at just 100 miles per hour, but Brammo believes its low 360-pound weight and high-spec suspension bits will help the TTR maintain a consistently high average speed over the 37-mile TTXGP time trial. Click here to download a PDF containing a complete list of the TTR's specifications.

Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher tells Wired.com that the his company doesn't have plans to sell the race-ready of the Enertial electric motorcycle at the consumer level, but there's a good chance a sporty, fully-faired version of the bike will be launched within the next six months alongside a less-expensive, detuned version of the standard Enertia. Click past the break for the official press release and be sure to check out our gallery of the Enertia TTR race bike below.

Gallery: Brammo Enertia TTR race bike

[Source: Brammo]

Continue reading Best Buy official sponsor for Brammo Enertia TTXGP race team

Best Buy official sponsor for Brammo Enertia TTXGP race team originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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