Green GT reveals upgraded prototype, raises our racing hopes

We couldn't help but be impressed by the Green GT Le Mans Prototype-style racer when it first surfaced back in the Spring of 2009. It was just as awe-inspiring when its drivetrain found its way beneath the very sexy bodywork of the Citroën Survolt. Now, with none less than the president of the FIA Jean Todt on hand, the team behind the green machine has just revealed a new updated version.

The difference between this one and the original? Amongst the many upgrades – including a much-improved paint scheme – is more power. The twin rear-mounted motors can now kick out a peak 408 horsepower (300 kW) which they calculate can push the car past 180 miles per hour (290 km/h). That's a 50 percent improvement. Besides offering straight line speed, software-controlled torque vectoring should help it wend its way around the bends with less fuss.

The energy storage system also received a lot of attention. It now holds 31 kilowatt-hours within a more powerful, liquid-cooled battery that sits in a flameproof, crash-absorbing enclosure made from aerospace composites and equipped with a fire-suppression system. While we don't expect to see this one-of-a-kind prototype in serious competition any time soon, it could easily serve as the blueprint for future track attackers.

[Source: Green GT / Le Buzz Auto]