Kia Ray Hybrid Concept will present at the Chicago Auto Show

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept

KIA Motors is currently preparing their new concept car that will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show 2010. The figure in the vehicle named Kia Ray in the form of the official release has a unique taillights.

 

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept Kia Ray is the vehicle plug-in hybrid that is a picture of Kia's green programs in the future. Platform concept would seem hibryd used Kia models that will come, but it is unlikely that vehicles will be the Kia design language that will come.

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept

Kia Ray designed at Kia's American design studios released only in an illustration. There's no other details about this vehicle and it seems we must wait until the Chicago Auto Show going to get any further to what is really shown by Kia through Ray Plug-in hybrid it.

Kia Ray Hybrid Concept

But most likely, will carry the Kia Ray drive system similar to that used by Kia Blue-will. We will wait.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

Now, the company manager from Leonberg near Stuttgart takes on a new challenge. The automobile manufacturer turns the most potent super sports car from Maranello, the Ferrari Enzo, into the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 - an individually produced edition, limited to only 25 cars. In the last 27 years, Uwe Gemballa has achieved the best world-wide reputation for refining Porsche cars. The core part of the overall makeover is the entirely re-engineered aerodynamics concept by GEMBALLA. Without any exception, the manufacturer produces all components in real carbon in order to combine lowest weight with highest material strength.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

Owing to the active aerodynamics conception, the front spoiler lip generates an additional downthrust of up to 35 kilograms at the front axle, according to the individual position. Analogically, the flap on the newly designed rear spoiler generates even up to 85 kilograms more downthrust on the rear wheels. For optimal handling results, the flap lowers, as soon as the car reaches a speed of 120 km/h. In this way, the GEMBALLA-aerodynamics concept adjusts to the outer conditions and always ensures perfect road holding characteristics. All components of the aerodynamics kit attribute to this: starting from the new front skirt with spoiler lip, over the door extensions to the diffuser and rear spoiler.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

The air duct system of the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 does not only help bringing the power of the twelve-cylinder car onto the road. At the same time, the engineers from Leonberg (Baden-Wurttemberg) develop an extensive ventilation- and cooling concept. Here, both the front and the back wheel-houses are supplied with cooling air and this guarantees an optimal use of the high performance braking system. The GEMBALLA car body components therefore guarantee the functionality of the new super sports car and provide the car with a unique look at the same time. Following the design of Formula-1 racing cars, the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 has an extended front and an edged rear spoiler. Formerly rounded edges were replaced in order to provide the car with an aggressive look with greedy air inlets and outlets.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

The twelve cylinder engine of the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 works with an optimised motor management and an especially adjusted exhaust system. This combination allows a performance output of 700 hp (515 kW). The four-pipe system with pneumatic flap control is added to the sports catalyser. The end-pipes are equipped with the typical GEMBALLA heat shield and share the exit into the rear skirt with the exhaust ducts of the rear wheel houses.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

In the interior, GEMBALLA devises a control centre which perfectly combines functionality and comfort. The especially for the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 designed seats, the custom-made centre console and the sports steering wheel with its leather-ultra suede combination guarantee full control over the car. At the same time,
the interior of this super sports car reflects pure luxury.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

With the GEMBALLA MIG-U1, the automobile manufacturer once again proves that its know-how is not only limited to Porsche cars. On the basis of the already exhilarating Ferrari Enzo, the engineers developed a unique car. But even the limited edition with only 25 cars is not exclusive enough for GEMBALLA. Therefore, every single GEMBALLA MIG-U1 is individually adjusted. This ensures that there will not be any identical cars. Therefore, the specialist with its reputation for unique high-end refinement once again meets the requirements for highest individuality.

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

2010 Gemballa Super Sports Car MIG-U1 Ferrari Enzo

2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

The hard top echoes the feel of this intense, high-tech assembly: It uses preformed profile technology derived from the world of sailing. It blends with the body, creating the illusion of a Coupé. The Peugeot SR1, however, radiates the same visual strength, with or without the hard top. Finally, the Peugeot SR1 Concept displays the new Peugeot Lion badge. Redesigned, finely worked and sculpted, it mirrors perfectly the perception of the vehicle as a whole.

2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

Overall the Peugeot SR1 concept car gives the impression it has been carved from a solid block of material, monolithic, protective, sculptural and dynamic. At every moment it makes a great play on contrasts: purity and technological sophistication, authenticity and advanced technologies, expressiveness and understatement. making it a car that is quite simply. desirable!

2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

The interior ambience blends colours and materials, with strong references to "a past motoring era" combined with "the latest advanced technology". Inside the vehicle, patinated leather and different grained wood are examples of the use of authentic and natural materials, warm, sensual and charged with history, that blend seamlessly with, "high tech" materials such as nickel and satin-finished chrome.

2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

The Peugeot SR1 Concept also blends styles in terms of its technical characteristics. For example, it incorporates HYbrid4 technology, which will be launched in the Peugeot 3008 in 2011. In the Peugeot SR1, at the front, a 1.6 litre THP petrol engine with a power of 160 kW (218 bhp), is combined with a rear electric motor developing 70 kW (95 bhp). In electric only mode, the car becomes a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle), while its combined cycle fuel consumption is only 4.9 litres/100 km or 119 g/km of CO2. When the two powertrains operate simultaneously, the SR1 develops a potential maximum power of 230 kW (313 bhp) and also benefits from 4-wheel drive.

2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

Using HYbrid4 technology, which will eventually become available on different models in the Peugeot range, the SR1 concept offers convincing proof that driving pleasure can be combined with environmental friendliness.

The vehicle’s dynamic efficiency is enhanced by the use of a rigid, lightweight structure comprising of a one-piece body and a tubular chassis onto which are mounted the mechanical components and suspension, which consists of double wishbones with drop links both at the front and the rear.

2010 Peugeot Sports Coupe SR1 Concept

For even greater driving precision, the Peugeot SR1 Concept benefits from the adoption of 4-wheel steering. The turning angle of the rear wheels is controlled as a function of the vehicle speed, via motorised links on the rear wishbones, giving the vehicle superb agility under all circumstances.

The Peugeot SR1 Concept car will be unveiled to the general public at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Nissan announced its new sports car design and performance, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The 370Z Roadster offers everything the hardtop 370Z Coupe does and more. 370Z Roadster comes with more classic open-air sports car driving excitement and more refinement than any Z convertible that has ever come before, including a standard automatic latching power top and Nissan Intelligent KeyTM. Also offered are an array of technology and convenience features, including the first-ever Z® Roadster-available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, satellite radio and advanced Nissan Navigation System. The new Z® Roaster is offered in two well-equipped models – 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. Nissan Nissan 370Z Roadster Joins 370Z Coupe in Nissan Showrooms In Late Summer 2009.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

The wait is over, the Roadster is here and the 370Z line-up is even more exciting than ever. While the quality, performance and thrills of Nissan’s much loved Coupe have already made it a hit with sports car fans, the 370Z range is now complete following the arrival of the stunning Roadster version. Anyone wanting the ultimate wind-in-the-hair performance will have a choice of two trim levels – the standard 370Z Roadster or the GT Pack. Crucially, all models come with the same 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which is at the heart of every 370Z. Now compliant with the latest Euro 5 emissions regulations, the V6 packs a 328 PS punch to go with its glorious engine note.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Even standard Roadster models come equipped with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable seats, an engine start/stop button, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls and Bi Xenon headlamps. Upgrade to the GT Pack and the list of standard kit grows to include black suede and leather seats, an 8 speaker BOSE audio system, 19-inch forged alloy wheels and cruise control. Every inch the understudy to the mighty GT-R supercar, the 370Z’s performance is far from diluted in Roadster form.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Best of all, this can all be experienced with the roof down. The Roadster’s black hood not only gives an authentic convertible look and feel, but its shape has been styled to look great up or down. The one motion closed-to-open movement takes around 20 seconds and a specially developed full body-colour hard tonneau cover helps to eliminate wind turbulence at speed.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Prices start at £29,900 for the 370Z Roadster and rise to £36,150 for the Roadster GT Pack with Sat Nav. A full price list can be found below.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

The launch of the 370Z Roadster also marks the arrival of the 2010 model year Coupe. In addition to the engine tweaks bringing its V6 powerplant in line with the latest environmental regulations, the Z is now available with Uphill Start Support to make getting the best out of the sporty Nissan even more stress-free (not fitted on the standard model).

2011 CR Z Honda Hybrid Sport Car Coupe

2011 CR Z Honda Hybrid Sport Car Coupe

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its U.S. production debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda, said "The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment, it's the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy."

2011 CR Z Honda Hybrid Sport Car Coupe 

Set to go on sale late summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes. The two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1 with voice recognition.

2011 CR Z Honda Hybrid Sport Car Coupe 

The foundation of the 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe’s hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system’s DC brushless electric motor. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower2 at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque2 at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). The Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear.

2011 CR Z Honda Hybrid Sport Car Coupe 

The CR-Z's three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

2011 CR Z Honda Hybrid Sport Car Coupe 

During Econ mode operation, the engine's responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.

2011 CR Z Honda Hybrid Sport Car Coupe

Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept is an eco-friendly

Aston Martin Volare is an eco-friendly

The Aston Martin Volare is a proposal for a next-generation Aston Martin supercar which features an environmentally friendly drivetrain. Aston Martin, like all other supercar manufacturers, faces a dilemma over the next decade; How to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of their vehicles while also maintaining performance levels which are equal, or superior, to past models.

 

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept

The Aston Martin Volare is a design study of a two-seater sportscar that combines the typical styling cues of the brand with a fuel-cell powertrain and an interior characterized by the use of eco-friendly materials. The author is Coventry graduate James Trim. The two-seater Aston Martin Volare Concept features a high-power fuel cell stack, located between the front seats, a rear mounted battery pack, and a co-axial electric motor at the front. To aid the Volare’s weight distribution, the two hydrogen storage tanks have been positioned directly above the car’s rear axle. The Aston Martin Volare concept was a vehicle developed by James Trim during his final year at Coventry University studying Automotive Design. He is currently looking for placement opportunities.

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept 

Speaking about the exterior design of the concept, James Trim explains, "The underlying aim when designing the Volare was to combine present day technologies with the profile of a car that would be instantaneously recognisable as that of an Aston Martin."

Trim said of the design; “Aesthetically the vehicle sharpens up the familiar Aston Martin proportions, with much crisper shoulders and a noticeable ‘floating’ rear deck. The solid front grille was inspired by the older V8 Vantage, while the flexible front fenders can alter their shape to reveal daytime running lights or full headlamps.”

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept 

The interior uses eco-friendly leather. The materials used in the tanning process are derived from sustainable, farm bred, Mimosa trees. The natural extract from the trees is used to produce the chemicals necessary for farming leather.

This results in an enironmentally-friendly natural process, producing breathable and highly flexible hides. The center console is made from recycled aluminium. The emerging binnacle and Bang & Olufsen twin lens speakers add a touch of theatre to the cabin. "The principle concern being confronted by Aston Martin is the harmful impact their cars are having on the environment. With this in mind, the Aston Martin Volare retains the fantastic sound and outright performance customary with that of a gasoline equivalent.

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept  

Side from the eco-friendly drivetrain, another dictating factor in the Volare’s design was the desire to create a car which was instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin. It was important that the styling was influenced more by the heritage of the brand, rather than the source of power. On the Volare concept all the hallmarks of Aston Martin are instantly apparent, sleek profile, short front and rear overhangs, trademark grille, powerful rear arches and uncluttered lines.

2010 Audi e-tron Sports Car Concept with "MMI touch"

2010 Audi e-tron Sports Car Concept

 The Detroit Audi e-tron Concept is 3.93 meter (154.72 in) long and 1.78 meter (70.08 in) wide but just 1.22 meter (48.03 in) tall two-seater; just a few months after the debut of the Audi e-tron Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, this is now the second electric concept vehicle from the brand with the four rings. Audi is showing an uncompromising purist compact sports car with all-electric drive at the 2010 NAIAS. Lithium-ion batteries, located for an optimal center of gravity behind the passenger compartment and ahead of the rear axle, make an effective energy content of 45 kilowatt-hours available. This makes an operating range of up to 250 kilometers (155.34 miles) realistically possible. 

2010 Audi e-tron Sports Car Concept

Coupled with the Detroit Audi e-tron Concept's low gross weight of around only 1,350 kilograms (2976.24 lb), high-torque power units driving the rear wheels guarantee commensurate road performance. Two electric motors with a combined output of 150 kW (204 hp) and 2,650 Nm (1954.54 lb-ft) accelerate the coupe with ASF-design aluminum body from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.9 seconds. The Audi e-tron Concept accomplishes the sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 - 74.56 mph) in a mere 5.1 seconds.

As previously with the first Audi e-tron Concept car shown in Frankfurt, Audi again bases all components in this electric vehicle on an integral concept with many revolutionary details: a heat pump as an efficient means of heating up and maintaining the interior temperature. The drive system, power electronics and battery have innovative thermal management - crucial for maintaining a high operating range coupled with outstanding interior comfort.

2010 Audi e-tron Sports Car Concept 

The two electric motors, which have their own cooling system, are mounted on the rear axle. This special package, featuring a 40:60 weight distribution, ensures perfect balance, which contributes to the driving dynamics of the Audi e-tron Concept.

The trapeze of the single-frame grille dominates the distinctly wedge-shaped front end and is flanked by two large air intakes. The top of the grille merges into the flat strips of the adaptive matrix beam headlight modules with their clear glass covers. All light units use ultra-efficient LED technology.

One design element that is specific to electric vehicles developed by Audi - such as the Audi e-tron - are the air intakes in the single-frame grille and behind the side windows on the C-post. They are closed flush under normal circumstances and opened by retracting slats when additional cooling air is required. The slats above the drive unit then also open to provide a better through-flow of air. These measures, too, maximize efficiency - the concept car is outstanding for an already low drag coefficient that is further improved when the flaps are closed.

2010 Audi e-tron Sports Car Concept 

The combination of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced composite material guarantees supreme rigidity coupled with low weight. Audi will soon use this technology in a similar form for future production vehicles. Despite the complex drive system layout with two electric motors and a high-capacity battery system, the total weight of the Audi e-tron Concept on display in Detroit is only around 1,350 kilograms (2,976.24 lb).

The MMI is controlled via a scroll pad with a touch-sensitive surface on the steering wheel ("MMI touch") - an element inspired by modern smartphones. The steering wheel itself is clearly flattened off at both the top and bottom, in a clear reference to motor sport.

A smartphone that can be integrated into the front section of the center console interfaces between the vehicle, the driver and external information sources. The driver can use a suitably equipped conventional smartphone as a car phone, address database, navigation system and video player. At the same time they can also use it as an operating unit for many specific on-board systems in the Audi e-tron Concept. Many phones that are suitable for these functions are already available from various manufacturers.

2010 Audi e-tron Sports Car Concept 

Characteristic for the concept of the Audi e-tron - and therefore also characteristic for a further development in an electric vehicle - is the near total elimination of switches and small components such as the ignition. The climate control unit is located to the right above the steering wheel. The display provides temperature and ventilation information. Again drawing inspiration from a smartphone, the system is controlled by means of a touch-sensitive sliding control.

Fenix Supercar ultra-powerful mid-engined V8 Announced By Lee Noble

Fenix Supercar ultra-powerful mid-engined V8

Lee Noble’s love for cars remains as young as it used to be. I can say so because even when he left the company he built, Noble, his newest creation, Fenix supercar. Leicestershire – Lee Noble, the maverick designer and engineer who has defined the British low volume sports car market in recent years, is back in the hot seat of an all-new company, Fenix Automotive Limited, and is due to launch one of the most dramatic supercars of the century next year. 

Fenix Supercar ultra-powerful mid-engined V8

Fenix supercar is believed to be the sequel of the iconic M12 which was a great success but Fenix is a start from the scratch as far as the designing part is concerned. Fenix will be having two models for the grab whereby GM`s 480bhp LS3 V8 will be the `base` unit, while the 6.2-litre supercharged LS9 V8 will provide customers with a 638bhp power option. And powered with 638bhp engine, as Fenix claims, car will get from 0-100mph in less than seven seconds and go on to reach more than 200mph.

 Fenix Supercar ultra-powerful mid-engined V8

With successful production cars like the Noble M12 and M400 already under his belt (as well as the original Ultima and Ascari, among many others) Lee is investing his vast experience in delivering a lightweight, ultra-powerful mid-engined V8 supercar to market by the end of 2010.

“Our new car will offer buyers performance and dynamics that they’d normally have to spend well over £100,000 to experience, but at a far more affordable price,” said Lee Noble. “It will combine simplicity, strength and agility, while its two-seat, closed body will ensure sensible levels of refinement for road use.

 Fenix Supercar ultra-powerful mid-engined V8

With over 25 years’ experience in the low volume sports car market, Lee’s pragmatic approach to producing super-fast, giant-killing cars has won him credibility among buyers and the media alike. So while the first pictures of his new creation (due early next year) are sure to cause a stir, Lee’s grounded philosophy to manufacturing will ensure that the car is a production reality. In fact, development of the car began in earnest a year ago, and the first prototype, which will be used to validate the all-new chassis and powertrain, is currently being built in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in the same plant that produced all the M12s.

Fenix Supercar ultra-powerful mid-engined V8

Fenix supercar’s first edition will be launched in UK in the second half of the year whereas its prototype is under construction in South Africa. Lee believes that he can roll out 100 editions a year and it will cost somewhere around £70,000 per unit.

Fenix Supercar M14 and M15 a New Noble Supercar

Fenix Supercar M14

Although the man has been separated from the company that bears his name for a while now, as we revealed when PH interviewed Lee Noble before Christmas he's still hard at work in the business of producing sports cars. Despite having left his namesake British supercar company Noble Automotive, Lee Noble is back in the game and plans to begin development on an all-new supercar.

His new company is called Fenix Automotive and the first Fenix is planned to be a lightweight, mid-engine coupe that can capture a sub-seven-second 0 to 100 mph. The car will feature a powerful V8 engine and is intended to be ‘one of the most dramatic supercars of the century’ thanks in part to the moderate price tag of 75,000 pounds (app. $125K). Noble also mentioned an interesting feature that will make the first Fenix practical both on road and track, though apparently didn’t elaborate from there.

Fenix Supercar M15

The Fenix supercar prototype is currently in build at Fenix's facility in South Africa, and the car will do its initial hot-weather testing there before heading to the UK for further development.

"The M12 was hugely successful, but we needed to move the game on in terms of design," says Noble. "The new car's styling owes nothing to what I've done before and has quite literally been a 'clean sheet' exercise from the start. It's edgy, with powerful lines, and aerodynamically will be in another league to any of my previous cars."

 Fenix Supercar M15

But despite Noble's protestations of a clean-sheet design, we can't help but think of the Fenix as the hoped for successor to the sharp, focused, track-honed M12 series, and that's no bad thing. That the looks seem to bear a passing resemblance to the stillborn M14 and M15 is far from a tragedy, too. The Fenix will be powered by an LS3 GM V8 pumping out 480bhp, while the truly power hungry can specify the 638bhp LS9 V8 as seen in the Corvette ZR1. Fenix reckons that the LS9-engined car should accelerate from 0-100mph in under seven seconds and hit a maximum of 200mph.

 Fenix Supercar M15

"I always said I wanted to build a car with the performance of an Enzo for less than £100k, and that's what I'll deliver this time round," said Noble when we interviewed him, and it looks like he might manage it. The base model is expected to cost around £70k, with the supercharged version set to come in at less than £100k.

Capstone Supercar CMT-380 the high performance hybrid electric microturbine vehicle Debut at LA Auto Show

Capstone Supercar CMT-380

The Capstone CMT-380 was the surprise basement find of the LA Auto Show.The Capstone CMT-380 is essentially a prototype show car designed to highlight the technology and products available from Capstone Turbine Corporation. The concept for the high performance hybrid electric microturbine vehicle was developed by Electronic Arts (EA) Chief Creative Director Richard Hilleman.

Capstone Supercar CMT-380

After working on the car for four years, inventor Richard Hilleman was the man of the hour as he fielded questions about his unusual microturbine-lithium-ion hybrid powertrain fitted to a GTM Supercar kit body. It may still be in the test phase, but Capstone claims that the car can reach a top speed of 150mph, and is able to sprint from zero to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds.

The CMT-380 features an unusual hybrid drivetrain which uses one of Capstone's new C30 (30-kilowatt) microturbine engines to extend the range of the primarily electric powered vehicle. The turbine can be run on either diesel or biodiesel.

Capstone Supercar CMT-380

The CMT-380 features lithium-polymer battery cells that can be charged at home or at a public recharging station. While driving, the CMT-380 can operate on 100 percent battery power in zero emissions mode for a range of up to 80 miles. When the batteries reach a predetermined state of discharge, the Capstone C30 microturbine quietly fires up and recharges the batteries on the fly to extend the driving range up to 500 miles. The diesel fueled C30 microturbine requires less maintenance than traditional combustion engines and produces ultra-low exhaust emissions. Hilleman has owned an electric vehicle – a converted Porsche 550 Spyder – for at 15 years and has constantly upgraded it. The EV used to have just 30 hp with lead acids but now uses lithium ferrous batteries and has 200 hp. The 100-mile range hasn't changed, though, and so he knew it was time to build a hybrid. He decided on Capstone's diesel microturbines as the range extender.

Capstone Supercar CMT-380

He knew he could rely on them – they've been used in buses for years – but there was still the challenge of fitting the unit into a car like this. Hilleman built the CMT-380 just for himself, but Capstone is happy to show it off as a proof of concept vehicle. It would be too pricey to put into mass production (Hilleman estimated he put in about $375,000 hours of work), but it's not impossible that a high-end, expensive, limited production run could be made some day.

Capstone Supercar CMT-380

Right now, Hilleman is really happy with his creation. He especially loves the sound of the vehicle. Three feet to the side of the car, the microturbine puts out about 87 dB, but in the cabin, it's nearly silent. California law might require him to add a muffler, but it's already quiet enough without one. He's got a solution for that problem, should he need it.
The chassis and bodywork of the Capstone CMT-380 are borrowed from the Factory Five GTM kit sports car, and modified to accept the hybrid drivetrain.

Capstone Supercar CMT-380

"Capstone's CMT-380 is just now finishing up the conceptual design and first article testing stage," said Darren Jamison, Capstone President and CEO. "We plan to finalize very soon a limited production plan, in part, based on interest received at the [2009] LA Auto Show. We anticipate customers will be a select group of individuals who appreciate its many innovative high-performance and high-technology driving characteristics, long driving range and ultra-low emissions," added Jamison.