R&D Group Velozzi has developed an electric car concept to compete in the Automotive X Prize competition. The sporty vehicle is powered by two electric motors and has a design inspired by classic Italian sportscars.
With this in-house developed hybrid vehicle, Velozzi will participate to the 2009 Automotive X Prize challenge, a racing event open to alternative energy concept vehicles, specifically developed for production.
Among the goals of the competition is the development of a viable production car which can be desirable. Velozzi Group has choosen to create a classic sportscar with a design inspired by Italian GTs.
For Velozzi's team the challenge will be to integrate all the hi-tech features (such as composite chassis and racing suspensions) in a "viable" project. This extreme hybrid sportscar is powered by two AC electric motors, with lithium ion battery pack, which can be recharged by an on-board micro turbine running on several tuypes of fuels. Claimed performances are a top speed of 200 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration in under 3 seconds.
Among the technical highlights are the carbon fiber body and chassis, F1-derived gearbox and racing suspensions and brakes.
About Automotive X Prize
The goal of the competition is to stimulate technology, manufacturing and marketing innovations, in order to reduce oil consumption and harmful emissions. The theme is a super-efficient vehicle (100-250 mpg) which can also be desirable and marketable. The winner will receive 25 million dollars to license technology to automakers.
About Velozzi
Beverly Hills-based Velozzi is a Research and Development Organization that works in the field of alternative energy vehicles and alternative fuels. It employes scientists, car designers and engineers. Clients and partnerships include JPL-NASA, Pasadena Art Center, U.S. Armed Forces and Sony Corporation. President of Velozzi is Roberto Jerez, car designer and winner of the 2006 Michelin Design Challenge.
source: carbodydesign.com
