CarZi » Hybrid & Electric

Porsche GT3 R Hybrid

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:26:44 +0000

Contrary to Michael Macht (Porsche CEO) recent statement that Porsche technology will continue to be centered around improving efficiency and not creating hybrids “We want brake regeneration and stop-start for our sports cars, but not hybrid,” explains Macht, here is the Porsche GT3 R Hybrid which will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

This new Porsche Hybrid will be based on the RWD Porsche 911 GT3 R that will take delivery to track privateers later this year. In addition to the 480hp 4.0L Flat Six it will have 2 electric motors that drive the front wheels.

Where the passenger seat would normally go, is a flywheel and energy storage unit (see photo above) that will convert and store kinetic braking energy until needed. The stored kinetic energy equates to 120kW which means 160hp to the front wheels available in 6-8 seconds bursts controlled by a button on the steering wheel.

Further to Michael Macht recent comments regarding P Cars, “They’re not driven in the city”, I fully disagree with that statement because here in Toronto and Montreal Canada Porsche 911’s are extremely common daily driver city cars.

CLICK BELOW FOR: Porsche GT3 PHOTOS

[Source: AutoBlog.com]

Tajima EV Mini Sport

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:30:56 +0000

The Tajima EV Mini Sport is an all electric single seater mini formula 1 looking vehicle price around $23,000 USD (without battery) and weighs 300kgs using steel tube space frame and resin bathtub like body. The EV has a motor output of 0.59KW, delivered to the rear wheels via a drive belt which can be powered by lead or lithium polymer batteries delivering ranges of 25km (lead battery costs $2500 USD) or 90km (lithium battery costs $5500 USD) It produces a top speed of 70km/h. The Tajima Motor Corp is run by Japanese race driver Nobuhiro Tajima.

[Source: MadWhips.com]

Lamborghini Madura Concept Photos

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:52:24 +0000

Checkout this futuristic looking Lamborghini Madura concept created by Slavche Tanevsky, a student at the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The Madura is named after an Indonesian island famous for bull races. It was created via collaboration with Lamborghini & Audi designers for Lamborghini’s raw materials project.

According to Slavche, “The Madura is a proposal for the first hybrid Lamborghini scheduled for 2016. Doing a car more efficient and more nature-friendly, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be exciting, good-looking and fast. (But) in my opinion this new propulsion system should be represented on the looks of the car.”

Related Lamborghini Concept Posts

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Lamborghini Estoque 4 Door Teaser Pic
Lamborghini Estoque 4 Door Concept REAR Photo
New Lamborghini Coming To Paris Motor Show III
New Lamborghini Coming To Paris Motor Show II
New Lamborghini Coming To Paris Motor Show

[Source: WorldCarFans.com]

Hybrid Lamborghini Gallardo 2015

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:58:12 +0000

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann told Germany’s Automobilewoche trade paper that Lamborghini (Audi) will be launching a Hybrid Lamborghini Gallardo model by 2015.Officials from rival Ferrari officials have also signaled that a Hybrid Ferrari is on the way, by the same time.. interesting

Like the Toyota Prius, the Hybrid Lamborghini Gallardo will use an electric motor during slow speeds, like city traffic and those lovely interstate parking lots. During pedal to the metal, the traditional V10 engine will take over to deliver the usual Lamborghini power and sound.

[Source: ]

Zenn Motor Company SHARES SOAR!

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:49:01 +0000

Toronto-based Zenn Motor Company Inc. shares (ZNN) SOARED today based on new battery technology results released by one of their partner EEStor Inc in Texas. This ground breaking battery technology is key in enabling electric cars to meet minimum highway speed standards. The stock rose to a high of $5.79 CAD (up 68%) and currently up 48%.

ZENN, stands for Zero Emission, No Noise fully-featured electric vehicle.

The ZENN can be recharged anywhere by simply plugging into a standard electrical outlet and can be ready to go in as little as 4 hours. At only pennies per mile to operate and with minimal maintenance requirements, the ZENN is the ideal choice for consumers and businesses alike.

ZENN Motor Company Inc. is a developer, manufacturer and supplier of electric vehicles. The Company focuses on providing zero emission transportation solutions. The Company’s initial EV offering was a low speed electric vehicle called the ZENN.

Zenn currently builds a 2 seat fully electric vehicle at a plant in Quebec, Canada. It has a range of 50-80km (31-50miles) and a top speed of 40km/h (25mph). It is currently not allowed on public roads in many jurisdictions due to its low speed yet can be used in low speed streets and controlled areas such as campuses and gated communities.

With this new battery technology Zenn plans to build a new highway capable vehicle called the CityZENN which is expected to have a top speed of 125km/h (78mph) and have a range of 400km (250miles) on a single charge. Initial production is late 2009 with commercial availability in 2010.

Zenn Motors also has worldwide exclusive rights to use the battery in vehicles under 1400kg (3086 lbs).

Texas based EEStor who manufactures the battery is a privately held low key company which was responsible for releasing the positive data with respect to it’s energy and power density results of their patented modified barium-titannate powders battery.

[Source: ZennCars.com]

2009 Formula 1 Rule Changes Video

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:05:55 +0000

In the first video, Sebastian Vettel explains the 2009 Formula 1 rule changes with the assistance of some pretty wicked awesome animations. The coolest new rule allows for regenerative braking system (called KERS – kinetic energy recovery systems) utilizing a battery to store the energy created when braking. This system will give each driver a 6.5 seconds boost of 82hp per lap! The second video is similar to the first but incorporates some of the F1 drivers (Lewis Hamilton) and their thoughts on the upcoming changes.

[Source: YouTube.com]

Electric Porsche 959 / 911 Pictures & Video

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:13:14 +0000

I recently had a chance to check this Electric Porsche 911 / 959 while at Supercar Weekend 2009 in Palm Beach Florida.

This EV’s purpose was built for 95% driving around town. Battery options range from 50-200 mile range and can reach over 100 mph. Lead acid package includes 17 Odyssey series-2150 93AH batteries, EPN DC 11″ motor, 1000 amp water cooled controller, 5 speed 915 Porsche trans. 17″ Cup wheels. Power windows, A/C. Color change available. Available for $65,000 USD.

[Source: evPorsche.com]

Marussia Pictures – Russian Supercar

Anthony Carbone — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 00:36:55 +0000

Frankfurt 2009 Auto Show: Marussia B2 Supercar Photos

Nikolay Fomenko is a very accomplished Russian renaissance man. He is a musician, comic actor and FIA N-GT race champion who later became a leading showman on Russian TV.

He recently launched his country’s first hybrid supercar company called Marussia. Don’t forget to checkout the Russian coach built E-Go Revolt which also broke news earlier this year.

Fomenko brings a lot of knowledge from his racing career for Marussia.

The Marussia is slated to use a 240-hp, 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine yet unclear who will supply the electric drive components.

Approximately 35% car will be Russian and will be designed to provide a range of 400km and should do the 0-100 km/h dash in under 5 seconds with a price tag around $100,000 USD. First customer cars will be delivered late 2009.

[Source: RussiaToday.com, Autoblog.com, WorldCarFans.com]

Top Gear Tesla Roadster VS Lotus Elise VIDEO

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:21:12 +0000

First off Jeremy, its pronounced TES-LA NOT TEZ-LA. Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson candidly expressed “say goodbye to dialup, say hello to broadband motoring!” as he raced the Tesla Roadster against the Lotus Elise in a straight line. Checkout the video before BBC takes it down and see how badly the Tesla smokes the Elise!

I am amazed that the Wired Blog has no problem embedding a video of Top Gear which they very well know will be taken down by the BBC.

[Source: Blog.Wired.com, YouTube]

Brabus Tesla Roadster Pictures & Specs

Anthony Carbone — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:51:01 +0000

The BRABUS customization package for the Tesla Roadster includes special high-quality matte white paint job, carbon-fiber air inlets, BRABUS perforated lightweight leather and Alcantara, BRABUS carbon fiber rear wing and rear diffuser, weight-optimized BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels AND several simulated engine sounds: V8 engine, racecar engine and 2 futuristic Star Wars tie fighter Beam and millennium falcon Warp. It will debut at the 2008 ESSEN Motorshow November 29th to December 7th 2008.

PRESS RELEASE: World Debut at the Essen Motor Show 2008

The Very First Tuned Electric Car Comes From BRABUS:
BRABUS Customization Program for the Tesla Roadster

The first tuned electric car comes from BRABUS: The first project of the future cooperation between Tesla Motors, Inc. and the new BRABUS business division Zero Emission celebrates its world debut at the 2008 Essen Motor Show. BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) presents an exclusive customization program for the Tesla Roadster, the world’s first electrically powered production sports car.

The new BRABUS logo with added lightning bolt is the trademark of BRABUS Zero Emission vehicles.

To give the sports car a more exciting sound the BRABUS electronics specialists have developed a space sound generator. The occupants on-board the Tesla Roadsters can choose from several simulated engine sounds including that of a typical V8 combustion engine, a racecar engine and two futuristic soundscapes named Beam and Warp. The volume of the sound is dependent on the momentary power output of the electric motor.

A custom-tailored BRABUS tire/wheel combination further improves handling characteristics. The two-seater is refined with weight-optimized BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels in size 7Jx18 in front and in size 8.5Jx19 in back. BRABUS technology partner Pirelli provides the corresponding P Zero Nero high-performance tires in size 215/35 ZR 18 in front and in size 255/30 ZR 19 on the rear axle. These tires were developed to deliver minimum rolling resistance.

The two-seater also receives an even more striking exterior at BRABUS. The customization measures include a special high-quality matte white paint job. To give the mid-engine sports car an even more enticing face the BRABUS designers treat the front apron to a lightweight carbon-fiber front lip and daytime running lights integrated into the front grille. Matte-white surrounds for the headlamps add interesting detail to the overall effect.

The sides of the Tesla are upgraded with BRABUS entrance lights shaped like futuristic space lights. They are activated with the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle. BRABUS carbon-fiber air inlets add even more sporty flair. Immediately apparent in the rear are the BRABUS rear wing and the BRABUS rear diffuser, both made from light yet extremely strong carbon fiber. The round taillights are accentuated further by matte-white applications.

The BRABUS customization program for the Tesla Roadster also includes exclusive interior options. The range of products starts with scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo. They are integrated into the top of the rocker panels.

The company-own BRABUS upholstery shop masterfully handcrafts exquisite custom interiors for the Tesla. The designers chose a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS perforated lightweight leather and Alcantara. The cockpit features white seams to reflect the exterior color. The vehicle floor is also upholstered with lightweight leather for added exclusivity.

The goal of the BRABUS customization concept for the Tesla Roadster is to define a potential limited edition as well as an individual tuning program for the Tesla driver.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Electric Porsche 997 Pics by RUF

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:56:06 +0000

As we reported earlier last month on rumors of the RUF Electric Porsche Cayman, RUF has actually been developing a prototype RUF Electric Porsche 997! It currently features a 204hp (150kW) electric motor producing 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque.

The Electricl Powered Porsche 911 has 1200 lbs (538 kg) (96 battery cells x 5.6 kg each) worth of Axeon lithium-ion batteries.

The Electric 911 goes from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) in less than 7 seconds.

and currently its distance per charge is around 155-180 miles (250-300 km) under normal driving conditions.

[Source: Spiegel.de]

Electric Porsche by RUF Coming Soon

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:13:34 +0000

German tuners RUF are currently working their little nut sacs off developing an electric version of the Porsche Cayman! It will most likely compete head on against the Tesla Roadster and will be unveiled sometime in October 2008.

German tuners RUF Automobile GmbH is a producer of high-performance vehicles. They specialize in manufacturing new RUF spec automobiles using bare Porsche chassis. If you need a brief introduction to the RUF lineup of Porsche checkout the VIDEO BELOW!

The new Electric Porsche will feature a 150 Kilowatt electric motor which will produce 201 horses (48 less than the Tesla Roadster) and 479 ft-lb of torque. Its powerful (and still dangerous) lithium-ion battery pack should be good for 150-200 miles and have a top speed in the neighborhood of 125mph.

[Source: blog.wired.com]

Black Tesla Roadster #6 Crash Photos

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:42:17 +0000

The unnamed owner (for now because of shame) of the Black Tesla Roadster #6 was back at the Menlo Park dealership awaiting news from his insurance company after rear ending a Mercedes Benz C-Class as well as being smoked in ass by a Camry following to close at the corner of Geary Boulevard and Gough Street in San Francisco.

This is the 4th Tesla to be damaged in transit. The first two were crash tests sacrificed in the name of federal crash test certification, while former Tesla CEO Mark Eberhard’s car was damaged by a technician during delivery. To date between 8 and 10 of the $109,000 electric cars have been delivered.

Keep your eyes peeled to CarZi.com as I am sure I will be posting the following themes “DUI in a Tesla”, “Tesla Outruns Police in High Speed Chase”, “Tesla Goes Over Some Bridge”, “Tesla CarJacked” and most realistically “Tesla batteries explode burning driver ever slowly to death”.

[Source: Blog.Wired.com]

Los Angeles – The Homemade Electric Porsche 914

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:08:32 +0000

The personalized license plate on this blue Porsche 914 is to the point: LKNOGAS

Lefteris‘ homemade electric car, built on the frame and body of a 1971 Porsche 914, is not simply a hobby car; it’s his daily driver for getting around L.A. In the last 12 months, he has put on 8,000 miles, making frequent business trips from his downtown L.A. studio to the Westside.

“I didn’t do it for the cost savings, though it turns out to be an inexpensive way to transport myself. We must stop sending money to countries that are often hostile and repressive, and do something to save our fragile planet.”

“My wife drives the gas guzzler, the Prius,” he said.

His car is packed with 22 lead acid batteries, a power controller, a charger and a 150-pound electric motor. The batteries are wired in series to produce 132 volts of delicious DC, and the motor puts out 20 horsepower, though the rating is calculated differently from a conventional gas engine.

Porsche 914 Blueprint

The range is limited, but practical. Lefteris says the car has a range of 60 miles between charges, though running down the batteries shortens their useful life. The dashboard has electric power meters that he designed to provide information about the voltage of the battery array and the amount of amperage the motor is drawing. “You learn to coast a lot,” he says of his power-management driving style.

Lefteris spent about $18,000 USD to create this electric beauty, which is a lot cheaper than anything likely to hit the market anytime soon!

Roughly 1,000 electric homemade autos operate in California, a mix of fleet vehicles owned by electric utilities and homemade cars. SoCal’s electric enthusiasts meet once a month at the air quality district’s headquarters in Diamond Bar.

Would you like to build your own? I found a magnificant Northern California example (pictured below) of a 1 owner Porsche 914 for sale on Ebay! Check it out, 4 days left on bidding its a steal currently for $2800.00 – Porsche 914 For Sale – Ebay

[Source: LaTimes.com]

Hybrid Technologies Building 220+ MPG Supercar

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:38:39 +0000

Hybrid Technologies is working on a new supercar using a gas-electric hybrid engine and that should hit 220 mpg-minimum!!

Power under the hood will have to trump a cushy ride: Hybrid Technologies is aiming for a 150- to 180-mi. range per charge from the all-electric model, while the lithium-ion-meets-gas hybrid needs to hit 220 mpg-minimum. And that’s not to mention performance. When we asked Cerven if Hybrid Technologies could hit close to the Corvette ZR1 level horsepower equivalent numbers in the mid-600s, he laughed, vaguely adding that we were “way out of the ballpark-it’s gonna be wild.”

The production version will be unveiled in late 2009, or early 2010.

[Source: PopularMechanics.com]