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 True innovation in auto design appears to be the closely held domain of the niche auto manufacturers, and perhaps the major auto manufacturers need lots of governmental assistance.
However, in two weeks, at the Denver Auto Show, Colorado based Lightning Hybirds will debut a new sports sedan that they claim achieves 100 miles per gallon. Called the LH4, the car is powered by a proprietary engine that mixes a 90 horsepower 2-cycle biodiesel powerplant with 150 horsepower hydraulics motor/pump and accumulator system. The parallel system will provide 0-60 MPH in less than 6 seconds, and full highway cruising speeds, with an estimated top speed of 110 MPH. The car is expected to be available in 2010 and will sell for $39,000-$59,000 (US).
By 2012, Lightning Hybrids will offer an exclusive new engine currently under development. The specific design details are still secret, pending US and international patent filings. Several patent filings are underway, the most significant attributable to Sam Johnson's design of an integrated hydraulic axial piston engine. Specific features of the power drive-train are: - 100 HP and 100 Lbs
- biodiesel or diesel
- true cylinder deactivation for high part load efficiency
- no transmission
- no valves, flywheel or crankshaft weights
- 150 MPG
Hydraulic Storage Technology A small carbon fiber accumulator operating between 5000-7000 psi will provide for braking recovery energy storage, and will provide power for a full throttle launch to 60 MPH in under 6 seconds. Vehicle Chassis Conventional frame design techniques fabricated from chrome molybdenum tubing provide the major structural elements. By the 2012 model year, we expect to replace all metal with Carbon Fiber, to further reduce weight and increase structural stiffness. Vehicle Shell and Aerodynamics Lightning Hybrids has developed a unique and ultra-fast design to prototype process. By leveraging CAD and CAM systems throughout the entire design process, a large 5-axis Router, and a proprietary approach to molding and layup, LHI can go from designing to having production body parts in less than a week. This allows for ultra fast design iteration, and the ability to develop a variety of options and configurations, with a relatively small investment. March 17, 2009 - PSFK - http://www.psfk.com/2009/03/lightning-hybrids-to-unveil-100-mpg-hydraulic-biodiesel-car-in-denver.html |
