CyberWorld

by Ross Bonander, Contributing Writer

Specs

• Type: Personal Air Vehicle (PAV)
• Manufacturer: Moller International
• Propulsion system:Eight Rotapower duel-fuel Engines
• Top Speed: 375 mph
• Zero-to-60: NA
• MPG: NA
• Vehicle range: 750 miles
• Fuel(s): Ethanol or gasoline
• Tailpipe emissions: Yes

The Manufacturer Says

“Moller International has developed the first and only feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle the world has ever seen.”

“It would look right at home on the set of Bladerunner or the latest Star Wars film, but the Moller M400 Skycar… is definitely for real.” —- gizmag.com

The Critics Say...

“It would look right at home on the set of Bladerunner or the latest Star Wars film, but the Moller M400 Skycar… is definitely for real.” —- gizmag.com

“This matter involves a fraudulent, unregistered offering and the filing of a fraudulent Form 10-SB by Moller International, Inc. ("MI" or "the company"), a California company engaged in the development of a personal aircraft known as ‘the Skycar.’”—From Securities and Exchange Commission v. Moller International Inc and Paul S. Moller, Defendants (U.S.D.C., Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division, Civil Action No. 2:03-CV-261)

Overview

So much of the automotive industry runs on the fumes generated by hype; how much air can you blow? And it’s very easy, even for jaded industry veterans, to fall for it, generally because you want to believe. One look at the 4-passenger Moller M400 Skycar and we don’t much care who you are, this is a dynamo—hustler and hooker, the collective futurecars dream.

Then we wake. And it’s a mess. Of the manufacturer’s claims quoted above, namely that the M400 is “feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle”, the one that is hardest to accept—and that almost ruins the dream for us—is the VTOL aspect. This technology requires an extraordinary amount of force and thrust. The manufacture claims it can achieve this with “a patented thrust deflection vane system that redirects thrust.” Could be, but to get an idea of how successful the far-better-funded US Army has been with VTOL, read about the V-22 Osprey. Or better yet, read about the RAF’s Harrier Jump Jet, with which the M400 claims some technological affinity.

What We Like

The design and the cockpit. In the video on this site, watch Adam Savage from Mythbusters gush when he gets in. He’s gushing for all of us, because that is one killer cockpit, purely because of what it suggests for the future.

The fuel. Ethanol, with some suggestion that compressed natural gas (CNG) might also be feasible.

The safety. Emergency parachutes (you won’t likely see that again anytime soon in a car review).

What We Don’t Like

The efficiency. After gasping at so many of the web site’s proposed specifications, 20 mpg is a bit of a disappointment.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the M400 kicks off a sweet daydream. Who can’t, after a gasp, imagine themselves cruising at 36,000 feet, zooming along at 360 mph in your own personal flying car, tunes cranking at full blast? Sadly it’s simply too difficult to take it all too, too seriously. Yet.

by Ross Bonander, Contributing Writer

Specs

• Type: Personal Air Vehicle (PAV)
• Manufacturer: Moller International
• Propulsion system:Eight Rotapower duel-fuel Engines
• Top Speed: 375 mph
• Zero-to-60: NA
• MPG: NA
• Vehicle range: 750 miles
• Fuel(s): Ethanol or gasoline
• Tailpipe emissions: Yes

The Manufacturer Says

“Moller International has developed the first and only feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle the world has ever seen.”

“It would look right at home on the set of Bladerunner or the latest Star Wars film, but the Moller M400 Skycar… is definitely for real.” —- gizmag.com

The Critics Say...

“It would look right at home on the set of Bladerunner or the latest Star Wars film, but the Moller M400 Skycar… is definitely for real.” —- gizmag.com

“This matter involves a fraudulent, unregistered offering and the filing of a fraudulent Form 10-SB by Moller International, Inc. ("MI" or "the company"), a California company engaged in the development of a personal aircraft known as ‘the Skycar.’”—From Securities and Exchange Commission v. Moller International Inc and Paul S. Moller, Defendants (U.S.D.C., Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division, Civil Action No. 2:03-CV-261)

Overview

So much of the automotive industry runs on the fumes generated by hype; how much air can you blow? And it’s very easy, even for jaded industry veterans, to fall for it, generally because you want to believe. One look at the 4-passenger Moller M400 Skycar and we don’t much care who you are, this is a dynamo—hustler and hooker, the collective futurecars dream.

Then we wake. And it’s a mess. Of the manufacturer’s claims quoted above, namely that the M400 is “feasible, personally affordable, personal vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle”, the one that is hardest to accept—and that almost ruins the dream for us—is the VTOL aspect. This technology requires an extraordinary amount of force and thrust. The manufacture claims it can achieve this with “a patented thrust deflection vane system that redirects thrust.” Could be, but to get an idea of how successful the far-better-funded US Army has been with VTOL, read about the V-22 Osprey. Or better yet, read about the RAF’s Harrier Jump Jet, with which the M400 claims some technological affinity.

What We Like

The design and the cockpit. In the video on this site, watch Adam Savage from Mythbusters gush when he gets in. He’s gushing for all of us, because that is one killer cockpit, purely because of what it suggests for the future.

The fuel. Ethanol, with some suggestion that compressed natural gas (CNG) might also be feasible.

The safety. Emergency parachutes (you won’t likely see that again anytime soon in a car review).

What We Don’t Like

The efficiency. After gasping at so many of the web site’s proposed specifications, 20 mpg is a bit of a disappointment.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the M400 kicks off a sweet daydream. Who can’t, after a gasp, imagine themselves cruising at 36,000 feet, zooming along at 360 mph in your own personal flying car, tunes cranking at full blast? Sadly it’s simply too difficult to take it all too, too seriously. Yet.

image courtesy of Samson Motorworks

Specs:

• Type: 2-seat flying motorcycle
• Class: Motorcycle / Light sport aircraft
• Manufacturer: Samson Motorworks
• Dimensions: 15'6" x 5'6" x 5'1"
• Propulsion system: 120 hp Freedom Motor twin rotor
• Top Speed: 90 mph (ground) 134 mph (air)
• Drive range: 880 miles
• Flight range: 340 miles
• Operational ceiling: 10,000 ft
• Fuel(s): Conventional gasoline
• Fuel efficiency: 60 mpg (ground), 22 mpg (air)
• Fuel capacity: 16 gallons
• Tailpipe emissions: Yes
• Price: NA
• Availability: Fourth quarter 2009

The manufacturer says

"Side-by-side seating, more range, less weight, slower landing speed, room for golf clubs, and a wide cabin. The Switchblade has it all!"

Overview

Formerly known as the SkyBike and formerly designed with telescoping wings, Samson Motorworks has taken cues from (so they say) Ferrari and Mazeratti, redesigning and rebranding their motorcycle flyer into the scissor-winged Switchblade.

Said to be the first in a new line of Multi Mode Vehicles (MMV) from Samson Motorworks, the Switchblade is long on promises, big on daydreams, and short on verifiable testing or other real-world details. Web-wide whispers of vaporware don't seem unwarranted.

What we like

The standard features. Of the dozens of features that come standard with the Switchblade, I can dig the following, even if I can't find additional information about them:

• Emergency location transmitter (sounds like a black box?)
• Lightning protection (using what?)
• Ballistic chute recovery system (just glad to see the word 'chute')

The design. The Switchblade too looks so clearly inspired by the legendary Cold War miscreants in the Mad magazine comic Spy vs Spy I can't take it! The question is, will anyone at Samson ever admit it?

The license requirements. In order to get the Switchblade airborne, you need a sport pilot license. Additionally, Samson brings up an interesting point in their FAQ: the question is whether you can buy a Switchblade if you aren't a pilot, and their answer is, "If you purchase a flying model, the flight controls and wing lock will require a physical and electronic key that is granted once proof of appropriate pilot license is shown." While this seems a bit optimistic, it got me wondering whether future flying car companies intend to put this kind of thing in place.

What we don’t

The windshield wiper. Or lack thereof, actually. Regarding this absence, Samson says, "The front windshield is greatly curved, allowing the wind-stream to remove rain/snow. A special coating is applied to the glazing to increase beading." I don't buy it.

The push-button take-off. Take-off in the Switchblade is achieved through acceleration powered by the rear wheels; once the proper take-off speed is reached, "the power take off button is pushed, putting power to the ducted fan." A button? "Take off roll should be fairly short, with brisk acceleration on the ground, followed by a more leisurely climb."

Conclusions

Referring to the SkyBike, Samson CEO Sam Bousfield said in a press release that they were "homing in on the Holy Grail for vehicles: Outstanding performance, style, and fuel efficiency, along with low emissions and undeniable flexibility." I don't think the Switchblade takes them all that much closer to that holiness, in part because I just don't see the company addressing, with any detail, how the Switchblade will actually function according to flight dynamics.

However, Samson's similarly Spy vs Spy inspired 70 mpg Hybrid Aerobike, a vehicle said to be in the pipeline, offers a bit more in that direction.

In an email to me, Mr. Bousfield said that their hybrid models will be series hybrids, adding "We feel this is more appropriate for a lower volume product start-up such as ours. It also aligns more technology-wise with all-electric, which is our goal. The hybrid will tilt on the ground, and potentially use our patent pending aerodynamic tilt, which allows one to 'fly' the vehicle through the curves."

Seductive copy, for sure. And it touts technology a bit more promising and reasonable than the Switchblade.

all photos © Stéphanie Thomet

Specs:

• Type: Jet-propelled wing
• Manufacturer: Homemade by "FusionMan" Yves Rossy
• Propulsion system: 4 Jet-Cat P200 engines of 48.5 lb (22 kg) thrust each
• Top average speed: 124 mph (200 km/h)
• Top ascent speed: 112 mph (180 km/h)
• Top descent speed: 186 mph (300 km/h)
• Vehicle weight (w/fuel and smoke): 121 lbs (55 kg)
• Vehicle weight (dry): 66 lbs (30 kg)
• Vehicle span: 8.2 ft (2.5 m)
• Fuel(s): Mix of kerosene and 5% of turbine oil for lubrification
• Flight time: 10 minutes
• Parachute type: Parachutes de France "Legend R"
• Canopy type: PD Spectra 230
• Harness type: Cut-away system with engine shut-down and automatic opening of a rescue parachute for the wing
• Price: NA
• Availability: Not commercially available

The manufacturer says

"What if us humans had wings?"

Overview

What if we did have wings? We've all wanted them at one time or another and wondered 'what if?', but one man no longer has to wonder.

Swiss-born pilot and adventurer Yves Rossy is the self-proclaimed "first jet-powered flying man in the history of aviation" and I'm not about to question it. This is a title he deserves, one he earned through trial and error.

Before developing his jet-propelled wing, Rossy spent much of his professional life as a pilot—first in the military, flying the Tiger F5 and the Mach 2 Mirage III—then as a commercial co-pilot, flying DC-9s and Boeing 747s for Swissair. He's also an experienced hang-glider and paraglider, he's sky surfed off a hot air balloon over the Matterhorn, and he has over 1,100 parachute jumps under his belt.

Here's how his jet-propelled wing works: Rossy rides aboard a small aircraft until they reach an altitude of 7,500 feet. At that point, with the device strapped to his back, Rossy leaps from the plane. During free-fall, he begins a steady glide with his wings extended. Then he fires the four Jet-Cat P200 jet engines, and BOOM—he's off, reaching speeds of 186 miles per hour. When ready or when he runs out of fuel, Rossy pulls his chute and flutters to earth.

According to Rossy, the body experiences very little stress during flight. Furthermore, a heat-resistant suit—plus the chilly air temperature—protects him against the heat of the engines.

What we like

The 'awe' factor. A jet-propelled wing elicits a long, profound and sighed "Dude" from us all, the kind that we just don't get that often anymore.

The safety system. It's hard not to like this, after all it's a bit much to ask for anything less as a means of returning to earth than a parachute, but the harness is cut-away, it features an automatic engine kill, and even spares the wing by providing its own rescue chute.

The simplicity and the audacity. Yes, this is a technological marvel in many ways, but at bottom, it's so simple and so obvious—it's practically the kind of thing Gilligan would have somehow made a mess of—and that's what makes it so audacious.

What we don’t

The availability. Why in the name of where eagles dare is this not on the market? Rossy has estimated that he and his sponsors have spent close to $300,000 on developing the wings, but he's tight-lipped about a potential market cost.

The fuel expense. To reach the proper elevation, then to fire the jet engines burning so much kerosene is bound to be an issue here at FutureCars, especially when there is at least one other personal flight option out there—namely the much cheaper and environmentally more friendly wingsuit.

The range. Although no official range has been published, doing the math is easy enough, and in ideal conditions it amounts to no more than about 20 miles. Of course, that IS as the crow flies…

Conclusions

Yves Rossy's jet-propelled wing is a thing of beauty, but it didn't start out that way. Rossy experienced some low points along the way. For example one early failed prototype featured an inflatable wing; another failed effort featured a wing made from rigid carbon, but in 2004 at an air show he went into a spin and was forced to release the wing, which tore his parachute. A year later while in-flight he experienced uncontrollable oscillations, and had to release the wing, which was largely destroyed by ground impact.

Not until November of 2006 during a text flight over Bex, Switzerland did he finally see the kind of performance he wanted—a flight that amounted to "a waking dream lasting 5 minutes and 40 seconds." He experienced another setback in 2007, but since then it's been pretty smooth sailing for the Swiss adventurer, including a successful September 2008 flight across the English Channel, from Calais to Dover.

Next up for the Jet Man? A flight across the Grand Canyon.

Quarter section of the Falcon 9. Photo from SpaceX's Hawthorne, CA headquarters.

Specs:

• Type: Powered launch vehicle
• Class: Two-stage
• Manufacturer: SpaceX
• Propulsion system: Nine SpaceX Merlin 1C liquid, gas generator engines, 125,000 lbs-f thrust per engine
• Total thrust: 4.94 MN (1,110,000 lbf)
• Length: 180 ft (54.9m)
• Width: 12 ft (3.6m)
• Fuel(s): Liquid oxygen (LOX) and rocket grade kerosene (RP-1)
• Market: Medium to large satellites
• Carrying capability: 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) to LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and 4,640 kg (10,230 lbs) to GTO (Geostationary Transfer Orbit)
• Price: $36.7 million
• Availability: 2010

The manufacturer says

"SpaceX aims develop a family of launch vehicles which will ultimately reduce the cost and increase the reliability of space access by a factor of ten. Coupled with the newly emerging market for private and commercial space transport, this new model will re-ignite humanity's efforts to explore and develop Space."

Falcon 9 Overview

Recently tapped by NASA to help resupply the International Space Station (ISS) in 2010 following the retirement of the Space Shuttle, SpaceX and its Falcon 9 launch vehicle are part of a $1.6 billion, 12-flight US government contract with the potential to be worth double that amount.

ISS Concept from NASA-MSFC

Designed for manned spaceflight, the Falcon 9 launch rocket has its own launch site on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), known as Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC‚Äê40), where the Titan IV heavy lift rockets used to call home. Launch Control Center, a hangar, and administrative offices are also on the premises.

The Falcon 9 is the middle child in SpaceX's family of clean-sheet designed launch rockets: the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, and the Falcon 9 Heavy. The Falcon 9 can survive an engine failure thanks to its "engine-out capability," one of the many reliability features worked into the Falcon 9 by SpaceX engineers.

Check out the Falcon 9's engines burn in this brief SpaceX video.

SpaceX Overview

Elon Musk, of Tesla Roadster fame, founded Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) in 2002 with "the long-term goal of enabling humanity to become a space-faring civilization". He is both CEO and CTO, and SpaceX is contributing to the man's potential legacy as one of the great pioneers of the unfettered human spirit. Musk envisions SpaceX as the planet's premiere space services firm, providing reliable and affordable rocketry and spacecraft to government agencies and private companies.

Musk's SpaceX operates out of a 550,000+ square foot manufacturing facility near Los Angeles International Airport. They use a 300-acre site near Waco, Texas for testing. They've been in successful operation as far back as March 2006 when the SpaceX Falcon I completed its first commercial launch.

In addition to rocketry, SpaceX is also working with NASA to develop Dragon, a free-flying, reusable spacecraft that can host scientific experiments in outer space as well as address the needs of cargo and crew for the International Space Station (ISS). For commercial flights unrelated to the ISS, Dragon goes under the name DragonLab.

The Merlin 1C Engine

Calling it "the highest performance gas generator cycle kerosene engine ever built" and claiming it exceeds "the Boeing Delta II main engine, the Lockheed Atlas II main engine and the Saturn V F-1", the Merlin engine is the key to the Falcon 9's perceived future success.

Merlin 1C engine (Cory Stewart/SpaceX)

It was developed chiefly by SpaceX propulsion chief Tom Mueller, who drew on NASA's long tradition of proven launch technology. For example, Merlin's pintle style injector was pioneered in the lunar module landing engine, and Falcon 9 features nine Merlin engines clustered together, architecture with precedent in the Saturn V rockets.

The Merlin 1C engine, armed with a single shaft, dual impeller turbo-pump, powers both the first and second stages of the Falcon 9 launch. Nine 1C engines power first stage, and a single Merlin 1C, equipped with a larger vacuum nozzle for efficiency, powers the second stage.

Conclusions

SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch vehicle has not yet endured her inaugural launch, yet her launch manifest is booked through 2015 like a debutante's dance card. Customers include NASA, Bigelow Aerospace, the Swedish Space Corporation and the Argentine Space Agency, among others.

There's an old saying among Classical music fans comparing Beethoven and Mozart. Mozart, so goes the saying, floated down and opened the gates of Heaven. Beethoven kicked them in.

Musk, as head of Tesla, has kicked in the gates of the automotive industry. And he's doing the same for commercial space exploration. You don't have to like this guy, but he's on the threshold of some future greatness. Call me what you will, but one day your grandkids will ask you about what it was like to live in the same era as two men: Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. When you answer, try not to stutter.

Lacking independent verification, one can't say with certainty that the Namir is the "fastest and most ecological hybrid in the world" as her makers claim.

photo from Giugiaro Design

by Ross Bonander

Specs:

• Type: Series hybrid
• Class: Sportscar
• Manufacturer: Frazer-Nash and Italdesign Giugiaro
• Propulsion system: 814cc endothermic rotary engine w/four electric motors with a combined power output of 370 hp
• Top Speed: 187 mph (300 km/h)
• Zero-to-62 mph: 3.5 seconds
• Zero-to-124 mph: 10.4 seconds
• Vehicle range: 1,200 miles Jalopnik
• Fuel(s): Electricity and gasoline
• Fuel efficiency: 91.7 mpg autoblog.com
• Battery system: 400V lithium polymer
• Time to full battery recharge: NA
• Tailpipe emissions: Yes
• Price: NA
• Availability: In concept only

The manufacturer says

"The Namir... is the fastest and most ecological hybrid in the world."

The critics say

"The Namir disappoints and appears as a collection of old-school Lamborghini ideas: the basic profile, scissor doors, number of intakes, even the orange color. It would have been nice to see a more original styling approach for a newly revived brand."

Overview

In the Namir, British steel meets Italian aesthetic: England's historical motor manufacturer Frazer-Nash provided the hybrid systems and Torino's famed Italdesign Giugiaro saw to it that her body was hot.

The Namir has an 814cc endothermic rotary engine, with two electric motors in the front and another two in back, all hidden within a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and scissor doors… this bitch is ready to burn.

The Frazer-Nash Namir debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in concept only, and it will likely remain that way.

What we like

The design. The Italian supercar is legend, the ghosts of decades, brilliant decades from brands like Ferrari and Maserati, De Tomaso and Lamborghini, the whole Formula One heritage, they're all staring down on the Namir. And why not? Whether mega-legend Giorgetto Giugiaro actually had a direct hand in the Namir's design I don't know, but his influence, especially in the vehicle's sharp, diamond-like front-end folds and silky back-end is clearly felt.

The fuel economy. South Africa's Wheel Deal, published by The Times, compares her fuel economy to the Toyota Prius and sets her overall emissions figure at 60g/km.

What we don’t

The name. 'Namir' is an "Arabian name" (do they mean it's an Arabic name?) meaning Tiger, which is supposed to "sum up the main features of the concept car" but it falls a little flat for me. I can't say why, it just doesn't sound like the name of a supercar. Tiger in Italian is 'Tigre' which doesn't work, but why get caught up in cats?

Conclusions

The Namir is a nice follow-up to Italdesign Giugiaro's Quaranta hybrid concept that debuted at Geneva last year.

Lacking independent verification, one can't say with certainty that the Namir is the "fastest and most ecological hybrid in the world" as her makers claim. Another claim they make is that the Namir is not a mere 'exercise in style' but a vehicle with a greater technological point. What precisely that point is and what it'll mean for Future Cars remains to be seen.

In brief: Lotus Engineering, London Taxis International and Intelligent Energy have teamed up to collaborate on a hydrogen-powered taxi fleet to be ready for the 2012 Olympics.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: London Black Cab
Manufacturer: Lotus

The word

The Lotus, LTI, and Intelligent Energy collaboration will take the chassis for the famous London Black Cab (made by Lotus) and replace the power train with a hydrogen fuel-cell electric version. Lotus says they chose the HFC option over battery electric because of weight, range, and size restrictions - batteries would just take up too much boot space to be practical.

Most of the HFC components will be under the bonnet and floorboards of the taxis, giving them a top speed of 81mph, a 0-60mph in 14 seconds, and a 250 mile range per tank of H2.

Intelligent Energy has developed and manufactures the fuel cells to be used. No word on how large the fleet will be, but the Black Cabs Go Green initiative calls for 20-50 taxis to be alt-fuel powered before the Olympics begin. 150 hydrogen-powered buses will also be on hand for the 2012 Games in London.

And so ...

Fleets are definitely the way to go when incorporating, testing, and introducing new technologies like HFCs.

Photo credits: The Guardian

images from Velozzi

by Aaron Turpen

Velozzi Supercar Specs:

• Type: Range-Extended Electric
• Class: Sports Car
• Manufacturer: Velozzi
• Propulsion system: Electric
• Top Speed: 200mph+
• Vehicle range: 200 miles electric, 1,000 miles total
• Fuel(s): Electricity, Biodiesel, Diesel, Ethanol, Butanol, Methanol, CNG
• Battery system: Lithium-ion
• Time to full battery recharge: 4 hours at 110V
• Price: Not Announced
• Availability: Late 2010

Velozzi SOLO Specs

• Type: Range-Extended Electric
• Class: Crossover (SUV/Wagon)
• Manufacturer: Velozzi
• Propulsion system: Electric
• Top Speed: 130mph
• Vehicle range: 200 miles electric, 1,000 miles total
• Fuel(s): Electricity, Biodiesel, Diesel, Ethanol, Butanol, Methanol, CNG
• Battery system: Lithium-ion
• Time to full battery recharge: <4>
• Price: Not Announced
• Availability: 2011

Los Angeles-based Velozzi made a splash in 2009 with the announcement of a joint project with Bayer Advanced Materials in the production of a super car–appropriately named the Velozzi Supercar–and entrance into the Progressive Automotive X-Prize. Since then, the company has steadily gone forward with the design and has also released information on another, more practical crossover design called the SOLO. Both vehicles will be available for purchase inside the next 18 months.

The manufacturer says

Note that the Velozzi Super Car and the SOLO have lower net emissions of NOx than any other hybrid electric or pure electric vehicle†when other electric vehicles are using the CA or the US Avg. grid, and other criteria pollutants even when they are operating in charge sustaining mode with the microturbine on.

Overview

The Supercar is capable of some extremely impressive numbers, including a 0-60mph time of only 3 seconds and a top speed of over 200 miles per hour. The C65 microturbine, made by Capstone, produces 65kW of power while the AC-induction electric motor puts out a huge 770hp. This car is one of the most anticipated entrants into the X-Prize.

The SOLO, meanwhile, is a practical, luxurious vehicle made to appeal to a wider audience. It utilizes the C30 microturbine from Capstone, which provides 30kW of power to the motor. It's 0-60mph is still an impressive 6 seconds and it's good range and top speed ensure that it can compete with any internal combustion counterpart on all fronts.

Both vehicles feature the advanced microturbine technology from Capstone Turbine and will be the first production model cars to use the turbines, which have so far seen service in buses and trollies. They also feature the advanced, lightweight materials including Nanoledge carbon nanotube epoxy/carbon panels made in conjunction with Bayer.

In fact, Velozzi has managed to put together a strong team of original equipment suppliers including Bayer, Bosch, Nanoledge, Pirelli, and others.

What we like

Serious Speed - if you're going to go with a sports car, you may as well get one that can outrun an Indie racer. The price point for the Supercar is probably going to be near the Tesla Roadster or even the Audi E-Tron, but it will outperform both vehicles.

Practicality - although the price for the SOLO hasn't been set, it will likely compete with the Tesla Model S and the range-extended Fisker Karma. It will seat enough to be a family car and get better than 100mpg, so what's to argue about?

Availability - both vehicles from Velozzi will be available within 2 years, which is before most competing cars will have come to market.

What we don't

No Physical Prototypes - so far, physical prototypes for both Velozzi vehicles have not been publicly shown. It's expected that the Supercar will be shown at the X-Prize in the next couple of months, however.

Safety Testing - the largest delay for Velozzi with both of these concepts would probably be crash and safety testing. With no prototypes yet, it's questionable how soon they could have a production prototype for testing.

Price Ambiguity - with it being so soon to market for both vehicles, it would seem appropriate to have announced pricing already.

Conclusions

Publicly, neither car is in prototype stage yet, though privately it's likely that the Supercar and possibly the SOLO have already seen physical form for testing. Both vehicles are extremely innovative and, if they come to market as promised, would be some of the first practical electrics on the road today.

The Eliica ñ Eight Wheels of Stylish Power

The Eliica (ELectric Lithium-Ion CAr) is a battery electric vehicle prototype that first appeared in 2004 and is undergoing continual design and development by a student team at Tokyo's Keio University, lead by Professor Hiroshi Shimizu.

photo from Keio University

by Aaron Turpen

Specs:

• Type: Electric
• Class: 4-person Station Wagon
• Manufacturer: Keio University
• Propulsion system: All-Electric
• Top Speed: 190 / 230mph
• Vehicle range: 200 / 120 miles
• Fuel(s): Electric
• Battery system: Lithium-Ion
• Time to full battery recharge: 10 hours

The manufacturer says

Years of research have shown that adopting new technologies to change the structure of electric vehicles enables us to drastically improve their performance and to enhance their comfort by greatly expanding the usable space compared to the overall size of the vehicle.

Overview

The Eliica (ELectric Lithium-Ion CAr) is a battery electric vehicle prototype that first appeared in 2004 and is undergoing continual design and development by a student team at Tokyo's Keio University, lead by Professor Hiroshi Shimizu.

The car's unique design, impressive features, and excellent performance are newsworthy in themselves, but the underlying technology is even more compelling. The car is being developed in both an Acceleration model (for street use) and a Speed model (for racing).

The Eliica weighs 2,400kg 95,300 pounds) at the curb and seats four (driver plus three passengers). It has eight wheels to hold it close to the ground while retaining traction and stability. The first model, built for possible future market release, called the Acceleration model, emphasizes its underlying tech on street-level performance with batteries, drive train, and other components geared towards everyday driving. The other model, the Speed model, aims towards breaking records and challenging gasoline-engine speed records, currently working towards a 400km/h speed record.

The eight wheel design allows the Eliica to be close to the ground for great traction, gives better steering capability with four tires turning, as well as better power. The power comes from the 60kW (80hp) motors, one in each of the eight wheels, giving it a total of 640hp while delivering smooth power and accleration without gear shifting. This also allows direct-return regenerative braking as well.

The Speed model's current top speed is 370km/h (230mph) and a 120 mile range per charge while the Acceleration model's specs are 190km/h (120mph) with a 200 mile range. Both cars are capable of 0-62mph in 4 seconds, which is close to the Tesla Roadster's speed.

So far, the University has spent $320,000 in development since 2005 while corporate sponsorships have been coming on board to finance the future development of the Eliisa. The underlying technology of the car has been licensed by the U of Keio to their development company called SIM-Drive for commercial licensing. A key investor in that progress are several manufacturers and car makers, who've put 680 million Yen in SIM-Drive so far.

What we like

The Unique Design of the Eliica is very compelling and unusual. Eight wheels on the ground are interesting, strong and definitely something that should be explored.

Excellent Development over time has shown that this design is definitely a possible future for electrics of all types. The car can be scaled to various sizes to fit more passengers, more cargo, or fewer, as needed.

Powerful and Practical, the Eliica shows that being electric doesn't have to mean being flashy, impractical, or slow. That's something the EV world needs to take note of if it plans to go beyond the niche market it's currently occupying.

What we don't

Unavailable, as are most of the good electrics. You can't buy an Eliica.

Likely to be Expensive if it does come to market. The design parameters of the Eliica mean that if it were for sale today, it would likely be as expensive as a Roadster (or even more so). That might change with time, as with all electrics, but for now it remains the most likely reason for EVs not hitting the main stream.

Conclusions

This car, which started as the 8-passenger Kaz limousine, has seen a lot of change and development, especially under the hood (as it were), since its inception. It's compelling, smart, and definitely a car future generations will look back on as being instrumental in the development of electrics.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be introduced by Porsche AG for production-based Gran Tourismo racing. It will feature the unusual hybrid flywheel energy recovery system known as KERS which was developed for Formula One racing by Williams Hybrid Power.

image from Porsche AG

by Aaron Turpen

Specs:

• Type: Hybrid
• Class: GT Racing
• Manufacturer: Porsche
• Propulsion system: Hybrid-Electric
• Fuel(s): Gasoline / Electricity
• Battery system: KERS Flywheel
• Time to full battery recharge: Seconds
• Price: Not Listed
• Availability: 2011-12, Limited

The manufacturer says

We hope that this will be just the start of the evolution of hybrid systems developed for Formula One moving across to applications where they can contribute to cleaner and more powerful vehicles.

Overview

The Porsche 911 is probably the most well-known vehicle Porsche has ever made and the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be the latest in the racing line that Porsche has been putting out for competition Gran Tourismo racing. This latest incarnation is not a hybrid in the traditional sense, because instead of batteries, it has a flywheel.

KERS unit

The flywheel is made by Williams Hybrid Power and is a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), first developed for Formula One racing. When it proved to be inconclusive in its payoff in that racing venue, Porsche agreed to try it for GT racing. The first prototype of the KERS-enabled 911 Hybrid will be racing this year.

The front axle of the 911 has two 60kW electric motors which will drive the axle when a boost is needed. Otherwise, the 911 GT3 will have the usual 4L flat six mounted in the rear of the vehicle in traditional Porsche style. The other modification is for battery storage and braking.

When the driver applies the brakes, such as when rounding a turn, the energy is absorbed by the two motors, which rotate backwards to become generators. That energy is sent to the KERS flywheel, mounted at the center of the car under the right side floor. The rotor inside the KERS module is capable of rotating up to 40,000rpms, storing the kinetic energy of braking.

The energy is stored for 6-8 seconds, during which time the driver can access it to gain an extra power from the 120kW of motor boosting the engine's push to accelerate the car. This results in both faster pickup speed and fuel savings, both very important to GT racing.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid will see its first race in Nurburgring in May. This is a 24-hour race and the 911 hybrid will act as a racing laboratory to test the KERS system for GT racing and spearhead the technology there.

Williams Hybrid Power is hoping to be able to commercialize their KERS system for other vehicle applications. Teaming up with the Qatar Science & Technology Park, the two partners will go forward as the Williams Technology Center to work on R&D with commercial goals.

What we like

Porsche is Spearheading this technology and if you think about engineering and racing, the name Porsche always comes up. There may be no better company to make this technology road worthy.

Lots of Potential in many markets where start-stop and bursts of speed and/or power are required, including heavy applications like garbage trucks and construction equipment.

What we don't

Failed in F1 where the AT&T Williams team used KERS in their Formula One racer and failed to see much return and instead had a lot of headaches with the technology.

Not for Regular Cars as most normal passenger and long-distance vehicles will see little benefit from this kind of technology.

Conclusions

Although the technology is evolving quickly, other tech such as hydraulic power storage and lighter, better batteries may catch up before KERS is really ready for the mainstream. Time will tell, of course, and for racing, this could be a technology with great potential.

by Ross Bonander

MDI Air Car Specifications

• Propulsion system: Air Engine, 800cc moto-compressor, 4 flat-lying cylinders
• Top Speed: 68 mph
• Zero-to-60: NA
• MPG: NA
• Vehicle range: 120 miles
• Fuel(s): Compressed Air
• Tailpipe emissions: None

The Manufacturer Says...

“MDI has developed a high performance compressed air technology. When it is compared to traditional gasoline powered engines, MDI´s engine is far superior in terms of energy used and thermodynamics.”

The Critics Say...

“The Air Car should be surprisingly practical.” —popularmechanics.com

“By all accounts, this is no pie-in-the-sky dream invention.” —celsias.com

Overview

The Air Car is the wider name for a number of models planned for production by MDI, including a 3-seat MiniCat due for 2008 and a 5-seat CityCat, among others. Their engines will either be dedicated compressed air engines—which release compressed air to activate the pistons—or dual fuel engines, using both compressed air and conventional gasoline. Either way, it’s hard to argue with compressed air as a clean, abundant, and inexpensive fuel source.

What We Like

The price. Depending on the model, these will retail for about $12,500 up to $16,000

The performance. The MiniCat, running only on a compressed air engine, has a top speed of 68 mph and a range of as many as 120 miles.

The recharge. Overnight at home, it will require about 4 hours. At a proposed recharging station, as a few as 4 minutes

The oil needs. A liter of vegetable oil can last the vehicle about 31,000 miles.

The emissions. At the tailpipe, emissions are zero. However, air compression—whether done at a station or at home—requires electricity, which is typically generated using fossil fuels.

What We Don’t Like

The construction. These all-fiberglass cars are glued together, meaning they have little hope of finding their way to America, where additional sales could mean a huge boost to alternative fuel vehicles.

The design. This may seem like nit-picking or like asking too much, but the proposed model designs bear a lot in common with the ugly functionality of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles.

Conclusion

When push comes to shove, the importance of the technology here far outweighs any other consideration regarding the vehicle. Compressed air offers consumers and protectors of the environment plenty to be excited about, and we’d like to see MDI succeed with this one.

photo courtesy of Zero Pollution Motors

by Ross Bonander

Specs:

• Type: Compressed air vehicle (CAV)
• Manufacturer: Moteur Development International / Zero Pollution Motors
• Propulsion system: 6 cyl. 75 hp engine that electronically injects compressed air
• Top Speed: 96 mph (154 km/h)
• Vehicle range: 848 miles
• Fuel(s): Compressed air (3200 ft3 @ 4500 psi)
• Fuel efficiency: 106 mpg (on an 8 gallon tank)
• On-board charger: 5.5 kwh 110/220 v compressor generating 812 ft3 /hr
• Tailpipe emissions: No

The manufacturer says

"The compressed air vehicle is a new generation of vehicle that finally solves the motorist’s dilemma: how to drive and not pollute at a cost that is affordable!"

Overview

France-based Moteur Development International and New York-based Zero Pollution Motors (MDI/ZPM) originally launched their line of compressed air vehicles under different names than the ones used today. They have undergone substantial changes, including a general rebranding of the entire vehicle line under one name, the FlowAIR.

The FlowAIR brand features five models that vary widely. I'll look at four of them (I'm omitting the MultiFlowAIR, designed for mass transportation). All models are center-driven (meaning the driver is positioned in the middle of the vehicle) and will be made available directly from the factory, without dealer mark-ups or other associated costs.

One FlowAIR

The One FlowAIR was formally known as the OneCat. This vehicle can be configured to seat 3 or 5 people and production is alleged to have already begun on it.

Estimated cost: €3500 ($4,500) or €5300 ($7000) with added features.

City FlowAIR

The City FlowAIR was formally known as the CityCat. A family-size, 4-door vehicle that seats 6, MDI/ZPM intends to enter the City FlowAIR in the mainstream class of the Progressive Automotive X-Prize. The detailed specs listed above apply to this model.

Estimated cost: €13000 ($17,000)

Mini FlowAIR

The 2-door, 3-seat Mini FlowAIR was formally known as the MiniCat. This is the company's economy model; it will be available as a convertible, and it was recently on display at the New York Auto Show. MDI/ZPM intends to enter the Mini FlowAIR in the alternative class of the Progressive Automotive X-Prize.

Estimated cost: €9200 ($12,000)

AIRPod

Finally, there's the AIRPod Urban Transporter. I know, it's hard to look at it seriously, but it does have some merit. It can seat four people (provided one is a child), and get this: Like the TWIKE, you control the AIRPod with a joystick. MDI is pitching the AIRPod as a vehicle with municipal applications (i.e. for use at airports).

As a fleet vehicle, estimated costs aren't published, but the AIRPod has a range of 136 miles (220 km), a top speed of 43 mph (70 km/h), and it takes just 90 seconds to recharge the air tank.

The Compressed Air Engine (CAE)

The FlowAIR is made possible by one key technology: the Compressed Air Engine (CAE). This is proprietary technology developed by Formula One race car engineer Guy Negre. His background in Formula One racing is what led him to create the CAE, as those engines rely on a blast of compressed air to start.

The CAE functions in four modes of increasing complexity:

• At under 35 mph, it expands compressed air stored in a tank to drive the piston.
• Above 35 mph, it heats the compressed air prior to expansion. This increases the volume and increases efficiency.
• A third mode ignores air compressed in a tank and uses an intake valve, then heats that air prior to expansion.
• A fourth mode does double duty, using an intake to both refill the air tank and heat the incoming air to drive the piston.

ZPM's website has some animation of the engine in action; check it out here.

Conclusions

You certainly can't accuse MDI/ZPM of lacking ambition. With such a well-developed line of products in the works and a PR department working overtime, the FlowAIR brand is angling to hit the French and US markets and hit them hard. The proposed costs are more than reasonable, especially if the specs stack up or even come close to doing so.

Everything hinges on the viability of Negre's Compressed Air Engine and its acceptance among the general public. I think it's reasonable to assume that many people will be suspicious of a car running on compressed air; but clear that hurdle and MDI/ZPM might emerge as one of the biggest and most successful alternative car companies we've yet seen.