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Hybrid Hot Rod September 2004On Sept. 3, a new British automaker called Connaught Motor announced that it is hoping to put its first project, the Type-D gas/electric hybrid coupe, into production. Automotive historians will remember the name "Connaught" from the 1940s and 1950s as a company that built terrific race cars but was insolvent.The new Connaught said in a statement that the Type-D would feature the world's first V-10 hybrid engine, an idea that would seem impossible to some and self-defeating to others--i.e., some may ask why a car company would use environmentally friendly hybrid technology with a ten-cylinder engine, the same sort of power plant used by such gas guzzlers as DaimlerChrysler's Dodge Viper. Nonetheless, Connaught assures impressive results for the Type-D's performance and fuel efficiency. The company said the car will be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and will be able to reach 140 mph while delivering 42 mpg fuel economy. The Type-D has sports car proportions, a tiny back seat and the ability to comply with ultra-low emissions targets set for 2010. The idea for the Type-D came from two consultant engineers formerly employed by Ford Motor's Jaguar subsidiary. To date, their project has received almost $900,000 in funding from the Energy Saving Trust and has at least 17 patents pending for its technology. A high-tech approach to car building puts the new Connaught in the tradition of the old company, which was known for its sophisticated engineering. But Connaught is a new kind of car company. The new automaker describes itself as "the first virtual car company" because it will design the car and manage the project but will outsource manufacturing to EPM Technology, a company based in Derby, Great Britain--thereby ensuring relatively low startup costs. If the car does get built, Connaught wants it to balance exciting technology with classic sports car characteristics. For example, it wants to use what it calls "ultra-lightweight construction," but wants to use rear-wheel drive and an engine mounted behind the front axle, which improves weight distribution, driving dynamics and rear space. Connaught is also planning a convertible version of the Type-D, which would use electric stacking-glass panels that disappear into the trunk lid without a loss of luggage space. Should all of this materialize, Connaught said it would want the car to have a base price of around $63,000. While EPM Technology would build the vehicle, Coventry University would collaborate with Connaught on the car's styling. Connaught said it is seeking further investment in order to put the car into production in May 2006. To do this, it will need to raise about $9 million, the company said. SOURCE: Forbes | ||
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