Quaranta Solar-Assisted Hybrid Supercar Concept
Here’s a first look at the Quaranta solar-assisted hybrid supercar concept that Italdesign Giugiaro will be taking to the Geneva Motor Show. In an article for Wired, Chuck Squatriglia writes, “Cover it back up, please.”
Personally, I kind of like it. I see it as futuristic and suspect that, like most edgy automobile designs, it will take some getting used to if, in fact, it ever makes it into production. More important, I think, are the performance specs: a mid-engined all-wheel-drive hybrid that accelerates from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.05 seconds and tops out at 155 mph. As Squatriglia is quick to acknowledge, “That’s Tesla Roadster and Porsche 911 GT3 kind of acceleration…”
“The Quaranta borrows its hybrid powertrain from the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus RX400h: a 3.3-liter V-6 and the Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a combined output of 268 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. Italdesign claims the car will return a city/highway average of 33 mpg, and a pair of fuel tanks that together hold about sixteen gallons of gasoline provide a 620-mile range. ‘E-Four’ is, in fact, a fancy name for Toyota’s part-time all-wheel drive system (called ‘4WD-i’ in the Highlander Hybrid), which uses a separate, 68-horsepower electric motor at the rear wheels that kicks in during acceleration or when slippage is detected.”
Suddenly hybrids are looking a lot more attractive, yes?
Doug
12 Comments
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (12)
Whoa, Dude! That is one spacey car! One day (in a galaxy in your neighborhood) all electric cars will be the norm. Until then, these and Tesslas will light the way.
I was unable to tell whether that is an all glass roof and, if it is, how they dissipate the heat and glare from sunlight? That would be my only concern. Other than that, I would buy one of these.
Seriously? The thing is butt ugly! Change the design and keep the tech and they would have something that would sell.
I would love the 600+ mile range. I hate filling up and this would cut my stops at the pump in half.
My only concern would be getting in and out. Some low cars like sports cars are difficult to get in and out of in a business suit.
I think it looks pretty futuristic and actually sexy.
Yes they are! O-62 in 4+ seconds, 155 mph and 33mpg? Here is my order!
I agree, the design will grow on you, but the specs are great. Speed, acceleration and range have been holding back wide acceptance of hybrids or alternate fuel cars. They are obviously handling those. Now if they can get the price in line with other current offerings, the public may be ready to change direction too.
It's Back to the Future all over again!
The DeLorean Back to the Future car in a tighter package!!
Very aerodynamic design. Must handle wind tunnel tests with ease. I for one like the sleek yet simple design. If it is comfortable and performs, what's not to like?
Yeah those wind tunnel tests should make it a real performer driving to the deli and picking up junior at the daycare.
But here is the crucial question if it is to be accepted in the states: How many cup holders?
Funny! Not so far fetched as you might think, though. Remember how long it took before land Rover would put cup holders in their vehicles? Long after every other auto in the states was so equipped, Land Rover reluctantly added a couple.
Americans have become dependent upon their cup holders, the more the better, front and rear.
They are getting closeer to something I would drive. Give me a cool looking car with all the electronic bells and whistles, this kind of performance, and adequate range to get me to the next state with only an overnight recharge and I will buy it.
Unless of course they let the oil companies sell us the juice to recharge for $75. Believe me, they will try to find a way. They are already scurring around like rabbits trying to corner the markets on distribution of ethenol, water and air.