Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Alain Prost and son team up for first all-electric ice-racing series]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/alain-prost-and-son-team-up-for-first-all-electric-ice-racing-se/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/alain-prost-and-son-team-up-for-first-all-electric-ice-racing-se/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/alain-prost-and-son-team-up-for-first-all-electric-ice-racing-se/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Trophée Andros kicks off its 21st season of ice-racing this weekend at Val Thorens in the French Alps featuring its first all-electric series, the appropriately-named Trophée Andros Electrique. You may remember they've been trying out battery-powered vehicles the past couple years, but this time the effort begins in earnest with 8 cars, built by accomplished motorsport constructor Exagon Engineering, taking their place on the starting grid. Although they look similar to the two machines run last year, this new batch of buggies is much improved. The dual motors have been replaced with a single 90 kW (120 hp) unit, the transmissions and electronic controls have been upgraded and the nickel-metal halide (NiMH) batteries have been swapped out for lithium ion cells from Saft. The result is a vehicle, officially dubbed the AC 03 Evo2, with real race car performance capable of completing 17 hard laps on a 2.5 km (1.55 miles) track.

It's not just the cars that are the stars in this inaugural campaign as four-time Formula One champion Alain Prost will take time from his conventionally-powered Dacia Duster duties to team up with his son Nicolas. "Le Professeur" and his offspring will face stiff competition from the car's developer Franck Lagorce, who has also gripped the wheel of a Formula One car, as well as a field of drivers with experience in Le Mans and other high-profile series. The campaign runs until the 30th of January and includes 7 challenging tracks. We'll be keeping an eye on how things develop but you can get a brief preview of the sights and sounds in the (French) video after the break.

[Source: Trophée Andros]


Continue reading Alain Prost and son team up for first all-electric ice-racing series

Alain Prost and son team up for first all-electric ice-racing series originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alain ProstAlainProstelectric car racingelectric vehicle racingElectricCarRacingElectricVehicleRacingice-racingTrophée AndrosTrophée Andros ElectriqueTrophéeAndrosTrophéeAndrosElectriqueFri, 04 Dec 2009 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[EV Cup electric car racing series to light up tires in 2011]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ev-cup-electric-car-racing-series-to-light-up-tires-in-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ev-cup-electric-car-racing-series-to-light-up-tires-in-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ev-cup-electric-car-racing-series-to-light-up-tires-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If you've been impatiently waiting to watch electric cars rip racetrack asphalt asunder, an end to your suffering may be in sight. A new racing series branded EV Cup has just been launched in London with plans to bring 3 separate classes of cars to a half-dozen tracks around Europe beginning in 2011. City and Sports EV series would consist of mono-maker grids using production vehicles, though they would receive some race prep in the way of stripped-out cabins and juiced-up powertrains. The Prototype EV division is more of a no-holds-barred time-trial-style constructor vs constructor affair with no weight or power restrictions and front, rear or all-wheel-drive configurations accepted.

The organization already has automakers lining up to get involved. According to the EV Cup website Th!nk would provide the first field in the City EV category (with the more-appropriately-named than ever Th!nk City), while both Ginetta and the Lightning Car Company are eying a Sports EV series. Meanwhile in the Prototype EV division, the GreenGT team is registered and ready to rumble, so to speak, with their single-seat racer they say can hit 60 mph in under 4 seconds on the way up to its top speed of 170 mph. While they might only get down to official checkered-flag business in over a year from now, we expect to see the EV Cup crew making promotional appearances with vehicles in Europe and America in 2010. Holding out a promise of high-profile brand exposure and racing-environment tech development potential, the opportunity should present a seductive proposition for many in the electric vehicle space. Hit the jump for both the official press release plus bonus video of the GreenGT car hitting 124 mph in a recent run on an airstrip in the Swiss Alps.

[Source: EV Cup]

Continue reading EV Cup electric car racing series to light up tires in 2011

EV Cup electric car racing series to light up tires in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EEVRC LtdEevrcLtdelectric car racingElectricCarRacingEV CupEvCupGinettaGreenGTLightning Car CompanyLightningCarCompanyThnkThu, 03 Dec 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Motorcycles throws hat into TTXGP road racing ring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/zero-motorcycles-throws-hat-into-ttxgp-road-racing-ring/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/zero-motorcycles-throws-hat-into-ttxgp-road-racing-ring/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/zero-motorcycles-throws-hat-into-ttxgp-road-racing-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Zero S electric motorcycle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although it sat out the inaugural TTXGP race this summer past (hey, they were busy making a bunch of new models, what do you want from them already?) Zero Motorcycles has announced they will enter the 2010 fray starting with the first race weekend at Infineon May 14-16. The bike that the California company will run is said to take its design cues from the Zero S (pictured above) and use the same Z-Force powertrain technology along with a new Z-Force Air Induction system that will help cool the motor.

As with many companies involved in motorsport, Zero hopes to use the competitive series to help drive its product innovation. They hint that the new cooling setup, for instance, will provide for higher performance on up-coming production models. The company is also lining up some strategic partners for the effort and expects to make some announcements shortly. While Zero Motorcycles has recently shown itself to be a potent competitor off-road, when the green flag finally starts waving next year they can expect to face a tough field, including a pair of entries from last year's winning Agni Motors team as well as machines from Brammo, MotoCzysz, Mission Motors, Electric Motorsport, and newcomers Swigz,com Racing (and others). Hit the jump for both the official press release and a bit of bonus clip of TTXGP founder Azhar Hussain trying out the Zero S last summer.

Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero S


[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Continue reading Zero Motorcycles throws hat into TTXGP road racing ring

Zero Motorcycles throws hat into TTXGP road racing ring originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>TTXGPZ-Force Air InductionZ-forceAirInductionZero MotorcyclesZeroMotorcyclesWed, 02 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ricardo and Williams team on KinerStor flywheel hybrid demonstration]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/ricardo-and-williams-team-on-kinerstor-flywheel-hybrid-demonstra/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/ricardo-and-williams-team-on-kinerstor-flywheel-hybrid-demonstra/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/ricardo-and-williams-team-on-kinerstor-flywheel-hybrid-demonstra/#commentsFiled under: ,



In the run up to the 2009 Formula One season, most of the teams developed hybrid kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) as an optional way to get a power boost. While most of the systems ultimately were not raced because the extra power was not enough to overcome the weight penalty, there were some interesting lessons learned. Most of the systems were of the well known battery electric hybrid variety.

The Williams F1 team, however, developed a novel flywheel-electric system with a flywheel tied to a motor-generator. The flywheel is the energy storage system rather than electro-chemical battery. The race team has formed a subsidiary called Williams Hybrid Power to try and commercialize the system. Williams has now formed a consortium with Ricardo, Torotrac, Land Rover and several other companies for a demonstration project to evaluate its system as well as a flywheel magnetic system from Ricardo in commercial applications. The goal is to develop an on-the-road system for under £1000 ($2,000). The new KinerStor demonstration project is partially funded by the UK government through the technology strategy board.

[Source: Williams Hybrid Power]

Continue reading Ricardo and Williams team on KinerStor flywheel hybrid demonstration

Ricardo and Williams team on KinerStor flywheel hybrid demonstration originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flywheelflywheel hybridflywheel-hybridFlywheelHybridkerskinerstorkinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyRecov...KineticEnergyRecoverySystemricardowilliams f1williams hybrid powerWilliamsF1WilliamsHybridPowerWed, 25 Nov 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 VW Jetta TDI Cup to air on Speed TV starting Dec. 6]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/2009-vw-jetta-tdi-cup-to-air-on-speed-tv-starting-dec-6/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/2009-vw-jetta-tdi-cup-to-air-on-speed-tv-starting-dec-6/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/2009-vw-jetta-tdi-cup-to-air-on-speed-tv-starting-dec-6/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Back in October, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI cup wrapped up its second season in fine fashion during the Petit Le Mans weekend at Road Atlanta. While the ten-race series was not broadcast live, cameras from Speed TV were on hand for each event. If you, like most people, missed the races, now is your chance to catch up with some of the best racing out there as Speed gets ready to start airing the 2009 series on December 6. The first four 30-minute races of this year's series will be aired back-to-back on that day starting at 5 p.m. EST with more races to follow on subsequent Saturdays. The series features 30 young racers between the ages of 16 and 26 in identically prepared Jetta TDI sedans as they battle for $50,000 in prize money and $100,000 in career support from Volkswagen for the champion. Spoiler can be found here.

Gallery: First Jetta TDI Cup race


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Speed TV]

2009 VW Jetta TDI Cup to air on Speed TV starting Dec. 6 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jetta tdi cupJettaTdiCupSPEED TVSpeedTvvolkswagenvwVW Jettavw jetta tdivw jetta tdi cupvw jetta tdi race carvw jetta tdi racerVwJettaVwJettaTdiVwJettaTdiCupVwJettaTdiRaceCarVwJettaTdiRacerSun, 22 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Racing Green Endurance to tackle Pan-American highway with electric Radical racer [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/racing-green-endurance-to-tackle-pan-american-highway-with-elect/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/racing-green-endurance-to-tackle-pan-american-highway-with-elect/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/racing-green-endurance-to-tackle-pan-american-highway-with-elect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



How fast can a battery-powered car travel the entire 16,000+ mile length of the Pan-American highway? We don't really know but it looks like we're going to find out. The Racing Green Endurance team, hailing from Imperial College London, are putting together an all-electric version of the Radical SR8 (now an SR0) to demonstrate to the world the possibilities of this powertrain. What better backdrop for such a spectacle than the world's longest highway? Ok, there is that Zero Emission Race around the world in 80 days that the team was to participate in, but apparently their plans have changed. Regardless, the road from Ushuaia, Argentina to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska will not only provide plenty of beautiful vistas but also a dramatic range of topographical and climatic challenges that should make this expedition an interesting one to follow.

Their four-wheeled road-legal weapon of choice is an interesting one. Once completed, they calculate that the SR0 should be able to achieve a 242-mile (390 km) US EPA Highway Cycle range with 53 kWh's of generously-donated Thunder Sky lithium ion batteries. If the need for speed presents itself, the car can call upon 500 hp from its twin motors and should hit 60 mph in 7 seconds. Top speed will be limited to 124 mph. Given the open-cockpit nature of their ride and the route, we suggest they pack plenty of mittens, rain gear and sunscreen. Hit the jump for a nicely put together video presentation of the project.


[Source: Racing Green Endurance]

Continue reading Racing Green Endurance to tackle Pan-American highway with electric Radical racer [w/VIDEO]

Racing Green Endurance to tackle Pan-American highway with electric Radical racer [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlaskaArgentina to Prudhoe BayImperial College LondonImperialCollegeLondonPan-American highwayPan-americanHighwayRacing Green EnduranceRacingGreenEnduranceRadical SR0Radical SR8RadicalSr0RadicalSr8RGEUshuaiaSun, 22 Nov 2009 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Will Timmy Megenbier be able to reproduce his diesel-powered success in the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup in the natural-gas-powered Scirocco Cup in Europe next year? The answer lies only in the young driver's hands, now that he has announced that he wants to "continue his climb of the motorsports ladder," (as VW put it) in Europe. The Scirocco Cup uses Bio-Clean natural gas to power Scirocco "R" models and is now "the world's most eco-friendly one-make racing series." Compared to the vehicles in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, which the Scirocco Cup replaces, CO2 emissions are reduced up to 80 percent.

Think this all sounds like a fun life to lead? VW is looking for new racers to compete in the 2010 season and is accepting applications here. Drivers have to be young (between 16 and 26) and rich or able to get some sponsors. There is a $45,000 season entry fee (refunded if you're not selected).


Gallery: First Jetta TDI Cup race


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup

From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jetta tdijetta tdi cupjetta tdi raceJettaTdiJettaTdiCupJettaTdiRaceSciroccoscirocco cupscirocco rscirocco raceSciroccoCupSciroccoRSciroccoRacevw jettaVwJettaThu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing team to enter TTXGP series]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/swigz-com-pro-racing-team-to-enter-ttxgp-series/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/swigz-com-pro-racing-team-to-enter-ttxgp-series/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/swigz-com-pro-racing-team-to-enter-ttxgp-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The first new team to disclose that they will compete in the 2010 TTXGP electric superbike events has just thrown its hat into the ring. SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing and its AMA pro rider Chip Yates will do battle at the Isle of Man event, the 4 scheduled UK races, the American race at Infineon and any as-yet-unannounced FIM international and American events. While they could use one of the new Mavizen TTX02 mounts being created for new competitors, they plan on building a bike of their own instead and have enlisted the aid of a program director, several engineers and a designer whose previous experiences includes work on helicopters and unmanned aircraft. While we can only imagine the look of the final road-ready craft, we are pretty sure it won't resemble in any fashion our own feeble attempt at photochopping the Swigz bottle you see pictured above.

It's said that the new bike is already in the early stages of development and they hope to have a fully functioning machine early in the first quarter of 2010. The next phase of their program will see the team split, with some going to the UK to establish a European base and make duplicate back-up bikes. Yates, who is a mechanical engineer and has a Master's degree in business, will be very involved with the development and plans on taking commercial advantage of intellectual property produced in the effort. This fierce competitor and former Boeing employee already holds 7 U.S. patents pertaining to automotive drivetrains currently in use by Gil de Ferran's IndyCar program and Jeep Cherokees produced since 1999. Chip sums up the teams approach to the new bike thusly,
This superbike program requires a much different approach from electric vehicles we've seen especially as it relates to weight and range. Our engineering strategy is to optimize the power, weight and range of the bike specifically around target laptimes for the tracks we will be competing on in the U.K., Europe, and in the U.S.A. Given the relatively short race distances, our simulations show us exactly what battery capacity and motor performance is needed to turn laptimes competitive to a 600cc internal combustion powered racebike. We understand and embrace the technical challenges and are prepared to do heavy lifting to advance the state of the art to meet our expectations for a legitimate lightweight and exciting superbike.
It all leads us to believe this upcoming racing season should be as interesting from a technological standpoint as it will be from a competitive one. Game on!

[Source: RoadRacing World]

Continue reading SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing team to enter TTXGP series

SWIGZ.COM Pro Racing team to enter TTXGP series originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMAChip YatesChipYatesSWIGZ.COM Pro RacingSwigz.comProRacingTTXGPMon, 09 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Zytek gets powertrain innovation prize for its racing hybrid/KERS]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/zytek-gets-powertrain-innovation-prize-for-its-racing-hybrid-ker/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/zytek-gets-powertrain-innovation-prize-for-its-racing-hybrid-ker/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/zytek-gets-powertrain-innovation-prize-for-its-racing-hybrid-ker/#commentsFiled under: ,

Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek 09HS - click above for high-res image gallery

Zytek Engineering of the UK has been involved in the development of hybrid drive systems since at least the mid-1990s and motorsports has been part of the effort much of that time. This week, Zytek was honored for its efforts at the Professional Motorsport World Expo. Zytek developed the hybrid system that was raced by Panoz Motorsports twice in 1999 and, more recently, it developed the KERS-hybrid system used in the McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 Formula One car this year as well as the system used by Corsa Motorsports in its American Le Mans Series LMP1 car.

Zytek and Mercedes High Performance Engines began collaborating on the F1 system in 2007 and, in July, Lewis Hamilton scored the first victory for a hybrid system in a major international race series. Here in North America, the under-funded Corsa team scored a third place finish in the first race it ran with the hybrid system fully enabled. Limited testing meant Corsa didn't have the opportunity to fully develop its system and had mixed results through the second half of the season. Nonetheless, the system is showing promise. Hopefully, in 2010 and beyond, it will see expanded use in ALMS if not Formula 1.

Gallery: Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek 09HS


[Source: Professional Motorsport World Expo]

Zytek gets powertrain innovation prize for its racing hybrid/KERS originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Corsacorsa motorsportscorsa motorsports hybridCorsaMotorsportsCorsaMotorsportsHybridzytekzytek hybridzytek kerszytek-hybridZytekHybridZytekKersSun, 08 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/to-infineon-and-beyond-ttxgp-brings-electric-motorcycle-racing/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/to-infineon-and-beyond-ttxgp-brings-electric-motorcycle-racing/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/to-infineon-and-beyond-ttxgp-brings-electric-motorcycle-racing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Earlier this year at the annual time trials at the famed Isle of Man, the inaugural TTXGP electric motorcycle race proved that battery-powered bikes can be just as entertaining and exciting as their gasoline-swilling and emissions-spewing siblings. Not quite as fast, of course, but still a thrill over the 38-mile winding race course through the mountains.

Now, the event organizers are looking to bring the excitement of electric motorcycle racing to the United States. The first real competition has been scheduled from May 14th through 16th of 2010 and will take place at Infineon Raceway in California. That location strikes us as a good idea as a number of TTXGP participants hail from the West Coast, including Mission Motors, MotoCzysz, Brammo and Electric Motorsport.

In addition to the aforementioned teams, we also hope to see participation from new entrants using the newly-available Mavizen TTX02 platform, which was just officially unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hit the jump for the official press release.


Gallery: Mavizen TTX02 Electric Racebike


[Source: Infineon Raceway]

Continue reading To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America

To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brammobrammo motorsportsBrammoMotorsportselectric motorcycleelectric motorcycle raceelectric motorcycle racingelectric motorcyclesElectric MotorsportElectricMotorcycleElectricMotorcycleRaceElectricMotorcycleRacingElectricMotorcyclesElectricMotorsportInfineonInfineon RacewayInfineonRacewaymission motorsMissionMotorsmotoczyszttxgpFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-mavizen-introduces-130-mph-ttx02-electric-racebike/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-mavizen-introduces-130-mph-ttx02-electric-racebike/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-mavizen-introduces-130-mph-ttx02-electric-racebike/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Right on schedule, Mavizen has released its TTX02 electric motorcycle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Well, if you listen to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and the entrepreneur behind this racebike, the TTX02 is a "laptop on wheels." How so? For starters, each machine is fitted with an dash-mounted computer that runs on Linux, comes with its own dedicated IP address, on-board web server and connectivity to wireless networks.

While all of that consumer electronics gadgetry is cool, it's the platform of the TTX02 that interests us the most. As rumored, it definitely appears that the TTX02 is based on the chassis of KTM's highly acclaimed RC8 superbike, which means it's a proven platform that's capable of solid handling and high speeds... good thing, as it's reportedly capable of hitting 130 miles per hour.

Twin Agni 95 electric motors push out a total of nearly 100 peak horsepower along with what's surely an admirable torque figure that peaks right off the bat at just about zero RPM. Three lithium ion battery packs will be made available with up to 11 kWh of power, which is reportedly capable of tackling all 38 miles of the TTXGP Isle of Man course. Pricing is not yet announced, but Hussain suggests a competitive machine can be had for around $40,000. Hit the jump to watch a couple videos of the bike's launch at SEMA.


Gallery: Mavizen TTX02 Electric Racebike


[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric motorcycleelectric motorcycle raceelectric motorcycleselectric race bikeElectricMotorcycleElectricMotorcycleRaceElectricMotorcyclesElectricRaceBikemavizenmavizen electric motorcyclemavizen ttx02MavizenElectricMotorcycleMavizenTtx02ttx02ttxgpThu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered racing fantasy: 1-Liter Racing surfs to the future]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/rendered-racing-fantasy-1-liter-racing-surfs-to-the-fuutre/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/rendered-racing-fantasy-1-liter-racing-surfs-to-the-fuutre/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/rendered-racing-fantasy-1-liter-racing-surfs-to-the-fuutre/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One Liter Racing - Click above for high-res image gallery

We recently saw a rendering for the purely-speculative Audi Avatar, which was based on the outlandish vehicles seen in some futuristic racing video games. A new set of renderings takes the unreal racing game concept a bit further and imagines an entire league that uses hyper-efficient racing vehicles sprinting around a course while using just one liter of fuel. As we know from VW's 1-liter concept vehicle, in the right vehicle, a liter of fuel can take you quite a distance.

Designed by Moritz Martin, the 1 Liter Racing League would be run in unusual locations (think shallow water and beaches) in order to mimic "the effortless gliding of skim boards" on some patches of the course. The wheels can retract in order to "surf" over wet patches and the cars have "a rear wheel-mounted air nozzle for frictionless steering during slides." Check out the renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: 1 Liter Racing League


[Source: One Liter Racing via Yanko Design]

Rendered racing fantasy: 1-Liter Racing surfs to the future originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 liter racing1LiterRacingmoritz martinMoritzMartinone liter racingOneLiterRacingyanko designYankoDesignWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Roush engineering building propane-powered Mustang drag racers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/roushing-engineering-building-propane-powered-mustang-drag-racer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/roushing-engineering-building-propane-powered-mustang-drag-racer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/roushing-engineering-building-propane-powered-mustang-drag-racer/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Jack Roush is involved in a variety of enterprises, several of which involve building very fast Ford powered vehicles. His Roush Engineering business also does a lot of prototype build and development work for its client companies. Most recently, Roush has been building propane-fueled conversions of Ford F-150 pickup trucks that are especially useful to fleet customers.

The latest project from the racing legend is a new drag racing Mustang fueled by propane. The new car is one of two being prepared for NMRA competition in 2010 using Mustang body shells. The first car that is being unveiled this week at the SEMA show is based on a 2005 Mustang. The second car, which will debut in February, uses a new 2010 body. The Roush crew has adapted the propane fuel kit from the F-150 and combined it with an aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 based on the Ford GT engine. Roush has switched the formerly supercharged engine to be normally aspirated and bumped the compression ratio to 12.5:1 to take advantage of the 106 octane rating of propane. The new propane engines should produce over 600 hp. The propane-fueled F-150 produces an average of almost one-fifth less greenhouse gases and NOx than a similar gasoline engine.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush engineering building propane-powered Mustang drag racers

Roush engineering building propane-powered Mustang drag racers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racedrag racerdrag racingDragRaceDragRacerDragRacingpropanepropane drag race mustangPropaneDragRaceMustangROUSHROUSH Drag Mustangroush mustangRoush RacingRoushDragMustangRoushMustangRoushRacingTue, 03 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[5 mpg = green in NASCAR]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/5-mpg-green-in-nascar/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/5-mpg-green-in-nascar/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/5-mpg-green-in-nascar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



NASCAR has already gone solar and wants to help you (not themselves) use less fuel, but the cold hard reality is that those ovals are being made in cars that get around five miles per gallon. Not exactly hybrid SUV territory there. So, to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used in each race, race organizers are looking to maybe - maybe - using alternative fuels in the some of the cars.

Before NASCAR gets that ca-razy, though, there are other ways the series might use fewer resources, but at least NASCAR's first director of green innovation, Mike Lynch, makes it clear that, "We're not attempting to take any high ground. [...] This is a pragmatic approach to green, and what we're doing now is just the beginning."

Part of the problem is that NASCAR fans don't want to give up what they've become accustomed to. Lee White, president of Toyota Racing Development, told USAToday that, "Doubling fuel mileage means half the horsepower, and putting fans in the stands requires a show." Driver Sam Hornish, Jr. added, "No one is going to come watch us run battery-powered cars. I don't see anyone making enough electric power to go 200 mph."

Driver Brian Vickers is also more than willing to take the let's-all-do-something-but-you-go-first approach, said that, "Do our cars need to be more fuel efficient? Absolutely. But I think as a whole there's a lot bigger low-hanging fruit we can go after as a sport. There are a lot of fans that come to these races, and there's a lot we don't recycle that we could."

Some of that low-hanging fruit is carbon offsets, maybe replacing carburetors with fuel injection and Coke's race-side display that "highlight(s) its recycling businesses and has placed more than 2,600 recycling bins at a dozen tracks that have collected more than 65,000 pounds of recyclable material." When you have such a history of going in circles, maybe progress isn't your forte.

[Source: USAToday via Domestic Fuel]
Photo by pocketwiley. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

5 mpg = green in NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biofuelnascarnascar mpgNascarMpgFri, 30 Oct 2009 19:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Mavizen releases another revealing teaser of TTX02 electric bike]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/mavizen-releases-another-revealing-teaser-of-ttx02-electric-bike/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/mavizen-releases-another-revealing-teaser-of-ttx02-electric-bike/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/mavizen-releases-another-revealing-teaser-of-ttx02-electric-bike/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Teasers... generally the small, grainy, purposely-blurred or otherwise difficult to decipher images don't give away very much and are used to generate excitement for a new product before its official announcement. Usually, it takes a keen eye to pull out any detail from the resulting wreckage. Such is the case with the latest teaser image from Mavizen, the company that's planning to release a new twin-motor electric racebike inspired by the TTXGP-winning electric racer from Team Agni.

Honestly, we glanced at the image and, while thought it looked pretty interesting, quickly discounted it as typical teaser blurriness. More enterprising individuals, such as Jenny Gun from Asphalt & Rubber, looked a bit closer and found that the bike's frame closely matches the unit used on the KTM RC8. More sleuthing revealed a small but clear source image that seems to prove the link between Mavizen's electric bike and the Austrian superbike. Nice work, and we look forward to getting all the details at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week.

[Source: TTXGP, Asphalt & Rubber]

Mavizen releases another revealing teaser of TTX02 electric bike originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agnielectric ktmelectric ktm rc8electric motorcycleelectric motorcycle raceelectric motorcyclesElectricKtmElectricKtmRc8ElectricMotorcycleElectricMotorcycleRaceElectricMotorcyclesktmmavizenmavizen electric motorcyclemavizen ttx02MavizenElectricMotorcycleMavizenTtx02team agniTeamAgnittxgpWed, 28 Oct 2009 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero MX bests Quantya, takes 3rd in class in French regional races]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Despite a supplier problem delaying the deliveries of its Zero S and a recent recall of its Zero X and MX, Zero Motorcycles has managed to make good in one of the arenas that counts for a lot with vehicle manufacturers: the race track. The French Motorcycle Federation (FFM) just held its annual motocross event at Gironville, France, and for the first time included rankings for electric machines. It had looked like only riders astride Quantya bikes would be racing but two weeks before flags were dropped, Zero Motorcycles' European importer caught wind of the competition and managed to put together a team featuring Thomas Aubrey aboard a Zero MX. You may recall that the first meet up between the two brands didn't go so well for the Santa Cruz company. This rematch would certainly even the score.

The electrics ran amongst a field of about 40 bikes, mostly 250 and 450cc's, in two qualifiers and two races with the MX easily ranking ahead of the Quantya Tracks in the electric category with Julien Bréant and Adrien Goguet taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the first heat, none of the battery-powered machines finished due to a very short period between warm-up and the start that left little time to charge up their packs.

As the day wore on though, results steadily improved and the electrics were moved up to class "D" from "E". In the second heat Aubrey finished in top half of the field in 13th place, but as his position vis-a-vis his electric competitors became more clear, he seemed to become more relaxed and really hit his stride. The first of the final races saw him take 5th place and starting to get the attention of the thousand or so spectators. When the team had arrived, the electric "novelty" was on the receiving end of friendly jokes but as it moved up in the standings, the kidding was put aside.

The last race was the clincher. Thomas got a great start, moving from 13th position to 5th by the first turn on the "Prairie" style course. Moments later, there were only two raucous gassers ahead and when the checkered flag finally dropped, it was Aubrey on the Zero MX that felt the flush of victory. The result brought his ranking for the day up to 3rd in D class but more than that, it opened a lot of eyes to what may lie ahead. Next year's motocross racing could become very interesting as other makers, such as KTM, start to field electric entries of their own. We're looking forward to it.

[Source: Motorbiker.org / FFM via Plugbike]

Zero MX bests Quantya, takes 3rd in class in French regional races originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fédération Française de MotocyclismeFédérationFrançaiseDeMotocyclismeFrench Motorcycle Federation FFMFrenchMotorcycleFederationFfmGironvilleThomas AubreyThomasAubreyZero MotorcyclesZero MXZeroMotorcyclesZeroMxFri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Caterham pursuing electric sports cars?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-caterham-pursuing-electric-sports-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-caterham-pursuing-electric-sports-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/report-caterham-pursuing-electric-sports-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Caterham R500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The same things that makes the cars from British boutique automaker Caterham sporty and fun to drive could also potentially make them excellent choices for alternative powertrains. There's plenty of available real estate under the hood, a simple rear-wheel drive chassis and, above all else, a distinct absence of weight.

As such, it's not surprising to hear that Caterham is looking into both hybrid and fully electric drivetrains. According to Autocar, Caterham chief Ansar Ali said at the Tokyo Motor Show that his company would unveil an eco-friendly prototype before the end of the year. Both the hybrid and electric powertrains will be sourced from unnamed manufacturers.

Further, Caterham is planning a one-make race series in 2011 to show off its new green sportscar, which may well be followed up in 2012 with a production model if sufficient demand is found. Performance will reportedly to be just as sprightly in EV form as it is with the firm's normal gasoline-fed engines.



[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Caterham pursuing electric sports cars? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lightning Motorcycles at Bonneville - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suddenly, we've got a competition on our hands. While it didn't seem likely that any other electric motorcycle manufacturers would even attempt to top Mission Motors' recent 150-plus mile per hour record run for a production-intent vehicle (the team hit 161 mph at one point) at the Bonneville Salt Flats, not only did Lightning Motorcycles make the trip, the company's machine unofficially (it was an official run, but not followed up with a repeat run to qualify for an official record) went 166 miles per hour!

Lightning's prototype is powered by lithium ion batteries from A123, which send their electrons to a motor taken from a GM EV1 electric car. Riding the bike for most of its test runs was Aaron Frank from Motorcyclist Magazine, and you can read about the various attempts made by Frank here. The actual 166 mph mark was set by Paul Thede from Race Tech, who was otherwise running his own CBR600RR on the salt.

There's more speed to be had, it seems. Unfortunately, the original bodywork that Lightning Motorcycles had intended to use on the electric machine was ruled illegal during technical inspection, so the bike was run with the fairing from a Ducati 1098 instead. Ultimately, the team's goal is to break the 176 mph record held by Kent Riches in a fully-faired electric streamliner. We wish them the best!


Gallery: Lightning Motorcycles at Bonneville


[Source: Lightning Motorcycles]
Photos: ZZ/Lightning Motorcycles - Used with permission

Continue reading Lightning Motorcycles hits 166 miles per hour at Bonneville

Lightning Motorcycles hits 166 miles per hour at Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to the official TTXGP blog, the long-awaited TTX02 electric racebike will be unveiled November 3rd at the giant SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Based on the race-winning Agni X01 electric motorcycle with a frame sourced from an unknown "leading motorcycle manufacturer," the team behind the effort claims it will be the world's first production electric supersport bike bred for racing.

Details on the feature are scarce, but the Mavizen TTX02 is also said to come equipped with a dedicated IP address that will have connectivity to a network of some sort. We're not entirely sure what that connection will allow or what benefits it will offer, but it sounds interesting.

You'll also be happy to hear that the TTX02 will soon be featured in a new music video from 20-year-old UK pop star Jodie Aysha. The video will be for the song "Pozer" and will air in mid December on MTV. We're sure you're just as excited about this as we are.

[Source: TTXGP]

SEMA Preview: Mavizen TTX02 electric motorcycle to be unveiled in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agniagni motorsAgniMotorselectric motorbikeelectric motorcycleelectric motorcycle raceelectric motorcyclesElectricMotorbikeElectricMotorcycleElectricMotorcycleRaceElectricMotorcyclesmavizenmavizen ttx02MavizenTtx02ttx02ttxgpTue, 20 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Emission Race plans to go around the world in 80 days]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's been less than a year since Louis Palmer ended his 17-month circumnavigation of the planet in his solar-powered "taxi" and it seems the experience has inspired him to organize something bigger and better. The Swiss teacher is putting together a zero emissions race around the world that will, not unlike the fictional Phileas Fogg, attempt to make the trip in eighty days. While that is 470 days faster than Palmer's original journey, the competitive version will be taking a more direct 30,000 kilometer (18,641 mile) route.

So far eight teams have signed on and the campaign should boast vehicles as diverse as the ErockIT, the Tesla Roadster and the Loremo. According to the website of the participating Racing Green Endurance team, the entire extravaganza will be filmed and made into a documentary. The race will start from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in June 2010 and, as well as vying for quickest finish time, competitors will be judged on various criteria including reliability, safety and affordability. Applications are still being accepted so if you have an appropriate vehicle and can feed your local grid with the renewable energy necessary to offset that used by your entry, why not give it a shot? Not only is it a great opportunity to demonstrate to the world what is low-pollution possible, for some it could provide a planet-sized promotional platform for their green transportation product. Check out the vehicle eligibility requirements and let us know in the comments who you think should sign up. Thanks to Matthijs for the tip!


[Source: The Zero Emissions Race]

Zero Emission Race plans to go around the world in 80 days originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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