Obviously,  wheels with engines means heavier wheels. Subsequently, both suspension and  direction must be included in the wheel body. With an engine of 7 kg, each wheel will have about 43 kg . For testing ,an opel aguila was used.  The car was wheeled with these new wheels, with LI-ion batteries, weighting 900 kg, 75 kg less than the standard configuration. New wheels gave a constant power of 41 hp, but on short distances this can reach 82 hp . The car named Heuliez will reach 100 km/h in 10 seconds and a maximum decent  speed of 140 km/h.

Michelin will officially launch Heuliez Will in 2010 and in the next year  the car will be available in the market. The price will be around 20 000- 25 000 euros . Although not quite cheap, Michelin electrical car has a relatively accesible price.  For the start , there is no cost for fuel.

Opel was not the only choice for Michelin. They had disscussion with Venturi, the manufacturer of the  first serial  electrical  sport car  they intend to use this type of wheel for their next model.

Well, this is a very interesting project, I hope it will be a succes.
Here is the video with the magnetic hybrid motorbike, and with the scooter version:

This is an older post which got lost while we were moving the site to this new domain.

While this deal it’s far from beeing a sure thing, I think this move from SolarWorld it’s a good sign for the friendly cars industry.

A set of LED in the front, an underbody neon lighting,  18-inch front/ 19-inch rear wheel/tire set with Pirelli P Zero Nero tires. But, the coolest thing, is the “space sound generator ” which simulates engine sounds including that of a typical V8 combustion engine, a racecar engine and two futuristic soundscapes named ‘Beam’ and ‘Warp.’ The volume of the sound is dependent on the momentary power output of the electric motor.

World Debut at the Essen Motor Show 2008

The Very First Tuned Electric Car Comes From BRABUS:
BRABUS Customization Program for the Tesla Roadster

The first tuned electric car comes from BRABUS: The first project of the future cooperation between Tesla Motors, Inc. and the new BRABUS business division Zero Emission celebrates its world debut at the 2008 Essen Motor Show. BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) presents an exclusive customization program for the Tesla Roadster, the world’s first electrically powered production sports car.

The new BRABUS logo with added lightning bolt is the trademark of BRABUS Zero Emission vehicles.

To give the sports car a more exciting sound the BRABUS electronics specialists have developed a ‘space sound generator.’ The occupants on-board the Tesla Roadsters can choose from several simulated engine sounds including that of a typical V8 combustion engine, a racecar engine and two futuristic soundscapes named ‘Beam’ and ‘Warp.’ The volume of the sound is dependent on the momentary power output of the electric motor.

A custom-tailored BRABUS tire/wheel combination further improves handling characteristics. The two-seater is refined with weight-optimized BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels in size 7Jx18 in front and in size 8.5Jx19 in back. BRABUS technology partner Pirelli provides the corresponding P Zero Nero high-performance tires in size 215/35 ZR 18 in front and in size 255/30 ZR 19 on the rear axle. These tires were developed to deliver minimum rolling resistance.

The two-seater also receives an even more striking exterior at BRABUS. The customization measures include a special high-quality ‘matte white’ paintjob. To give the mid-engine sports car an even more enticing face the BRABUS designers treat the front apron to a lightweight carbon-fiber front lip and daytime running lights integrated into the front grille. Matte-white surrounds for the headlamps add interesting detail to the overall effect.

The sides of the Tesla are upgraded with BRABUS entrance lights shaped like futuristic space lights. They are activated with the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle. BRABUS carbon-fiber air inlets add even more sporty flair. Immediately apparent in the rear are the BRABUS rear wing and the BRABUS rear diffuser, both made from light yet extremely strong carbon fiber. The round taillights are accentuated further by matte-white applications.

The BRABUS customization program for the Tesla Roadster also includes exclusive interior options. The range of products starts with scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo. They are integrated into the top of the rocker panels.

The company-own BRABUS upholstery shop masterfully handcrafts exquisite custom interiors for the Tesla. The designers chose a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS perforated lightweight leather and Alcantara. The cockpit features white seams to reflect the exterior color. The vehicle floor is also upholstered with lightweight leather for added exclusivity.

The goal of the BRABUS customization concept for the Tesla Roadster is to define a potential limited edition as well as an individual tuning program for the Tesla driver.

For additional BRABUS information please visit our web site at www.brabus.com

]]> http://ecoautonews.com/13/first-tuned-electric-car-tesla-roadster-by-brabus/feed/ http://ecoautonews.com/10/worlds-smallest-solar-racing-car/ http://ecoautonews.com/10/worlds-smallest-solar-racing-car/#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:02:54 +0000 admin http://eco.autohtone.net/?p=85 Zooms along when the sun shines on the solar panel:

You can buy this small solar car from here :http://www.ecotopia.co.uk/product/10/bb0006/worlds-smallest-solar-racing-car.html

On the same site, more cool stuff: eco toys and gadgets.

The principle is simple: the car, called CAV, is endowed with a compressed air  tank (a gas cylinder). the air is pumped to the cylinder head, simulating mixture explosion.

This car can reach about 56 kph only with compressed air and is just good for almost 80% of the consumers who drive at work or shopping. On the drive way, CAV can do about 1,300 km witth economic speed, helped by a little enginethat compresses air from the outside to keep a full tank.

The engine is not particulary difficult, and it can run  on gas or diesel and biodisel, ethanol, or vegetable oil. The vehicle will be available soon with an accesibile price.

Last year, the Indian car manufacturer, Tata, came with a similar ideea they were the first that intended to develop a car  that runs with compressed air, named Air Cat, the little craft is run with compressed air force that pushes on the engine cylinders. Tata wants to sell  with $15 milions the rights for the technology, machinery, tools, the assembly lines, all the know-how for car manufacturing along with training and the trademarks use. The indian comapny has no plan to produce the air car.

and a commercial:

more details: www.zeropollutionmotors.us and www.mdi.lu

The electric power is generated by hamsters running and the motor is driven by amplifying this electric power. The fuel:seeds and whatever the hamsters are eating.

And, as they said on TV, “a happy hamsters, is a healthy hamster”