The electric version of the Campagna T-Rex still aims to hit 160 mph
Posted 04.23.2010 at 4:19 pm
10 Comments
E. Rex
Don't worry, you'll still hear the E. Rex coming
OptaMotive
Another contender for the $10 million Progressive Automotive X-Prize has roared onto the scene, in the form of a modified Campagna Motors T-Rex. OptaMotive's electric version of the three-wheeled car has a range of more than 100 miles and three times the efficiency of Toyota's Prius hybrid, according to Wired's Autopia. Speed demons can also rest assured that top speeds should reach around 160 mph, even without the Campagna's typical motorcycle engine.
The overhauled and redubbed E. Rex has a water-cooled permanent-magnet DC brushless motor courtesy of UQM, which creates 60 horsepower continuous and 167 horsepower peak. E. Rex also holds a lithium-ion battery pack with a battery-management system capable of monitoring each cell's temperature and voltage.
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Cars, Jeremy Hsu, automobiles, cars, e. rex, optamotive, progressive automotive x-prize, ROADSTER, speed demons, speedster, t-rex, tesla, x prizeThis car is most definitely built for performance rather than comfort, in case anyone who could afford the regular $51,999 T. Rex was eying the electric version. Autopia said that it "makes the Tesla Roadster feel roomy," but adds that the lack of windshield and low sitting position enhance the speed experience. We'll be eager to see how the all-electric vehicle performs against other challengers at the X-Prize shakedown trials at Michigan International Speedway this April.
[via Autopia]
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I don't understand not having a windshield...seems to go against being efficient in terms of aerodynamics.
I love these things. I dont understand how one can cost 50,000 dollars though. There is no way there is $50,000 worth of stuff in one. Bring the price down PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe the airflow is used for passive cooling and a windshield would impede that? Or the weight of a windshield would undo any aerodynamic benefit?
I'm just playing devil's advocate, I don't think it makes sense either. It does seem to have more in common with a motorcycle than a car, maybe that's why?
160 mph on 60 hp? i have trouble believing that if the car is shaped like anything other than a missile
"I don't understand not having a windshield...seems to go against being efficient in terms of aerodynamics."
it has one dont worry,its just flat, he must of meant doors
The T-Rex is made in Montreal, Qc. Go to
www.campagnamotors.com/index.html
for more information
It would be fun, if it could glide on water.
@ funkyskunk
"creates 60 horsepower continuous and 167 horsepower peak." Meaning its easily possible. When comparing the power to weight I personally think it can easily make that speed, if not a higher speed.
For level-ground performance; the power-to-weight ratio determines the acceleration. Top speed depends largely on the power-to-drag ratio -- i.e. better aerodynamics = higher speed (again, on level ground).
@blackspike2710 It's been a few years since I looked at the t-rex, but the 50000 was just for them to build it. they used to have an option where they sent you all the parts and you could build it yourself and then it cost you less than 20000. don't know if they still do it though
30bcf4e2
"There is no way there is $50,000 worth of stuff in one. Bring the price down PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!"
There's this thing called manufacturing cost; it is why a solar panel costs more than a bucket full of sand.