If there was a competition for the most oddly named concept of the Geneva Motor Show, theNanoFlowcell QUANT e-Sportlimousine would have a strong chance of winning, but there's more to this study than it's extra-long moniker.For starters, this thing is big, and I mean really big; the gull wing doors alone measure an impressive two meters in length (that's 6.6 feet for our American readers), while the car itself, at 5,257mm (207 inches) long, surpasses the long-wheelbase version of the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class (5.24m or 206.5 inches)!
It rides on a 3,198mm wheelbase and is 2,109mm wide and 1,357mm tall, while tipping the proverbial scales at 2,300kg (5.071 pounds) with its flow-cell fuel tanks filled up.
NanoFlowcell, a company based in Lichtenstein, says that the QUANT e-Sportlimousine utilizes four electric motors, one for each wheel, that give out a combined maximum output of 680kW (925PS or 912hp) and a normal operating output of 480kW (653PS or 644hp), with a mind-blowing peak torque of 2,900Nm x 4, for a total of…11,600Nm or 8,555 lb-ft.
We're told that the two-door model can go up to 100km/h (62mph) in just 2.8 seconds, and reach a top speed in excess of 380km/h (236+mph).
The electric motors are fed electricity from a nanoFLOWCELL system, which in the brand's own words, operates thusly:
"[It] works like a combination of a battery and a fuel cell using liquid electrolyte, which is kept in two tanks and pumped through the cell. At the heart of the system is a membrane that separates two differing chemistries. A controlled exchange of charges releases energy for the electric powertrain."
NanoFlowcell says it’s working on the development of the system with German partner Bosch Engineering GmbH, stating that the automotive application is similar to that used for storing solar energy for domestic residences or storing wind energy.
"Until now, flow cells based on redox principles have been too heavy and their energy conversion rates too sluggish for use in mobile applications," says the company.
"This is where the nanoFLOWCELL technology opens the door to a broad palette of new technical opportunities. The improvements that have given the system such a major performance boost are the result of research into the quantum chemistry of electrolytic fluids. The most important innovation of the nanoFLOWCELL is in its significantly higher charge- and power-density thanks to an extremely high concentration of ionic charge carriers in the cell system's electrolyte," NanoFlowcell added.
One issue with this system seems to be the fuel liquid, but NanoFlowcell claims that it doesn't contain any environmentally damaging components, while pointing out that the electrolytic are composed of various non-toxic substances and that, "if sufficiently diluted, they could even be disposed of through normal wastewater treatment plants".
With two full tanks of fuel, the QUANT e-Sportlimousine returns a projected driving range between 400 and 600km (249-373 miles).
The Lichtenstein company has plans to developed road-going prototypes of the concept before the end of the year, and homologate the car in 2015.
The Trion Nemesis, a new hypercar with over 1973bhp, has been revealed. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 engine with an unknown capacity, the Nemesis is claimed to have a top speed of over 270mph, and is able to hit 60mph in 2.8 seconds.
Such speeds would allow the Nemesis to beat rivals including the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and the Koenigsegg One:1, the latter of which has 1322bhp available and a claimed top speed of 273mph.
Trion Supercars is described as making an "advanced ultra-luxury, high-performance line of vehicles designed around the driver".
The Nemesis features an aerodynamic shape which its makers describe as being "flawless from the front growl to the captivating tail configuration". At the rear, the Nemesis shows the same wide-arched style as theMcLaren P1.
Inside, the Nemesis features a digital dashboard and internet connectivity. The car also has a 'Predator Mode', which modifies its height, suspension settings, exhaust noise and rev limit as well as its interior lighting.
The American-based startup company says the Nemesis is currently in the earliest stages of development, but that the first prototype models will be built next month.
Similar start-up operations are providing increased competition in the hypercar market. The Keating Bolt was unveiled last year with mention of a 340mph top speed, while earlier this year Arash unveiled its AF8, although that car was reputed to reach a much more likely 200mph.
Fotos:
Genty Automobile, a small supercar company based in central France, is hoping to take on the likes of Ferrari and McLaren with its Akylone hypercar. Aiming to become ‘the new reference for road and racetrack performance’, the Akylone is claimed to sprint from 0-62 in 2.7sec and onto a top speed of 220mph.Still in early development stages, the ambitious hypercar is said to produce over 1200bhp when its mid-mounted 6-litre twin-turbocharged V8 reaches 7300rpm. With a six-speed paddle-shift sequential ‘box pushing power through the rear-wheels, carbon-ceramic disc brakes and a monobloc chassis, the Akylone could certainly posses all the right ingredients to take the fight to the big boys.
It’s when we consider the claims of a 2.5sec advantage to 186mph over the McLaren P1 that things seem less realistic (Genty reckons its Akylone is good to reach the mark in just 14sec). But whether or not these figures – which appear to have only been tested in simulation – are accurate or not, there’s no doubt that the Akylone looks far more purposeful than some recent supercar start-up attempts. This is emphasised with an aggressive exterior boasting carbonfibre trim, a long, sleek rear roofline and a clutter-free interior; a far cry from the world of parts-bins and over-complicated interiors often seen with new car companies.
With a kerb weight of just 1102kg and a claimed drag co-efficient of 0.35, if the Akylone were to be put into production we’re sure it would be a serious piece of kit. Unfortunately six years into existence however, it looks as though Genty is still trying to source serious funding to create the car. A solid list of partners including Michelin and 9ff Engineering (famous for highly tuned Porsches) suggests intentions are serious. But as with most other automotive start-ups, securing funding will be pivotal if the Akylone is to ever be put into production. We for one hope it is, ambitious performance figures included. There’s nothing we like more than a performance car underdog.
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A. Kahn Design has made a name for itself creating outlandish Range Rovers with a plethora of interior and exterior modifications. Now however, the British design firm is set to be expanded with the launch of a new business set to create bespoke cars for special customers.
First off, Kahn Design is looking to launch a bespoke variant of the Land Rover Defender. This unique Defender will be dubbed the Flying Huntsman and feature a 400 mm longer bonnet than the standard Discovery. As a result, the car will have a completely different look to the standard Discovery we’ve come to know and love.
Under the hood, the Flying Huntsman will be powered by a 6.2-litre General Motors LS3 V8 engine delivering a brutal 550 hp. Mated to this potent powertrain will be a six-speed automatic transmission. As we speak, Kahn Design is working on a prototype at its factory.
Following the debut of this custom Land Rover Discovery, the firm will launch a custom two-seat roadster sports car inspired by the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato albeit without a fixed roof. To create the car, Kahn has joined forces with Ant Anstead, the man behind the Evanta Motor Company, to create Ant-Kahn. The car will be built around a tubular steel chassis and be powered by the same 6.2-itre V8 as the Flying Huntsman albeit with slightly less power.
Further down the road, Ant-Kahn will reveal another special Aston Martin inspired model likely to be influenced heavily by the design of the latest Vanquish.
