BEIJING: Techrules, the Beijing-based automotive research and development company, will present the final design of its first production car on March 7 next year at the 87th Geneva Motor Show.
The design of the Techrules GT96 supercar is being undertaken by world-renowned automotive designers Fabrizio and Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The GT96 promises blistering performance, thanks to Techrules’ proprietary Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) powertrain. Engineering and production partner, L.M. Gianetti, will begin production of up to 25 units per year in late 2017 at its facility in Turin, Italy.
Initial output will be a track variant, before a fully homologated road version as well as other cars in more conventional vehicle segments follow over the next few years with the TREV system configured for optimal efficiency.
The TREV system is an all-new patent-protected series hybrid powertrain technology comprising a turbine-generator. TREV combines extensive experience of aviation and electric vehicle technologies with several proprietary technical innovations, delivering unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance, and ultra-low environmental impact.
The TREV range-extender system uses a micro-turbine to generate electricity, which powers the motors that drive the wheels. Excess electricity generated by the micro-turbine is stored in newly-developed batteries. This stored energy can also power the motors should further electricity be required. The high efficiency of the TREV range extender results in a requirement for fewer batteries, saving weight and space.
“We have been working tirelessly with the Giugiaro team on the design of the GT96 for many months, and it will be a proud moment when we present the production design of China’s first supercar in Geneva in March. Our dream of seeing turbine-recharging electric vehicles on the roads is getting closer to reality,” said Techrules chief technical officer Matthew Jin.
“The Techrules GT96 is the flagbearer for a truly revolutionary electric vehicle technology, and we reflect this innovation in the production car’s design,” said Fabrizio Giugiaro.
“Not only does the car feature unique and bold styling attributes to make an immediate impression, but it is also extremely versatile, enabling different configurations for road, track and race, for example. The design spearheads distinctive Techrules styling characteristics that will in the future be seen across a family of models,” he added.
Giugiaro (right) making a point to Techrules chairman William Jin (left).
Keyword: Techrules to unveil production supercar design in Geneva