Wrightspeed X1

X1 Prototype
Overview
Manufacturer Wrightspeed
Production None, prototype only
Designer Ian Wright
Body and chassis
Class Roadster
Body style Open wheel roadster
Layout Rear mid-motor, rear-wheel drive
Platform Ariel Atom
Related Ariel Atom, tzero
Powertrain
Electric motor 3-phase, 4-pole AC Induction
Transmission Single gear ratio 8.25:1 (no clutch)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2345 mm / 92.3 in
Length 3410 mm / 134.25 in
Width 1798 mm / 70.8 in
Height 1195 mm / 47.0 in
Curb weight 697 kg / 1536 lb

The Wrightspeed X1 is a one-off Ariel Atom heavily modified to use an all-electric powertrain. The Atom was chosen for its light weight and efficient design. The electric motor and inverter are sourced from AC Propulsion, makers of the TZero concept car, while the batteries are low weight, high energy density lithium ion provided from A123 Systems. As with the Atom the transmission is a Honda unit, but stripped of its shifting mechanism and other parts to provide only the second gear speed, allowed by the wide speed and torque range available from the electric motor.

Built by San Francisco-based New Zealand engineer Ian Wright, the X1 created a stir when it bested several sports cars in a drag race, including a Carrera GT (even with a rolling start, an advantage for the gas burning vehicles), all while being filmed by local news station KRON 4. Despite the impressive performance, the vehicle is intended only as a proof of concept. Future production is planned; however, according to the website, "... the production car will be quite different, since it will meet the safety standards, which the prototype does not. It will, however, be at least as quick as the prototype.". Mr. Wright was an early employee of electric-car company Tesla Motors, but soon left to pursue his own ideas.

Performance

The X1 prototype (various technical images)

Most of these images are applicable to the Ariel Atom

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Specifications | Wrightspeed Inc". Archived from the original on 23 August 2010. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
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