Jalopnik: Automotive X PRIZE

Progressive Automotive X Prize Mustang Claims 400 HP, 110 MPG; We Claim Baloney

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Doug Pelmear is claiming his '87 Stang is good for 400 HP and a 3 second 0-60 MPH time, all while returning a 110 MPGe figure. MPGe? Yeah, that's miles per gallon equivalent; because he's using E85 ethanol, that figure might be about 80 real miles per gasoline gallon. So, is Doug one of those garage tinkerers who managed to create a magnetized fuel line or a super-efficient set of exhaust bearings which promise an amazing 100 MPG, but whose patent hasn't gone through yet, or it was destroyed in a fire, or the dog ate it? Well, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...

First, 80 MPG for a Fox-body Mustang is like 300 MPG for a Geo Metro. We haven't taken the effort to run the equations, but we're pretty sure there just isn't that much energy in a gallon to begin with, much less all of the losses from various frictions and combustion inefficiencies.

The car is to be entered in the Progressive Automotive X Prize challenge and if Doug's claims turn out to be valid, we plan on turning in our engineering card, that's all we're saying. Check out the video on YouTube and see what you think for yourselves. [Ecomodder]

McCain To Offer $300 Million Prize For Developing New Super Battery

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Presidential candidate John McCain (R-Old) is expected to unveil a new proposal today offering $300 million in prize money to the first automaker that can demonstrate significant improvements in battery technology. The targets to secure the prize include a 30% cost reduction, along with "substantial improvements" in size, capacity and technology. Additionally, McCain announced a "Clean Car Challenge," offering U.S. automakers a $5,000 tax credit for every zero-carbon-emissions car developed and sold. Apparently, McCain thinks the market's delivery on a 100-mile-per-charge battery won't be coming as he predicted without some helpful ~~handouts~~ incentives. Hmm, we've been flipping through Wealth of Nations for the past hour, and can't seem to find the page on contests, raffles and sweepstakes. Was that section before or after the chapter on the national progress of opulence? [Detroit News ]

Hybrid Technologies Building 220mpg Supercar That's Faster Than ZR1

Wes Siler — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Hybrid Technologies, makers of electric Minis and the Mullen Motor GT, are working on a lithium-ion/gas plug-in hybrid not only capable of achieving 220mpg, but horsepower numbers that promise to eclipse those of the 638bhp Corvette ZR1. Speaking to Popular Mechanics, product development engineer Ron Cerven revealed that not only will the car be entered in the Automotive X Prize, but that it could be available to purchase as soon as late next year.

In addition to the hybrid, an all-electric model is also being developed. A drivable prototype should be ready by September.

In addition to performance and economy, Hybrid Technologies is working hard to ensure the new supercar will be comfortable and driver-friendly. Movable aerodynamic aids will be capable of transitioning from low-drag to high-down force, improving both handling and economy. The company wouldn't release specific power numbers, but when asked if they could challenge a vehicle like the Corvette, Cerven responded, "way out of the ballpark—it's gonna be wild."

By now, you're probably thinking that this all sounds too good to be true. Trust us, we are too. With vehicles like the Fisker Karma and Tesla roadster topping out at 120 and 130mph respectively, Hybrid Technologies would need to bring a significant level of innovation to this vehicle in order to compete with gasoline-powered supercars. Expect to find out whether or not all this is hot air during the X Prize competition "some time in 2009." [via Popular Mechanics]

100 MPG Or Bust: Motive Industries Release Renderings Of Their X PRIZE Entrant

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT

At the Automotive X PRIZE debut party at the NY Auto Show there were a few interesting prototypes of cars their makers believed could meet the Auto X PRIZE requirements of making a marketable vehicle that gets 100 miles per gallon of dinojuice. The folks from Motive Industries were around to talk-up their proposed Battery Exchange Hybrid Electric Vehicle (BEHEV), which we think uses a small electric motor to create the energy needed to power the electric motors. Now we have renderings and a quasi-technical drawing for their currently nameless shooting brake concept. Press release and pics below. If you've got a suggestion for the name drop it in the comments.

Motive believes that the transportation sector needs to undergo a rapid evolutionary change in order to maintain current standards of living while reducing our energy needs dramatically. In order to achieve this, a shift is required toward low volume high-tech manufacturing techniques. This will enable us rapid evolution of individualized vehicles that use a fraction of the energy required by today's automobiles and public transportation vehicles. The Automotive X-Prize will help to push the boundaries of what is perceived not only as possible, but also as probable. Motive's intent in entering the X-Prize is to demonstrate our capabilities in the fields of automotive design and engineering. Motive believes in the need for innovation and sustainability and is thus committed to developing and using ecologically sensitive materials and manufacturing methods.
The 2 initial renders below depict our BEHEV - Battery Exchange Hybrid Electric Vehicle that combines the appeal of a sports car with everyday versatility. The sporty 2+2 shooting brake is framed within a layered structure giving it muscular forms and proportions. Keep an eye on Motive for future developments.

* Four passenger, full size vehicle
* BEHEV tm - Battery Exchange Hybrid Electric Vehicle
* Modular composite/aluminium/steel chassis structure
* Lightweight bio-composite RIM body panels
* FWD multi-speed quickshift transaxle
* Regenerative braking, traction control
* High-performance ICE generator
* 1800lbs

[Source; Motive Industries]

Aptera: Skip X Prize, Proceed Directly To Movie Set

Travis Hudson — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EDT

The Aptera, which has been the poster child for the entire Automotive X Prize, is forgetting about trying to win that $10 million trophy and getting famous elsewhere—and that elsewhere is on the big screen. Recent reports are saying that the Aptera has been spotted on the set of the new Star Trek movie.

The new Star Trek flick, directed by J.J. Abrams and slated for an early May release, tells the story of James T. Kirk's youth and education at Star Fleet Academy. Word has it that Kirk and his homies cruise the campus for hot tail in the Aptera, which in the real world will allegedly get 30 mpg. Who needs a dilithium-guzzling shuttlecraft? I wonder if Kirk & Co. will exercise the Prime Directive with the fetching young cadets they cruise... Actually, it doesn't surprise me that the Aptera would wind up on the big screen. It looks as if it was borrowed from the future. The Sci Fi Channel should just go ahead and build a whole show around it. [Livescience]

Progressive Automotive X Prize Officially Announced

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:45:00 EDT

Today in the Javits Center during the 2008 New York Auto Show, X Prize Foundation President Dr. Peter Diamandis, along with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, announced Progressive will be the corporate sponsor of the long stewing Automotive X prize. The Progressive Automotive X Prize will award $10 million to the winning team after a head-to-head competition scheduled to happen sometime in 2009. The entries must be safe, production capable, and deliver at least 100 mpg. The teams will compete in three different classes — a mainstream class for four wheel, four passenger entries, an Alternative class to push the boundaries of technology, and in 2011, a manufacturers prize for established companies.

The qualified entrants will compete for the giant wad of all-Progressive supplied cash in a variety of real world challenges in the categories of speed, distance, traffic, terrain, and weather. Everybody and his brother is in on this one — The US House and Senate have already approved NTSB, DOT, DOE backing with the DOE tossing $3.5 million in grant money into the fold for education of youth and consumers.; The Sierra Club and NRDC support grassroots efforts; Individuals like Al Gore, Dean Kamen (who will be entering and sits on the Automotive X Prize Board), the Governator, and many more are putting their voices behind the effort.

There are already 64 pledged entrants from 22 countries and 10 US states from private, college, and even high school groups. Four examples of which were present at the show, The Venture 1, the first look at the MDI Air Car, a Ale from France, and the "Hybrid Attack" - a diesel electric hybrid built by a team from the West Philly High School. The applications will begin being accepted starting in two months, so if you want a shot at 10 million bucks, you better start filling out the paperwork now. Find out all the nitty gritty details at ProgressiveXPrize.org.