Wrightspeed X1

Infobox Automobile


name = X1 Prototype
manufacturer = Wrightspeed
parent_company =
aka =
production = None, prototype only
assembly =
predecessor =
successor =
class = Roadster
body_style = Open wheel roadster
layout = Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
platform = Ariel Atom
engine = 3-phase, 4-pole AC Induction
transmission = Single gear ratio 8.25:1 (no clutch)
wheelbase = 2345 mm / 92.3 in
length = 3410 mm / 134.25 in
width = 1798 mm / 70.8 in
height = 1195 mm / 47.0 in
ground_clearance =
front_track = 1600 mm
rear_track = 1600 mm / 63 in
weight = 697 kg / 1536 lb
top_speed = 180 km/h / 112 mph (electronically limited)
fuel_capacity = none (25 kWh Li-Ion Accumulator)
related = Ariel Atom, tzero
similar =
designer = Ian WrightThe Wrightspeed X1 is an Ariel Atom sports car 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 supercars 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." [http://www.wrightspeed.com/faq.html] . Mr. Wright was an early employee of electric-car company Tesla Motors, but soon left to pursue his own ideas.

The X1 prototype

"Most of these images are applicable to the Ariel Atom"

Performance

"For more details from the manufacturer, see: http://www.wrightspeed.com/specs.html"

* 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) ~ 3.0 seconds
* Standing quarter mile (400 m) ~11.5 seconds
* Top speed 180 km/h (112mph) (electronically limited)
* Range >160 km (>100 miles) in urban use
* Charger: onboard conductive. Input 100-250V 50 or 60 Hz. Current: user adjustable up to 80A
* Energy consumption 125 WHr/km (200 WHr/mile) in urban use, equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km (170 mpg) (8920 WHr/L or 33,705 WHr/gallon)

ee also

* Ariel Atom
* La Jamais Contente
* AC Propulsion tzero
* Keio University Eliica
* Lightning GT
* Tesla Roadster
* Think Global AS
* Venturi Fétish

External links

* [http://www.wrightspeed.com/ WrightSpeed]
* [http://www.grumpy-c-bear.org/Car/20051108_Energy_Next/index.html Drag race: Wrightspeed X1 vs. Carrera GT, vs. Ferrari 360 and vs. AC Propulsion tZero]
* [http://www.pluginamerica.com/media/Wrightspeed.wmv Video of Wrightspeed X1 electric car beating a Ferrari 360 Spider and a Porsche Carrera GT]
* [http://www.clubofpioneers.com/blog/video-the-x1-by-wrightspeed---a-test-drive-with-ian-wright-battery-bev-electric-car-ian-wright-wrightspeed-x1/27/stories/631/ Video of Wrightspeed X1' test-drive in San Francisco]