Wrightspeed X1

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X1 Prototype
Ian Wright next to the X1 Ian Wright next to the X1
Manufacturer Wrightspeed
Production None, prototype only
Class Roadster
Body style(s) Open wheel roadster
Layout Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Platform Ariel Atom
Engine(s) 3-phase, 4-pole AC Induction
Transmission(s) 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
Curb weight 697 kg / 1536 lb
Fuel capacity none (25 kWh Li-Ion Accumulator)
Related Ariel Atom, tzero
Designer Ian Wright

The Wrightspeed X1 is an Ariel Atom sports car modified to use an all-electric powertrain. 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. 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." [1]. Mr. Wright was an early employee of electric-car company Tesla Motors, but soon left to pursue his own ideas.

Contents

[edit] The X1 prototype

Most of these images are applicable to the Ariel Atom

Front wheel and brake
Front wheel and brake
Springs and shock absorber
Springs and shock absorber
Steering rack
Steering rack
Cockpit
Cockpit
Rear suspension
Rear suspension
Rear view
Rear view
Wrightspeed logo
Wrightspeed logo

[edit] 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)

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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