AMC Electron
| Electron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | American Motors Corporation (AMC) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | concept car |
| Body style | three-passenger city car |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | DC series traction |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 60 in (1,524 mm) [1] |
| Length | 85 in (2,159 mm) [1] |
| Width | 69.5 in (1,765 mm) [1] |
| Height | 46 in (1,168 mm) [2] |
The AMC Electron was an American concept automobile built in 1977 by American Motors Corporation (AMC).
Design
The experimental three-passenger commuter "city car" was designed for short-trip urban transportation.[2] The clamshell-style roof swung back on rear-mounted pivots for entry and egress.[3]
The Electron was based on previous development of the AMC Amitron.[4] Powered by a lightweight lithium battery system, the Electron was designed in anticipation of further advances in electronic technologies.[5] Innovative methods to efficiently use power included the vehicle's light weight and energy regeneration braking. The passenger seats were inflatable and designed to be deflated for luggage space.
Concept 80
The Electron (along with the AM Van, Grand Touring, Concept I, Concept II, and Jeep II) constituted the "Concept 80" program to illustrate what the company saw for future vehicles.[6] This nationwide tour of idea cars was also to highlight American Motors' role in developing market segments.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Automobile club d'Italia (1978). World Cars 1978. Herald Books. p. 40. ISBN 0-910714-10-X. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 [http://books.google.com/books?id=SrcSAQAAMAAJ&q=Concept+Electron+i.s+conceived+as+a+46-mch-high+electric-+powered+commuter+car+for+short+trips+within+a+city. "Brave New World"]. Cars & Trucks (National Automobile Dealers Association) 49: 25. 1977. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- ↑ "AMC Displays Show Cars". Automotive News (Crain Automotive Group) 52. 1977. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "For the 1980's: AMC's Concept Cars". Popular Science 211: 99. 1977. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- ↑ Frumkin, Mitch; Hall, Phil (2002). American Dream Cars: 60 Years of the Best Concept Vehicles. Krause Publications. p. 337. ISBN 978-0-87349-491-5. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
- ↑ Iron and Steel Engineer (Association of Iron and Steel Engineers) 54: 177. 1977.
- American Motors Corporation, Public Relations Office, Detroit, MI., Press Release, dated 1977.
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