Eight 100-HP Electric Motors Result in 800-HP and a 4-Second 0 to 100 KM/H Sprint Tired of your '72 Citroen DS21 because it's low on power? Keio University's Electric Vehicle Laboratory once again has the answer. The
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| Keio University's Electric Vehicle Laboratory harnesses 800 horsepower of pure electric endorphins in a bizarre 8-wheel '72 Citroen DS21-styled machine. (Photo: Keio University) |
Japanese institution just introduced its latest second-generation Eliica electric supercar at the Tokyo Motor Show, sporting a similar formula for green muscle, it continues to incorporate 800-horsepower of pure electric endorphins to blast all 8-wheels to 100 km/h in a mere 4.1 seconds, and 160 in another 2.9, before rocketing to an amazing top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph). Making "the most use of integrated platform", the second car had the pursuit of "environment, safety, [and] performance" still at the forefront of the university's objective, but also there was a need to make the aerodynamic performance better, while increasing interior space optimization. Keio University cites the main change from 1st Prototype being an increase in wheelbase and the vehicle's overall height. "We made the wheel size smaller, the wheel base larger and the overall heights higher. From these and changes above, we achieved to make amuch larger interior space than the big saloon vehicle," Keio states on its website. The Eliica, the name derived by creating an acronym from Electric Lithium-Ion battery Car, might still be odd looking, or downright ugly depending on personal tastes, but no-one can question its straight-line performance. It's quicker than Porsche's 911 Turbo, and a host of rival supercars, despite seating four adults who can enter or exit via four doors. As reported in England's Daily Mail, the five meter long vehicle might even be capable of 400 km/h (250 mph), or so says its
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| The five meter long vehicle might even be capable of 400 km/h (250 mph), or so says its creator Hiroshi Shimizu. (Photo: Keio University) |
creator Hiroshi Shimizu. "When you're dealing with technology thought by most to be slow, heavy and lacking range, you must do better than any supercar," Shimizu said. The Eliica also features an extremely low center of gravity, due to carrying its batteries, hardware and electric motors in a narrow bed within its chassis, which is said to make for spirited handling. No body roll or nose dive is reported, while turn-in is sharp with adequate feedback through the steering wheel. Despite a 2,400 kilo (5,291 lb) curb weight, it is said to feel quite agile.