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Eliica Eight-Wheeler Without Doubt the Weirdo Wheels Winner

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Khatir Soltani

Eight 100-HP Electric Motors Result in 800-HP and a 4-Second 0 to 100 Sprint

Tired of your '72 Citroen DS21 because it's low on power? Keio University's Electric Vehicle Laboratory has the answer. The

Keio University's Electric Vehicle Laboratory harnesses 800 horsepower of pure electric endorphins in a bizarre 8-wheel '72 Citroen DS21-styled machine. (Photo: Eliica)
Japanese institution harnesses 800 horsepower of pure electric endorphins to blast this 8-wheel monstrosity to 100 km/h in a mere four seconds, and 160 in another three, before rocketing to an amazing top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph).

The Eliica, the name derived by creating an acronym from Electric Lithium-Ion battery Car, might 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

The five meter long vehicle might even be capable of 400 km/h (250 mph), or so says its creator Hiroshi Shimizu. (Photo: Eliica)
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.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada