Celebrity funnyman Jay Leno invited the General Motors Advanced Design Studio to help create a mid-engine, turbine powered car called the EcoJet. An
avid car collector, Leno and Ed Welburn, the head of GM Global design, unveiled the car today at Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
The unique supercar goes back to a discussion between Leno and Bernard Juchli, the chief mechanic of Leno's collection of exotic and classic cars. Afterwards, Leno turned to Welburn for design direction.
Leno reportedly admires the GM design studio's work, and both his team and the GM team worked after hours to pen the unique and distinct look of the EcoJet.
"EcoJet's esthetics were driven by aeronautical and jet-age influences,"
said Welburn. "It's a purpose-driven design that conveys power, capability and even danger, with a hint of Cadillac's sophisticated design vocabulary."
Powering the EcoJet is a Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine that runs on bio-diesel. It rides a modified Corvette Z06 platform made from hydroformed aluminum with magnesium components, while the body shell consists of an advanced construction of carbon-fibre over Kevlar. The EcoJet rides on 20" wheels up front and 22" wheels in back.
Partners for the project included Honeywell, Intermountain Turbine, BASF, Dana, GE Plastics and Alcoa.
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| (Photo: General Motors) |
The unique supercar goes back to a discussion between Leno and Bernard Juchli, the chief mechanic of Leno's collection of exotic and classic cars. Afterwards, Leno turned to Welburn for design direction.
Leno reportedly admires the GM design studio's work, and both his team and the GM team worked after hours to pen the unique and distinct look of the EcoJet.
"EcoJet's esthetics were driven by aeronautical and jet-age influences,"
 |
| (Photo: General Motors) |
Powering the EcoJet is a Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine that runs on bio-diesel. It rides a modified Corvette Z06 platform made from hydroformed aluminum with magnesium components, while the body shell consists of an advanced construction of carbon-fibre over Kevlar. The EcoJet rides on 20" wheels up front and 22" wheels in back.
Partners for the project included Honeywell, Intermountain Turbine, BASF, Dana, GE Plastics and Alcoa.