Further, Kosowski says, this space- and weight-saving machine uses aluminum construction and a co-axial layout for maximum efficiency.
Precept's rear bay contains a traction and regenerative braking system comprised of three major elements: a compression-ignition, direct-injection heat engine; a multi-purpose unit with PIM that serves as both an electric motor and a generator; and an automatically-shifted manual transaxle.
A 32-bit, 266 MHz processor-based controller conducts a two-way dialogue with much of the Precept's electronic parts, including the accelerator and brake pedals, the shift lever, the energy management system, the electric traction system, and the controllers for the heat engine, the transmission, the thermal system, and the brakes.
The result is a vehicle that's capable of reaching 60 mph in about 12 seconds.Two battery systems are under consideration -- lithium polymer and nickel metal hydride.
Key specifications include a length of 4906 mm, a wheelbase of 2839 mm, a width of 1726 mm, a height of 1383 mm, a front track of 1516 mm, a rear track of 1398 mm, and a curbweight of 1176 kg.