Power output numbers of sportscars have increased inflationary over the last decades and have recently reached four-digit values. This project questions this development and examines how a sportscar with a very limited amount of power - 100 kW - would need to be designed.
The essence of sportscar driving is riding the edge where driver and machine reach their physical limits. This project claims that this can be brought back to a level that is far below that of todays hypercars.
The challenge of this project is therefore to develop a car that can deliver an exciting, memorable driving experience with less financial, energy and material resources.
The final result is a lightweight sportscar that makes most out of its limited power. Not only does it use state-of-the art technologies and materials to be as efficient as possible, it also boosts the driving experience with several innovative design solutions.
Under the Skin
Lightweight & Compact Chassis
Line of Sight
Visibility is a key component to a direct and intense driving experience. The closer the road is to the driver, the higher is the sensation of speed. Therefore, the vehicle features an exceptionally low windshield root line. This is made possible by an innovative suspension system, inspired by high-end RC cars, which uses rotational dampers placed in between the upper and lower double-wishbone suspension, instead of a traditional pushrod suspension with shock absorbers on top. The view on the road is then framed by the two prominent fenders, which are cut open so that the front wheels always remain visible.
Motorverstärker®
The Motorverstärker® (engine amplifier) works similar to a grammophone or high-end speaker case. Originating directly at the cylinder head, its funnel shape opens up forward towards the occupants backs and amplifies the characteristic engine sound without any fake and heavy electronic support. In order to protect the interior in case of an engine fire, a Nomex membrane replaces the traditional firewall.
V-Boost Technology®
The vibration boost technology enhances the characteristic vibration of the opposed-two internal combustion engine to further improve the sensorial feedback towards the driver. Therefore, the inner chassis tub is suspended and directly mounted to the engine.
The drivetrain is a hybrid system that combines a 73 kW (100 hp) 1.0 litre aircooled flat-two combustion engine with a 27 kW (36 hp) electric motor. Exhaust gases from the combustion engine are transferred into electric energy by the E-turbo generator. The electric energy can be stored shortly in the on-board supercapacitors but is continuously fed to the electric motor to support the flat-two for high-torque acceleration.
The highly complex 1:5 scale model showcases the light-weight feel and construction of the concept. The 3d-printed body panels float around a CNC-machined chassis while front and rear subframes carry the laser-cut suspension blades. LEDs and a spinning "aircooled"-fan raise the level of detail.
Supported by trin.do
Made in Sweden. www.uid.umu.se
Master Thesis in Transportation Design at Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå, Sweden. Copyright 2017 by Robin Ritter. The 'PORSCHE' brand was selected as an example. This is an independant project which was not sponsored or tutored by 'PORSCHE AG'. The 'PORSCHE' name and the 'PORSCHE' logo are used in an educational context only. All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners.