Carbon Fiber Car - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Botnst · #1 03-04-2006, 11:23 PM

180 mph Carbon Fiber Super Car
Photo at http://businessweek.com/print/autos/content/mar2006/bw20060303_869115.htm
With its Carbon Fiber Super Car, manufacturer Mullen has produced a vehicle that looks the same as its GT -- but is much faster

Electric cars have until now been relatively tame machines compared to their petroleum-engined supercar brethren from Bugatti, Koenigsegg and McLaren. The Venturi Fetish is the world's fastest and most exclusive electric car, being assembled to order by hand in Monaco but it has a top speed of just 180 km/h -- hardly the sort of performance you'd sell the kids for, and indeed, that may be necessary given that it comes with a price tag starting at 450,000 Euro (US $583,000). The stakes are about to be raised considerably though as Hybrid Technologies has joined with Los Angeles-based exotic sports car manufacturer Mullen motors to create a new benchmark for electric car performance. Mullen's distinctive GT with its combination of style, handling and performance was recently named by Forbes magazine as the 7th fastest American production car, an honour shared with Saleen and Dodge Viper. The remarkable news is that the new electric sports car will not only be much faster than the Venturi Fetish, but will will look and perform identically to the current petrol-engined Mullen GT with a top speed of 180 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just over 3 seconds. The only difference will be the badges and the black carbon fiber weave of the body. Yum Yum!

Hybrid Technologies Holly Roseberry said of the announcement, "Our Corporation has expanded to include federal Government fleet vehicles, Swat Team all terrain vehicles, Smart Cars and now a lithium Super Car. The joint venture between Mullen and Hybrid is a true testament to the American Automotive ingenuity and entrepreneurship. The Lithium Carbon Fiber Super Car is a turning point in the perception of what electric vehicles can be. Being the first to build a vehicle such as this in American by Americans is a proud moment for our corporation."

Hybrid will be taking orders for The Carbon Fiber Super Car at The 2006 New York International Auto Show in April. The performance of the emissions-free Carbon Fiber Super Car will match the current GT model which has a weight ratio of approximately 2000 pounds

The relationship with Hybrid Technologies and Mullen Motors provides Hybrid Technologies with a superlative vehicle in which to incorporate the latest in hybrid and lithium technologies. The vehicle will be unveiled to international automotive press/media as well as the public during the first day of the acclaimed New York International Auto Show. The Lithium Carbon Fiber Super Car Model is estimated to retail at approximately US$124,900.

Arthur E. Allen, President of Mullen Motors, stated "As a manufacturer of a precision automobile we are always forward thinking in respect to automotive technology". He also stated, "This relationship with Hybrid Technologies is a wonderful collaboration of design, technology and foresight."

When Gizmag spoke with Art, he told us, "We're building the prototype as we speak. I'm working on the car at this moment and it'll be identical to our existing GT in every way except the powerplant and the carbon fiber bodywork which looks a treat. We'll be finished the entire car in early April ready for shipping to Hybrid Technologies new vehicle manufacturing facility in Mooresville for the fitting of the motor and batteries.

"We are pleased to be the automobile manufacturer of choice for Hybrid Technologies and I personally am excited to see this new lithium Super Car on the street."

Hatterasguy · #2 03-04-2006, 11:35 PM

Nothing really ground breaking. Extensive carbon fiber use has been around the exotic car world for the better part of a decade. Tops speed is downright slow, at 180kph. 0-60 is fast but I don't think those are real world numbers. Their is certainly a number of cars out their that could do a 3 sec 0-60 run but not with street tires. Traction just does not exist to plant the power.

Not to mention for $500k+ I want a V12 scream and couldn't care less if it used racing fuel and got 1mpg at that price.

Environmental and economy are just two words not used with these cars.