Connaught V10 Type-D - little firm in Wales builds a hybrid sports car
 

Connaught, a UK company, has released pictures of its V10 hybrid sports coupe. We first showed renderings of the car in September. The Connaught V10 Type-D is powered by a compact 2.1 liter V10. The V10’s cylinder banks are angled at 22.5 degrees from each other, making the V10 very narrow. Not much has changed since we first posted, including the claimed 0-60 of 6.5 seconds and fuel economy around 42 mpg. Production is expected to begin next year.

http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000063045483/

Here's a blurb from the Connaught web site:

The Connaught Type-D, encapsulates the unique design and engineering approach of the Connaught Motor Co. Ltd.

It is a true 2+2 high performance Sports Coupe which as a result of the application of hybrid technology, the Connaught innovative engineering principles and low vehicle weight, delivers exceptional performance and fulfils all future legislative requirements for a production in 2006.

The Connaught Type-D includes the following unique characteristics;
Mild Hybrid technology providing fuel economy of 42mpg on the combined cycle, with ultra low CO2 emissions (150g/km).

• A Compact V10 engine with supercharged option positioned in a unique location within the vehicle.
• 48v battery platform
• Top Speed of 140mph
• 0-60mph under 7 seconds
• Low cost of ownership :- congestion charge exempt, low vehicle tax, competitive insurance band 15
• Roll over safety technology
• Active aerodynamics to improve road adhesion at higher speeds
• 240V power takeoff [translation from British: outlet] to drive any 3Amp household electrical goods
• Bluetooth interface with GSM communications.
• Audio Visual Bluetooth technology including Sat Nav and in car entertainment packages.
• Full glass sliding roof option
• Four seats with bespoke interior trim options including leather and carbon fibre packs.
• Meets NCAP 5 Star safety rating for occupants and pedestrians.

Using all of the latest cutting edge computer simulation techniques, 90% of the innovative technology and patent concepts have been proven. This coupled with testing of initial prototypes has shown predicted fuel economy and performance benefits to offer significant improvements over traditional vehicles in this class.

In view of the specialist management procedures and concepts evolved by Connaught the project deliverables to date have been achieved at a cost of 25% of the accepted comparable market rates.

And pictures:

http://www.connaughtmotorco.com/pres...html/stand.jpg http://www.connaughtmotorco.com/pres...the_vision.jpg

I still don't like the idea of a hybrid sports car. Also, what's the point of a 2.2 L V10?

there was a 1.6 v16 quad turbo formula 1 car once...

I guess that's cool, aside from how shitty it looks. Them are some tiny ass cylinders...seems like more stuff to go wrong and unnecessary manufacturing cost when you could just throw a decent V6 or I4 in there and get the same performance. That V10 has to have zero torque.

What does that mean? What is unique these days?

All these stats sounds fairly good, but if GM can't make something even remotely as complex as this happen in the same decade as announcement, I doubt they'll be on sale next year.

Since it's a 2.1, the engine will be designed to be positioned between the driver's lap. Of course, to avoid possible lawsuits of burning crotches, sepcial and unique cooling sysetm had to be deviced for this little puppy, which will be in another unique location.