[jeroen]

Fisker Karma to deliver Veyron levels of performance thanks to new gearbox: http://bit.ly/pMpnrr

If IT only was/is true and delivered in the first batch...[hr]
Fisker developing new gearbox for Karma sedan to offer Veyron levels of performance
By Andrew, 22 Jul, 2011. 0 Comments




Fisker Logo

Fisker Automotive is working on a new gearbox for electric motors that it claims will lead to “Veyron levels of performance” for extended-range electric vehicles. Henrik Fisker, the boss of the company, believes that a multi-speed gearbox that’s reliably coupled to an electric motor will significantly boost acceleration and performance of cars, such as the new Karma luxury saloon.



Currently, electric cars have a limited acceleration since typically, they drive through only one gear to improve efficiency and reliability, says Autocar. Initially, Tesla tested a two-speed gearbox on its Roadster but it let go of the plan due to reliability issues.

Fisker asserts that it has the solution. Henry Fisker explained that performance could reach Veyron levels with the torque at the wheels increased by using a gearbox.
[hr]
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/fisker-developing-new-gearbox-for-karma-sedan-to-offer-veyron-levels-of-per/

 

[Wimbledon]

I just found this review of a prototype Jaguar EREV XJ, where Jaguar's project chief supports the idea of greater EV efficiency through multiple gears.

http://www.greenmotor.co.uk/2010/11/on-road-in-jaguars-limo-green.html

“It’s a myth that electric cars don’t need gears,” says Steve Nicholls, the man in charge of the Limo Green project at Jaguar. It’s no surprise to learn, therefore, that there are two ratios available in the very stylish Limo Green mule I’m sitting in – a range-extended electric car built around the rakish aluminium body of a Jaguar XJ saloon.

Perhaps Jaguar will be the next manufacturer to produce an extended range EV luxury sedan and challenge Fisker?

 

[Fabulist]

Jaguare is already working on an electric car with range extending engines, the C-x75:

The main difference with the Fisker is that the range extending engines are a pair of jet turbines:

You think the engine noise in the Fisker is bad, just wait until you fire up two gas turbines 6 inches behind your head.

You can find the full article here.

-- Fab.

 

[brian]

Actually, they said a while back that the turbines would not be in the production car.

-Brian

 

[Fabulist]

Actually, they said a while back that the turbines would not be in the production car.

And that is if they ever actually make anything resembling the concept. That's too bad, though. Turbines would be so much more interesting than using a reciprocating engine, and 10 times cooler (image wise, not thermodynamically).

-- Fab.

 

[kabalah70]

For the Jag, they are only microturbines and produce way to much noise for a production car. I saw a special on the car. Really sweet, if you like wearing hearing protection while you drive everywhere.

 

[ct-fiskerbuzz]

For the Jag, they are only microturbines and produce way to much noise for a production car. I saw a special on the car. Really sweet, if you like wearing hearing protection while you drive everywhere.

If they were to use Capstone's microturbines, those are generally under 70 dB, quieter than many automobile engines.

Factory Five built an experimental car using a C30 power plant and batteries, for instance. The Jag could probably use a C65 or even a C200 (200 kW = about 270 horsepower), depending on battery design etc.