The Future of the Z Car?

Lug · 02-09-2011, 01:19 PM

Unless they try to build a frame that is similar to the Lotus (underpinnings for the tesla) and not a standard setup, it will most likely be to heavy to be fast. they claim a "rollbar-integrated aluminum chassis swathed in a composite shell" but the lotus has a glued aluminum tub that only wieghs about 150 lbs with everything else hung off of it. The Leaf's battery pack weighs 600 lbs. You may get some weight savings by switching out the gasoline engine for 2 smaller electric motors but most likely it's still gonna be a little pig.

SoCal 370Z · 02-09-2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug

Unless they try to build a frame that is similar to the Lotus (underpinnings for the tesla) and not a standard setup, it will most likely be to heavy to be fast. The Leaf's battery pack weighs 600 lbs. You may get some weight savings by switching out the gasoline engine for 4 small electric motors but most likely it's still gonna be a little pig.

Under current technologies, most likely true, but newer technologies could change all that.

Lug · 02-09-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

Under current technologies, most likely true, but newer technologies could change all that.

Cleaned up my original post a bit.

The reason the tesla has great performance numbers is the frame design from Lotus. No one is coming close to it's weight with normal frame design. The advantage to electric is instant torque. I remember when the Leaf was at this point, people were speculating a 2800 lb car. That turned out to be a gross miscalculation. You have to change battery tech to really get some weight savings and that's going to be problematic. Zinc/Air batteries show great power to weight ratios but they tend to catch on fire if pushed too hard. Not a great feature in a car.

flashburn · 02-09-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug

Cleaned up my original post a bit.

The reason the tesla has great performance numbers is the frame design from Lotus. No one is coming close to it's weight with normal frame design. The advantage to electric is instant torque. I remember when the Leaf was at this point, people were speculating a 2800 lb car. That turned out to be a gross miscalculation. You have to change battery tech to really get some weight savings and that's going to be problematic. Zinc/Air batteries show great power to weight ratios but they tend to catch on fire if pushed too hard. Not a great feature in a car.

Unless it's a Ferrari.

Mr. Q · 02-09-2011, 02:38 PM

I physically recoiled when I scrolled down. I need an Aphex Twin windowlicker gif to represent my reaction

toxik · 02-09-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Q

I physically recoiled when I scrolled down. I need an Aphex Twin windowlicker gif to represent my reaction

haha aphex twin, like!

02-09-2011, 01:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lug A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,926 Drives: 2006 350Z Rep Power: 21	Unless they try to build a frame that is similar to the Lotus (underpinnings for the tesla) and not a standard setup, it will most likely be to heavy to be fast. they claim a "rollbar-integrated aluminum chassis swathed in a composite shell" but the lotus has a glued aluminum tub that only wieghs about 150 lbs with everything else hung off of it. The Leaf's battery pack weighs 600 lbs. You may get some weight savings by switching out the gasoline engine for 2 smaller electric motors but most likely it's still gonna be a little pig. __________________ keep Chubbs in your pocket - Chubbs Last edited by Lug; 02-09-2011 at 01:23 PM.

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02-09-2011, 02:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mr. Q Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 349 Drives: 09 MB 370z Rep Power: 17	I physically recoiled when I scrolled down. I need an Aphex Twin windowlicker gif to represent my reaction