THORISO PHASHA
With oil prices skyrocketing in recent years and the concern of greenhouse gas emissions, the need for eco-friendly engines has never been more serious. The introduction of electric motors have been recognised as the likely solution to the greenhouse gas conundrum, with car manufacturers like Tesla, Ford and BMW at the forefront of development in this segment.
Although three times as efficient as a traditional combustion engine, all-electric motors have one common drawback – the limited range a vehicle can travel before battery is depleted. Electric motors require constant charging, which can limit the range of travelling with few plug-in stations available at this stage in the world.
Hybrid technology is a ground-breaking motoring innovation that addresses the issues of greenhouse gases and global warming. A hybrid vehicle incorporates the use of two or more distinct types of power output, such as an internal combustion engine plus an electric motor. The two motors are controlled by a microcomputer, and which one is running is based on the required torque of the vehicle over time. This combination of variable power output mechanisms results in higher net power while maintaining reasonably lower fuel emissions. The hybrid vehicle typically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), resulting in fewer emissions.
Sports car manufacturers like Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes have felt the biggest pinch due to greenhouse gas emission regulations. Such regulations are forcing engine displacement downsizing in high performance cars. High-revving naturally aspirated engines are becoming less prominent among sports car manufacturers as they are slowly being replaced by small displacement turbocharged hybrid engines that will have petrol-head purists slightly disheartened. Automotive companies are embracing the future with hybrid and electric drivetrains that are redefining the term “hypercar”.
The hybrid hypercar revolution began in 2013 when McLaren, Ferrari and Porsche launched the P1, Laferrari and the 918 respectively. The result was incredible. All three cars produced around 900 hp, with the Porsche producing a particularly impressive 79g of carbon dioxide (CO2) per km of driving distance, while setting benchmark track performance figures. To put the Porsche’s emission statistics in perspective, a 2011 Prius (ZVW40) model emits 75g of CO2 per km.
Mercedes Benz has now also taken the plunge into hybrid technology as they make their first genuine hybrid hypercar, codenamed “Mercedes-AMG R50”. The project was officially revealed at the Paris Motor Show on 28 September. In the official statement released by the Daimler product development chief, Thomas Weber says, “We’re going to create an AMG performance hybrid featuring our Formula One drivetrain technology, with a league of AMG performance companies joining forces to create the most efficient and at the same time, the best performing and most spectacular AMG of all time. Some may even call it a hypercar.” According to Automobilemag.com, the car will be powered by a highly efficient 2.0 litre turbo 4 engine derived from the Mercedes AMG Petronas W07 Formula One racing car. The small displacement engine will be supplemented with an electric motor that will produce a staggering 1 300hp according to automotive expert George Kacher. Mercedes are reportedly looking to achieve a 1:1 power to weight ratio, which suggests the car will probably weigh in at around 1 300kg as well. It will be revealed next year, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
A brief visual outline of the AMG was also revealed during the announcement, and it appears to have Le Mans-type design features, which suggests a clear statement of competitive intent towards the Aston Martin-Red Bull 001. This is a joint venture by Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer and revered Formula One designer, Adrian Newey. This car is perhaps the most outrageous car project since the iconic McLaren F1 that was the epitome of hypercar performance in the 90s. The design of the Aston Martin is also reminiscent of the classic 1960s Le Mans-esque chassis while incorporating hardcore aerodynamic features. According to Redbull.co.za, the car will likely weigh under a 1 000kg with Newey aiming to achieve a 1:1 power to weight ratio, which would suggest that the car would pump out at least 800hp. Aston Martin stressed the fact that this could be one of the last pure-blooded naturally aspirated drivetrains in a hypercar, suggesting a future emphasis on electric and hybrid technology. There have also been claims that the car, once fully developed, will post sub F1 lap times, which seems inconceivable.
Image: motorauthority.com
