The Wrightspeed X1 is an Ariel Atom sports car heavily modified to use
an all-electric powertrain. The Atom was chosen for its light weight and
efficient design. The electric motor and inverter are sourced from AC
Propulsion, makers of the TZero concept car, while the batteries are low
weight, high energy density lithium ion provided from A123 Systems. As
with the Atom the transmission is a Honda unit, but stripped of its
shifting mechanism and other parts to provide only the second gear
speed, allowed by the wide speed and torque range available from the
electric motor.
Built by San Francisco-based New Zealand engineer Ian Wright, the X1
created a stir when it bested several sports cars in a drag race,
including a Carrera GT (though with a rolling start, a disadvantage for
the gas burning vehicles), all while being filmed by local news station
KRON 4. Despite the impressive performance, the vehicle is intended only
as a proof of concept. Future production is planned; however, according
to the website, "... the production car will be quite different, since
it will meet the safety standards, which the prototype does not. It
will, however, be at least as quick as the prototype.". Mr. Wright was
an early employee of electric-car company Tesla Motors, but soon left to
pursue his own ideas.
Wrightspeed X1
Name
X1
Manufacturer
Wrightspeed
Year Announced
Year Released
Mass Production
No
Release Price
US$100,000
Seating
2
0-100km/h
3.0 seconds
Top Speed
160 km/h / 104 mph
Range
>160 km / >100 miles
Power
~250hp at the wheels
Torque
182 ft lbs torque at the motor shaft, from 0 rpm to
6,000 rpm
