Editor's note: Updated 2:30 PM PDT
You probably know the Koenigsegg CCX from Top Gear, and you've read about the 1,004-hp E85 CCXR version. So the idea of Koenigsegg, the Swedish Ferrari, a company that trades in oversteer and tire smoke, building a solar-electric car is a bit weird.
And, actually, the Koenigsegg Quant, is a project commissioned by NLV Solar AG, which specializes in photovoltaic technology. But like all other Koenigseggs, the Quant promises to do everything more quickly than just about every other car out there. Like recharging. It only takes 20 minutes. Supposedly.
Of course, with twin electric motors (one for each rear wheel), there's also regenerative braking going on while you're actually driving the car, helping extend range to 310 miles. A photovoltaic coating on the Quant's body could increase range beyond that, says Koenigsegg.
Horsepower (512) and torque (527 lb-ft) are impressive, too, though it's not clear whether the figures are for the electric motors or the lithium-ion battery pack, the latter being the more accurate measure of the rear-drive Quant's accelerative potential.
Zero-to-60-mph acceleration takes 5.2 seconds, says Koenigsegg, which is, um, really not all that quick alongside the CCXR that will hit 60 in 2.9. Top speed for the Koenigsegg Quant is a leisurely 170 mph.
It's undoubtedly a matter of curb weight, as the Quant weighs over 3,900 pounds. Still, even this figure isn't so bad when you consider that the battery weighs nearly 1,000 pounds and that the Quant has a 122-inch wheelbase and a 68-inch track. Weight was saved by using carbon fiber for the chassis. In addition, with a motor to drive each rear wheel, there's no rear differential on this car.
The Koenigsegg Quant on display in Geneva was only a model, but Koenigsegg and NLV Solar plan to build running prototypes and eventually put the Quant into production. Barring a major advance in lithium-ion battery technology, though, we'd be very surprised if that production run hits double-digits.
firstwagon says:
01:06 PM, 03/ 4/09
"Like recharging. With a photovoltaic coating on the four-place car's body, it only takes 20 minutes. Supposedly."
It might be able to recharge in 20 minutes but it won't be from the solar cells. I'd be surprised if it could do it in 20 days.
Even the best solar cells don't put out that kind of current unless you have a couple acres of them.
eriches says:
02:18 PM, 03/ 4/09
Er, sorry. I did give the impression that the Quant's solar cells were magical. I'm about to update the post. -ER
eriches says:
02:49 PM, 03/ 4/09
Post updated with more detailed infomation. -ER