The Capstone CMT-380 is essentially a prototype show car designed
to highlight the technology and products available from Capstone
Turbine Corporation. The concept for the high performance hybrid
electric microturbine vehicle was developed by Electronic Arts
(EA) Chief Creative Director Richard Hilleman, creator of popular
video game titles like 'Need For Speed' and 'Medal of Honor'.
The CMT-380 features an unusual hybrid drivetrain which uses
one of Capstone's new C30 (30-kilowatt) microturbine engines
to extend the range of the primarily electric powered vehicle.
The turbine can be run on either diesel or biodiesel.
The CMT-380 features lithium-polymer battery cells that can
be charged at home or at a public recharging station. While
driving, the CMT-380 can operate on 100 percent battery power
in zero emissions mode for a range of up to 80 miles. When the
batteries reach a predetermined state of discharge, the Capstone
C30 microturbine quietly fires up and recharges the batteries
on the fly to extend the driving range up to 500 miles. The
diesel fueled C30 microturbine requires less maintenance than
traditional combustion engines and produces ultra-low exhaust
emissions.
The chassis and bodywork of the Capstone CMT-380 are borrowed
from the Factory Five GTM kit sports car, and modified
to accept the hybrid drivetrain.
"Capstone's CMT-380 is just now finishing up the conceptual
design and first article testing stage," said Darren
Jamison, Capstone President and CEO. "We plan to finalize
very soon a limited production plan, in part, based on interest
received at the [2009] LA Auto Show. We anticipate customers
will be a select group of individuals who appreciate its many
innovative high-performance and high-technology driving characteristics,
long driving range and ultra-low emissions," added
Jamison. |
