The company has released a rendering that shows how the aerodynamic design might work for a four-passenger car, borrowing the same narrow-track front end and conical shape from the racer. It promises a significant reduction in aerodynamic drag, with a lower overall mass compared to traditional road-going vehicles.
“When combined with light-yet-strong materials such as lightweight steel, aluminum and advanced composite materials, the result is a car that can deliver any given performance level with significantly reduced fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional automobiles,” the company notes.
Although the narrow-track design may seem like it is a better fit for a top-fuel dragster built for straight-line runs, DeltaWing points to the architecture’s track heritage as evidence of handling abilities. The rear-engine design places the center of gravity close to the rear, with less weight on the front axles.
“We are competing at the highest levels of road racing with half the weight, half the horsepower, and nearly half of the fuel consumption,” said DeltaWing chairman Don Panoz. “We believe we can deliver similar results on the street without compromising safety, comfort and performance.”
The company suggests the design could help mainstream manufacturers meet ever-tightening efficiency guidelines in an era of diminishing returns from powertrain improvements. Performance targets for a street car have been tentatively set at six seconds for a zero-to-60 mph sprint, top speed of 130 mph and up to 70 mpg from a four-cylinder engine with between 85 and 110 horsepower.
It is unclear if any large automakers are seriously exploring the idea, though Nissan’s BladeGlider EV concept has been shown with a narrow track similar to the ZEOD racer.
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