Tag Archives: billions

Tiny Turbocharged Race Engine Doesn’t Need Gas Or Diesel To Make 410 HP

Automakers are heavily invested in the development of battery-electric vehicles. However, there is still a significant interest in hydrogen power. AVL, a leading automotive company, has introduced a new prototype combustion hydrogen race engine that produces an impressive 410 horsepower.

The engine concept, developed by AVL’s motorsport division, challenges the notion that hydrogen combustion offers limited performance and lean burn. This 2.0-liter engine incorporates port fuel injection, which injects water into the engine’s intake air. This innovative setup eliminates unwanted premature ignition and ensures stoichiometric combustion, enabling the engine to completely burn the fuel without lean burn.

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre First Drive: Redefining Luxury

The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is the luxury carmaker’s first electric vehicle, designed to provide an unparalleled silent driving experience. Rolls-Royce has always been known for creating vehicles that offer the utmost comfort, quietness, and opulence. However, even with extensive sound deadening, internal combustion engines still produce some noise. The Spectre aims to achieve true silence by eliminating the internal combustion engine and introducing electric motors and batteries.

To create a truly silent driving experience, the Spectre features over 375 pounds of sound deadening material and a 1,543-pound battery pack that dampens road noise and imperfections. Whether driving on smooth roads or rough asphalt, the Spectre’s isolation is remarkable. It offers complete seclusion from the outside world, setting a new benchmark for luxury.

The Spectre is powered by two separately excited synchronous motors, one in each axle, making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The combined output of these motors is 584 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, with most of the power directed to the rear wheels. It reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, offering impressive acceleration. However, the Spectre is more focused on smoothness and tranquility, prioritizing a seamless driving experience over aggressive performance.

The Spectre’s weight is a notable factor, with a curb weight of 6,371 pounds due to its heavy battery pack. To counterbalance this weight gain, Rolls-Royce has distributed the battery evenly throughout the car’s floor, ensuring a low center of gravity. The Spectre’s suspension system and chassis further enhance its comfort by providing a smooth and gliding ride, thanks to its active air suspension, active anti-roll bars, and sensors that constantly adjust to the road conditions.

One of the Spectre’s highlights is its remarkable silence. The electric powertrain eliminates most external noise, allowing for an incredibly quiet cabin. Even on rough roads, only minimal road noise can be heard. Rolls-Royce’s extensive sound deadening efforts combined with the active air suspension system contribute to the Spectre’s exceptional isolation.

The Spectre’s range is estimated to be around 260 miles according to EPA estimates. While this figure may seem lower compared to other electric vehicles on the market, Rolls-Royce found that most owners only travel around 30 miles per day. Charging habits also revealed that owners preferred to charge at home or in the office, reducing reliance on public charging infrastructure.

The interior of the Spectre is characterized by luxurious details and spaciousness. It features large doors, starlight doors that illuminate the lower section of the interior with thousands of stars, and a digital instrument cluster that can be customized to reflect the car’s configuration. The rear seats offer ample head and legroom, making it a comfortable four-seater with a focus on driver experience.

The base price for the Spectre is $420,000, making it a truly high-end luxury vehicle. The first two years of production are already sold out, with delivery times estimated to be in 2025. As Rolls-Royce plans to transition to fully electric vehicles by 2030, the Spectre represents the brand’s first step towards that goal.

In conclusion, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre redefines the luxury car segment with its silent and potent electric powertrain, outstanding comfort, and attention to detail. It sets a new benchmark for luxury and showcases Rolls-Royce’s commitment to providing the ultimate driving experience.