Lotus Range Extender Engine Revealed

[drakkie]

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

That was not my point. Every car is different so the fuel savings will also differ depending on the individual car this engine will be mounted in.

Exactly this can also be calculated. If the models of the engine are complete, then it is relatively easy to put it in any existing vehicle simulation. You'd be surprised at how exact the models can become.

Originally Posted by Wouter Melissen

The difference being that this engine was developed from scratch for this specific purpose. The engine(generator) in the Volt is a modified Ecotec engine that was developed for use in conventional cars. I would think there is a lot of efficiency to gain if you don't need the engine to be able to rev freely from say 1000 to 6000 rpm.

Exactly this will be the benefit over the Volt. However the ECU of the Volt limits the range this engine operates in anyway. The exact numbers I forgot, will try and find them in my notes again.

[4wheelsonline]

Every car must have it's own engine that will suite to it's better performance. That's what the word efficiency comes in. Since we know many are car makers or designers are modifying this auto parts. For experimentation if it works or not.

[G35COUPE]

So, how is designing these complex cars any different from or better than trying to make a regular NA car lighter, and more fuel efficient? Except for the BMW concept car, I am not convinced that these cars have made real progress in fuel efficiency.

[pimento]

You think a Jag XJ that has comparable fuel efficiency and emmisions as a new Prius is not progress?

[lightweight]

Some more info - See page 14

[CapnBoost]

Other than the cast as one bit, this sounds a lot like the Chevy Volt.

[RacingManiac]

Originally Posted by CapnBoost

Other than the cast as one bit, this sounds a lot like the Chevy Volt.

This is made for a Chevy Volt type of application....except other than using a normal car engine, this engine is made to be a generator...