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Hybrid Kinetic Introduces K350 SUV And H500 Concepts In China
Hybrid Kinetic, an electric car startup company in China, partnered with Pininfarina to utilize new technologies for its cars. The Chinese company aims to come up with a full lineup of electric cars powered by an extended-range electric powertrain that uses a microturbine as range extender.
Pininfarina, the Italian design house, is tasked to pen each of the models. In the past, we have already seen four concepts that would define Hybrid Kinetic’s future lineup—the H600 sedan, the K550 and K750 SUVs, and the GT coupe. All of these concepts feature a similar look, which is close to the company’s planned production models.
During the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, Hybrid Kinetic presented to more sedan concepts—a small SUV called the K350 and a small sports sedan called the H500. The official shots revealed by the brand showed handsome exteriors and elegant, modern interiors for both vehicles.
Aside from the two vehicles, the concept also featured a common powertrain that has an electric motor at each exle that can produce a combined power of 800 horses. The motors will draw their energy from a battery that can be charged through a plug. It can also draw power from running using a compact microturbine that weighs less than 200 pounds.
The microturbine can deliver a continuous 80 horsepower, enough to charge the battery. It can also run using a variety of fuels such as diesel, gasoline, and hydrogen. The total reach could possibly be 620 miles. That’s a lot of miles for a car running on battery!
The company’s first production model could be a possible sedan arriving sometime in 2020. The automotive division of Hybrid Kinetic is not just focused on producing vehicles. Instead, it is part of a larger group that includes businesses on finance, battery production, and electric buses. Another thing that the company is focusing on is the graphene, a lighter and stronger material than carbon fiber that has the ability for faster charging time.
Race Cars Based on the H2 Speed Concept Planned by Pininfarina
Italian design house Pininfarina announced that it will be making limited edition race cars. The units will be based on the H2 Speed Concept of the company.
It should be noted that the Pininfarina H2 Speed Concept was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show early this year. Recently, the company CEO Silvio Pietro Angory revealed through an interview during the Concours d’Elegance held this month that they are planning to make 10 units of the hydrogen-fueled race car.
The upcoming race car will be powered by two electric motors paired with a braking energy recuperation system similar to its concept version. The power units are made in partnership with Franco-Swiss electric powertrain maker GreenGT.
The motors give the vehicle a total output of 503 hp. The power is distributed to the rear wheels. The acceleration of the futuristic auto from zero to 60 mph is at 3.4 seconds.
It is worth mentioning that the H2 Speed Concept does not possess A gearbox, differential or clutch. The car is managed by a torque vectoring software. The sound the vehicle produces is likened to a science fiction hissing sound.
Angory calls the product as “a racing car for gentleman drivers.” The auto will be created in compliance with FIA regulations. The price tag of the vehicle is very expensive though as it carries a value of $2.5 million.
The working prototype race car based on the Pininfarina H2 Speed Concept is expected to arrive in early 2017. Orders for the eco-friendly auto are targeted to reach customers 12 to 14 months after its launching.
The report further claims that the H2 Speed Concept is developed with the Pininfarina 1969 Sigma Formula One concept car in mind. The older unit offer elements featuring the next-generation safety technology of its period. This time though, the upcoming race car concentrates on advanced powertrain technology.