This year, Nissan will use an outstandingly powerful engine to propel their ZEOD RC car at the 24 Hours Of LeMans. It weighs a measly 88 pounds, is equipped with only 3 cylinders, and it produces a whopping 400 HP. Shown below is a man holding the engine up with his bare hands, just to show you how incredibly lightweight and compact it is (minus the turbocharger).
Image obtained with thanks from Nissan.
Apart from that. The ZEOD RC car is a hybrid-electric one. It will extend the range of the ZEOD RC during the long 24 Hours Of LeMans, and probably make the car outstandingly powerful. Electric motors already have a very high power-to-weight ratio. Imagine combining that with the high power-to-weight ratio of this engine? I don’t know about you, but i’m eager to see how this project performs!
There could be a catch to this design. I know that unusually small and lightweight motor designs often have a partial duty cycle (in other words, they can’t operate 24/7). What do you think it is? Incredible new materials? Maybe it just can’t run for long? Sound off with your opinions in the comment section.
Source: Wired.
