Supercar Evolution
Declan Kennedy
| 01-07-2024
· Vehicle Team
When it comes to sports cars, people typically think of traditional luxury brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and others.
However, with the changing landscape of automotive powertrains, achieving extreme performance has become relatively easier, especially in terms of acceleration, which consumers are most interested in. As a result, new energy sports cars are gradually entering the mainstream.
New energy sports cars refer to high-performance sports cars powered by electric or hybrid powertrains. These vehicles usually boast excellent acceleration and low emissions characteristics. With the rise of the electric wave, many traditional sports car brands have also begun to introduce electric models.
New energy sports cars have the following advantages:
1. Environmental friendliness and low emissions: New energy sports cars use electric or hybrid powertrains, which can reduce or eliminate tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly. Using electric power also reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
2. High performance and acceleration: New energy sports cars are typically equipped with high-power electric motors or hybrid power systems, providing excellent acceleration and outstanding handling performance. The torque output of electric motors responds rapidly, making new energy sports cars perform exceptionally well during acceleration.
3. Innovative technology experience: New energy sports cars often feature advanced technology and intelligent functions such as autonomous driving assistance, online connectivity, etc., providing drivers with a more convenient, safe, and intelligent driving experience.
Here are several new energy sports cars, listed in no particular order, and there will be one you like:
1. Ferrari 296 GTB
The Ferrari 296 GTB, although not as high-priced as the Ferrari 812 or SF90, is the first mid-rear plug-in hybrid supercar from Ferrari, with many highlights in its powertrain system.
Firstly, this is the first Ferrari to adopt a V6 engine since the Ferrari Dino half a century ago. Additionally, it is currently the smallest displacement engine in Ferrari's lineup, with its specific power close to 163 kW, ranking first among mass-produced cars worldwide.
2. Koenigsegg Gemera
In terms of powertrain configuration, the Koenigsegg Gemera utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine coupled with three electric motors for propulsion. Unlike most plug-in hybrid models, the Gemera doesn't require a gearbox but employs a system called KDD (Koenigsegg Direct Drive).
The engine is placed at the rear of the vehicle and is directly connected to one electric motor, which transfers power to the front axle through a central driveshaft. The power distribution to the front wheels is controlled by a hydraulic double-clutch differential. The other two electric motors are allocated to the rear wheels.
With a 16.6 kWh battery and a 75-liter fuel tank, the Gemera achieves 50 kilometers of pure electric range and over 1000 kilometers of combined range.
3. Maserati MC20 Folgore
In terms of performance, the current MC20 equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivers a maximum output of 630 PS and peak torque of 730 Nm, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds.
The MC20 Folgore will adopt a layout with three electric motors, one on the front axle and two on the rear axle, offering even more impressive power parameters compared to the gasoline-powered version.
Undoubtedly, the era of competing based on displacement and cylinder count is gradually becoming a thing of the past, and major supercar brands have confirmed their transition toward new energy. In the future, supercars sporting new energy-green credentials may become a new trend.