Hybrid Mini Cooper does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds

Four 160 hp motors are in the wheels for a combined 640 hp.
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mstangpny07 - 8/30/2006 7:52:39 PM

-1 Boost

Sounds cool.
Not that practical though.
It also makes the wheels stick out.

stimling - 8/30/2006 7:55:17 PM

+1 Boost

Why isn't it practical?

It seems like they're saying the technology can be adapted to other bodies beside the mini. I for one would like it on something larger.

chewy - 8/30/2006 8:37:34 PM

+1 Boost

A car with 640 hp should do 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds. Thsoe look like "empty" horepower to me.

stimling - 8/30/2006 8:37:37 PM

+1 Boost

"In this hybrid mode, fuel economies of up to 80mpg can be achieved."

That seems to save some fuel, huh?

stimling - 8/30/2006 8:38:19 PM

+1 Boost

4.5 seconds ain't bad, though.

mstangpny07 - 8/30/2006 9:19:02 PM

+1 Boost

Not practical because of the cost and maintenance factor. Would be awful tricky to repair.

lexusis350 - 8/31/2006 12:54:50 AM

-2 Boost

Didn't Lexus start the performance hybrid? Another German vehicle copying Lexus, that's two.

maikoazu - 8/31/2006 1:59:08 AM

0 Boost

This is basically an electric vehicle. "all-electric range of 200-250 miles" similar to the Tesla roadster but better. It can charge its battery with an internal combustion engine for long distance up to 932 miles. This engine does not drive the car. It is only for recharging the battery. "a small conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) is used to re-charge the battery" If someone were to use this vehicle as a commuter and drive less than 200 miles/day, they can plug it in and recharge at night, thus never needing the internal combustion engine. Very ingenious!

hobbes974 - 8/31/2006 2:08:38 AM

+1 Boost

will huu lexus read the article before you comment.

Maiko's right. This is an electric vehicle/plug-in hybrid.

I'm guessing the next generation Prius will be similar to this.

Homer008 - 8/31/2006 11:31:46 AM

+1 Boost

hbbes974

Next generation Prius not similar to this, trust me.

My guesstimate would be near 80mpg and option to plug in the wall.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/31/2006 4:16:51 PM

+2 Boost

chewy
HP alone means nothing in performance

TORQUE is more important in transfering that power to the road and the Concept Vehicle in question has more than enough of it.

chewy - 8/31/2006 6:39:52 PM

+1 Boost

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS

Not really. A gasoline powered car with the same amount of power, accelerates much quicker. If HP on two cars is similar, the one with more torque would win out.

NSXR - 8/31/2006 8:12:26 PM

+1 Boost

chewy

I disagree. A proper electric motor would most likely have more off the line torque than the same size motor.