Wrightspeed X1
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| X1 Prototype | |
|---|---|
 Ian Wright next to the X1 |
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| Manufacturer | Wrightspeed |
| Production | None, prototype only |
| Class | Roadster |
| Body style | Open wheel roadster |
| Layout | Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Platform | Ariel Atom |
| Engine | 3-phase, 4-pole AC Induction |
| Transmission | Single gear ratio 8.25:1 |
| Wheelbase | 2345 mm / 92.3 in |
| Length | 3410 mm / 134.25 in |
| Width | 1798 mm / 70.8 in |
| Height | 1195 mm / 47.0 in |
| Track | 1600 mm (front), 1600 mm / 63 in (rear) |
| Curb weight | 697 kg / 1536 lb |
| Top Speed | 180 kph / 112mph (electronically limited) |
| Fuel capacity | 25 kWh |
| Related | Ariel Atom, tzero |
| Designer | Ian Wright |
The Wrightspeed X1 is an Ariel Atom sports car modified to use an all-electric powertrain. The electric motor and inverter are sourced from AC Propulsion, makers of the TZero concept car, while the batteries are low weight, high energy density lithium ion. As with the Atom the transmission is a Honda unit, but stripped of its shifting mechanism and other parts to provide only the second gear speed, allowed by the wide speed and torque range available from the electric motor.
Built by San Francisco-based New Zealand engineer Ian Wright, the X1 created a stir when it bested several supercars in a drag race, including a Carerra GT (even with a rolling start, an advantage for the gassers), all while being filmed by local news station KRON 4. Despite the impressive performance, the vehicle is intended only as a proof of concept, and no production version has been announced, although future production is suggested by text on the official website. Mr. Wright was an early employee of electric-car company Tesla Motors, but soon left to pursue his own ideas.
[edit] The X1 prototype
Most of these images are applicable to the Ariel Atom
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[edit] External links
- WrightSpeed
- Drag race: Wrightspeed X1 vs. Carrera GT, vs. Ferrari 360 and vs. AC Propulsion tZero
- Video of Wrightspeed X1 electric car beating a Ferrari 360 Spider and a Porsche Carrera GT
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