Velozzi Rolls Out Ferrari-Inspired Vehicle for Automotive X-Prize Contest

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — The Automotive X-Prize is a kind of Manhattan Project for alt-fuel vehicles, one that is designed to "inspire the development of commercially viable, super-efficient vehicles that move beyond the petroleum monoculture." The search for such a vehicle kicked off recently and California R&D firm Velozzi has rolled out its "working model."

The Velozzi rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and 19-inch wheels with a height of 44 inches. Weight is estimated at 2,000 to 2,500 pounds. The firm says it sprints from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph. The prototype gets a Weismann F1 gearbox and dual AC motors and lithium-ion batteries.

It will compete in the second category of vehicles for the Automotive X-Prize, that is, one that requires accommodations for at least two people, with no wheel requirement. The firm says its vehicle will be "constructed of space-age lightweight composites, including liquid metal."

"The technology developed will be licensed to all the automakers," Velozzi said in a statement. "We will not give exclusive rights to anyone to make sure that it is not shelved and that we and the world benefit."

The Automotive X-Prize is an international competition to develop a car that will get 100 to 200 mpg.

© Source: article on insideline
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