The XR-3 Hybrid is all set to take the eco-friendly vehicle field by storm. It is a super-fuel-efficient two-passenger plug-in hybrid that achieves 125 mpg on diesel power alone, 225 mpg on combined diesel and electric power, and performs like a conventional automobile. Alongside, it conserves energy. The design idea is inspired by Robert Q. Riley’s book, Alternative Cars in the 21st Century.
This 1300 pounds wonder, distinguished by its clam-shell canopy and three-wheel platform, dishes out lightening-fast acceleration, a maximum speed of 85 mph, and fuel economy of 125- to over 200-mpg. The vehicle’s hybrid power system, diesel engine, and low curb weight jointly contribute to make this amazingly fuel-efficient. Individuals would find themselves capable of building a duplicate of the XR-3 Hybrid prototype, or convert their own car into a significantly more fuel-efficient vehicle, thus cutting down on oil import and environment degradation.
It doesn’t compromise on style. The vehicle theme says: ‘This is what I am and this is what I do.’ The designers are all geared up to stick to their promise of making it a style statement. It is going to be conveniently light and small.
The XR-3 is designed as a “plug-in hybrid.” This makes it possible to drive on battery power alone on trips of about 40 miles. When both the diesel and the battery-electric systems are used together, and the car is driven conservatively, fuel economy increases to over 200-mpg. Fuel economy is about 125-mpg on diesel power alone. The battery pack is typically used to provide bursts of power for brief periods of acceleration. The combustion engine then recharges the battery between periods of acceleration. But fuel economy suffers while the battery is being recharged. That’s why today’s hybrids do not provide much advantage in fuel economy over a well-designed conventional car. Plug-in hybrid architecture like the XR-3 comes to the rescue.
This makes it a win-win situation for the user. He can opt for a larger or smaller ICE, or even switch to a gasoline engine, without having to reprogram the control system. He can also choose to build the car as a conventional ICE-powered car, or a full battery-electric car. With the XR-3, the two front wheels are powered by the ICE engine, and the single rear wheel is electric powered. The two power systems are not integrated within the vehicle. The connection between the ICE and the electric power systems is provided by the ground. Proper phase-in between the two power systems is handled by a simple throttle mechanism, and a dash-mounted switch to select between ICE power, electric power, and dual power modes. In the dual power mode, the XR-3 will have lots of burst power for outstanding acceleration.
The user can restyle the gadget at his own free will. Removing the front body section provides complete access to engine and suspension components for major servicing. The removable front clip can be restyled and extended to provide additional forward space for a more powerful engine. With a larger engine one can have big-engine performance and still retain the ability to run on battery power alone. The existing 65-pound (29.5 kg) transmission will handle up to 300 horsepower (223 kW). A different windshield can be installed to create an open-air roadster effect.
Considerable hard work has been put in to maximize safety. The front portion of the front clip is foam-filled to absorb low-speed frontal impacts. It also serves as an easily replaceable sacrificial element in the event of a frontal collision. The sides of the vehicle are filled with foam to provide side intrusion protection. An open interior having no conventional instrument panel or steering column provides forward excursion space for occupant deceleration during a frontal collision. Rollover protection has also been ensured. The steering wheel is supported from the side. The supporting structure is designed to break away in a frontal collision.
The XR-3 Standard Plans Package is priced at $170. The package will include 15 or more D-size (24 x 36 inch) drawing sheets and a construction/technical manual of approximately 120-150 pages with approximately 150 photos and illustrations. The XR-3 Deluxe Plans Package is priced at $200. The Deluxe version includes everything from the Standard version plus a CD-ROM and DVD (guiding you in building it).
Via: Trendhunter
