Bob Lutz and his partners are taking Fisker Karmas, removing the extended range hybrid electric drivetrain, replacing it with the engine and transmission from a Corvette and calling the result the Destino. Now Quanta, an automotive supplier of gas tanks, radiators and fuel system parts, has gone in the other direction, integrating two 134 horsepower electric motors into the final drive of a C6 Corvette Z06 and showing the result at SEMA. Quanta is testing the waters for a possibly hybrid upgrade kit for the Corvette and other sports cars. The goal isn't better fuel economy, but rather better performance. The Corvette QHP770 has a total power output of 770 horsepower, with an estimated 0-60 speed of 3.3 seconds and a hypothetical 11.3 seconds in the quarter mile. Total torque is claimed to by 1500 lb-ft.
"We are convinced that hybrid vehicle technology has tremendous potential for high performance vehicles," Quanta chief engineer Gary Whiting said in a press release. "We formed Quanta Hybrid Performance so we could demonstrate its relevance and be among the leaders in this development arena."
The QHP770 project is a first for Quanta's Hybrid Performance division, which will use electric motors to add "hy performance" to existing sports cars. Quanta will be measuring the reaction to the QHP770 at this week's SEMA Show to see if selling hybrid upgrades for C6/C7 Corvettes and other models could be a going concern. While some reports are describing the system as a "hybrid kit" Whiting said that Quanta will be doing the installations, not offering the systems as a DIY kit.
from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com
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