The Capstone Turbine Corporation will debut its new high-performance hybrid electric sports car, the CMT-380, at the LA Auto Show Dec. 2-13. The vehicle is currently in its design and test phase and will begin production based on interest at this month’s exhibition, the company says.
The CMT-380 accelerates 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, has a top speed of 150 mph, and a range of up to 500 miles on a single tank of fuel. A Capstone C30, 30-Kw microturbine powers the vehicle and can run on diesel or biodiesel. The system is so efficient that it doesn’t require exhaust after treatment to meet clean air requirements by the California Air Resources Board or EPA 2010.
Lithium-polymer battery cells make up the electric component of the CMT-380 and can be charged at home or at public charging stations. The battery can power the car with zero emissions for up to 80 miles. The C30 microturbine engages once power runs low to recharge the battery while the vehicle is still in operation.
“The CMT-380 is perfect for people who want it all. These kinds of customers value a high level of driving performance, but also are concerned about social issues such as reducing greenhouse emissions and limiting our country's dependence on foreign oil,” said Richard Hilleman, the CMT-380 co-creator.
The concept for the CMT-380 was a joint venture between Hilleman, who is the chief creative director at Electronic Arts, the video game developer, and Capstone. Capstone’s microturbines have been used in several other vehicles including hybrid electric buses, trolleys, and shuttles, as well as the Ford S-Max people carrier in the United Kingdom.
CAPSTONE TURBINE CORP.
www.capstoneturbine.com