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640 hp, 0-60 in 3.7 seconds... and it's a hybrid Mini
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Clinically Insane
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http://www.gizmag.com/go/6104/
September 4, 2006 Q.E.D. is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "quod erat demonstrandum" which means, "which was to be demonstrated". In simple terms, it indicates that something has been definitively proven. Accordingly, the MINI QED electric hybrid is aptly named as it dispels any doubts about the validity of in-hub electric motors playing their part in the future of the automobile. PML FlightLink designs and manufacture electric motors, EV drive systems, joystick controls and controllers and bespoke motors for specialist applications and the MINI QED was built to showcase their expertise in wheelmotors, with a view to supplying what we expect will be a booming market in electric vehicle applications over coming decades.
The result is a MINI with four times the horsepower of a Cooper S, supercar performance and the prospects of some very serious EVs in the near future. The QED is a ripper, using four 120kW (160bhp) wheel motors complete with invertors to convert momentum back into stored energy under brakes. With one on each corner you have Ferrari-like power and very controllable independent drive on all four wheels.
In the MINI QED, this package offers a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds and a 150mph top speed – supercar territory. An on-board petrol engined generator offers enough electrons to run continuously at motorway speeds without depleting the battery, and you can plug it in at night and commute in full electric mode if you wish.
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Clinically Insane
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bad-ass racecar. 
-t
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Posting Junkie
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I'm guessing the batteries are pretty much drained after about 12 seconds of fun - then you need to chill out in the slow lane for about 30 minutes until the batteries recover.
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You're guessing wrong. Check out the details. 
Similarly, so that the car can drive a significant distance, PML has used a very small, lightweight 250cc four stroke motor to power a highly-efficient electrical generator. The engine is run at a continuous speed and load, which results in optimum efficiency fuel conversion. After delivering the energy to the battery system the mileage translates to around 80mpg and gives the QED a range of 1000 miles (1500 kilometres) between recharges or visits to the petrol station. Driving it without the generator offers a still healthy (by EV standards) range of 200-250 miles (350 to 420 km depending on how much of a leadfoot the driver is).
Three driving modes are available to the QED driver via the touch-screen in-car display. Imagine starting your journey in the city in Eco mode then selecting normal mode as you reach the suburbs, and finally Sport mode as you hit the open road. The all-electric Eco mode sees the four-stroke generator engine dormant unless directed by the operator. In normal mode, the generator starts when the battery drops below 50% charge and sport mode offers enhanced performance.
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Posting Junkie
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I'd say that's acceptable if it goes 200 miles on batteries - while keeping up with traffic.
What does it weigh? Substantially more than a regular Mini?
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Nah, 22 kg more. Not bad, eh?
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Posting Junkie
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no way. It ain't possible.
edit: according to the article that's an extra 22kg of *unsprung* weight - meaning only the wheel/tire/suspension assembly.
The storage batteries make hybrids substantially heavier than gasoline-only versions. When that stumbling block is overcome, I think hybrids will become the only powerplants available in motor vehicles.
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Clinically Insane
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The inwheel motors and magnesium alloy wheels, and tyres, have a total mass of 24kg. The original assembly mass on the MINI One was 22.5kg. With so little difference in unsprung mass (the brake hubs and discs have been removed), and full regenerative braking, the ride is claimed to be no different.
Hmmm... I don't think I'd be so comfortable with that... 
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I'm betting it doesn't sound anywhere near as pleasant as a Lambo V12.
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Been inclined to wander... off the beaten track.
That's where there's thunder... and the wind shouts back.
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Clinically Insane
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Pretty cool. I'm sure as hybrid technology develops, we'll see some bad-ass stuff.
Can't wait for Diesel Hybrids
-t
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Posting Junkie
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Just about every locomotive is a diesel hybrid
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Moderator  Join Date: May 2001
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I remember a thread on this a while ago …
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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
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Moderator Join Date: May 2001
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Thanks, I was too lazy to dig it up
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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
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Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy
Just about every locomotive is a diesel hybrid
True that. And for good reason.
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Meh, it's still an electric car. 
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Originally Posted by Goldfinger
Meh, it's still an electric car.
YAY let's stay in the petroleum age FOR****INGEVER. It's a neverending resource!
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Originally Posted by scaught
YAY let's stay in the petroleum age FOR****INGEVER. It's a neverending resource!
Oh please.  Were did I say that I don't want cars that run on alternative fuels ? Nowhere.
But I'm a car guy and completely electric vehicles are not what I want to see in the future. I want to see regular Otto motors that run on hydrogen and that maybe combined with some sort of hybrid system so you have a hydrogen powered normal engine assisted by electric engines. Hydrogen engines that sound like an engine that runs on petrol. Electric cars are probably immensely boring to drive, they make no sound but bzzzzzz.
From an ecological POV those electric thingies are great but not when it comes down to fun or driving pleasure. Acceleration times and other facts and figures don't make a car fun to drive.
Nice knee jerk reaction.
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Originally Posted by Goldfinger
Meh, it's still an electric car.
When was the last time you've driven one? You know, informed decision making and all that.
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Mini's are cool.. but I am in no hurry to get anywhere that fast
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"Hello, what have we here?
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Posting Junkie
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Originally Posted by Goldfinger
Oh please. Were did I say that I don't want cars that run on alternative fuels ? Nowhere.
But I'm a car guy and completely electric vehicles are not what I want to see in the future. I want to see regular Otto motors that run on hydrogen and that maybe combined with some sort of hybrid system so you have a hydrogen powered normal engine assisted by electric engines. Hydrogen engines that sound like an engine that runs on petrol. Electric cars are probably immensely boring to drive, they make no sound but bzzzzzz.
From an ecological POV those electric thingies are great but not when it comes down to fun or driving pleasure. Acceleration times and other facts and figures don't make a car fun to drive.
Nice knee jerk reaction.
I don't need the "vroom" to make an informed decision. I'm comfortable with electric especially when the electricity comes from something like a wind farm, hydroelectric, nuclear, etc.
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Addicted to MacNN
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Originally Posted by Goldfinger
Oh please. Were did I say that I don't want cars that run on alternative fuels ? Nowhere.
But I'm a car guy and completely electric vehicles are not what I want to see in the future. I want to see regular Otto motors that run on hydrogen and that maybe combined with some sort of hybrid system so you have a hydrogen powered normal engine assisted by electric engines. Hydrogen engines that sound like an engine that runs on petrol. Electric cars are probably immensely boring to drive, they make no sound but bzzzzzz.
From an ecological POV those electric thingies are great but not when it comes down to fun or driving pleasure. Acceleration times and other facts and figures don't make a car fun to drive.
Nice knee jerk reaction.
you're right. it was absolutely insane for me to assume that. 
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