British Motor Show: Modified hybrid Mini promises 640bhp performance
19 Jul 06 16:36
PML's Mini QED - 0-60 in 4.5 secs and eco-friendly
Hampshire engineering firm PML is showing a powerful but eco-friendly Mini at the British Motor Show this week.
PML's Mini QED, has a power output of up to 640bhp, a top speed of 150mph and 0-60mph acceleration in 4.5 seconds, and has been developed in partnership with Synergy Innovations. It combines a tiny 15kg petrol engine with a high-efficiency electrical generator, four in-wheel motors, each capable of generating the equivalent of 160bhp, a battery pack and a bank of ultra-capacitors, all of which can power the Mini for up to four hours. The engine helps out for longer journeys and at higher speeds to supplement the electrical power-supply. All of the Mini One's standard engine, transmission and mechanical drivetrain components have been stripped out.
As in conventional hybrid systems, energy otherwise lost under braking is captured and stored in a regenerative braking system, possible thanks to electronic brake-by-wire in place of conventional mechanical brakes. The electronic management system constantly monitors the power to each wheel, thus incorporating traction control and all-wheel drive as well as ABS and anti-skid regulation.
Augmenting the range between fuel fill-ups, the battery charge from regenerative braking and the engine-driven generator, the Mini QED can also be plugged in to an external power supply for a recharge. The range between recharging will depend on which driving mode is selected: drivers can choose from an Eco Mode for stop-start city use, a Normal Mode for more varied and out-of-town driving and a Sport Mode to utilise the full performance potential.
Further neat touches in the QED include a dash-mounted touch-screen display to select the driving modes and to view information such as battery range, speed and fuel consumption, and remote diagnostics functions.
PML says that although its hybrid/electric Mini 'will not be generally commercially available, the company is interested in discussing possible one-off orders and collaborations.' It adds that the powertrain system is adaptable to other vehicle chassis.
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Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com
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