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Global Concepts (Part 2)
Suzuki EV-Sport
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The EV-Sport is an interesting electric concept car that uses an EV-1 Gen-III electric powertrain from Suzuki alliance partner General Motors, placed midships behind the two-seat cockpit and driving the rear wheels. The roadster employs an extruded aluminum body structure for a total mass of only 625 kg (1380 lb). Suzuki claims a standing-quarter-mile acceleration under 17 s. Low-profile, large-diameter 135/55R16 tires were developed for this car to exploit the electric motor's inherent low-speed torque characteristics. A nickel/metal-hydride battery pack supplies energy, giving the roadster a maximum range of 150 km (94 mi) per full charge. The cassette-like battery pack can be quickly replaced. The electronic control unit exchanges route and vehicle information with the onboard navigation system and automatically saves energy (throttles down) to reach the preset destination. If the car runs out of charge, a front-mounted 0.393-L engine can be fired up, driving the front wheels and providing an additional 100-km (63-mi) range. The sports roadster conforms to the Japanese light vehicle dimensional limit. However, the twin power setup, with the primary electric propulsion and a tiny limp-home gas engine, remove this car from the light classification.
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