When the Xeno III is unveiled in 2001, it will be a high- performance, 500-horsepower, ultralow-emission roadster. The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-passenger vehicle has a sticker price of $1 million. For interested buyers, here's Nick Pugh's dream machine by the numbers:
- The chassis combines standard features (variable power steering) and custom-designed elements (the armrests are shock absorbers).
- Each headlight and taillight is an intricate assembly of halogen and LED arrays, held in a machined aluminum setting.
- Cellular Net connection for streaming audio, MP3 car stereo with 10 hours of music playback.
- Safety-glass windscreen extends over the driver's head.
- Home network port.
- The natural-gas fuel system combines high performance and low emission, and the fuel-storage chassis can be upgraded to hydrogen.
- B&M hydromatic transmission, a drag-racing standard.
- The frame is made of chromolly steel and aluminum.
- Navigation system with a database of natural-gas filling stations.
- The fuel port lets you gas up at home.
- Chevrolet V-8 marine-racing engine, chosen because it works well with natural gas. The cylinders and supercharger were adapted for the car.
- Removable aluminum-and-brass trunk/suitcase.
- Performance estimates:
- Pickup: 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds.
- Top speed: 160 mph.
- Miles per gallon (natural-gas-vehicle equivalent): 13.
- Emissions: Meets California standards for ultralow-emission vehicles.
