An EV that twice set the lap record for electric cars at the Refuel electric road races can be yours -- if you've got a cool quarter million.
The KleenSpeed WX10 prototype, developed with West Racecars and drven by KleenSpeed founder and president Timothy Collins, averaged 94 mph over the 2.24-mile, 11-turn course at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. That topped last year's record of 93 mph, also set by the WX10.
KleenSpeed attributed the improved performance to battery management system developed over the past year. Thanks scads of performance data from on-board computers, engineers refined the car's performance by analyzing information gathered during different kinds of driving. The idea, says technology honcho Dante Zeviar, is to create tech we might see in commercial EVs.
The result is a 200-horsepower racer that sounds like it'd be a blast to drive. Collins says the WX10 delivers "instantaneous torque that creates a unique combination of explosive response and a smoother driving experience." At least until the battery runs flat.
In addition to the prototype WX10, KleenSpeed develops EV components and does conversions. Company spokeswoman Lita Vallis said money raised from the sale of the WX10 prototype will finance R&D for future projects.
Photo: KleenSpeed
race car. Our
state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle systems deliver instantaneous torque that creates a unique
combination of explosive response and a smoother driving experience. And by eliminating gear
shifting and over-revving concerns, the driver is able to put much more focus on optimizing their
‘line’ and strategy than in internal combustion race cars, yielding improved performance and safety.”
