The car of the 21st century is an ultra-efficient, slippery sled on wheels that's half plane, half pod, 1,400 pounds and capable of triple-digit fuel economy. At least, that's what the crew at Edison2 believe.
The team that snagged the gold at the 2010 Automotive X-Prize have unveiled their latest creation, the "Very Light Car" (VLC) 4.0, an ultra-efficient, two-seater that can pack an electric drivetrain, traditional engine or a hybrid configuration.
Based in Lynchburg, VA, Edison2 took home $5 million when it created its 102.5 mpg pod-mobile two years ago, and they've reinvested that cash to create the fourth iteration of its VLC architecture.
"This can change the entire industry," Edison2's Oliver Kuttner, a former Audi, BMW and Porsche dealer, said at the unveiling of the new VLC at the Henry Ford Museum.
The exterior design is a subtle evolution of the original VLC, keeping the coefficient of drag as low as possible while expanding both interior space, build quality and the overall stance. That additional girth – which is about six inches wider than a Toyota Corolla – is part of Edison2's commitment to providing not just an ultra-efficient vehicle, but something that's also entertaining to drive.
The real innovation of the VLC 4.0 is its outboard suspension, a patented spring, strut and disc brake combination that resides completely inside the wheel. The upside is lower weight and a reduction in unsprung mass that will improve handling; the downside is added complexity and wheels and tires that have to be both larger and narrower.
As for drivetrains, Edison2 believes that a battery-electric version would limit efficiency because of the weight of the battery. Instead, a small engine would be the best solution for maximum efficiency, with Kuttner claiming that a 250cc engine would be capable of getting the VLC 4.0 safely up to highway speeds and only requiring six horsepower to maintain a 60 mph cruising speed.
While automakers are looking to exotic materials like carbon fiber to reduce overall weight, Edison2 is relying on a ground-up approach to the vehicle architecture that utilizes traditional metals like aluminum and steel. That not only keeps weight in check, but could keep costs down if the Edison2 ever makes it to production. But that's a long shot. Kuttner estimates that a road-legal version would tip the scales at an oh-so-low 1,400-pounds and could be had for as little as $20,000 with a traditional engine and something in the mid-$20k range with a gas-electric drivetrain.
All Images: Edison2
