Cadillac Ecojet
Accelerating at the top speed of 200 mph, the EcoJet rightly deserves
to be hailed as the fastest BioDiesel automobile; to contend with
the velocity achieved by leading sports cars in the mainstream.
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Jay Leno definitely had performance on
his agenda-next to its eco-friendly design, when he conceptualized
this electric car with General Motors Advanced Design Studio.
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While the EcoJet is not intended for commercial production, its
very invention challenges the belief that high performance and style
are not likely in a green concept car.
At a glance, the EcoJet would remind you of the futuristic space
automobiles conceived way back in the 70's. Yet this 2-door concept
car never fails to leave a stunned impression among onlookers with
its slick gray exterior, excellent grille-work crowning the front
bumper, its stylish head lights and turbine-like wheel mags.
Likewise, the aerodynamic outline of the EcoJet is aesthetically
pleasing to take inspiration from jet planes and Formula One cars
for the outcome of its exterior finish.
The sloped windscreen efficiently integrates the car windows to
resemble the viewing panels of a jet cockpit while the smooth lines
of its body are rounded proficiently at the edges to rise to a curved
roofline and taper at its aerodynamically-configured rear. All these
styling guarantee a considerable reduction in drag coefficients,
to deliver a smooth, speedy ride only a sports car can provide.
Ultimately, what drives this dream machine is the remarkable engineering
put into its dynamics. Just like the more advanced versions of sports
coupes, the EcoJet's transmission system is outfitted with a middle-engine
and rear wheel drive that delivers high torque outputs even when
cruising from moderate to low speeds while promising much better
handling capabilities borne out of a well-distributed engine layout.
Moreover, the concept car is powered by a gas turbine engine-the
Honeywell LT-101 to be exact. The turbine engine generates at full
throttle a remarkable output of 650 horsepower (hp) and a torque
of 400 lbs-ft at 7,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).
The EcoJet is probably the dream car of every ecologically-conscious
rider. Running on bio-diesel fuel, it produces only 40% of the regular
volume of carbon dioxide emitted by fossil fuel vehicles. Moreover,
the rest of its ergonomic and aerodynamic fittings are likewise
environment-friendly.
In fact, steel and animal by-products did not go into the make
of the EcoJet with its body made out of Kevlar, carbon fiber and
hydroformed aluminum for its chassis. Swell, even the paint applied
by BASF is environment friendly.
The 2006 Cadillac EcoJet is hardly a fuel-efficient ride though.
What with the speed generated by its power train that comes complemented
by a high volume of fuel consumption.
Nevertheless, consider a more constructive outlook for the EcoJet.
Unlike battery-operated hybrid cars, bio-diesel fuel can take you
more than 250 miles without the need of recharging a lithium-ion
battery pack. Furthermore, driving this bio-diesel roadster surely
contributes to the drive against global warming.
In the end, the EcoJet is a car only the likes of Jay Leno can
afford. But then again, this proves that high performance is possible
with green concept cars and it's only a matter of time before a
fuel-efficient and affordable version will be available.
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