| Make
|
- |
| Model |
RT20 |
| Concept
year |
2009 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
Liquid
hydrogen fueled twin-turbo V6 |
The RT20 concept is a design by Mathieu Lewis, an industrial
design graduate from Swinburne University of Technology
based in Melbourne, Australia.
The RT20 is an adaptable and reconfigurable vehicle which
is designed to be at home on both the road and the race
track.
The proposed powertrain for the RT20 concept is a liquid
hydrogen fueled twin-turbo V6. This setup was chosen to
provide both the power and the noise driving enthusiasts
need, and also the environmentally responsible solutions
the modern world requires. In order to keep the hydrogen
in a liquid state the RT20 uses a super-insulated fuel
tank.
The styling of the RT20 concept was influenced by the
design of the KTM X-Bow and Holden Efijy concept, as well
as insects which gives the vehicle a low spider-like stance.
The body panels would be formed from aluminium sandwich
foam core panels and chassis members which help with energy
absorbtion in the event of an accident.
The suspension system of the RT20 employs electromagnets
instead of conventional springs. The electromagnets are
placed at the base and the top of the shock absorber and
repel each other, creating a progressive "invisible" spring.
The spring rate can be adjusted by the level of charge
traveling through the electromagnets.
Road safety is an important issue which requires education.
Because of this the RT20 has also been developed in Police
duty configuration, the RT20 Highway Patroller. While
the vehicle would not be used as a conventional police
car, police forces could use the RT20 to raise public
awareness of track days and advanced driving courses to
improve driver skills.
Continuing with the road safety aspect, the RT20 utilises
an intelligent car key known as the ‘i key’. The i key
is placed in the dash to start the vehicle. The i key
stores driver license, medical vitals, and vehicle data.
In the event of an accident the i key’s warning lights
flash and an audible warning is emitted to draw the attention
of emergency personnel who can then access the information
stored on the i key to identify the driver, find out medical
alerts and also obtain vehicle data for investigative
purposes.
Inside the RT20 the concept features an adaptable driving
position which can be relocated to suit the requirements
of the driver. Thanks to a drive-by-wire system the controls
can be easily moved to either the left or right side of
the car for road use, or to the centre for track use.
The seating is also versatile and can be either side-by-side
for road use, or in tandem (with the passenger sat behind)
for track days. |
|
