The World’s First Hybrid Supercar:

2003-2004 Project

As the WPEVP has grown and enjoyed outstanding levels of success, we are continuously looking for ways to challenge our students as well as ourselves. In attempt to do so, the students created a unique application of hybrid technology as the result of an intensive summer research program. In their research they found that hybrid electric vehicles have already proven that they can achieve great fuel economy, but this technology had not been used for increased performance. Therefore, the WPEVP students created design plans for the world’s first hybrid supercar.

Modern supercars currently rely on huge engines to produce the power required to propel their occupants to breathtaking speeds. The students have found that coupling a high efficiency engine with a high output electric motor packaged in a lightweight body would exceed the acceleration of all supercars presently available. To achieve this, the students plan to use the K1 Attack as a platform (only 1800lbs) with a VW turbo diesel (200hp) powering the rear wheels, and AC Propulsions electric motor (200hp) powering the front wheels. To keep the weight low, the electric motor will be powered by a 450 volt ultra-capacitor pack (weighing only 200lbs). This configuration will allow the super hybrid to attain an impressive fuel economy of 50mpg and a zero to sixty acceleration under 4 seconds. Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle will solely be powered by the diesel engine. Therefore, the ultra-capacitor pack stores only enough energy for a few minutes of blazing acceleration.

Just imagine, a group of inner-city high school students teaming up with a few University of Pennsylvania Engineering students to create the world’s first hybrid supercar. Their supercar will demonstrate the next step in hybrid technology - excellent fuel economy and blazing fast acceleration. We hope that you can help them make their dream come true.