Foursprung: Trybrid car combining three sources of energy

Pioneering automotive company ZAP just presented a car powered by three different sources of energy: the three-seater (side-by-side) Brazilian-made Obvio 012 and Obvio 828 look are powered by a Tritec 1.6 litre four cylinder motor using flexible fuel technology that enables the engines to run on gasoline and alcohol or any combination plus an additional electric drive – effectively making it the world’s first “trybrid” automobile that can switch between three energy sources.
Gizmag has some details about it:

"Both cars bristle with the latest thinking, such as a survival cell, McPherson struts all round, four big disk brakes, an immobile carputer and a CVT (Constantly variable transmission). The engines are available in 115 bhp standard output, with tuned versions available all the way up to a brutal 250 bhp. Mainly constructed of composite materials to enable the lightest possible result (750 kg – the MINI weighs 1150 kg), the 012 looks to have all the ingredients for a top seller, looking great, offering startling performance and ecological cred at a time when we are seeing the "greening" of the American market.

Alcohol made from sugar cane is becoming the fuel of choice in Brazil, and some other South American countries -- so much so that global sugar prices hit a seven-year high this fall. Regular car engines will run on a 10 percent blend of alcohol and gasoline. But by using computer sensors that adjust to whatever mix is in the tank, flex car engines run on ethanol, gasoline, or any combination of the two.

ZAP recently bought into Brazilian automaker OBVIO! Automotoveiculos S.P.E. Ltda., of Rio de Janeiro, and is now the exclusive North American distributor for the OBVIO! Range. ZAP plans to make OBVIO! available through its dealer network by 2007.

The 828 is expected to sell for US$14,000 when pre-reservation deliveries begin in Q3, 2006.

The Obvio!’s bodyshell and integrated chassis form a monocoque cell structure for occupant protection, and will feature high torsion and flexional stiffness due to the integrated construction. The Obvio!’s Monocoque chassis is bonded together with the body shell’s high-protection structure in a special process of reinforced composites in RTM Light – Resin Transfer Molding.

Both Obvio!s use a ZF Ecotronic Continuosly Variable Transmission (CVT) which offers two modes – a stepless automatic or six-speed electronic "manual" with paddle shift levers on the steering wheel. This paddle set-up is identical to that used in Formula One, making it easier to change gear on bends and in tricky situations, without having to adjust the revs or taking your hands off the wheel."

Foursprung
Source: Gizmag

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