http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1716/69/
Texas-based Ronn Motor Company has unveiled a hybrid-powered sports car that runs on a mix of hydrogen and gasoline, leading to reduced emissions and efficiency figures of 40 mpg. The Scorpion supercar also boasts a high performance V-6 engine, capable of delivering 289 hp, with an additional option for a 450 hp model.
Unlike other cars using hydrogen, the Scorpion does not contain fuel cells. Instead, it employs an alternative approach by reconfiguring a standard internal combustion engine to run on a combination of gasoline and hydrogen. According to Ronn, this technology enables a 30-50% boost in fuel efficiency over comparable gas-only power trains.
The in-built hydrogen on-demand system, developed by Hydrorunner, uses dual-computer processor controls to produce hydrogen on-board and induct it through the air-intake manifold as required. This means that there is no need for an integrated high-pressure hydrogen storage tank or hydrogen fuelling stations. Instead, the scorpion uses a small on-board water tank.
Speaking at the launch, CEO Ronn Maxwell said, ?What we are unveiling today is an innovation in the automotive industry and demonstrates American ingenuity at a time of real need.? Although the price hasn?t been announced yet, it would come as no surprise to EcoGeek if the Scorpion proves prohibitively expensive for most buyers. In the long-run, it still remains to be seen whether this ?ingenuity? can also be applied to more affordable models for the average man in the street.
The car is currently in pre-production and due for release by the end of the year. Ronn are currently accepting advance-orders for an initial limited run, with price and production numbers due to be announced ?early summer 2008.?
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