An IndyCar concept for the future
The T1 turbine takes the idea of the STP Lotus Turbines, that shook up the Indy 500 in 1967 and 1968, one step further.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| T1 concept car – IndyCar of the future? | ||||
According to the T1 group, it uses the “Rolls Royce Turboshaft Turbine 700hp engine with Full Authority Digital Electronics that will provide 2,000 hours of run time between major overhauls."
The turbine is mated to a constantly variable transmission for power transfer, effectively creating an automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of ratios.
A full canopy has been incorporated into the T1, and on the materials front, the chassis, “suspension, and bodywork will be constructed of graphene impregnated carbon fiber to increase the overall strength and rigidity. In the primary impact zones of the car, graphene foam will be used to further cushion the driver from injury. A sprung rear bumper has been added to rear of the car to reduce the risk of tire to tire contact."
 |
 |
 |
 |
| We like the fan concept for downforce and no wings to minimize turbulence | |||
Hylton has funded the project through the design phase and will look for interested parties to bring the T1 Turbine to life through orders or investments in the program.
We feel the design has two shortcomings that can be fixed. First we feel the driver sits too far forward, putting the drivers lower extremities at risk.
Second, we would replace the turbine engine with a normally aspirated internal combustion engine supplemented with a KERS system for tie-in to the passenger car industry. Although really cool, we do not think a sanctioning body like IndyCar or F1 would go the turbine route, even though a turbine engine certainly has many positive attributes.
“As you may have noticed, many of the major systems of this concept have been banned by the various racing organizations over the years," Hylton said. “Despite being the better idea, they did not fit the regimen at the time. We are under no such restriction and think that by bringing back these ideas it could provide a way forward."
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]