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LTC Powers Gumpert Hybrid Supercar at 24 Hour Nurburgring Race

14 May, 2008 02:30:00

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German supercar automaker, Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH ("Gumpert") and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, ex-Formula One (F1) racer, are entering a hybrid electric version of its Apollo supercar into this year's Nurburgring 24 hour race, at the end of May 2008, powered by a battery solution from Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC").

The hybrid Apollo will be piloted by ex-Formula 1 driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Dirk Muller.

The hybrid Apollo will use a 3.3 liter V8 bi-turbo petrol mill with a 100kW electric motor. The 9kWh GAIA(R) battery will be made of 90 high power 27Ah cells connected in series and will weigh about 190 kilograms. The battery will include an advanced battery management system (BMS) that will transmit battery performance data via satellite for monitoring and enhance performance control of the technical team.

The battery will be charged prior to the race and recoup energy from braking during the race, in a mode that resembles a plug-in hybrid electric operation (PHEV). The electric range of the vehicle will be 50 kilometers, and plans are to double it in the near future.

On its maiden race, the hybrid-concept will be taking on race cars like the Porsche 911 GT3, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette.

Hybrid Apollo will also race alongside other alternative-energy race cars such as the Peugeot 908 HDi and Audi R10 TDI.

"Motor sports cannot ignore the necessity to save energy. I see a chance that our sport will go back to the forefront of technical development, making cars outside of the racetrack much more energy efficient," commented Mr. Frentzen. "We are happy to work with the professional team at LTC, who provide us with the most advance and reliable battery solution that meet our stringent racing demands."

Gumpert is fully aware of the 2009 Formula 1 rule that teams must use hybrid engines and has therefor formed a team around the former F1 driver Frentzen. “Motorsports can not ignore the necessity to save energy. I see a chance that our sport will go back to the forefront of technical development, making cars outside of the ractrack much more energy efficient,” said Frentzen.