Prototype Microturbine Electric Supercar to Unveil at LA Auto Show

In brief: Capstone Turbine and computer game creator Richard Hileman (Electronic Arts) have teamed up to build a prototype turbine-assisted electric supercar called the CMT-380.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: CMT-380
Manufacturer: Capstone Turbine / Factory Five Racing

The word

Using the Factory Five Racing GTM platform, the CMT-380 is currently undergoing testing and is promised to be unveiled at the LA Auto Show in December.

With the creative backing of Richard Hileman, Chief Creative Director at Electronic Arts, Capstone Turbine is combining an electric supercar drive train with their microturbine technology as a generator for range extension.

The finished product will rival the Tesla Roadster with a 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, an all-electric range of 80 miles and an extended range of 500 miles.

The microturbines that Capstone has developed for hybrid electric buses will be used in the CMT-380, generating 30kW. The whole system is mounted on a single shaft and supported by air bearings.

Earlier in the year, a liquid-fueled C30 was installed in a Ford S-Max in the UK. The one for the CMT-380 will be similar, but will be multi-fueled. Capstone turbines are capable of running on LPN, CNG, methane, biodiesel, kerosene, propane, etc.

The CMT-380 will be capable of running on diesel, biodiesel, or kerosene.

Capstone does not plan to mass market the car, though a business plan based on interest at next week's LA Auto Show may provide for limited production. Capstone's main business is in providing the power train and microturbine technologies.

And so ...

With a 500 mile range and 150mph top speed, the CMT-380 is definitely a cool ride and showcases what creative thinking can accomplish.

Photo credits: Capstone