Ronn Motor Scorpion, a greener sports car

Ronn Motor Company is an American company based in Texas whose goal is to build efficient sports cars that respect the environment. A rather contradictory dream until now, but one they are challenging with some good ideas.

The Scorpion is their first creation: a sports car that will combine operation on hydrogen and gasoline, with the gasoline share ranging between 30 and 50%. To achieve this, on its lightweight carbon fibre chassis, they plan to fit a V6 from the Acura TL Type-S; an engine that will also be lightweight, as it features a magnesium and aluminium block.

Clearly, the hydrogen will not be used in the typical way, with fuel cells powering an electric motor; no. This is a so-called hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICE). However, these engines must modify the injection system to accept a gaseous fuel, hydrogen, rather than a liquid like petrol usually is.

Since hydrogen releases no CO2 when burned, even when mixed with gasoline as is the case emissions are always lower. As for the hydrogen supply, the company is working with Hydrorunner, using its electrolysis technology.

The combined output is quoted at 289 hp, though it could rise to 450 later thanks to a twin turbo. To manage this, a 6-speed manual gearbox will come first, followed by a sequential one in 2009. A limited-slip differential, independent rear and front suspension… the rest of the features make it even more similar to any exotic sports car.

It will reach 0-100 km/h in between 3.2 and 3.5 seconds, since although its power is not outrageous, its weight is only around 950 kg. Another figure, the essential one for every American, is that it covers the quarter mile in about 10 seconds; if you’re convinced, start saving, because it could be yours for around €95,500.

Via | Serious Wheels
More information | Ronn Motor Company