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Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro Join Chinese Supercar Manufacturer Techrules

Techrules, a Chinese startup company focused on supercars, will showcase a production version of its first model at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
Techrules TREV AT96 Supercar concept 53 photos
Photo: Techrules
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The car will be named Techrules GT96, where the GT comes from a gas turbine, the propulsion solution chosen by the company. The unit is designed in-house, and they call it TREV, short for Turbine Recharging Electric Vehicle.

In other words, it means that the vehicle has a micro-turbine that generates electricity, which then powers the six electric motors that do the driving. It will produce 36 kilowatts, which will be used to power auxiliary equipment and feed the battery that powers the engines that drive the wheels.

Unlike other hybrids, this supercar will have a small battery pack, which will bring less weight. The secret, say its makers, is attaining a new level of efficiency, which in not momentarily available for piston or rotary engines.

Thanks to the propulsion concept, it will be lighter than a conventionally powered model, and space will also be increased, allowing for a different form factor and optimal weight distribution.

The startup has recently hired Giorgetto Giugiaro, along with his son, Fabrizio, to handle the design of the production version. Another high-profile hire is production specialist L.M. Gianetti, which will also help in the same part of development. According to Automotive News, the two Italian partners will be crucial to developing China’s first supercar.

The vehicle will deliver 1,030 HP, and will essentially be an advanced hybrid. Production will be limited, and the company will only make a small number of units each year.

However, performance will be outstanding, as the vehicle is expected to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, according to initial projections made after testing a development prototype at the Silverstone circuit.

Bringing Giorgetto Giugiaro in the team that develops China’s first supercar is an excellent idea if you ask anyone who knows a thing about cars. After selling his company to the Volkswagen Group, Giugiaro set up GFG Progetti along with his son, and the Chinese at Techrules hired the company to gain access to the experience of the legendary designer.

The top speed of this model will be electronically limited to about 350 km/h (217 mph). Torque is rated at a whopping 6,372 lb-Ft (8,640 Nm), while the dry weight will be of 1,380 kilograms (3,042 lbs).

The Chinese have already successfully tested the microturbine's operation with diesel, gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, and biogas. Its theoretical maximum range will be of over 1,242 miles in the city (2,000 kilometers), while flex-fuel capabilities should also be praised.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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