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Techrules turbine generator super car debuts in Geneva (pictures)

Chinese company Techrules comes to the Geneva auto show with a carbon fiber sports car that serves as a testbed for a new type of hybrid drivetrain, a turbine generator connected to an electric motor.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
1 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Techrules is a new company here on the Geneva auto show floor, yet the car it's showing fits right in with the best from Pagani, Lamborghini and other exotics.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
2 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Techrules' Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) isn't really about the car itself, but about its innovative hybrid drive system.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
3 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Techrules does plan on initially marketing its drivetrain in a supercar, then following it up with a more affordable everyday car.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
4 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

The design of this prototype car uses a more wedge-shape than many other supercars at the Geneva show.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
5 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Rather than an engine, the Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
6 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

The TREV has a remarkably large carbon fiber wing on the rear.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
7 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

The downforce from this wing may be necessary to keep the rear wheels gripping during acceleration, as the electric motor produces instant torque.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
8 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

The rear panel covers the drive system, which consists of the turbine, battery pack and electric motor.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
9 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

The turbine spins at 96,000 rpm, generating electricity that lets the TREV hit 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, while its range is over 1,200 miles on 21 gallons of aviation fuel.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
10 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Techrules notes that turbines work better for generating electricity than an internal combustion engine because they are more efficient when running at a set speed.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
11 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

As a testing prototype, there is only one seat in the TREV.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
12 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Steering wheel and instrument cluster are relatively bare-boned.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
13 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

The control panel on the console includes simple, large buttons that would be easy to operate by a driver wearing a fire suit.

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