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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.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
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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
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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
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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
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The design of this prototype car uses a more wedge-shape than many other supercars at the Geneva show.

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

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
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The TREV has a remarkably large carbon fiber wing on the rear.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
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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
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The rear panel covers the drive system, which consists of the turbine, battery pack and electric motor.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
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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
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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
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As a testing prototype, there is only one seat in the TREV.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
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Steering wheel and instrument cluster are relatively bare-boned.

Techrules Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle
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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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