Jay Leno cracks corn jokes but his jet-powered sports car runs on biodiesel
Filed under: Biodiesel, Green Culture, Transportation Alternatives, GM, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, SEMA Show
Jay Leno says he originally wanted a hydrogen fuel cell for his one-of-a-kind mid-engine supercar, but such a project wouldn't have been ready for the SEMA Show. So the topic of engine power turned to alternative fuels.
"I wanted to do something with bio fuels to show that we're a little bit responsible," Leno told AutoblogGreen last night during a special unveiling of the car at the Wynn's Casino. "I wanted something fast, something exciting and still environmentally friendly. The jet was the most compatible with biodiesel."
There's more after the jump.
The jet is a 650-horsepower Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine modified by Intermountain Turbine. It's mated to a Corvette C6 automatic transaxle. Those huge slots next to the engine are for the exhaust. Much of the framework is based on the C6 platform, except this one is hydroformed from aluminum. Suspension and brakes are also Corvette while the great-looking, turbine-inspired wheels are from Alcoa. Targeted weight is 2,400 pounds. The stunning design is a collaboration between Leno and the GM Advanced Design Studio. It took a few paper napkins with Leno's sketches to fire up the studio's imagination. Two weeks later, following many late-night sessions, a final design incorporating aircraft and Formula 1 cues was approved. The body is made from carbon fiber and Lexan glass. BASF furnished the latest environmentally friendly water-born paint formula. "You can spray it in your kid's nursery," quipped Leno, who told us that he is converting his shop to solar power.
Leno saved a few jokes for the corn farmers and posed with a jar of yellow fuel. "Will I drive it every day? Yeah, during the harvest."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-31-2006 @ 11:50AM
Torben Busk said...
Hi.
I could be wrong, but besides a few alterations with the grille, the headlamps and som in the back end, this car looks a lot like the koenigsegg CCX (http://www.koenigsegg.com/. The roofline and the side windows, are simply equal.
Quote: "The stunning design is a collaboration between Leno and the GM Advanced Design Studio."
No way. I just don't buy it. What do you guys think ?
Reply
10-31-2006 @ 3:46PM
Matt Pipes said...
If GM can do more projects like this, there may be hope for them yet... Way to make biofuels sexy!
Reply
11-02-2006 @ 4:00PM
Phil said...
GM is said to be secretly developing a 'REVERSE PHOTOSYNTHESIS' process for generating hydrogen for fuel cells which will be 4-5 times more efficient than today' processes. Around 2011, they hope to spring it on us.
Good luck!
Reply
12-13-2006 @ 12:49PM
Carlos Barrera said...
I inform aboute the new Gearturbine, power by barr, with dextrogiro vs levogiro effect, an non parasitic looses system, and over-unit engine. To see details:
www.geocities.com/gearturbine
Reply
9-08-2007 @ 3:54PM
Motohiko Inagaki said...
Dear Fleet owner:
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The Age of Zero Toxic Emissions of HC, CO and Reduced NOx have come! It is Retrofitted.
Time-tested SZTÔ (Smog Zero Tech) solves emissions problems! Patent pending!
Performance and Unblemished Emission Reduction Record
Installed SZTÔ over 5,000 units in Japan used for all combustion industry including automobiles, trucks and busses, coal electric generating plants, boilers, fishing boats, ocean vessels and etc.
SZTÔ is the ultimate Emission Reduction Technology with our guarantee.
At least 3% Fuel Saving is guaranteed by SZTÔ.
Pre-Treatment of Air (PTA) is the Key to reduce emissions in SZTÔ. You have never heard or read PTA.
There are still a lot of finished products in Emission control industry that are using borrowed science & technology and for combusted gas treatment, which are not innovative products. They are very expensive with short life cycle and required for high priced parts and labor. In other words, “Don’t put the cart before the horse in the treatment of the exhaust gases” by the inventor of SZTÔ.
FTL Co. in Japan developed their catalytic technology to improve performance, reduce air pollutants and increase the fuel efficiency of heavy-duty diesel engines. SZTÔ is custom designed to install between the air filter and intake manifold. As the incoming air flows through the converter (PTA), the air is activated in such a way that combustion is more complete and NOx is reduced. This improves fuel economy; increases horsepower output and reduces air pollution.
Doubting Thomas in Japan, USA and other countries:
However, many combustion scientists, mechanical & combustion engineers, toxic emissions reduction specialists of governments and pollution mitigating specialists think that the reforming air (PTA), especially Nitrogen into combustible elements would be in the realm of “ Science Fiction or Psudo-science ”or would dismiss with a laugh.
But Nitrogen has been converted into combustible elements in hard real world of business and science in Japan.
The above-mentioned skeptics should review and understand what and how PTA technology is and only then they can join Clean Air Tactical (CAT) Movement and can enforce air-quality rules.
We want you to understand how we implement this innovative system and the result of emission reduction data and facts so that you can receive the benefits of SZTÔ.
Significant benefits of SZTÔ are as follows: Unbelievable!
(1) Quieter, smoother running performance (2) More responsive acceleration
(3) Cooler engine temperature (4) Lower engine rpm’s
(5) Reduction of black smoke (6) Lower oil consumption
(7) Better fuel mileage (8) Oil filter stay cleaner
(9) Much better combustion on any cars, trucks, busses and other vehicles.
Emission treatment for Gas Guzzling Autos, Trucks and Busses with SZTÔ
We have the definitive solution for the reduction of emissions. SZTÔ is for definitive treatment for gas guzzling autos on the roads without side effects.
SZTÔ with PTA CONTAINS enormous gravity and impact for the reduction of auto emissions whether they are old or new vehicles in the world. We guarantee the effectiveness of SZTÔ for every car and truck and guarantee 3% fuel saving cost.
Let us introduce Smog Zero Tech (SZTÔ, Retrofit) from Japan to reduce emissions problems and we want you to be active and/or advocate members of grass-root movement for much more cleaner environment movement by the reduction of emissions from your vehicles. YOU only open the air filter-housing unit and install the device. Other parts of automobiles will not be tampered with or touched.
Validation and Verification of SZTÔ with your auto
We want you to carry out a trial test run using your diesel and/or gasoline car. This is the only way you can convince yourself for reduction of emissions and fuel saving with other benefits. Verisimilitude is not proof. When you are interested in testing your choice of any currently used automobile, bus, truck, or passenger boat and fishing boat, we would like to work together. We guarantee YOUR BRAGGING RIGHT OF EMISSION REDUCTION.
May we send you Empirical Test Results of Smog Reduction Tests and Fact with testimonials from Japan?
Join us CAT Movement and/or Green Tech Movement with SZTÔ for the pollution world.
For further information, Please contact: Motohiko Inagaki,
E-Mail:energaki@aol.com
© Copyright 2005-2007 Motohiko Inagaki Not for posting on other websites and all rights reserved.
Reproduction or reuse of photos, data is forbidden without written permission of Motohiko
Reply
9-08-2007 @ 3:57PM
energaki said...
Dear Fleet owner:
What You Can Do About Reducing Vehicles’ Emissions. We have the definitive answer.
The Age of Zero Toxic Emissions of HC, CO and Reduced NOx have come! It is Retrofitted.
Time-tested SZTÔ (Smog Zero Tech) solves emissions problems! Patent pending!
Performance and Unblemished Emission Reduction Record
Installed SZTÔ over 5,000 units in Japan used for all combustion industry including automobiles, trucks and busses, coal electric generating plants, boilers, fishing boats, ocean vessels and etc.
SZTÔ is the ultimate Emission Reduction Technology with our guarantee.
At least 3% Fuel Saving is guaranteed by SZTÔ.
Pre-Treatment of Air (PTA) is the Key to reduce emissions in SZTÔ. You have never heard or read PTA.
There are still a lot of finished products in Emission control industry that are using borrowed science & technology and for combusted gas treatment, which are not innovative products. They are very expensive with short life cycle and required for high priced parts and labor. In other words, “Don’t put the cart before the horse in the treatment of the exhaust gases” by the inventor of SZTÔ.
FTL Co. in Japan developed their catalytic technology to improve performance, reduce air pollutants and increase the fuel efficiency of heavy-duty diesel engines. SZTÔ is custom designed to install between the air filter and intake manifold. As the incoming air flows through the converter (PTA), the air is activated in such a way that combustion is more complete and NOx is reduced. This improves fuel economy; increases horsepower output and reduces air pollution.
Doubting Thomas in Japan, USA and other countries:
However, many combustion scientists, mechanical & combustion engineers, toxic emissions reduction specialists of governments and pollution mitigating specialists think that the reforming air (PTA), especially Nitrogen into combustible elements would be in the realm of “ Science Fiction or Psudo-science ”or would dismiss with a laugh.
But Nitrogen has been converted into combustible elements in hard real world of business and science in Japan.
The above-mentioned skeptics should review and understand what and how PTA technology is and only then they can join Clean Air Tactical (CAT) Movement and can enforce air-quality rules.
We want you to understand how we implement this innovative system and the result of emission reduction data and facts so that you can receive the benefits of SZTÔ.
Significant benefits of SZTÔ are as follows: Unbelievable!
(1) Quieter, smoother running performance (2) More responsive acceleration
(3) Cooler engine temperature (4) Lower engine rpm’s
(5) Reduction of black smoke (6) Lower oil consumption
(7) Better fuel mileage (8) Oil filter stay cleaner
(9) Much better combustion on any cars, trucks, busses and other vehicles.
Emission treatment for Gas Guzzling Autos, Trucks and Busses with SZTÔ
We have the definitive solution for the reduction of emissions. SZTÔ is for definitive treatment for gas guzzling autos on the roads without side effects.
SZTÔ with PTA CONTAINS enormous gravity and impact for the reduction of auto emissions whether they are old or new vehicles in the world. We guarantee the effectiveness of SZTÔ for every car and truck and guarantee 3% fuel saving cost.
Let us introduce Smog Zero Tech (SZTÔ, Retrofit) from Japan to reduce emissions problems and we want you to be active and/or advocate members of grass-root movement for much more cleaner environment movement by the reduction of emissions from your vehicles. YOU only open the air filter-housing unit and install the device. Other parts of automobiles will not be tampered with or touched.
Validation and Verification of SZTÔ with your auto
We want you to carry out a trial test run using your diesel and/or gasoline car. This is the only way you can convince yourself for reduction of emissions and fuel saving with other benefits. Verisimilitude is not proof. When you are interested in testing your choice of any currently used automobile, bus, truck, or passenger boat and fishing boat, we would like to work together. We guarantee YOUR BRAGGING RIGHT OF EMISSION REDUCTION.
May we send you Empirical Test Results of Smog Reduction Tests and Fact with testimonials from Japan?
Join us CAT Movement and/or Green Tech Movement with SZTÔ for the pollution world.
For further information, Please contact: Motohiko Inagaki,
E-Mail:energaki@aol.com
© Copyright 2005-2007 Motohiko Inagaki Not for posting on other websites and all rights reserved.
Reproduction or reuse of photos, data is forbidden without written permission of Motohiko
Reply